“I am addicted to traveling, to being on planes, to transiting and arriving, to seeing and experiencing new things, to remind myself that I am part of the world, but at the same time, the world is like the vast wilderness of Alaska, much bigger than me, much grander, and that I’m pretty insignificant in comparison–and being in witness of this awesome wonder, the aurora borealis–I’m the happiest I can be, and the tears that are nearly frozen on my lashes are not for sorrow or want, but from feeling at peace.”

This is so moving. The entire entry is so moving. You have me in tears. I love your writing and how you put together your ideas about travel.

Since we showed up on the mountaintop at 10 pm, and the lights didn’t come out till around midnight/1:00am I had plenty of time just to take photos of snow and trees and play around.

I completely understand the desire to see the lights. They were on my bucket list as well. The camera does pick up more green than the naked eye can see due to the long exposures, but Diana, when the lights danced across the sky, it is just amazing. I could not help but stare in awe at just how beautiful this earth is.

Yeah, definitely watch out for the wind chill…brrr…basically look at that when you read the weather forecast, not the ‘actual’ temperature! And a good down coat will protect you in any chill!