Driving to Greenland: A Journey into Ice and Snow
Ice and Snow: A lifelong obsession
Peter Stark’s collection of essays, “Driving to Greenland,” is a heartfelt ode to the allure of ice and snow. From a young age, Stark was fascinated by these frozen elements, seeing in them the faces of his grandfather and father. This obsession has shaped his life, leading him on adventures in extreme sports, travel, and exploration.
Arctic Explorations
In “Driving to Greenland,” Stark takes readers on a journey to the Arctic, where he encounters the Inuit people and their unique culture. He describes the colorful houses and dogsleds of Qaanaaq, Greenland, and the surreal experience of catching seabirds with a “puffin net.”
Stark’s passion for the Arctic extends to its natural wonders. In “Land of Fire and Ice,” he explores the glaciers and lava fields of Iceland, learning about the island’s volcanic history and its role in training astronauts for the moon landing.
The Eskimo Kayak: A marvel of engineering
One of the highlights of Stark’s Arctic adventures is his encounter with the Eskimo kayak. In “A Kinde of Strange Fishe,” he marvels at the ingenious design of this ancient watercraft, which has remained largely unchanged for centuries. Stark describes the kayak’s elastic membrane, jointed keel, and numerous bearings that allow it to flex and glide effortlessly over the waves.
The Science of Snow
Stark’s fascination with snow extends beyond its aesthetic appeal. In “A Short Stroll in Firnspiegel,” he delivers a lively discourse on the formation and classification of snow. He describes the different types of snow, from the soft and pillowy “living room furniture” to the rock-hard “snirt.” Stark also explores the therapeutic benefits of walking on snow, which he compares to “stomping across a long tabletop of fine china.”
Extreme Sports: Pushing the limits
Stark’s love of ice and snow extends to the realm of extreme sports. In “Leaps of Faith,” he takes readers on a thrilling ride down a Nordic ski jump, describing the adrenaline rush and the power of the cold and metallic environment. He also tries his hand at luge and downhill racing, pushing himself to the limits of speed and skill.
The Joys of Winter
Beyond his adventures, Stark also celebrates the simple joys of winter in essays like “The Care and Use of Perfect Ice” and “The Search for the Perfect Sled.” He reflects on the pleasures of pickup hockey and the satisfaction of nurturing a homemade rink. In “The Ice League,” he charts a full winter season of activity on the lake of his childhood, capturing the camaraderie and the exhilaration of skating, sledding, and ice fishing.
A Life Built on Snow
Throughout “Driving to Greenland,” Stark reflects on the profound impact that ice and snow have had on his life. He sees these frozen elements as a source of revelation and a connection to something greater than himself. In “A Life Built on Snow,” he writes: “If, as a young boy, I saw in the snow my father’s face and my grandfather’s in the ice, I now sometimes imagine the face of God. I study a steep, beautiful, untracked powder slope, and its blank, white surface reveals nothing.”
Peter Stark’s “Driving to Greenland” is a captivating and thought-provoking collection of essays that explores the allure of ice and snow. Through his vivid descriptions and personal reflections, Stark invites readers to share in his adventures and to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the frozen world.
