Who says no to a billy, part ll

So the day is far from over….

We heard, while talking to the Mexicans on the river (!) that they had seen Northern Lights the night before and that they were supposed to be better tonight.... 

Lots of discussion revealed the secret: go to Fish Lake. Many questions from other “authorities” (i.e. guys on the street) told us that you travel on Fish Lake, a gravel road, until you get to the end. Another wise young man said “You then walk about an hour to get to the lake." 

Never one to walk away from a challenge, we bundled up, took blankets, hot water in a flask, books, snacks and off we went at 11:00 pm. The road was gravel but not bad - two hand-printed signs warned us that “Dog sleds, horses and carts travel this road all year long”. 

After the 15 km suggested by the most people, we rounded a corner and burst out laughing. There in front of us was a tiny lake (we only knew by the reflection of headlights) and lining its shore, a single row of lawn chairs with lumpy, bundled people hunkered down in the now 2 or 3 degree temperature. Checking the bright big dipper and little dipper (with all stars in the handle clear as day), we agreed that they were pointing in the right direction. Off in the distance was what looked like a halo of light reflected off a big city in the distance. After an hour we realized it was indeed northern lights. At midnight the lineup of people bundled back in the van that had delivered them and left. 

The halo had a tinge of green and over the next hour sent shots of faint Hollywood spot lights up now and then. One halo became two - all changes subtle and momentary and sort of interesting. By 1:10 the nanny goat had had enough excitement for the night and we drove off. 

Once home, Bill said, “Well that was great!”, Ei said, “No it wasn’t!” and he laughed and agreed “No, actually it was pathetic.” 

Guess what? The website predicts a better rating tonight. We’ll see you lakeside around midnight….

And, btw, I've signed Bill up for a two-day quilting workshop with me tomorrow...

Row of tourists from far, far away waiting patiently for the famous Aurora Borealis