Just about the first thing I did when I got to Valley of the Gods was drive through a wash full of ice and water. It was the only way to get in. I looked both ways as I barreled through it and thought the early morning light looked interesting. So I parked on dry ground at the top of the hill and walked back down into the wash.
There was a mix of trickling water (some with a skim of ice and some without) and solid ice. I loved the reflections and shadows.
I was fascinated by the way the water moved beneath the skim of ice and spent a long time watching it. I even thought to shoot some video. The way the water bubbles separated and recombined reminded me of a lava lamp.
The ice crystals made amazingly intricate patterns. I thought some looked like ferns.
Then I wondered if the ice crystals could be made into a mandala.
I was pleased with the result. I think it looks kind of like an icy snowflake with a slightly southwestern flavor.
Loved the lava lamp.
Such a creative mandala :) The fractals are quite clear in the ice crystals. Love these pics!