Is three really the magic number?

This has been an both an overwhelming and heartwarming week. Norway is such a beautiful country with her vast magical fjords and snow-capped mountains (well “duh” of course we are in the middle of winter).  Why am I here? Well, I have Philip Pullman to thank for that. He planted the seed with his captivating tale that has inspired this chase.

For those keeping score, this wasn't my first rodeo in the hunt for auroras. Oh no, Reykjavik and a chartered dark flight to the most northern part of Scotland can attest to that—two strikes, zero lights. I did feel a real pressure before I arrived of “what if” I don’t see them again especially now that I have told everyone that this is what I am going to do. But third time’s a charm, right? Yes, it certainly is! On our first quest here in Tromso, the universe (well solar flares, solar wind, open skies, patience and luck) paid me for my persistence and boy did she put on a show even though the predictions and expectations were low!  But let's talk about the real MVPs here: the camera and its knack for capturing what our eyes might miss. Trust me, the photos are stunning, but witnessing those dancing lights firsthand? Pure magic. Second time we saw them, we had the happy misfortune of being stuck in polar ice and learned about drunken moose, bridges to Valhalla, artic foxes and the Sami people and their fear of the northern lights. The third time trying to see the lights we found ourselves roadside and she came up a charm again. Three really does seem to be the magic number.

In addition to the lights, we have visited the Troll Museum next door, looked out at snow capped mountains everyday, tried to walk uphill on iciest of icy slops, watched a snow flurry from the comfort of our hotel window and put my camera skills to the test in capturing nighttime photography (which is bloody hard). And before you ask, reindeer wasn’t on the menu for me, I just couldn’t bring myself to do it just in case it was Rudolph! Tromso has been the most magical backdrop to do some soul searching too. I feel privileged to have been able to take a step out of time while the world rushes on.

Now, as for becoming a full-fledged aurora chaser? Well, never say never, but let's just say I've ticked that off the bucket list for now. Farewell Norway, you have been a dream.

#MidlifeMaverick #Adventuresofmidlifemaverick #Challenge #Midlife #NorthernLights #Tromso #Aurora