Northern Lights 2024 - Part 4
(This is part of a series. Click Part 1 to begin at the start)
The cabin was wonderful. It was peaceful and private, and also safe for out little one to explore without getting into too much trouble. Without much adoo we had dinner (Pizza Pizza) and then after a bit of playtime for my son, Whisperin' began getting him ready for bed. I stepped outside and saw the sky was turning red. Not from a sunset - tho the sun was setting, but from an intense Aurora. The Northern Lights were at their most intense in 21 years, and they filled the whole sky! Sadly, neither of our cell phone cameras were good enough to do the lights in the sky any justice, so I didn't mess around with them too much, and decided to just enjoy the view.
I decided that the Hot Tub jacuzzi on the deck was a great place to watch them from, and so that is what we did. We spent a long time in that hot tub, and took turns drying off in the sauna. The northern Lights were like nothing I have ever seen before. Yeah I've seen them, from a distance. But being right under them was a while new thing for me. At one point the whole sky was red, including the stars, as the stars light shone through the red plasma.
At one point the lights in the sky were dancing around so much it looked like a techno was going on. Flashes of light would appear in cone shaped arc's right above us, then a half second later would disappear, followed by another similar shaped light at some other point in the sky. Then there was the time the whole sky was flowing like w river, and a cascade effect ribbled across the sky, like a giant flag rippling in the wind.
It was a little sad seeing some of the photos from friends in Buffalo, who had a great view of the Side of the Aurora's, That would of been cool to see too, but to be right under it was in it's self a very cool experience, and one you don't get to experience often unless you live in the far North. Whisperin' asked me how often these occured. I attempted to answer, that it is variable based on the sun spots. Some years you wouldn't see any. Other years you might see them maybe 6% or so of the time at that latitude. But usually they would be on the horizon. Not directly overhead!
The beds at the cabin were memory foam and we both found them initially comfy, but they got too hot through the night. I was so tuckered out I didn't care, I slept nude and had no covers on so it didn't seem to bother me too much. But that would be the only complaint about the place.
In the morning we woke up when our son woke up, and I got working on breakfast. Afterwards we went on a nice morning hike on the property which included some interesting hiking trails. I did like how untouched the trails were, seemingly left in a pristine way - even the forest fauna and trail was in good shape.
Afterwards we headed into Huntsville to get some supplies and find a replacement for a glass I broke accidentally when I took it out of the dishwasher and poured water into it. We also stopped at The Mill on Main for some tasty lunch. This is where our son got his first gig offer. He was sitting in his chair dancing to the music, and waving randomly to people in the resturant. Everyone was talking about him and the waitress said he could stay till close to entertain everyone. It was quite comical.
Of note, the food there I thought was very tasty. I was very surprised by the Butter Chicken Poutine, which ended up beign just as great tasting as the Chicken Makhani at Taste of India in Amherst, NY. I didn't expect that. Afterwards we visited a Canadian Tire, and my little guy and Whisperin' got to experience the joys of Canadian Tire for the first time. I remember buying so many things in that store when I was growing up. It has pretty much everything. This wouldn't be our only stop in Huntsville, this trip. But for now, we returned to the cabin, where I made a BBQ Chicken dinner with peas which Whisperin' enjoyed. And then the Cake happened!
Little one had a bit too much cake, so he was a little tornado. So what better place to put him but outside, in the dark. But we gave him a flashlight and it wasn't long befor ehe knew how to use it. He ran around on the driveway with us for about 30 minutes before he finally began to conk out. We also enjoyed some card games inside as well. Whisperin' kicked my butt in Rummy and I think I won one round of Briscola. All in all a wonderful day.
The next morning we woke up and it took a while to get motivated to pack up and get out the door. But we were on our way before check out time. I am very glad that Whisperin' enjoyed the cabin. It was after all meant to be a gift to her for her special day! Because she is such a special lady to me.
The rest continues in Part 5.