Walking through snow that's hip deep in places, under clear skies at -25F, one hour becomes two.. ..two becomes three.. ..three becomes four.

Everything is coated in ice, extremities tingling as they approach numbness.

As the last fully charged battery goes into the camera, there's an urge to refuel; warm up; regain feeling in those tingling extremities.

But as the urge takes hold, the magic begins.

The aurora starts moving in every direction, it feels as if time has stopped. You cease to feel any sense of cold in the moment.

Excitement builds as this beautiful structure forms, and an internal imprinting process begins.

You then realize this experience will always be a part of you.. ..the sharp, cold air hitting your lungs at -25F.. ..numb fingers refusing to easily click the shutter or adjust settings.. ..this structure coming to life, hours after walking out on the frozen tundra in hip deep snow..

..and as it imprints itself, you realize this is what brings you the most joy.