"The Granite
Tors Trail is taking us to this natural Alaskan Stonehenge scenery
on the second day of our hike. The tors were formed 70 - 90 million
years ago, when molten rock pushed upward and cooled before reaching
the surface. The granite formations were then exposed by the erosion
of the surrounding earth, revealing the towering spires we can see
all over the terrain. The regional weather forecast channel on the
radio is not expecting any rain for tonight, predicting strong winds
under mostly clear skies. Although food and water supplies are running
low, we are deciding to spend yet another night under the stars and
set up camp nearby a group of large granite tors. After all, geomagnetic
activity is expected to continue at strong levels and the sky is going
to be dark (New Moon) and clear. Setting up camp is a little more
challenging this time around under these gusty wind conditions. All
four of us are squeezing into one tent in order to stay warm and enjoy
a light but delicious meal together. [...] The sky is getting darker,
the first stars are coming out and it is time to start looking for
a good spot to set up my camera and tripod. I am finding a good shelter
from the strong winds by staying closer to a larger granite rock wall.
The group is now watching the skies for the first signs of auroral
activity. But we don't have to wait for too long this time: A green
glow is quickly forming an arch, then many arches, and then suddenly,
the sky bursts into many colors and shapes with multiple auroral curtains
sweeping overhead, many coronas [...] My teammates are watching the
Northern Lights show in awe. Despite the strong winds I can hear them
cheering during more intense moments of this long-lasting display
- while myself being rather busy taking pictures, repositioning the
tripod from one place to another, switching cameras, changing films..."
It was a cold and quite strenuous night. But we were rewarded by one
of the strongest auroral displays of the season. In the picture above
our teammate Debra raises her arms standing between large granite
tors. The prominent star located in the center of this image is Arcturus.
Location: Chena / Granite Tors Trail, Alaska on August 27, 2000
