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Frosty Shropshire
We woke this morning to vibrant blue skies, crisp sunshine and our beloved Shropshire hills veiled with a glistening frost. The garden weather station warned us it was -5.6°C so swathed in warm layers and armed with a camera it was the perfect day for a long stomp along Lyth Hill nr Shrewsbury.
I was not disappointed; the crisp air stung my face and cut an icy blast into my lungs but the views were tremendous.
High up on the ridge, the white frosty cloak on the hills gave way to hazy wisps in the valley below.
The harsh winter light created staggering long shadows. This is our Working Cocker Spaniel keen to dash off and explore the bramble thickets and hedgerows. The other long shadow is me!
The bracken ferns at the edges of the paths were dusted with ice crystals that glistened and sparkled. The brown ghosts of the fallen autumn leaves were crunchy underfoot.
Every single leaf was edged with the hoar frost creating unbelievable white outlines.
As I entered the woods at the far end of the ridge it was a tale of contrasts. Dark shady hollows one moment and then blinding pools of sunlight the next.
Winter is here at last; a week ago the weather was unseasonably mild with gale force winds. These destructive storms had torn through the woods and left many casualties.
Cushions of moss and entwined ivy still clings to the fallen trunks, made even more beautiful today with a dusting of ice crystals.
The mild weather of last week had tricked many plants into thinking spring was here. Seeds have germinated and the honeysuckle bushes are bursting with new life.
Many thanks for reading, enjoy your weekend.
Julieann 14.01.12
©Julieann Beads
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