North by Northeast Lights

Just five days away from a trip that I have thought about for a long time.

As a backyard stargazer, I've been fascinated by the phenomenon of the Northern Lights. Late last year, I found a picture in a magazine and saved it.

This year, that trip is coming to fruition. I thought it would be a few days in Alaska. It's become two weeks in Iceland.

So along with my lights, I will see glaciers and volcanoes, waterfalls and thermal baths, black sand beaches and whales.

The clothes are all laid out on my bed so I can pick a suitcase. Needless to say, Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday will be tough days.

See this article about this year's lights.