Ice formations from above
Sometime when going out for a walk with the camera I see those things I expect and other times I’m caught by surprise by what I find. These ice formations were very interesting in that they were suspended on short grass stalks perhaps three inches above the water level along the river edges.
Ice formations from side
My first thoughts were they looked like strange popsicles, river popsicles with their own sticks. The ice itself was amazingly clear with only a few sand grains or other small contaminates. You can see in the photos some of the interesting light patterns created by the ice crystals.
The last photo shows these formations hovering over the edge of the river.
Mark Graf, in a comment, gave the best name I’ve heard for these ice formations, “Ice Flowers.” 
Ice formations at rivers edge
{ 10 comments… read them below or add one }
Maybe you should have plucked a few and sampled them!
They look tasty! Earl, you continue to produce from Bull Hole!
The last visit to Bull Hole was productive. I was in a good state of mind to see some of the possibilities.
Looks like a field of ice flowers! The top one reminds me of jellyfish. Very cool find Earl.
Thanks Mark — I like your description, “ice flowers,” much more then my ice popsicles.
I like Marks name of ice flowers. They really are quite beautiful and unusual. And, not something you see in North Carolina very.
I like Marks description as well. I’ve seen formation similar to this a couple of times but the conditions have to be just right. It been years since we’ve have this number of below freezing days in a row here.
#2 really takes me in: It has just the right complexity in composition, the right color contrast, the right mixture of sharpness and blur to really work for me. #3 is a good overview of the scenery – that wide angle adds perspective – but for me the trees and blue sky add a bit of distraction in terms of structures and colors. I admit that this is probably a matter of personal preferences.
Re. the genesis of this phenomenon: I guess that you have to have a varying water level for those “ice flowers” to grow and take on volume.
My main purpose in adding photo #3 was to give perspective to the overall phenomenon. I, like you, feel it has too many distractions but I wanted to provide a sense of the environment for these “ice flowers” to the viewer.
I believe you’re right, at one time the water level was higher to start these ice formations and lapping waves have added to them over time.
These ice flowers are unique to me. I’ve seen nothing like this before. Fine series. I like the close ups followed with a shot of the general scene.
Great images! Ice is always mysterious and very interesting to see unless it’s coating the roadway.