Chasing the Northern Lights!

The last part of our fall break was spent in Kakslauttanen, Finland.  Way, way, WAY north.  Even though it was still October it was cold.

Igloos

We met two sets of family friends there which made for a fun few days playing in the snow, chasing the northern lights and having fun. When we arrived the weather forecast was not great for viewing. Our plan had been to stay in an igloo the first night and then switch to a cozy cabin. Our friends convinced us to swap days which the resort kindly accommodated. This was a great choice, our last night was the best!

Our first day, it snowed as we arrived so it was truly a winter wonderland. We headed out to find the reindeer and the kids and adults had some fun in the snow. We did get a little lost in the woods but it was beautiful out and it just made for a fun afternoon. When we did find the reindeer we were amazed at how big their antlers were.

Rachel makes a friend

Rachel and Alain

Girls just wanna have fun - Missy, Alicia and Vanessa 

Steve, Missy, Vanessa & Abel

The resort is all self contained, so we had a fabulous dinner in the lodge that night. Also, we had wifi so we were watching a little of the Penn State/Ohio State game. It was way too close for my taste, but luckily the Buckeyes came through! I really think it was this hat I found in the shop!

 The next morning after a late breakfast and we took another hike through the forestto visit the reindeer again. Then we had a relaxing afternoon by the fire in our very cozy cabin. It was nice to have a relaxing part of the trip too!

After another delicious dinner we piled into taxis to chase the Northern Lights.  The drivers took us to three different spots and we were lucky at all the spots.  IT WAS COLD, but worth it.  We were all happy we had opted for cars versus horse drawn wagons. 

Steve was experimenting with catching people and the lights. He would have liked us to be clearer but the fact that you can see us and the lights is pretty amazing!

Afterwards we had drinks by the fire, enjoying our time with our friends.

 Our last day we moved to an igloo.  While they look like an igloo they are heated, with a bathroom and also very cozy.

It was another day of hiking and relaxing with our books watching the snow. That night as we were falling asleep we were disappointed that we couldn't see any Northern Lights from our igloo. But right about midnight something fell off of Rachel's bed and we all woke up and the Northern Lights were out and amazing! On and off through the night we watched them change and light up the sky in different ways. We are so grateful that we got lucky on this trip and spotted them so many times!

The next morning it was time to head back to reality. It was so cold that on the walk from the igloo to the lodge, just about 10 min, Rachel's braids froze!

Warm Rachel

Cold Rachel

See ya Finland!