Fortitude

The days are short and the nights are long and cold in this part of the world in late autumn and winter. I visited this place during the day and warmed up with dinner and a nap and then tried to convince myself that I should drive back over the mountain pass, after the snow began, alone and in the dark. Probably not the smartest move, but I wanted to photograph the Northern Lights and it was the last clear night in this location. I awoke from my nap, looked outside and thought I saw a light in the sky. I pointed my camera out the window from the comfort of my room and to my delight the Aurora illuminated the sky! I headed out with much angst which still didn't leave as I arrived at the parking lot and ventured up the trail to the waterfall I'd photographed earlier. I was freezing, and a little freaked out, but quickly forgot all about my angst and cold toes as the first image lit up on the display. The Aurora action wasn't the best, but it was what was happening when I visited this place which is why it is special to me. Definitely out of my comfort zone, but was so happy that I tried!