Archives for September 2014

It sounds crazy right? Who in their right mind would lie in the snow and to see the Northern Lights (Formally referred to as Aurora Borealis) while simultaneously try to fight off hypothermia. Well luckily that’s not exactly what’s happening, but it is the main idea behind the Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort.

In northern Finland Aurora Borealis is visible roughly 200 nights a year, and until recently the only way to view what is named one of nature’s seven wonders, was to go cross country skiing, now there is a much more convenient and comfortable method. Thermal glass igloos are offered for accommodation from August to April to view what I can only imagine is a stunning site. The sparse vegetation and complete lack of light pollution near Finland’s national park Urho Kekkone provides the perfect place for the hotel’s location. Every single night millions of stars are able to be seen, and during the dark winter months the best views of the Northern Lights is available.

Each igloo has a toilet and a bed to fit two people. Twenty igloos all together and a sauna and showering area is shared in a building with an actual roof. Also available at the resort is an ice bar, and a snow chapel which is rebuilt every season.

Unfortunately, the resort does not guarantee a view of the illusive natural wonder, they do however keep constant watch, and whenever the lights are visible a bell is rung, signaling their arrival.

With all this beauty and novelty, I have to say this is probably my dream honeymoon location, while most of my other locations I could see visiting alone, this one seems a little too secluded just to head up tot he north and hole up in an Igloo for a week or two. Though if you did manage to coerce someone into going with you, there’s no doubt that you would both find it to be an incredible experience.

Works:

http://www.kakslauttanen.fi/en/accommodation/#glass-igloos

http://inhabitat.com/finlands-hotel-kakslauttanen-offers-unrivaled-views-of-northern-lights-from-your-own-private-thermal-glass-igloo/hotel-kakslauttanen-igloo-village2/?extend=1

http://www.visitfinland.com/article/doze-off-under-the-northern-lights/

In a place in the South Pacific ocean there is a island called Eli Malk in Palau, off the coast of Koror. That’s where my next adventure exists. A 12,000 year old lake, that came about after the ice age, trapped a community of jellyfish after being formed, so came the name, Jellyfish Lake. The jellyfish inhabiting the lake are called Moon Jellyfish (Aurelia) and Golden Jellyfish (Mastigias), both have adapted in unusual ways that are distinct to these colonies. With absolutely no predators and an abundance of algae to feed off, the jellyfish thrived in their new environment. Twice a day the jellyfish move in a massive group to keep up with the sun which feeds there food source. The lack of predators also allowed the jellyfish to become lax in there one defense mechanism. While they are still able to sting, it is so mild that humans can almost never feel it, this leads to an incredible experience that many around the world have taken advantage of.

You can actually swim with these jellyfish. whether it’s snorkeling or just getting into the water, gear free, any and all options are available. You must obtain a pass to enter into the lake, 100 dollars will give you a ten day, once in a life time experience.

While this may be a beautiful and unique experience, there are many regulations and warnings that must also be followed, you have to keep a good distance between yourself and the hydrogen sulfide that lays about twenty feet below the surface, and diving is prohibited to maintain the ecosystems that lie at the bottom of the lake.

Despite the cost and the slight danger, this incredible lake definitely makes my ‘need to do’ list and the opportunity is something that anyone with a taste for adventure, and a liking for the ocean or outdoors should seriously consider adding to their own bucket list. But if you’re like me and you won’t be heading out to the South Pacific any time soon this video link is definitely recommended.

Works Cited:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jellyfish_Lake

http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/jellyfish-lake

http://www.palaudiveadventures.com/jellyfish-lake-palau/

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