December 14, 2017 was a beautiful day and Molly and I headed up the logging road for a tramp. I heard an unfamiliar crunch under foot and so looked down to see hundreds of ice needles. So Stunningly beautiful they were I did not want to take another step. The ground was warmer than the air and so water that rose to the surface froze. As more water rose from beneath the needle formed. That moisture pushed up mud and pebbles but relative to the ice needles in which they were embedded those granules looked like boulders to me. I thought of Sisyphus then of the power of ice and water. I think I have never seen these tiny marvels before but if I have I was too absorbed in something else to either see them or register them. I wonder sometimes in moments like this how much of the majesty of nature I miss on a daily basis or at least fail to register. Our local field naturalist and geologist stopped by to drop off a birthday gift from the Seven Lakes Office staff and I enthusiastically enquired of my find. He explained the process to me and today I have included learning about them in my daily reading.
Today, Dec. 16, I got a chance to return to my ice needles fearing their demise over the last 48 hours but I was in luck. They had been dusted with snow but were still there in all their precarious beauty, I lay on the frosty and puddle covered ground to get a picture of these to share with you. It was worth a wet mitten to me. I hope it is for you.
Ever
Maggie and Molly
about 1 cm high
These are about 5 cm high
My favourite
