Bette was wondering why the ***** she had allowed herself to be talked into this *****. The only good part was being with Tina, not that you would know it by how bitchy they were with each other. The cold was worse than she had ever imagined possible and these damn so-called outfits, although they cost a fortune, were not anything that she would have ever considered as clothing, let alone fashionable. She had to admit though, that she did feel a great sense of accomplishment that they had made it this far. And to be within the last two miles of the finish line, well, there were just no words to express how thankful she was that this was almost over!

All she wanted was to be warm! And of course, a nice hot bath, a comfortable bed, some warm food, and Tina. Just to feel Tinas warm, naked skin next to her would be heaven. To be able to kiss her without having to be afraid their lips would be frozen together! Although she was way too tired to do anything to remedy their lack of intimacy, having Tina there just to hold in her arms would be wonderful. That is provided Tina would forgive her for being such a ***** throughout this whole adventure!

She hated having to share Tina, and that was all she had been doing since this whole thing started. Her wife had insisted that the dogs needed attention and were not just there to work. She made time at their breaks to give individual attention to each of the animals. Bette had to wait for Tinas attention. She was tired, stressed, feeling neglected, and was downright angry with Alice for even coming up with this harebrain idea. Mostly she was angry with herself for agreeing to it!

Tina was cold to the point of wondering if she would ever be warm again, but she was enjoying this more than she thought she would. The scenery was beautiful and having the dogs was like having a bunch of children along. They got tired, but they were always ready for attention and gave you the feeling that you were the best thing next to chopped liver. They were always happy to receive the slightest bit of attention, and frankly, had been better company than Bette since the beginning of the trip. As a matter of fact, Tina had enjoyed the dogs so much, that she was going to try to talk Bette into getting a couple of their own when they got home. They would be great company for the children, should they ever be ready to expand their family.

Tina understood Bette better than anyone, and she knew how much she hated this environment and the trials that she had been put through during this race. She had been bitchy most of the time and Tina was tired of it. After all, she didnt force this on Bette, and Bette needed to deal with the consequences of her decision and not take it out on her wife. Tina was there to offer support and help when she was needed, but she wasnt here to jump to Bettes every beck and call.

Tina had loved snow as a child and the beauty surrounding her brought back many happy childhood memories. She had hoped that this time together would bring them closer together, especially since they had to rely on each other so much. Unfortunately, although that had not proved to be a reality, at least they had an adventure they would never forget! But this adventure was wearing thin, and Tina was thrilled that the end was so close.

Dana and Alice were barely speaking. They had a discussion that had turned into a huge fight and Dana was thoroughly pissed off. Alice didnt have half the stamina that she did, and therefore, Dana had to take on a lot more responsibility during this trek than she ever wanted to. The damn dogs seemed to know she was a cat person and were annoying her every time she tried to relax. They were awfully cute though and they provided a good deal of heat when you were freezing. But once this was over, Dana hoped she didnt have to see another dog for quite a while. At this point, she would be happy to not have to see Alice for quite a while either!

Alice was quite pleased with herself. Sure, it had been tough doing this race, but it had been rewarding too. She didnt understand why Dana was so upset. She had let her do most of the mushing and allowed her time to bond with the dogs. She had wanted Dana to realize how great dogs were, and had hoped that maybe they could get one sometime in the future, but that didnt look too promising. She had tried to make Dana feel useful and not just along for the ride. She had even studied up on the different wildlife and plants that were common to this area and had told Dana about them whenever they had stopped. She wanted to spare Dana the last to know feeling she always said she had. And what thanks did Alice get for her efforts? Dana yelled at her to shut up on numerous occasions and ignored her on others. But Alice knew Dana was having fun despite the way she was treating her. After all, Dana had learned she could do this and do it well.

Alice was very tired, but also felt exhilarated. The fact was that they had actually done this. They were within two miles of the finish! Life was good! They were ahead of B&T at this time and it looked like they might beat them. It would feel great rubbing that into Bettes face. She could just see Bette getting that angry superior look as she said ***** you Alice. She was just considering what adventure she could get them to try next, when they rounded a corner and there were three moose standing right in the middle of the path.

Watch out Dana! Alice yelled.

*****! was the only reply as the dogs swerved to the side quickly and the whole sled rolled on its side, sending them both flying off the sled and cascading across the snow.

