Foto Journee Takes the Northern Lights – The Itinerary (The Conclusion)

Let’s Become One of the Few

As I planned my Alaskan journey, I spent countless hours researching everything there was to do. Weather was, of course, a major factor—but what really caught my imagination was the idea of traveling north to a place few dare to go: the Arctic Circle.

In 2024, approximately 3 million people visited Alaska, which aligns with the state’s yearly average. Most visitors come during the summer, over half arrive via cruise ships, and the majority focus on the Inside Passage. Only about a quarter venture into Alaska’s interior, and a mere 5% make it to the Arctic Circle. With numbers that small, it’s no wonder many consider it a true bucket-list destination. And in true Sagittarius fashion—always ready for an adventure—I said, “I’m already this far north… might as well 🤷🏽‍♀️!”

After spending some much-needed time recovering from Operation Team No Sleep (if you don’t know, go read Part 2!), I was ready to do it all over again—LOL. I layered up in every single piece of cold-weather gear I had packed, because where I was headed was experiencing a level of cold I could barely imagine. I also sent a text to my safety keepers back home, letting them know I’d be on a 16-hour excursion with no cell service. If I didn’t reappear at my hotel by morning, they were instructed to call Liam Neeson—STAT!

With that, I headed to the tour office, ready to join a small group of nine on what promised to be the adventure of a lifetime.

Cruising Along the Elliott Highway

The morning was spent winding through snowy uplands on narrow two-lane roads of the Elliott Highway lined with towering trees. Our guide kept us entertained with historical stories, fun facts about local flora, and by pointing out notable landmarks along the way. He showed us the row of mailboxes marking the last stop for U.S. Postal Service delivery—and then we kept driving. He pointed out where the electrical grid ended—and again, we continued onward. As we traveled farther north, distant mountain views appeared on the horizon, adding to the breathtaking scenery while the temperature steadily dropped. Though we were completely off the grid, the nature lover in me was in absolute heaven, surrounded by untouched wilderness. (No worries—the vehicle was equipped with a CB radio and a satellite phone for emergencies.)

A few hours later, we caught our first glimpses of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. Brief historical insert: Completed in the 1970s, the pipeline is an 800-mile engineering marvel designed to transport oil across Alaska, with hundreds of miles of feeder pipelines. As of 2025, it has carried over 19 billion barrels of oil. An incredible feat. Now—back to the journee!

Get Ready for a Bumpy Ride

Soon enough, the road grew noticeably rougher as we transitioned onto the famous Dalton Highway—a 414-mile stretch of gravel and dirt running from Fairbanks to Deadhorse near the Arctic Ocean. In that moment, I was grateful we were traveling in winter, when the road was frozen solid. Could you imagine this trip in another season? #MUDDY

We made a quick stop to see the pipeline up close, and this moment was especially meaningful to me. What makes the pipeline so unique is that much of it sits above ground, a necessity due to Alaska’s unstable permafrost. Since the oil inside the pipeline is heated, building it underground would risk thawing the frozen ground and turning it into mud. Raising sections of the pipeline was the ingenious solution. Those engineers knew exactly what they were doing.

Beyond the Snowbanks: The Enchanted Forest Awaits

As we continued, we entered the Enchanted Forest. Don’t get me wrong—it truly is magical, with snow- and frost-covered trees overlooking sweeping views below—but my imagination ran wild. I half-expected fairies and woodland creatures to appear, Aslan to breathe life back into Narnia, the White Witch to emerge, or someone to ride through yelling “Winter is coming!” Even Lara Croft-style enchanted creatures didn’t seem entirely out of place. I know—it sounds ridiculous—but it felt like stepping straight into a movie scene.

Before long, we reached the Yukon River and its basecamp, which served as both our lunch and dinner stop. It also houses the only indoor restroom facility along the route (there are a few outhouses scattered along the highway and at the Arctic Circle, if you’re desperate). Trust me—take advantage of the heat and indoor plumbing whenever you can.

Where the Road Leads!

Then came the final stretch: the long haul north on the Dalton Highway. After three more hours—nine hours into the journee—we approached the invisible line we had been waiting for. Bracing myself for -37°F, the brown, wooden sign beckoned me forward calling me to join the ranks of those who came before me because I had made it. I reached the Arctic Circle.

You’d think that would be the highlight—but Alaska wasn’t finished yet.

Foto Journee Gets a Magical Surprise ✨

With crisp air, clear skies, and zero light pollution, the night sky came alive. At 11 p.m., the opening act appeared—constellations blazing across the darkness, with Ursa Major taking center stage alongside the Big Dipper. Less than 30 minutes later, Alaska unveiled the star of the show: Aurora Borealis.

The Northern Lights stretched across the sky like a glowing green rainbow, dusted with twinkling stars. Soft pink hues wove through her movement as the lights multiplied and intensified, forming a breathtaking chorus line of neon-green dancers gliding effortlessly across the sky. As the show reached its finale, the lights took their final bow—thanking us for pausing long enough to witness their magic.

Needless to say, Fairbanks, you left your mark on me—and I’ll be back. I can’t wait to explore more of your wonders, bask in your beauty, and, one day soon, dance beneath your Midnight Sun.

Adventure to be continued…