One of the things I miss most about cruise ships is the ease of making friends. You’re stuck together in a small space with all of the other crew members so why not be friends? After a few contracts you begin to know or know of most people who have been around awhile.
In my first contract I heard stories of this awesome ice skater named Anne. She even cruised while I was there I think, but our paths never crossed until my last contract. I think it was her last contract too. Once we met I guess we knew perfection had been achieved, so why keep trying?
Anne grew up in Anchorage and even though she’s no longer there she offered to put me in contact with her brother, Leif, during my visit. I cyber stalked Leif, saw he was into photography and invited him to the show I was working. He invited me to chase the Aurora and Blood Moon with him after the show.
I was wearing about half of my week’s worth of clothing, stuffed my pockets with hand warmers, and Leif even brought an extra blanket for me to wrap up in, but standing in 25 degrees all night was brutal! Our adventure began around 11:00 pm and by 5:00 am I was beginning to sound like Clark Griswold when they reach the Christmas tree he’s been seeking. I just couldn’t make my words work. I was so cold!
Looking back now, it was worth it! I’m so thankful to Leif for taking me out that night. As motivated as I am to see and do everything I can during the day, it’s a different story at night. I love to sleep. And be warm. If not for Leif I would have missed out on a grand adventure.
Blood Moon and Lunar Eclipse
He took me to Flattop Mountain where we looked out over Anchorage. On our way down, a moose walked in front of his car! We then headed out to Potter Marsh and set up shop for the Blood Moon and lunar eclipse. Leif is an experienced photographer and he coached me to get these shots.
Aurora Borealis
In the end, I broke the first rule of aurora chasing. “Don’t go home until the sun comes up.” I just couldn’t do it. I’d had 3 very full days already and I had a big drive tomorrow. I needed to get some sleep. Despite cutting the evening short, I’m so grateful for that night. It was the only aurora sighting I had the whole trip.
Thanks Leif! Keep chasing.
Keep Reading
Alaskan Mis-Adventures – Tony Knowles Coastal Trail and Anchorage by bike
Sailing Seward – Exploring the Seward Highway and cruising through Kenai Fjords National Park
Trip to Talkeetna – The drive north, the Iditarod, and the town of Talkeetna
Denali National Park – My first steps into Denali
Denali Flightsee – A look at Denali National Park from above
Independence Mine State Park – a quick look through an abandoned gold mine
