Angel, bell or bauble

On a recent walk along the creek, a particularly bright sunshine sparkle caught my eye from under some overhanging evergreen branches. From above on the river bank, the icy shape looked like a crystal angel suspended over the flowing water; on closer inspection, perhaps more like a bell.

Snow-laden boughs tossed about by wintry winds dip and sway sometimes breaking the surface of the water. Each bounce brings a thin layer of the dark liquid which freezes almost immediately wrapping a transparent skin on what it touched. Gradually, crystal clear baubles are built up on twigs and branches.

The clarity in the ice is remarkable. What do you see?

Did you notice in the two baubles on the left the background appears upside down and in the two on the right it is right side up!

Whether it’s the sound of angels or bells this Christmas, may you hear the Good News of the promised Messiah and receive His gifts of love, joy and peace.

December 2015 icicles

Not every freeze up or ice out is interesting but some times we get spectacular scenes. This fall freeze up provided fascinating ice formations. We had several very windy days as the temperatures dropped and ice began to build up along the shore.

day before freeze up

frozen bubbles

It was as if the bubbles themselves became solid. There were thick layers of ice on every branch, twig and leaf.

ice-encased grasses

The next morning, the wind and water were silent and still.

icicle and ice along the shoreline

free desktop calendar December 2015_1440x900

And we were treated to a beautifully decorated Christmas tree!

Different screen resolutions of the image are available from the Free Calendar drop down menu.

frozen bubbles

Where a branch dips into the flowing water, ice builds up. Snow piles on top and unusual formations take shape.
This shot was taken at 1/320 of a second and freeze some but not all of the foaming water.frozen bubbles
I look forward to returning to this creek with my tripod and more time to play with the capture of liquid and solid.