Kip’s Comments - December 20, 2023 — LadagePhotography.com

Decomposition Paused

Safe or maybe not, I ventured onto the frozen Wapsipinicon River in front of our cabin this afternoon. Before I go any further, allow me to explain that if I would have broken through the ice, I likely would have only experienced wet feet and maybe moisture up to the calves of my legs. The effects of the drought are very apparent, resulting in minimal risk where I was at.

Once on the ice I spent a few minutes studying the many leaves that are temporarily frozen in time/frozen in place. Until the ice thaws, each of these leaves is preserved in this state.

I do find it interesting how the leaves warm and sink into the ice. A person might not think there would be enough heat for that, but clearly there has been.