Incredible Northern Lights

     We had the best experience seeing the Aurora (Northern Lights) while Scott was visiting. It was everything we could have hoped for. 

     We went to a "Resort" 60 miles east of Fairbanks called Chena Hot Springs. It is pretty remote, and a bit rugged, but a very popular place to see the Aurora. (It was so cold that the car next to us couldn’t start because they hadn’t plugged the engine block in to keep it warm) I’m not sure the significance of the airplane monument but it’s there.

     The resort offered a tour that took us in a Snow Cat to the top of a dome nearby.

They had yurts with propane heaters and a wood stove to use as a warming hut. They provided hot water for cocoa and cup of noodles.

 We left at 10:30 p.m. for the 1/2 hour ride, climbing 1000 feet up to the dome. It was very much like the LAV that Scott would drive in the Marines. It was fun to have Scott share some of his LAV experiences on the bumpy, noisy ride. Another couple was in the Snow Cat with us. She had been in the Air Force reserves and also shared some military experiences.

Once we got to the top we hurried out of the vehicle because the lights were already starting to show. At first it looked like a big green spotlight streaking across from one horizon to the other side. It was about 26 below zero but wasn't windy so it wasn't too bad to be outside with our 6 layers of warm clothes. There was no moon and a bright clear sky with a lot of stars. About an hour later the Aurora became very active. It started by looking like a green fluffy cloud and then sharpened in swirls that would pulse, shift and twist around. Sometimes you would see a quick flash of pink and orange on the edges. As one area of sky would decrease in activity another would begin. It moved all around 360 degrees. At one point it looked like it was raining streaks of light. We also saw some shooting stars. It was like an incredible fireworks show. People would ooh and aah. It was so amazing to see. The Aurora is usually best with high solar activity (KP >4), around the time of the equinox, with a new moon, cold temperatures and remote location. We had all of those things (KP 5) Other people on the tour were Alaskans and they said it was the best Aurora they had seen (even the guides agreed it was pretty spectacular). It was the best birthday gift! And I was especially glad to share it with Scott and Elder Robinson. The high activity ended after about 30 minutes. We were there from 11p.m. until 3 a.m. We spent the rest of the time visiting in the yurt and occasionally going out to see the night sky. They had a propane heated outhouse which was still really cold but I was grateful (sorry if TMI). By the time we left it was 30 below zero. But worth every minute!

    One of the interesting things about seeing the Aurora was trying to photograph it. My old iPhone 6 showed nothing but black screen. Some of the other guests had downloaded apps to take pictures or had much newer phones with a time lapse capability. Scott took a few pictures in the beginning but we just wanted to enjoy what we were seeing instead of the distraction of our camera. So we didn't get many pictures. I am grateful that the girl in the Snow Cat with us shared a few of her photos with us. 

    Seeing the Aurora did feel like a spiritual experience. It made me think of the scripture in Psalms 8:4-5, "What is man, that thou art mindful of him?... For thou hast made him a little lower than the angels". The amazing beauty filled me with awe at how small man is compared to the universe. And yet God cares about each of us and has power to help us if we will come to Him. It was very humbling and also inspiring. Also it made me think of a metaphor related to taking pictures of the Aurora. The pictures look like a black screen but light appears as you use tools to adjust the brightness, contrast, exposure, tone and other settings. In a spiritual sense we need to use tools like prayer, scripture study, choosing to do right, and serving others to bring light into our lives and see the beauty around us. So, so glad we were able to have this experience. (Before and After camera shots)

    Scott left for home today and I didn't get to share all of the fun things we did. It was so great to be together and just visit. Scott commented the Alaska experience exceeded his expectations. It was so fun to share this with him. With being gone from the mission office for a few days we have been busy catching up so this blog is a bit shorter. I will post more pictures from his trip in a few days. 

     Also thank you so much for birthday cards, wishes and thoughtful gifts. I am so grateful for wonderful family and friends. 

    Max is recovering from his knee surgery last week. It is a painful process but hopefully each day will be a little better. It was Tate's birthday last Saturday. Exciting for him to be 8! Scout turned 15 on Sunday. And Ben (March 17) and Bob (March 19) are a year older this week. Time goes by so fast! Have a great week. I will write a little more with pictures.

Love,

Elder and Sister Robinson