In Search of the Northern Lights

Gerald Ponting


Regions:
Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire
Notice Period:
Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
Type:
Experienced
Fee:
Paid: In person £60+travel / on Zoom, £50
Category:
Travel
Updated:
25th July 2021

A winter holiday in Lapland – snow-covered countryside and frozen lakes. We took expeditions by snowmobile and by husky sledge, meeting reindeer and their Sami herders.

We admired the fantastic artworks of the Ice Hotel at Jukkusjarvi.

On the way to the far north, we had a short break in Oslo, visiting a Viking Ship Museum and Nansen's Fram; on the way back we explored Stockholm's Gamla Stan.

But all of this was extra to the main focus of the trip – would we see a display of the Aurora, the elusive Northern Lights?

(Another year, we returned to snowy Lapland with our grandchildren to meet Father Christmas. A brief account of this trip can also be included.)

Views: 830 | Enquiries: 4

About Gerald Ponting

With a background in talks using colour slides, dating back several decades, I found the conversion to digital presentations allowed much more scope for my illustrated talks. All are illustrated by my award-winning photography and most include short musical interludes. I am frequently praised for my enthusiasm and knowledge of my subjects.
My special interests include wild flowers, local history and prehistoric stone circles. I also present talks on photography and travel.
My part-time occupation as a speaker dates back to 1965. In 1984, I addressed a number of groups in the United States, including Harvard and the Smithsonian Institution. Since early retirement, my talks have become much in demand by numerous local societies. I also present talks more widely, thanks to ZOOM.
I grew up on a small farm in Hampshire. As a Biology Teacher, my 30-year career was divided between Suffolk, Stornoway (Isle of Lewis) and back in Hampshire. I have written over 20 books on the local history of several Hampshire communities. My new book on wild flowers – their folklore and the origin of their names – was published in November 2023.
AN UNSOLICITED TESTIMONIAL: What a revelation! A speaker who not only knew his subject, but spoke from the heart ... without pauses, hesitations, ‘umm’ & ‘errs’. His illustrations kept coming ... highlighting his subject matter ... and weren’t covered in bullet points. If only other so-called ‘speakers' whom we have Zoomed ... were as interesting and professional in their approach to such presentations and had been as good. Highly recommended viewing ... - member of Wherwell History Group


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