I was hiking the AT in southern Virginia just north of the Mt. Rogers Wilderness Area in Nov. 2003. Traveling N-S I had crossed Highway 81 and hiked about 5 miles to the next shelter. I arrived late afternoon with time to relax, fix dinner and get my bed laid out for the night. As darkness blanketed the sky, I did the dishes and started a fire to keep me warm. I was very careful as dry leaves were everywhere so I cleared a wide area so as not start a forest fire. The sky was clear and being far from any major cities the stars were "big and bright." Well after dark, while enjoying the peace and tranquility of a cold November evening I notice a red glow the northwest. The glow was so bright is lit the whole northwestern sky. "Reality" begins to set in. There's a forest fire and it is headed my way. Do I travel the 5 miles back to the highway and hope I can beat the flames there or do I head off in the dark for the next road (a dirt road) about 8 miles to the east but at least away from the fire? I opt to head out in any direction and quickly packed up my bed, dishes, stove, etc. As I am putting the pack on my back I notice the sky changing. The bright glow has changed from red to blue. As I watch, it turned to green then white and then back to red. I started to breath easier as I realize I am not seeing a fire but the northern lights. Yes, in southern Virginia on a November night I was scared to death by the Aurora Borealis. For those who think I might be exaggerating, here's a pic.
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