7. Northern Lights!!! and Arctic Circle!!!

During the evening of Valentines Day I checked a website which claims to accurately predict the appearance of the aurora. Evidently there had been a peak of solar activity and the numbers and forecasts were looking hopeful. The skies were clear and there was no moon, so we crossed our fingers and retired to bed.

Around 12.30am we were woken by an announcement that the Lights were visible and so we hastily threw on some clothes and went out on deck. And there they were! There was nothing too bright, but there were various shades of green changing in intensity and in view for about 15 minutes. The signs are good that we may see them again tonight as clear skies are forecast again. Fingers crossed.

Despite the excitement we fell asleep again easily and before we knew it, it was 7.16am and the ship's whistle was sounding as we crossed the Arctic Circle. We could have gone up on deck again to see the commemorative marker on the coast, but because this was not our first crossing, decided that a few more minutes under the duvet were a better use of time. 

Later that morning a more "formal" ceremony was held during which the Norse god Nord put in an appearance and assisted the captain in putting ice cubes down the backs of willing volunteers.