Today we went higher up the mountain where Aki could find some snow. I wanted to see if the current stretch of cold weather had finally frozen a favorite mountain stream. We both got what we wanted.
Aki’s snow covered a sloped mountain meadow with a two-inch carpet. Frost butterflies added another five. Even though the trail was empty of dogs and other people to welcome, the little poodle-mix galloped with purpose for 100 meters. Then she turned to run back at top speed.
Once reunited, we dropped down onto my creek. It still ran free. But crystal-ice had turned rounded rocks into grey jellyfish and trolls.
Walking with Aki 
Hi Dan, Happy New Year to you! What are frost butterflies? Never heard of them….
Around here feather-like frost forms on plants during cold, wireless nights. But recently it has been forming in the shape of butterflies that are holding their wings up and out. So I decided to give them that name. Thanks for the question. And Happy New Year
That top photo is simply breathtaking, and Aki looks so excited! Lovely!