Out of Norm Travels

Finally got my act together and endured 4 overnight running of various versions of my Time lapse videos to arrive at this version which took 1962 Time lapse photos to make:  Continuation of my other blog entries of my trip of a lifetime:  Out of Norm Travels - Alaska adventure in 2014 Out of Norm Travels - Be Smart Tips for future trips and those whowant to travel to colder climates like Alaska till the next time, onto the world and beyond! 

1. Go during summer season (ends around Sep) if you are unused to the cold like me   2.    Clothing/ Winterwear:  ·        Buy cold winterwear when you reach cos (1) you never know what you lack until you arrive (2) winter wear is generally cheaper than back in the tropics - wind proof, GoreTex, ski pants, sweat proof, jackets with side zips to release too much heat are good, and for longer jackets, get those with double zips so that you can unzip bottom up if you need to have a waist pouch or sit down.  ·        Pack 1 set of overcoat, fleece, 2 pairs of good inner wear (Woolite or wool preferably not white cos of color transfer), turtle necks or pashmina silk scarves to protect your neck/chest area for maximum warmth. If you do come often, a down jacket is great for chic looking warm clothing.  ·        For head, must haves include buff or beanie...

Started on this entry whilst traveling on the Alaska Airlines plane flying away from Fairbanks on my return leg after spending 5 nights at Bettles Lodge , near the Arctic Circle .  Never in my wildest dreams would I imagine that I will be adding Arctic Circle to my "have been" places! To think photography was the reason for me spending several nights out in the bitter cold with temperatures that felt like -14 degrees at times. Bettles coldest is -60 I think - there is a sign somewhere. Having my fingers and toes frozen stiff from braving the bitter howling winds and low temperature (alien to someone who lives in the tropics) in the hope of catch lights in my cameras.  It certainly has been a truly amazing and wonderful experience to have bundled myself to shoot the auroras. The trip has been nothing short of spectacular with sighting of the auroras  4 out of the 5 nights spent at the Bettles Lodge, which sits just next to the airfield.  After ...