Luckily they were not hurt, just shaken up by the experience. The dogs were trained well enough to stop as soon as possible, and they knew not to try to chase the moose. The moose however, who could be dangerous in this type of situation, were more startled and curious than upset by the invasion. Also, those three were not the only ones there, since a few more wandered into the path to observe the two humans getting up and brushing the snow off themselves.

Damn-it Dana, why did you have to turn so sharply? Alice yelled.

I didnt do anything Alice! Those damn dogs did all the steering! Dana yelled back.

Apparently, their loud voices were annoying the moose who bellowed some strange sounds and slowly started to stroll off.

Sure, now they get the ***** out of the way! Alice exclaimed.

Shut up Alice and help me get this damn sled righted so we can finish this ***** adventure of yours and go the ***** home! Dana said exasperated.

Fine! Alice said.

The two of them struggled to right the sled, but it just wasnt happening.

Im going to go sit down and rest for awhile. You can unload the sled so we can get it turned back over. Dana said as she walked over to a fallen tree and sat down.

Arent you going to help me? Alice asked.

No.

After Alice had unpacked the sled, she went over to sit down with Dana and rest. They were both dozing off when all of a sudden, came a surprised yell in a familiar voice.

What the *****?

Suddenly there was an instant replay as the sled, which had just come around the corner, flipped on its side and two bodies were propelled across the snow.

Bette picked herself up and ran over to Tina, who was lying in the snow crying.

Baby, are you alright? What hurts?

As Tina rolled over, Bette realized that she was laughing, not crying.

What the ***** is so funny? We could have been killed! Bette yelled.

By this time, Dana and Alice had joined them and Tinas laughter had become contagious. All three of them stood there laughing as Bette was fuming!

Come on Babe, where is your sense of humor? We were just so sure that we were almost finished this trek, and now we are faced with yet another obstacle to overcome.

Tee, I dont find it amusing.

Well that is just your problem since you seem to be the only one who doesnt. Im going to make sure the dogs are ok, get them and us something to eat, and then rest for awhile while you set the sled back on its runners. Tina said as she headed off to see to the dogs.

Bette unhappily said, Alice, you can help me since it is your fault we are in this predicament.

For once Alice didnt argue and with Bette and herself working together, both sleds were soon back in running order with the supplies all repacked. They then joined Dana and Tina to eat and take a rest themselves.

After they had finished eating and were all feeling better, they sat and discussed some of the things that had happened on their adventure. They didnt realize how fast the time was passing until they noticed the sun was starting to go down.

Lets get this over with Alice. I want to sleep in a bed tonight. Bette said.

Alice and Bette got the teams hooked back up and soon they were ready to finish the course.

Lets finish this the way we started it. Tina said. Together.

Thats a great idea Tina! Dana stated.

Grumbling was heard from both Alice and Bette but was soon ended by wicked stares from their girlfriends.

You two get on board and get settled. Tina and I are going to drive the sleds to the finish line. Dana said.

No way! Alice and Bette both said, but their protests once again were silenced as both were met with icy stares from their partners. They were too worn out to argue any further and just did as they were told.

Dana and Tina slowly drove the sleds for the last mile or so of the track, calling back and forth between themselves, as the darkness encased them all.

They topped the final hill before the finish line and stopped in awe. Below them was the town they had hoped to see, but above that in the sky was the most wonderful firework show they had ever seen. There were rays and curtains of colored lights filling the sky.

My God! Dana said. What is it?

Its an artists dream. Bette declared.

Its spectacular! Tina sighed.

Its aurora borealis. Alice said. Also known as northern lights. Its caused by solar particles that collide with the earths atmospheric gases. Energy caused by their collision is emitted as a light particle. That energy is called a photon. When there are enough of these collisions, you get an aurora, which are those lights that seem to be moving across the sky. There have to be at least 100 million photons present in order to be seen by the human eye. They can occur here as often as five to ten times a month in the darker winter months.

Alice, you are like a walking encyclopedia! Dana said.

It is one of the things I researched when I knew we were going to do this. I was hoping we would get to see this, but I had run out of hope as our time was coming to a close. Im thrilled that we are all experiencing this phenomenon together. Alice said.

All nodded in agreement.

They stayed there for awhile, filling their eyes and memories with the fantastic light show that nature was so thoughtfully providing, before finally starting the sleds on their final run down the hill and across the finish line.