Survival guide for Life on the Ice

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The Environment and Culture of Survival

The environment of the ice is generally inhospitable leading to scarcity of food and resources
Gethenians culture has been developed around preserving life due to the harsh environment of the ice and winter.

Knowledge and Preparation

Knowledge of the ice is essential, Estraven went in knowing this, having studied maps and reports before setting out. He understood that knowledge of the land meant survival.
Proper preparation is a must. Estraven measured every ounce of food and every piece of gear had a purpose.
By using calculated and thorough planning, Estraven & Genly are able to come up with a route/path to take through the ice to efficiently cross it.

Resource Management

Resource management is one of the most important things, in order to live and survive the journey through the ice, you must be as resourceful as you can be. In a harsh environment where food is scarce and hard to come across you have to be resourceful
Because of low quantities of resources being available you have to ration what you have.
We learn through Estraven and Genly AI’s journey through the ice that it is most imperative to ration and preserve as much food as possible.

Cooperation and Teamwork

Cooperation and Teamwork is very essential to survive the journey through the ice, you must be able to work as a team to get things done.
The ice alone is treacherous. What begins as an alliance of necessity becomes the core of endurance. Early in the journey, Genly struggles with pride, reluctant to depend on Estraven. But illness, exhaustion, and the cold force him to face the truth: survival requires trust.
Looking out for each other & relying on each other is key, when Genly gets sick he is looked out for by Estraven, and at first Genly isn’t so willing to let himself rely on Estraven but he soon realizes that this is the only way the two would ever survive.

Rest and Shelter

The body can’t endure endless cold without proper rest. Genly and Estraven made camp regularly, setting up their tent to shield themselves from wind and frost. Proper rest is not a luxury, it’s the difference between continuing and collapsing.
Establish camp before nightfall.
Insulate sleeping spaces with layered furs or snow walls.
Take turns keeping watch for storms or predators.

Summary

SUMMARY: So what is our key-takeaway? It’s essential to cooperate and be reliant on one another in order to survive life on the ice. Resources are scarce and hard to come across, they should be used in crucial situations and you must ration your food supply, even if it means going hungry for the majority of the day. The journey is harsh, you must create a thorough plan/route to traverse the terrain and navigate the ice. The environment isn’t merciful and the climate is very harsh. It'll be very cold and you have to take proper precautions and rest when needed. You cannot survive alone, You survive together.