As I drove to school this morning I was rather puzzled to see some bushes beside the road absolutely smothered in heavy icicles while all the surrounding plants were ice-free. I didn’t have time to stop but I figured that with the current persistent freezing temperatures there was a good chance they’d still being there when I drove home this afternoon. My theory was right and when I stopped nearby at 4.30pm they were still very much there. I can’t quite figure out why the icicles have formed here in such isolation, leaving no visible clues as to their origin. Perhaps there is a previously unidentified meteorological phenomenon at work in the Sussex countryside! I didn’t hang around taking photos for long as it’s a busy road and the light was fading fast – my sense of self preservation was stronger than my desire for photographic perfection. However, I think I’ve managed to capture this peculiar sight – perhaps someone in Photoblogland may be able to suggest a reason for this bizarre sight.....

Wow - how strange! Sharon · 2012-02-09: 15:33

What a mysterious find Helen. Stalagmites - correct??? Icy ones. Was there a puddle nearby that cars may have splashed water onto the branches??? danrav · 2012-02-09: 17:12

I thought they were called stalactites. With a "c" from the ceiling. With a "g" from the ground. Fabulous photo. marilynx · 2012-02-09: 17:18

Helen, we saw these yesterday morning along theback road to Stansted House. We too were puzzled, but then realised that there was a large amount of water laying on the edge of the road, possibly a leaking water pipe. As the vehicles were driving thro the water it was being sprayed up onto the bushes and freezing immediately, making the bush look white and producing the icicles. Kay · 2012-02-09: 17:30

oh wow!! it must have snowed liquid nitrogen or something! haha jennyLit · 2012-02-09: 18:41

wow, amazing shots!! mazpics · 2012-02-09: 19:58

Ooo that's super. I've never see the like of that before. Jarvo · 2012-02-09: 20:19

Here's the story: one day there was a lonely tree and a lonely puddle of water. After being able to communicate through the mist and the sky they decided to be joined forever as one. And so the cars came and helped the water grow on the tree and so they were happy until the sun came. The end! ????? · 2012-02-09: 23:12

An extraordinary series! A mysterious and dreamlike world; But pay attention on you Helen :) josy63 · 2012-02-10: 00:33

great detail in first one. enjoy the weekend and stay warm :-) slowpete · 2012-02-10: 00:48

Beautiful and fascinating photos, I think the water sprayed up into the bush from passing cars sounds like the most plausible explanation... Annbramwell · 2012-02-10: 02:56

ha! ha! did you photo the whole bush and it's surroundings that would have been even more spectacular. great shots I think the puddle theory would be a good guess too. MoMac · 2012-02-10: 04:13

So fantastic, Helen. I adore the first one with the small flake captured in the icicle! And how perfect to get the drop of water at the bottom of it! djnana · 2012-02-10: 11:09

A bit of research ... this might help! I guess your theory is correct Spaying fruit trees with water. marilynx · 2012-02-10: 11:55

I would rather have snow than Ice! great shots Helen. The 2nd is most facinating with grat detail and perspective! Bundle up! SheriJ · 2012-02-10: 13:18

Amazing sight, sort of a burning bush except the opposite. yellodog · 2012-02-10: 13:28

The 2nd is just amazing! I save it in my favs! :) Congrats. ppinho · 2012-02-10: 19:06

#2 is incredible! KatysPassionata · 2012-02-10: 21:56

So interesting....and beautifully captured! lookagain · 2012-02-11: 22:35

I made shots like these last weekend to. ;-) Very beautiful helen!! Ryana · 2012-02-13: 15:29

Maybe another PBer, in search of good icicles, poured water over the bushes....? ;-) Cool though! CHOSSID · 2012-02-13: 16:55

Stunning and mysterious! alison · 2012-02-14: 04:56

Spectacular shot, into my fav.list Unchained · 2012-02-15: 04:24

It's so amazing when that happens! You managed to get some good shots of it too! Water and freezing temperatures can make some very interesting ice formations! The mystery was already solved by Dan the Man, but is a wonder of nature all the same. ArtBee · 2012-02-16: 07:42

... stalacTites .... - beautiful photos ! camilleauteuil · 2012-02-16: 09:01

Gorgeous..love them both..#2 in favs..we rarely see icicles down here.. NellyBly · 2012-02-18: 22:24

Tagged: sussex cold ice winter icicle