apple orchard after the ice storm
On Saturday, we went for a drive to see the results of last week’s freezing rain storm. Every tree sparkled with its layer of frozen water. When we stopped by the roadside to take some photos, the sound of cracking ice made a continuous stippling noise in the forest.
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I was amazed at the odd miniaturized appearance of the ice-covered apple trees in an orchard not far from our cabin. The trees are normal sized but there is a lack of scale and weirdness of light in the photos that miniaturizes the entire scene. The third photo, including the ploughed side road, looks more normal.
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I think this will be our last winter storm of the season. We still have snow on the ground but next week’s warming should take it all away!
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Copyright 2016 Jane Tims
nichepoetryandprose 
Beautiful and surreal photos – the power of nature – wow! I’m amazed at what trees can survive. Hopefully, that will be your last storm of the season. I was struck by your turn of phrase, Jane – the sound of cracking ice made a continual stippling noise in the forest. That is artful wording, friend. I could almost hear it!
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francisguenette
March 29, 2016 at 11:55 am
Hi Fran. Thanks. I had a hard time thinking of a word to describe the sound, but ‘stippling’ comes very close! Jane
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jane tims
March 29, 2016 at 1:58 pm
Beautiful scene even though I know how hard ice can be on trees. Do you think it was the weight that caused the miniaturizing effect? Whatever the case, they do look as though they belong in a fairy tale. 🙂
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Robin
March 29, 2016 at 11:34 am
Hi Robin. I think the effect is a combination of light, the slope of the landscape and, as you say, the downward bend of the branches! Jane
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jane tims
March 29, 2016 at 1:55 pm
Beautiful! You are right about that miniaturizing effect — these would make a perfect background for those old Viewmaster pictures of fairy tales, that they did with clay figures. I don’t know if you’ve ever seen those. Or a background for a toy train.
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TextileRanger
March 28, 2016 at 3:25 pm
Hi. I have seen the view master vignettes. I am going to photograph a summer scene of the same place and see what it looks like. Have a great day! Jane
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jane tims
March 28, 2016 at 5:09 pm
That was a real strange effect with the lack of scale of those apple trees. I do wish you warmer weather soon. Here in Malaysia we are having a heatwave. Temperatures are between 34-39 Celsius. Normally would be 28-34 Celsius.
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Lone Grey Squirrel
March 28, 2016 at 12:41 pm
Hi. I am so used to cold temperatures in winter months, I would not do well in your heat. You must mind having all that squirrel fur!!! Have a great day! Jane
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jane tims
March 28, 2016 at 1:17 pm