The author of this book, a field zoologist, for twenty-five years was a participant in a large number of northern expeditions, covering vast expanses of taiga and tundra on foot, on reindeer, horses, boats, all-terrain vehicles, helicopters and airplanes. In every safety briefing, during nights with comrades around the fire, on long and monotonous routes, he heard stories about duty, courage, patience, ingenuity and endurance, as well as cowardice, sloppiness, cowardice and betrayal. Some of these essays are offered to the attention of a wide range of readers. The main thing that is said in this book is that a person is able to overcome almost any obstacle if he is purposeful, smart and guided by the principle “Never give up!”...