Linda S.

We are staying in Fairbanks. The tour has a vehicle that will drive us 20-40 miles away. There is also a small house where we are going. So, if we get too cold, we can run in! I just hope Delta doesn't keep cancelling flights. Now, living in Western NY (alongside Lake Ontario), they changed my Detroit flight to Atlanta!! :(

Linda S.

Hey Architect1776, almost! sounds promising except I don't use my camera for video! Well, that said, I probably will for this trip after I capture some still shots (if I am lucky!)

Linda S.

thank you reverendray! Now that is what I have - lots and lots of hand/foot warmers! I wonder if they expire? I had them unopened for a few years. I should go check before the snow/cold actually comes here! Thank you for the reminder! Linda Stevenson

Linda S.

Thank you Wingpilot! I appreciate the specific guidelines you shared. I will definitely make it a point to look for fog on the lens. Perhaps take the camera out of its case while riding on the bus...to start the acclimation process. I definitely have spare batteries and a cloth belt with little zippered storage pockets that are perfect to store the batteries. They are taking us away from the light pollution but not sure where.

Just looked - this is the location but not the people taking us on the tour. I am going with McKay Photography out of California...

https://aurora-bear.com/

Linda S.

Thanks bwana for the encouraging words! Given what everyone has stressed, I now have more batteries. I also learned that Olympus batteries do not last as long as the Canon batteries - all things being equal... A handheld hair dryer? I am a senior citizen whose muscles aren't as strong nor hands as steady as they once were...I can't carry that much any more!

Linda S.

Thank you John, will be chatting with BH - in line now. They have one for the Canon; unsure about for the Olympus. Appreciate you telling me about it.

Linda S.

Thank you gouldopfl! The temps might go down to -20 F! Only 178 miles from the Arctic Circle! One gentleman posted photos of his camera encrusted in ice/snowflakes and it was still working! I don't think we got to -5 F in Iceland either. I could attach my hand warmers, if needed, with a string or elastic ... I think! Linda Stevenson

Linda S.

Thank you so much BBurns! They have a link where I could ask that question. I am awaiting their response. Again thank you! Linda Stevenson

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

You may want to consider a car rental also, for your day use.
Since you are going to be in that area, you may wish to visit Santa Claus House at North Pole, AK. it is approx. 12 miles south east of Fairbanks. In addition to the interesting sales building, there are lots of ice sculptures and a few animals.
google: Santa Claus House https://www.santaclaushouse.com/visit.asp
Chena Hot Springs is approx. 62 miles from Fairbanks. A very interesting day trip from FB. You may also want to google: Aurora Viewing at Chena Hot Springs.
If you drive up around the "Farmers Loop Rd", on the north side of town, it is fairly scenic, and you can also see/photograph the oil pipeline from there.
I 2nd the use of the remote trigger for your camera, you can keep your hands warmer in you pockets (with hand warmers)!
Sometimes the aurora moves very slow: 30 second for each exposure, then with little warning, it will speed up considerably, to faster than camera settings of 1/30th of a second! So know how to change the speed quickly!
Use your CELL PHONE (or camcorder) to capture video while using the camera for time lapse!!! Yes it can! And you will be glad you did!
P.S. A temperature of -35 with the wind blowing, you can feel your lungs freeze with each breath! -20 is just plain cold, even with arctic rated insulated underwear, pants and windbreaker pants, lol (or is that 'ouch'?). HotHands also have 'Body Warmers" in addition to hand and foot warmers. Stay warm and have a great time!

Linda S.

Thank you DougS! I wish I could go to the North Pole! This workshop is only a 4 day event https://www.mckaylive.com/product/fairbanks-alaska-northern-lights-tour-1-2/

I do have a camcorder - a Canon. Bought it for my niece's dance event in NC; didn't go and now it is gathering dust! It is a very small one. I should get it out. Thanks for reminding me! It should be better than my cell phone - a Samsung Note 20 Ultra.

I do have arctic rated jacket rated -22 F and snow pants at -15 F ... but all that said, bodywarmers sound wonderful! I am so happy I posted my request early! You, and everyone else have such wonderful suggestions!

I just need for Delta to stop changing/canceling flights! Going to find "Body Warmers" now! Thank you! Linda Stevenson

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

I read over your tour company posting. Sounds good, it also appears to give you 'free' time to do other things you may want to do/plan for. If you opt for a dog sled tour, you possibly would not want to do more than 1 hour, it can be quite cold, and... the dogs use the trail time to 'potty', with you downwind, lol. Ask tour operator for a more detailed schedule, if they can, so you can plan for other, self-guided activities. If you are prepared with info, you may find others on your tour may want to 'tag along'. and share expenses... Ask your Tour Operator for their suggestions! Oh, also there is the outstanding: Museum of the North - University of Alaska Fairbanks https://www.uaf.edu › museum
and... the Dalton Hwy/Coldfoot/Brooks Range, covered in snow... Too much to see, so beautiful, and sooo little time, and opportunities
I do recommend the train ride back to Anchorage, it leaves FB before sunrise, and arrives at Anchorage after dark! I spent my most of my train time in the area between the rail cars, with the window(s) open! Yes, it was/is cold but no window glare. It leaves Fairbanks weekly, on Sunday mornings only, during winter. It runs the 1st 3 Sundays in December. Around $225+ ea. While traveling on that train;We saw 12 moose; mountain goats; the peak of Denali; and a very beautiful, foggy sunrise; the sun set; and other interesting sights along the way!
I have posted a few of my Alaska shots on UHH, you can do a UHH search for a few ideas. Warning: YOU may take thousands while there!
Sigh, yes I am loaded with too much information... and like to share it!

ORpilot Loc: Prineville, Or

As a former Alaskan, I highly recommend the Museum of the North...

Linda S.

Gotta disagree with you DougS! No such thing as too much information! I need to revisit the tour plan because I didn't even notice the time. I do know that we are based in Fairbanks and they have a bus? that takes us to Aurora Bear every day...They are currently, or soon to be, in Italy leading another tour and also celebrating their 24? wedding anniversary. They will return in the middle of November, so I will ask them then.

Definitely did not think of being downwind...sigh...I had such great daydreams about the ride ...

I will give a heartfelt "thanks for sharing". It is appreciated. When they return, I will ask them about free time. Linda

DougS Loc: Central Arkansas

Don't let that little tidbit of information stop you from the dog sled ride! It is just a funny, and was an unexpected side affect, lol. We did enjoy the ride, and the musher was quite interesting! He called out each and every dog by name, encouraging them as we went, to keep pulling! It is very peaceful and quite, otherwise! We were the 1st ride of the day, so you may want to wait and be the 2nd ride, or not... to get the full 'enjoyment' of it, lol.
Another side tidbit, the dogs really like the cold! They appeared to mostly sleep on TOP of their dog houses when the temps are above -15 F, rather than inside.

Linda S.

Thank you ORpilot! As soon as the tour guide returns from a tour in Italy, I will ask him if there is time! I believe, unless Delta changes/cancels flights again, I am coming in early AM and the first day we meet at 7 PM. So, there should be time - even allowing for a nap! Thank you! Linda