Questions about photographing the Aurora in a few hours. I don't want to mess this up.

So right now (6pm) things are looking clear here in PA, so hopefully the clouds stay away. I got into photography about 2 years ago now and i have accumulated a good share of little gadgets and some lenses for my Canon EOS T1i. I actually started this hobby because of a college class i had about it so I know a fair amount, so don't be afraid to talk techy with me.

I've got my Tripod. The standard 55mm lens that comes withe the camera (I have other lenses like a 300mm but I figure the 55mm is a better choice). Also I have a remote, and a timer that is used for long exposures or time lapse photography (I usually use it for star trails).

The location I want to shoot at is a large lake nearby. I can post up on a bridge there that looks across the lake (which is also far from any light pollution). My hope is to be able to get the sky in the frame and maybe even a reflection of the Aurora on the lake itself.

Given what I have what would be my best course of action? Iso, F-stop, Shutter speed for the best shot? Will I need my exposure timer or will I be okay with a 30sec exposure and just using my remote trigger? Also will I need to be pointed at the center of the sky above me to see it or will it be visible if I look across the lake more toward the horizon?

Thanks in advance for your help. I have an immense amount of respect for professional photographers (or even those who are just better than me) and am trying to become better myself, so feel free to ask me questions so I can better prepare myself for this shoot. I'm pretty pumped as I've never seen the Aurora Borealis before and if this turns out well I may put this photo in an art show I have coming up.