M_J_Helin
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The car lights swept across the slowly darkening spring landscape. Summer is on its way, I thought. But winter still tried to hold the land in its cold grip.
I headed towards the lake, where just under a week ago, I had witnessed perhaps the most extraordinary northern lights show of my life. Now, as the journey to the lake was nearing its end, I imagined myself standing on the ice cover, photographing the trees along the shore and admiring the northern lights flickering above them.
Disappointment struck me in the face. Winter had lost the battle, and the shores of the lake had melted. However, stubbornly, I decided to defy the facts and head towards the spot I had already planned. Perhaps there was still ice?
Ha.
When I reached my destination, the situation was even more hopeless. The sparkling stars in the open waters were beautiful, but that didn't bring comfort. There was no time left to change spots, so, desperately, I crawled onto the ice, between the melting patches. It was terrifying. On the one hand, I knew there would be less than a meter of water, but still. I crawled out onto the ice. I made it about three meters from the shore before my courage ran out. The ice creaked under my knees.
Madness.
I cautiously returned to the shore, frustrated. I searched the shoreline for a spot where I could at least catch a glimpse of the northeastern sky. I set up my tripod in the water and waited.
The night was incredibly beautiful. It felt like the stars had never shone so brightly. They twinkled from the pitch-black water, as if space itself had descended before me.
I took pictures of the water’s reflections when suddenly, that dark sky exploded.
Bright, high beams shot up as if from nowhere. They reached towards the zenith, soon surpassing it. Beautiful.
The northern lights weren’t the only thing filling the night sky. From all around me came the honking of geese, the calls of swans, and the hooting of owls. It felt as though the entire world was celebrating the end of winter.
And of course, I rejoiced too. Winter, though beautiful, has always been the season I watch its inevitable arrival almost under the weight of depression. Summer, flowers, greenery, thunderstorms, and night clouds. Life. These are what I wait for. I sat for a moment on the shore. The night caressed all the senses. The northern lights, the birds, the fresh scent of the spring night... What could be better?
But everyday life called. Thoughts of the upcoming day’s work forced me to rise, and I dove into the pitch-black forest. Over it, the northern lights had risen, as if by stealth. They were like ghosts, slowly igniting and fading. Beautiful.
The spring night gave its best.
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! Lovely set, picture 4 seems to be my favorite one.
