The Call of the Aurora

The Arctic has always been a place of mystery and allure for me, a former Arctic researcher turned travel writer. The Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, are one of nature’s most mesmerizing phenomena, and I had long yearned to witness them in their full glory. When I heard about the Northern Lights Chase in Tromsø, I knew it was time to embark on another Arctic adventure.

The Green Adventure Team promised an all-inclusive chase, with the commitment to drive as far as necessary to find the elusive lights. Our guide, Jurre Jan, was a seasoned expert, knowledgeable about the lights, weather, and photography. As we set out, he reminded us that nature is unpredictable, and nothing is guaranteed. This was a sentiment I was all too familiar with from my years of research in the polar regions.

We drove through the night, Jurre Jan constantly checking Aurora apps and communicating with other guides to find clear skies. The journey took us all the way to the border of Finland, a testament to the lengths the team would go to ensure we had the best chance of witnessing the lights. As we reached the plateau, the sky came alive with curtains of light, dancing across the heavens for nearly three hours. It was a spectacle that left us all in awe, a reminder of the raw beauty of the Arctic.

Surviving the Arctic Night

The Arctic night is unforgiving, with temperatures plummeting below freezing and snow covering the ground. As someone who has spent years studying the harsh conditions of the polar regions, I knew the importance of being prepared. The thermal suit provided by The Green Adventure Team was a lifesaver, allowing us to endure the cold and continue watching the celestial show.

Jurre Jan was not only a guide but a teacher, explaining the science behind the lights and helping us understand how to read the aurora apps. His passion for the Arctic was infectious, and his knowledge added depth to the experience. As we warmed ourselves by the campfire, he shared stories and legends of the north, painting a vivid picture of the land I had come to love.

The freeze-dried soup from Real Turmat, a local maker of hiking provisions, was a hearty meal that kept us warm from the inside. I chose the reindeer stew, a fitting choice for an Arctic adventure, while others opted for the vegetarian option. The hot chocolate and cinnamon bun by the fire were a perfect end to the night, a moment of comfort amidst the wild beauty of the Arctic.

A Journey Beyond Expectations

As we prepared to return to Tromsø, Jurre Jan surprised us by taking a detour over the Finland border. It was a small gesture, but one that added a sense of adventure to the night. We took photos with the border sign, a memento of our journey to the edge of the Arctic.

The night was not over yet, as we spotted a female and baby moose from the car, a rare sight that added to the magic of the evening. It was a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the Arctic, where every moment holds the potential for wonder.

Reflecting on the experience, I realized that while luck played a role in the spectacular display we witnessed, it was the dedication and expertise of The Green Adventure Team and Jurre Jan that made it truly special. The Arctic is a place of extremes, where beauty and harshness coexist, and this adventure was a testament to that. I left with a renewed appreciation for the land I had studied for so long, and a desire to return and explore its wonders once more.