Last night, under a calm and clear sky after days of relentless wind and rain, I experienced a breathtaking display of the northern lights right here in our valley. When my son called and urged me to step outside, my heart raced with the hope of witnessing this stunning phenomenon. I layered up in warm clothes, feeling the chill of the evening air envelop me as I ventured into the garden.

The sound of the river roared like a wild beast at night, its water level high with the recent downpours. There, in the eastern sky, the iconic three stars of Orion's belt lined up gracefully above the twinkling lights of Allendale. Two majestic trees, an ash and a sycamore, created a striking silhouette against the dark canvas of the night—like a delicate paper cut-out. Above, the Milky Way glittered in a spectacular band, setting the perfect backdrop for the sky's dance of colors.

As I stood mesmerized in the frigid garden, a deep pink blush illuminated the northern sky, pulsating rhythmically. The familiar formation of the Plough twinkled from its perch, the stars tipped at a jaunty angle, while Cassiopeia, another cherished constellation from my childhood, dazzled without the interference of light pollution. The North Pennines, renowned for their dark skies, offer some of the best spots in the UK for celestial observations, with nearby Allendale golf course being a favorite.

In Northumberland, the auroras grace our winters with their presence. Just last October, the lights were unusually breathtaking, painting the entire sky in a deep rose pink. Capturing the moment with my phone, I was stunned to see how the garden transformed into an otherworldly landscape, with grasses and sea hollies glowing in a surreal orange-red hue.

While we sometimes journey to the hills for the best views of the northern lights flickering over the Cheviots, on nights like this, they shine brightly even in the valley. Each time I peeked outside, the cold intensified, my footsteps crunching on the frost-kissed gravel. Just before bed, a shooting star zipped across the sky, its flight so swift I could hardly believe my eyes.

By morning light, the garden wore a gorgeous blanket of frost, a reminder of the magical night we just experienced. The northern lights may be fleeting, but they leave an indelible mark on our hearts and memories. If you ever get the chance, don't miss out on witnessing this extraordinary natural wonder that paints the night sky with its enchanting colors!