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Dawn on Boxing Day revealed thick mist which is certainly not unusual but that day it created a spectacular phenomenon.
Luckily, we went out that morning or we might have missed one of the greatest experiences.
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Driving away, we noted that the trees were festooned with frost.
It was quite bitterly cold that day.
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How pretty it was!
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Whereas ice is beautiful but damaging, frost is decorative within being harmful.
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We’d not yet cleared the end of the driveway and we were already gasping with delight.
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To capture it would be a challenge.
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The mist had coated every last twig.
Like foam out of a spray can.
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Turning on to the state route, we caught sight of the hills.
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In places the mist still lingered, adding layer upon layer of the frost.
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A day for the scenic route!
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This was the best of Christmas gifts.
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We were able to drive slowly as there were almost no other vehicles about.
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My head twisted back and forth trying to take it all in.
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Within hours it would be gone.
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It matched the most stunning Fall foliage.
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At every turn another spectacle.
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Imperfect or not, I had to keep taking pictures in an attempt to capture the feeling of our progress through this marvel of Nature.
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The joy of witnessing such a sight comes from knowing that it is natural and that it is unique and ephemeral.
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Also completely unexpected.
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If this had been ice, the trees would be bending or broken.
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But as you can see, the frost was lightweight.
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It was a very cold day for cattle to be out, but I suppose they don’t stand around thinking:
“Damn, my hooves are chilled.”
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“Mine too!”
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The mist was only just retreating .
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The Sun breaking through lighting frosted tree tops…
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…bushes and grasses…
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Where the Sun did not reach, still the images were fine, like a Japanese painting.
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While not given to wild bursts of enthusiasm (ask anyone who knows me), this experience lit me up.
Though I’m going to leave this here, my next post will take you further on this brief, wonderful journey.
Thank you, Carolyn, for the truly stunning photography of Winter Wonderland!
Joanna
That was a special trip indeed. Picture-perfect winter scenery.
Best wishes, Pete.
Stupendous pictures. I can fully understand your enthusiasm. I wonder how Ghost Light Farm got its name? Maybe because they first saw the location on a similar day to this one?