Be Like Mike
Be like Mike. For many of you, that catchy tagline immediately brings up NBA superstar, Michael Jordan. Although Jordan’s got several qualities to mimic, we’re talking about our tour guest at the Aurora Viewing Lodge, Mike.
At Face The Outdoors, one of our favorite parts about running an Alaskan aurora borealis tour business is the opportunity to meet unique people and learn their stories. When Mike and his wife came through our doors, we knew they were special.
For many, a tour of the northern lights is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Most people will only see photos of the aurora borealis, but never see it with their own eyes in real life. It’s too bad, really, because the auroras are a natural phenomenon unlike any other gift from Mother Nature. These colorful, dancing lights in the night sky are nature’s own version of a techno light show. They’re jaw-dropping, awe-inducing, and mesmerizing. It’s the only natural phenomenon listed on the seven natural wonders of the world that takes place in the atmosphere.
For Mike, the opportunity to actualize a tour of the northern lights was especially acute due to the fact that Mike is losing his eyesight. But rather than mourn what will be, he’s seizing and making the most of what he has. He’s turning thoughts into reality and casting his eyes on glorious sights.
“But rather than mourn what will be, he’s seizing and making the most of what he has. He’s turning thoughts into reality and casting his eyes on glorious sights.”
The Best Northern Lights Tour in Alaska
We took Mike and his wife out on a northern lights tour and—as we do with all our guests—did what we could to treat them as friends and show them the best, most comfortable (and warm!) aurora tour possible. We picked them up from their hotel on time (in a clean, heated van, mind you), and drove them to our Aurora Viewing Lodge, which sits under the aurora oval (a spot known for the highest chance of seeing the northern lights). The lodge is located in Delta Junction, less than 100 miles from Fairbanks, in an area with zero light pollution and deep, dark skies—perfect for viewing the northern lights.
We built the Aurora Viewing Lodge to offer the best place to see the aurora borealis. Our two-bedroom, two and a half bath lodge is new, clean, fully furnished, decorated, and outfitted with food, drinks, snacks, and a cozy fire…we’ve left nothing to be desired. It’s truly a prime spot to watch the aurora.
But we can only say so much about our beloved Aurora Viewing Lodge (which you can also Airbnb, by the way). Why not read Mike’s own words for yourself? Read about his experience below—and try not to be confused about “Michael, the northern lights tour guide and owner of Face The Outdoors” vs. “Mike the tour guest.”
“Michael was an amazing tour guide. He was prompt and on-time picking us up from our hotel. Very welcoming, informative, and great communication, you wouldn’t find anyone better. The lodge was spectacular, warm, and in a great setting. Before the Aurora, he made sure everyone was familiar with their photo equipment and gave photo tips. While we were warm and inside, he was outside spotting for the Aurora and communicated to us immediately. During the night, you are welcome to go in and out of the lodge to get warm or grab a drink/snack. After the event, he got photos to us within a day. Even though we had a cloudy night, the Aurora peaked through in a couple of different directions giving us a wonderful view. On the way back to the hotel, Michael continued to point out the Aurora when it showed through the clouds. It was a breathtaking experience and Michael treated us as close friends. We would definitely book with him again.”
“It was a breathtaking experience and Michael treated us as close friends. We would definitely book with him again.”
In his first review, Mike said he’d definitely book with us again. And guess what? He booked with us again five days later. At Face The Outdoors, there’s no higher compliment to us than leaving a favorable review and booking multiple times. To everyone who’s booked an aurora viewing tour with us, we say thank you from the bottom of our Alaska-loving hearts.
The second time Mike toured with us, the aurora borealis offered an even more spectacular light show! Mike loved his northern lights tour with Face The Outdoors so much that he left us another great review. Thanks so much, Mike! We appreciate you taking the time to leave us kind notes.
Here’s what he said:
“Awesome tour guide. Michael goes above and beyond to help everyone try to see the Aurora. Great communicator. Professional. Friendly. Extremely knowledgable. You won’t find a better experience through anyone else. Highly recommend. Our first booking with Michael was so amazing. He noticed the weather for our booking date might not be favorable and contacted us to see if we were available to move the date for better conditions and opportunity. We took his advice and he was spot on. Partly cloudy, but an amazing event and we had such a wonderful experience that we booked him again five days later. Again, conditions turned cloudy, but Michael was diligent in checking for areas of clear skies. He suggested we go mobile and we took him up on the offer. In a short time, he drove us to clear skies and so began the awesome show. Michael truly has the desire and passion for his clients to experience the Aurora and works well beyond his means to try and make it happen. Weather conditions may not always be favorable, but Michael will make every effort to make it happen if it is possible. We would gladly book multiple nights with him in the future since every Aurora event is different, but the quality of Face the Outdoors remains exceptional. No need to look any further for your Aurora experience.”
When is the Best Time to See the Northern Lights in Alaska?
In Alaska, the best time to see the Aurora Borealis is from late August to April, due to diminished daylight hours during these months. This gives you an ample nine month span of time to book an aurora borealis bucket list adventure.
You can see our availability and book online. Easy peasy.
If you want more information about our aurora borealis tours, click on the button below. It’ll take you to a comprehensive page full of everything you need to know about going on a northern lights adventure with us.
Live Each Day to the Fullest and See the Aurora Borealis Before it’s Too Late
Mike’s story is a reminder that our lives are fragile and fleeting. Our dreams can easily get knocked over by health or circumstances that are out of our control. If anything, Mike’s story should remind us to make the most of our days. Carpe Diem! Seize the Day! It’s a good reminder not to take anything for granted. Not even our eyesight. As they say: You only live once. (YOLO.) So get out there and “just do it” as Nike says. Mike did. Twice. And he’d do it again.
The aurora borealis is bigger than us in the best way. It inspires us and reminds us that life is magical. It might even be the spiritual experience that you’re looking for.
So here are our takeaways:
- Don’t take anything for granted
- Live each day to the fullest
- See the aurora borealis before it’s too late
If you want to see the northern lights, do it. Go out there and check it off your bucket list.
We’re cheering you on,
Mike & Lis
Face The Outdoors
Aurora Viewing Lodge Tours