Aurora Borealis
15 - 25 October 2017
Having always wanted to see "The Northern Lights," more properly known as the Aurora Borealis, we decided to give it a try. We knew viewing was totally dependent on the weather. Forecasts, such as they are, for Northern Finland are scarce and their accuracy questionable. Nevertheless, we made plans to go. Catherine, from American Express Centurion Travel, made our reservations.
On the 15th, we flew from DFW to Frankfurt, Germany on American Airlines. At Frankfurt on the 16th, we changed to FinnAir and flew to Helsinki, Finland. In Helsinki, we changed to another FinnAir flight which took us to Ivalo, Finland; the airline flies no farther north. It was snowing as we deplaned on the tarmac and walked across into the terminal. Upon arrival in Ivalo, we boarded a small bus operated by Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort and made the half-hour drive from the airport to the resort. Only the West Village was open this early in the season.
We have no idea as to the scenery along the road because it was pitch black outside. Once at the resort, we were given a brief introduction and shown to our cabin, Keilo 29.
All meals at the resort were in the Aurora Restaurant in the main building.
We visited the Siberian Huskies. We saw puppies as well as the training sledge and a sled.
Another day we fed moss to reindeer, many with antlers in velvet.
On a visit to Santa's House, we visited with him and made a wish. Ours was to be able to see the Northern Lights.
Our next stop was Celebration House, which is used for Christmas festivities.
On a visit to Santa's House, we visited with him and made a wish. Ours was to be able to see the Northern Lights.
Our next stop was Celebration House, which is used for Christmas festivities.
Aurora Borealis or Northern Lights - Once someone explains what to look for, the
“Aurora” is easier to spot. Clear skies are essential for visibility and the
darker the night, the better the display. They are not as seen in photos or on
TV because the camera lens enhances the color. A mist rises in the sky and some
color, although not as strong, can be seen with the naked eye. Stars can be
seen through the “Lights” while a cloud would cover and blot out the stars. The
“Aurora” does not always pulse, but it does move. Sometimes it moves vertically
and at others it is horizontal, more like a sunset. Sometimes vertical spikes
rise from the horizontal display.
Our goal was to see the "Northern Lights," so we stayed at the resort 6 nights. That's about twice as long as most people stay there. The first night it snowed, so no "Lights." The second and third nights were heavily overcast, so no "Lights." We saw the Aurora Borealis on the fourth night. After
dinner we sat down in Reception to log on and check email. Someone came
inside saying “Aurora! The Aurora!” We dashed outside and were treated to a 20
minute display of the lights. We were definitely impressed. Needless to say, we
had met our goal in coming here. Finally!!! Although it didn’t last a long
time, it was most impressive, and a humming sound accompanied the light
streaks. On the fifth night, we rode in a horse-drawn wagon with reindeer skins padding the seats to the top of a small hill. It was dark, and "Aurora" appeared. We
stayed in the carriage once it stopped and watched the Aurora Borealis paint
a horizontal swath across a navy blue sky sparkling with brilliant stars; The
“Big Dipper” was easily seen as were other constellations; there were also a
few “shooting stars.” It was really cold, about 19 degrees F. We made photos; they were all black. Ever resourceful, we asked others if they would share their photos, and they emailed them to us.
We flew from Ivalo to Helsinki and spent three days before flying home.
