Dashing through the midnight boreal forest with a team of dogs in training for the Iditarod was like a magical rollercoaster. Hoarfrost glittered on the trees like diamonds and stars spilled across the sky like fairy dust. A golden crescent moon hung on the horizon. And the dogs howled and tipped with delight. But it was cold, even though we were layered properly and had hand and foot warmers. So warming up in an ice-fishing shanty on Chena Lake with reindeer sausage and hot cocoa came just in time. So did the Northern Lights, which arced above the treelined lake.
My friend and I opted for the four-hour aurora tour. Our guide, Ron, enlivened the tour with facts about the landscape; flora and fauna; dog-sled racing; and the breeding, care, and lifestyle of raising Alaskan huskies as competitive sled dogs.
This is an adventure for hardy souls. And I heartily recommend it.