While the signs of spring may already be starting to arrive elsewhere, here in northern Michigan the thermometer still rarely gets above thirty degrees. Actually, its spending about 98% of its time much closer to zero than it does anywhere near anything that would even seem warm.

It’s amazing to me that even though most of the woods around the pond appear almost lifeless covered in its unending blanket of snow there is life and beautiful detail if you know where to look. In the case of the Fish Pond a perfect example is the short stream that feeds into the pond.

The flow of water that helps keep the pond free of ice also provides an opportunity for a small amount of plant life to stay green throughout the harsh northern winter. The constant temperature of the stream water seems to keep the air just over it and along its banks warm enough for the moss that covers some of the rocks to remain green all year round providing promise that spring will eventually arrive here too.

The mix of water drops that get airborne as they bounce over the streams rocky bed and the freezing air that hovers just a foot or so away from the waters surface create the perfect opportunity for Mother Nature to turn the fallen branches and bank overhangs into a continuously changing canvas of small icy art. While they are not large and imposing they are incredibly impressive in their intricacies.

As always, get out there and try to enjoy the many beautiful wonders in the small details of the world around us. They are everywhere, you just have to slow down and take a few minutes to find them.

Stay warm and have a great one.

Kevin