Hoarfrost

ˈhôrˌfrôst/ (noun)

1. a grayish-white crystalline deposit of frozen water vapor formed in clear still weather on vegetation, fences, etc

   
   

   It was mid-December when I woke up to my first experience with frost, Alberta-style. I had seen this phenomenon occur to this extent maybe once or twice every few years on the east coast. This particular frost, however, lasted all day and into the next. I was floored.... I couldn't figure out how the locals I ran into were not as wide-eyed and mesmerized as I'm sure I was.

   
   
   So with the dog on a leash in one hand and my camera in the other, I set out to capture it as best I could. Because it really is true that a picture is worth a thousand words.

   
   Here it is up close:

   
   

   

   
   

    

   
   

   Here's how the locals feel about it:

   
   

   

   
   

   

    

   And here's what it does to an entire town...

   
   

    

    

   

    

    

    

   

   
   

    

    

    

    

    

    

         

   

    

    

   
   

    

   
   

   
   

   

      

    

   
   

    

    

   A thousand words, indeed!