While planning our trip to Alaska, we made the decision not to have a rental car for our month-long stay. However, less than 24 hours after our arrival, we changed our minds and decided it was the smart move in our quest to see the Aurora Borealis. This forced us to run in the -15°F (-26°C) temperature to catch the bus lines that would take us back to the rental car pick-up at the airport in time to get the vehicle. We made it, and as luck would have it, the kind Avis employees gave us a free upgrade from our compact car choice to a Subaru Outback. Score!
The Aurora Borealis KP index was predicted to be 5.0 (when the KP is higher, your chances to see them are better) on just our second night after arriving and the highest prediction for our entire month here. Chena Lake was recommended to us for a good viewing spot and we didn’t realize it was only about 10 minutes from where we were staying in North Pole! Things were coming together.
When we arrived, there was only one person parked on top of the frozen solid lake. We didn’t drive down right away because Kevin was scared we couldn’t get back up the boat ramp. However, we went on down after talking with the person already there and were reassured it was safe and easy to get back up since we had the all-wheel drive Outback. Surrounded by ice fishing huts and dark skies only lit by the stars themselves, it was just the three of us standing there watching as the lights began around 9:00pm.
The Aurora Borealis started to show above the tree line and immediately had a red hue above the mild green shade. Within ten minutes, the green glowed like Luke Skywalker’s lightsaber! The lights were dancing, feeling like they were coming closer to us. Then, gliding, flowing as if mother nature was blowing them in different directions before starting to broaden across the sky. This first set lasted for over an hour (as seen in our previous post)!
The next set started at 11:09 pm in the west, just beyond some trees in our view and glowed brighter minute-by-minute. At 11:21 pm to the east, there was a feather-like formation growing while at the same time in the north, a glow began between the two already forming. The one to the east took flight and soared over top of us. Then, by 12:04 am it looked like a genie had just come out of his bottle. Our Aurora Borealis wishes have been granted!!
As the westward lights soared, Lady Aurora put on her red dress. Its magenta glow kissed the edges of each twist in the lights and swirled around the ballroom. To the east, the genie glided across the sky and took Lady A by the hand. As the two became one, they danced directly above us like they were in a choreographed number taking up the entire stage.
My smile has never been this big (okay, maybe on our wedding day)! Needless to say, this night far-exceeded our expectations of seeing the Aurora Borealis for the very first time! I almost forgot that it was now -19°F (-28°C) we were standing on a frozen lake for hours with minimal breaks in the car to warm up. I jumped in, waited for Kevin to shut the door and shrieked in excitement! Then I realized my window was down! Oops! Oh well! I’m so happy I want the whole world to know it!
Our very first trip away from our families and connections was meant to challenge us. We chose Alaska in January for many reasons, but having the chance at this experience was the number one reason! The timing couldn’t have been more perfect and we are starting this journey on the highest of highs already. We are incredibly thankful for the love and support from family, friends, and followers!
*All photos taken by Natalie Conner January 5-6, 2021 with iPhone 12 ProMax