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Northern Lights

Alerts are coming from everywhere about imminent Northern Lights. Even the TV mentioned it. So I started packing as soon as we came back from the movies ("Black's Game", "Svartur á leik" in icelandic, great acting). 1am, -2°C, direction Hvalfjörður. My progress will be greatly slowed down by the low visibility in the snow storms, often forcing me to literally stop the car until I can see the road again, but encouraged by the sight of the Northern Lights every time the sky clears up. The track I originally intended to use is impassable due to the river digging a large hole in all its width. So I turn around and decide to go for the little "forest" I passed by an hour earlier.


Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

A quick opening in the sky, not leaving much time to setup the camera as it should be

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

As I turn around, the sky clears up for a few seconds

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

But instants later the snow is blowing again

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

High ISO shot giving a much brighter view of what the night was like, pretty covered, as you can see...

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

Past 3am, finally back by the "forest" that should provide some cover from the winds

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

If you look carefully, you might be able to see the Northern Lights in the center of the picture and right above the car

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

Using the snowshoes to flatten the snow, should be a nice camping spot

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

Setting up the tent

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

Almost no wind and no snow while I set up the tent

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

4h30am - Going to bed as another dump of snow arrives

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

7h45am - Short night, but great view as I get out

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

The car is still here

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

View of the Fjord on the way back to Reykjavik

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

Dramatic sky with clouds flying by

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

The tough little Icelandic horses

Northern Lights, Hvalfjörður, Iceland, March 2012

And as I get back to the car a very dark sky appears to be heading over