Damp squib, wood smoke and light pollution

Tonight was the hunt for the northern lights.

We drove 45 minutes to the site.

There were teepee style tents with log burning pits, a large building with toilets and uneven ground made up of gravel, ice, slush and grass. Well, I presume it was grass, it was dark, but standing on it felt soft, yielding and soggy.

A few flashes went off blinding those around, one person had a powerful torch which bled the eyes and a car, with headlights on high beam, arrived, turned round and park before rendering is all blinded by the light.

Then the rain arrived.

Hot, bothered and now getting wet, I retreated to a tent where the smoke rose, filling the tent.

I was dressed (like everyone else) for the Arctic; I should have dressed for a walk back home.

Needless to say we didn't see the Aurora which was a shame but we'd seen them from the ship so it wasn't a completed wash out.

As one lady said, " at least we can say it was an experience. We drove, we arrived, we failed miserably." She laughed and the went off hunting for her husband. "He's the tall one in a red arctic jacket, wearing a hat!" I looked around, yep, that was 90% of those standing about.....