The dull December skies brought a want of apricity, the warmth of the sun in winter. As we transitioned into 2022, we saw cloudless January skies. Our desires were met with the warmth of the sun rays onto our skin and crystal clear sunrises.
Despite the full visibility and energy from the sun, cloudless skies meant colder temperatures, which in turn meant frosty leaves and hair ice!
Have you ever seen hair ice? One cold morning in January about four years ago, as I walked through the ancient woodland near my house, I noticed a few white spots nestled on the woodland floor. I noticed the white on old branches above too. Being in no real hurry, I decided to investigate.
I was in awe with what I found. Finely combed waves of angelic hair made with crystalized ice! The area I touched melted immediately. So I left it, enjoying the sight of my discovery. I did not know what it was, so googled what I observed: hair and ice. Sure enough, Hair Ice.
A few days later in a BBC documentary with Judy Dench called, “My Passion for Trees,” I saw them again, using time-lapsed filming, the formation of hair ice.
Hair ice is a rare phenomenon.
Hair ice forms when certain conditions exist. They are found in countries generally between 45 to 55 N latitude, in broadleaf woodland with the help of a decomposing fungi called Exidiopsis effusa. There also needs to be moisture in the air and a temperature just under 0C. When this combination is present, we may see hair ice.
How is hair ice formed?
The official discovery of hair ice happened more than a hundred years ago, but the understanding of the growth process of hair ice was more recent. At just under zero degrees celsius, water near the branch surface freezes, with a thin layer of water just under the surface. It is why it cannot be too cold, otherwise the entire surface of water freezes. At this point, there is a wood-water-ice sandwich. A suction force resulting from the forces of the molecules then draws the water from inside the wood pores to move towards the ice, where it freezes as it escapes from the wood. Organic molecules from the fungi seem to then preserve the shape of the ice that is forced out, creating delicately thin crystals in the shape of hair.
How to look for hair ice
If you are like me, you want to understand why or how things happen. But now that you know, next time, slow down your walking pace and if you see in the distance what you think might be someone’s left tissue on the woodland floor, I invite you to take a closer look. It could very well be hair ice. Remember, once you do discover it, turn off the thinking cap and indulge in your sense of sight, taking in the awe and beauty of this wonderful natural phenomenon. In forest bathing, we try not to think too much about why or how, but just appreciate nature as it is, enjoying the present moment.
Free Mindful Walk and Hair Ice Discovery
On Friday 21st ten HINOKI participants gathered at Tenningshook Wood with me for a mindful walk in search of hair ice. We were not disappointed! Hair ice decided to make an appearance and my nature-appreciating, curious HINOKI participants were rewarded with beautiful discoveries of magical hair ice. Here are photos of us searching and discovering and of the star of the show itself, hair ice.
If I predict perfect Hair Ice Forest Bathing conditions in the week, I will post on the HINOKI website home page as well as on my Instagram and Facebook accounts, an announcement offering another free Hair Ice forest bathing session, so keep visiting my website to see if I do. Remember to ‘refresh’ the HINOKI web page so that any new information on the website will appear.
First Hinoki Sunset Forest Bathing in March
HINOKI will have its first sunset forest bathing session, called Yuyake, in March. Please visit the HINOKI website to reserve your space on this session.
Only Two Sunrise Forest Bathing Sessions Left Until October!
The sun is rising earlier, which means that Hinode (sunrise) forest bathing sessions will hibernate until October. There are two more sessions scheduled, one in February and one in March, after the clocks change. If there are early risers among the HINOKI community, then I will schedule very early sunrise sessions, so please email meif you are interested! Please visit the HINOKI website to reserve your space in one of the last two Hinode (sunrise) forest bathing sessions.
Hinoki Gift Cards
Giving an experience of calm, relaxation and wellbeing is a gift that could be perfect in times of stress and wanting to get rid of the winter blues. HINOKI offers gift cards for all Nijikan (2-hour) and Sanjikan (three hour) forest bathing sessions. Please visit the HINOKI website for details on how to order HINOKI Forest Bathing gift cards.
I hope you have a wonderful February and I look forward to seeing you again soon!
With warmest wishes,
Lisa
