Deep in the Strid Gorge at Bolton Abbey, it was clear that the sun had not penetrated all day and the air temperature was chill enough for the frost still to be lingering. It was very beautiful. I don't often venture out in those conditions and it was a joy to experience.
Coating the dead grasses and leaves on the woodland floor, it emphasised the shapes and reminded me somehow of Chinese characters, those wonderfully intricate logograms.
On leaves, it has the effect of picking out the veining.
The other phenomenon I spotted, which I got quite excited about, was this hair ice. It is apparently a rare kind of ice formation, caused by the presence of a particular fungus, Exidiopsis effusa, that is found on moist, rotting wood. (See HERE) It needs very specific conditions before it forms. I've heard of it but never seen an actual example before. It looks soft and silky but was in fact hard and brittle to (a gentle) touch.
I found it so enjoyable just wandering along and seeing what I could spot.
You sure do have a photographer's eye. Noticing different and amazing things in the forest. The hair like frost is very interesting. I'm glad I can see all these wondrous things without getting cold. We are having very hot temps at the moment. Spend most of the day in air conditioning.
ReplyDeleteLovely textural formations! Gratitude.
ReplyDeleteVery nice photos! The hair ice is a good capture. I've not seen it before.
ReplyDeleteWe don't get a lot of frost like you do. I guess the air is drier here even though it is colder.
ReplyDeleteThat last shot is my favourite.
ReplyDeleteYes, getting out in the cold in spite of oneself can be rewarding. And looking at your photos, I've been rewarded without getting out into the cold. Thanks!!
ReplyDelete