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In 1977 we hired our first narrowboat from Anglo Welsh at Market Harborough.From that moment our destiny was set. In 2006 we finally purchased our own brand new 57' narrowboat which we named 'Free Spirit'. Our aim is to travel the length and breadth of all the navigable rivers and canals of the UK. This will be our story as it unfolds.

Tuesday 11 March 2014

Northern Light dairy part 4 The Aurora Borealis

Fantastic, stupendous, brilliant, wonderful, spectacular. I cant express how amazing it was. Picked up at 6.30pm by the Green Fox company. Small Minibus for 8 passengers and headed North toward Hansnes Island of Ringvassoya. Within 30 minutes we pulled over as light activity
had been seen by our guide. Tripods and camera at ready and amazing pictures over the mountain.  After 20 minutes all went quiet and headed for Hansnes. Took best part of 90 minutes drive but worth it as no light pollution and amazing clear skies. Saw 3 shooting stars and the Aurora continued above us for hours. By 11pm we sat down on reindeer skin rugs by an open fire drinking mugs of tea and eating salmon rolls followed by brown cheese cake. Sounds horrible but really delicious.
Nearly ready to pack up and go when the most amazing display happened overhead. Took loads
of photos.  Our guide showed me all the correct camera settings and he even took one of Ian and me on his camera while the display was happening overhead..




  Finally at 1 am, when no more activity was seen, we drove back to Tromso. Arrived back at Boudicca by 2.30am and welcomed on board with hot chocolate, liqueurs and a sausage roll!.
Went to bed with biggest grin on my face. The most wonderful evening so far and as still heading North may see more when we reach Alta.

First sighting




Second sighting where we made camp










Aurora with shooting stars



Base camp.
These next photos were taken by our guide from Green Fox tours and sent to us by email.





I took loads of photos of the Aurora and of our cruise and will put a web album link on the end of the final dairy posting for those that might like to take a look.

To be continued..........

8 comments:

Graham said...

Irene,

What a great success!

You picture of the illuminated wine glass is a masterpiece!

Graham

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Thank you Graham,

Now that you mention it the Aurora does look like a wine glass. Just think of all that wine it could have held (: I'm still trying to sober up from the trip. We certainly got through some alcohol. Thank goodness for all inclusive.
Xx

Kath said...

Woweee! I have been keeping my fingers crossed for you. There are not many 'travel' things I would like to do but that's one of them! What a treat.
Kath (nb Herbie)

KevinTOO said...

Amazing, Excellent, what a sight :)

James said...

Glad your trip was a success, you both deserve it! Love the pic with the shooting stars.

Sue said...

WOW!!

I wondered for a minute if you would see what you went there for. You seemed to be writing your trip with some doubt!

Certainly got me thinking it didn't happen!

Wonderful, wonderful photos which will remind you of a once in a lifetime cruise.

Ian and Irene Jameison said...

Hi everyone and thank you for your comments. One never knows how the photos will turn out once viewed on the computer but the one with the shooting stars was a complete surprise to me. Amazing to capture their movement through the skies. As Sue says, a trip never to be forgotten.
Xxx

Elly and Mick said...

Irene, absolutely fabulous photos. So glad the lights came out to play for you. What an experience! One of my "must do's" for sure.
Elly on Parisien Star

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