With 6 people from USA, UK and Denmark tucked away in the Land Rover we optimistically drove out of the city. The sighting-chances were 50/50 but the following days looked worse, this was our only chance. In the Eyrarbakki area we found a clear sky and shelter behind an old farmer’s shed. The sky was clear, the stars beautifully bright… but not a Northern Light in sight!
After a bit of stargazing, shooting-star-spotting, hot chocolate binging and the ever seductive Northern Lights dance (trademark pending) we reluctantly packed up the telescope and started slowly driving back to Reykjavík.
The group put on a brave face and happily chatted away, not letting disappointment get the better of them. But then, in the middle of nowhere… lo and behold… the slightest slivers of green began stretching down from the sky, as if trying to knock on the hood of the car to say: hey, we’re here!
Land Rover to the side of the road! Everyone out! Delight!
The show was on for about 20 minutes. Green, blue and a hint of pink. Dancing, running, falling, spreading, stretching… while we stood perfectly still, in wonderment.
As silently as they had appeared they disappeared. Stunned faces returned to the car. And we drove home in silent awe, our little brains processing the miracle of nature we had just witnessed.
Waiting & Stargazing spot: Eyrarbakki (1)
Northern Lights sighting: Þrengsli (2)
Time of sighting: 00:40
Duration: 20 mins.
1) Eyrarbakki, 2) Northern Lights sighting
