Time on Wrangel Island
As Frederick Maurer arrives at Wrangel island once again, he makes sure to write to his mother, Mary. Maurer expects a very busy and eventful expedition as he intends not to write again until the next spring. The hope is that Maurer only has great success to tell his mother in his next letter. Throughout his letter, Maurer includes a positive tone to reassure his worrying mother. It is no surpise that a mother worries for her son that has repeatedly taken on dangerous adventures. Despite Maurer's expertise and frequent adventures, he still knows that won't take his mother's worries away and makes sure to address it is this letter. Maurer starts off by highlighting a couple positive aspects that have already happened despite the the team having just arrived to Wrangel Island. Maurer writes of fresh polar bear tracks in the beach sand, the favorable location of their campsite, and how all the supplies made it safely ashore. These seem to be signs of an exciting and successful expedition, but you never know with the harsh conditons of Wrangel Island. Given his previous experience, Maurer commens on how he hopes to forget the past and is focused on the new purpose of this expedition. There is no changing the past, but Maurer brings his very valuable experience to an optimistic team. Despite this past, Maurer tells his mother he is thrilled to be back on Wrangel Island. While seven years have passed, Maurer cannot hide his excitement at an opportunity like this brings. There may be highs and lows to these experiences, but Maurer cannot escape the joy and thrill they bring him.
Maurer’s selection on the expedition team by Steffansson comes as no surprise. Maurer had a distinguished background in Arctic exploration and wildlife biology. Maurer was the type of man that would guide the group through extreme conditions and treacherous landscapes. With experience in harsh environments and previous challenges, Maurer brought resilience, resourcefulness, and adaptability to the team. As the expedition went on, Maurer started taking on more and more given his expertise as the team leaned on him when resources were low. Maurer played a critical role in the food supply as he is pictured here setting out for a day’s hunt with Crawford and Galle as well as cutting up a walrus with Crawford. As supplies dwindled, Maurer was a member of the team that was adaptable and able to find unique solutions when needed. As the expedition hit a low point and no rescue ship was to be seen, the team needed to try something. The decision was to try to find help in Siberia which would require crossing the frozen Chukchi Sea. Maurer, along with Crawford and Milton, embarked on a journey to reach Siberia and find help, leaving behind Blackjack and Knight. Both Blackjack and Knight were hopeful Maurer would find a way to reach Siberia and send a rescue party on their behalf.