Face The Outdoors — Local services in Alaska

Michael updated us a day earlier that we might start early at 6 pm since he was monitoring the Aurora activity. On November 30, 2023 he picked us up on our airbnb which was very convenient.

The ride going to Delta junction was super comfy and warm. I had a really good legroom the entire ride. He was so friendly, accommodating and was very communicative. You would know that he is very knowledgeable about the Aurora. He was teaching and explaining it us. I also heard him trying to explain it more in detail to one of the guy that was in our tour when he was asked on how to read the forecast. I admire him for not cancelling even if there were only a few of us in total. He even told me he had an experience wherein he had only one person for the tour.

When we arrived in Delta Junction. We were welcomed into a rustic and cozy cabin. It was one of the best cabins that I have seen. It was very clean and was giving a homy vibe. In there, you would see a clear glass which was intended for you to check outside and monitor the Aurora.

There was a fridge with cold drinks, snacks on the counter, coffee, tea, cup noodles etc. I really loved the restroom it was so clean. The decors was so nice too.

He was staying all night outside and only came in to get some stuff. I admire him the whole time he was out there monitoring the aurora for us. I would go in and out every now and then since my foot was always getting cold. They also provided us with hand and foot warmers. I was also really thankful that he actually lent me his tripod since I didn't bring any. He was teaching us on how to capture the aurora on our phones and also set up my dlsr camera for it to be aurora ready.

Aside from teaching us about the aurora anytime you would as him questions about Fairbanks and what winter gears should be bought he also would answer and recommend what he thought was a good brand.

It was almost 3 am and he gave us an option for us to stay longer even though he still had to drive all the way back to Fairbanks. Because he wanted us to get the most of our Aurora experience. He was not concerned about the time. He wants you to experience Aurora the best possible way. Just kudos to him.

I think that I have chosen I really good company to go with as far as the aurora excursion. The best part was it was outside Fairbanks, the house kept us warm. The open sky and field that was used for the Aurora viewing was the perfect spot. We were really lucky that we did not have to chase the Aurora and stayed there on that location because the weather permitted it. But I know for sure if we had to chase it he would go all out for us on that night.

In the fee that we paid you would get one photo which was a very good deal. It was all worth it. He takes really good pictures too. We actually gave him a tip thru zelle but he returned the tip. Thanks Michael for everything. You are a very hardworking person. I wish your company more success in the future. I never really give reviews but this one was different....

Things started off a bit gruff and it was quite a drive to our destination, but all would be worth it upon arrival. Michael started by setting the rules with our group - many that one would think were common sense, but past practice seems to have indicated otherwise. Then the lights went out and the spectacle and learning began.

Michael was extremely patient and helpful with all of the guests. You knew this was going to be a great experience because so many in our group were satisfied repeat customers!

We were out in the vast and dark field in no time and taking great shots of the heavens above us. He rightfully explained how all the Kp numbers that we were obsessing over prior to arrival were essentially useless, but he was also quite clear in lowering expectations. Luckily for us, even though the Kp numbers said we would have a terrible night, all the other data (and his historical knowledge being from the area since he was a kid) said otherwise. The experience was spectacular!

The home, with its large picture windows, was quite cozy and comfortable and provided a nice respite when things got too cold outside or the aurora was in a lull. The plentiful snacks and drinks hit the spot and the restrooms were convenient and clean. When outdoors, Michael was constantly helping those who needed it and offering helpful advice on how to get the best shots no matter what equipment you showed up with. Many of the lessons learned will be helpful, forevermore, when enjoying night and astro photography.

I could not recommend FTO more highly. Even the free picture that came with the package was excellent and you could tell that work went into perfecting it before being shared. I would easily have paid twice as much to do this experience with FTO again and recommend everyone book early (and book often...

Viewing the Northern Lights was an amazing experience made possible by Michael’s tracking expertise. It was a cloudy night and low geomagnetic activity was on the horizon which did not allow us to see the Northern Lights on his spacious and beautiful property. As the wee hours ticked away, Michael thought it best to hit the road to increase our chances of seeing them. The drive was long through a pitch-black morning on a winding road and, at times, we were faced with dense fog. Thanks to his excellent driving skills we got to Birch Lake safe and sound where there was a lovely wave of lights on a starry-filled sky. EUREKA!

Photographing the Northern Lights was a challenge for me. I own a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ1000 which I have only used in auto mode. Michael was very kind and did all that was necessary to set-it up for manual use – he even propped it up on a tripod. However, once at Birch Lake I could not see anything via the camera’s live view - monitor nor viewfinder. I even checked to make sure that I did not have the lens cap on. Three others had the same issue, DSLR & cell users. Regardless, I chose to shoot into the dark since the display mode showed that images were being recorded, but the results were terribly unfocused since I could not see what to focus on. Fortunately, the tour included a souvenir photo and we had purchased the photo package so we got great pics taken by Michael.

I second all of the kudos and descriptions in the other reviews. End your research here and book with Michael.

October 13, 2023, photo taken by Michael - Face the Outdoors - Aurora...