Ice Armor
January 10, 2013
“Every leaf and twig was this morning covered with a sparkling ice armor; even the grasses in exposed fields were hung with innumerable diamond pendants, which jingled merrily when brushed by the foot of the traveller. It was literally the wreck of jewels and the crash of gems.”
— Henry David Thoreau, Journals, January 21, 1838
I remember ice storms from my childhood in Minnesota — every tree, branch and twig was coated in a clear shield of ice. Too bright for unprotected eyes. Precarious footing. And yes, merry tinkling when the shards of ice fell down.
These frosty January mornings in Seattle are a less piercing pleasure — no crashing crystals, just a silent icy edging. Here are some photos of this magical world:
January 10, 2013 at 6:09 am
“…the wreck of jewels and the crash of gems…” My goodness, what a line. The photos are beautiful. I can’t pick a favorite – usually can’t, with yours. But the layered maple leaves certainly are lovely.
January 10, 2013 at 8:46 am
It was a day for taking great photos. The quote is a keeper, too. Reminded me that sounds enrich experiences as much as visual treats.
January 10, 2013 at 10:38 am
Beautiful, icy photos! I love the 3rd one…almost looks like a green, frosted, pine cone! Isn’t is lovely how frost “decorates” almost everything it touches? And it’s so sparkly, with a little sun shining on it! 🙂
January 10, 2013 at 10:39 am
PS…Yes, sparkly…like jewels and gems!!
January 10, 2013 at 3:49 pm
All these photos are so lovely! I think you’ve really captured the magic of the frost with these.
PS- I sometimes copy your photos to set as my background. Do you mind?
January 10, 2013 at 3:54 pm
I don’t mind your using my photos as a screen saver for your personal use. Thank you for asking. I know I can’t control people using/misusing my photos, but I would object to anyone using my photos in a profit-making way, reproducing them on business websites, etc. I hope my photos bring you joy!
January 14, 2013 at 6:25 am
Beautiful photography. You really do an excellent job with your blog. John