Being fortunate enough to experience Big Bend National Park (BBNP) is a treat in and of itself. That enjoyment was elevated quite a bit on Friday when, upon driving into the Chisos Mountains within BBNP, we realized hoar frost had coated some of the area. It was really, REALLY cool (pun intended!).
This tree really stood out.
Neither of us had ever experienced frost like this. I’m not entirely sure it’s hoar frost, it could be rime ice. One clue is that the frost only formed on one side of the vegetation (see pic below). For sake of simplicity, I’ll just call it hoar frost from here on out.
Upon close inspection, you can see the ice crystals are only on one side of the individual branches and stems.
Whatever kind of frost it was, it sure was pretty.
According to the volunteer at the visitor center, frost like this is pretty rare. It only happens once, maybe twice a year. And the atmospheric conditions have to be just right for it to occur.
Hoar frost as seen on the road into the Chisos Mountains.
Hoar frost
Hoar frost (click on pic to get a close-up view)
Frosty vegetation near the foot of the Chisos Mountains.
Frosty vegetation along the road into the Chisos Mountains.
Frosty vegetation.
It’s odd how the frost didn’t seem to settle on the Prickly Pear Cactus.
The frost made an already beautiful landscape even more special.
Frost blanketed this area.
Close-up look at the hoar frost. See how it’s only on one side of the branches and stems?
Frosty hillsides and vegetation.
There was a bit of frost on this cactus. I think that’s an Ocotillo, but I could be wrong.
Closer look at what I think is an Ocotillo Cactus somewhat covered in frost.
Frosty vegetation.
The frost on the vegetation sure made for a sparkly ride.
Sparkly vegetation.
Look at the shimmery trees.
I took lots of pictures, trying hard to capture the beauty of the scenery. I’m not convinced pictures can do it justice.
Colorful vegetation under frost.
Colorful vegetation under frost.
Colorful vegetation under frost.
A wintry wonderland in the desert.
In case any of you have ever wondered, I do realize how blessed we are to be able to have this experience. I am thankful every day that we get to wake up and enjoy full-time RV life. It isn’t all sunshine and roses, no matter how wonderful and prefect my pictures make it look, but it is pretty fun.
3 Replies to “The Frosting on the Cake”
Beautiful but it looks cold-ish.
Richard, it was in the mid-30s by the time we got to the basin in the afternoon, but the sun was strong and warm so it wasn’t too bad. When we were leaving, the really pretty tree I photographed close to the edge of the road had lost most of its frost.
You are so lucky to have seen this, and I do think it is hoar frost! Beautiful!
Beautiful but it looks cold-ish.
Richard, it was in the mid-30s by the time we got to the basin in the afternoon, but the sun was strong and warm so it wasn’t too bad. When we were leaving, the really pretty tree I photographed close to the edge of the road had lost most of its frost.
You are so lucky to have seen this, and I do think it is hoar frost! Beautiful!