The storm system that recently passed through this area dropped about 5 inches of rainfall before the cold Canadian air mass dropped down from the north, bringing with it sub-freezing temperatures and a paltry 1″ of snow.  However, the interplay of the moisture and temperature caused icy crystals and frozen water droplets to form on trees and grasses around the ranch.

Sensing a golden photo opportunity was at hand, I grabbed the camera and headed outside to take a walk in the frigid morning hours.  For about a one hour duration, the sun and the ice conspired to bring a surreal, almost magical quality to the scenery surrounding me.

Heading along one of the main pathways on the property, I came to the area we call Ralph’s pasture (due to cousin Ralph’s fondness for this scenic locale), and hiked along it’s trails to shoot some pictures.

The trees were all covered with frozen water droplets, which shimmered in the sunlight.  The frozen water on the stems would crack and shatter in the soft breeze, creating a lovely high-pitched noise (not unlike a crystal wind chime) that only added to the allure of this magical morning.

Even the fescue grass in this clearing, which I have left un-cut for the benefit of the wildlife this winter, harbored it’s share of icy beauty, shimmering and singing out it’s melody as it swayed in the gentle breeze.

The fall color change ended a month ago, but the picturesque beauty of the area remains, only this time it takes on a different appearance.