H—O—H.
There it is. This naturally occurring simple sequence is absolutely fundamental to life’s existence. H20. A single oxygen atom covalently (sharing of electrons) bonded to two hydrogen atoms. By all accounts the bond of this crystalline formation is a weak one. What water lacks in bonding strength however, it makes up for in structural stability.
Drop the ambient temperature to zero degrees centigrade and a molecule of H—O—H actually expands— the only known non-metallic substance to do so upon freezing— to form transparent or opaque bluish-white hexagonal crystals. A solid state which is peculiarly less dense than its liquid counterpart.
This process happens daily in the safe confines of your freezer. The ice cube tray is cracked and emptied. An ice-cold beverage is enjoyed. The tap is turned on. The tray refilled and placed delicately back in the freezer. This great transformation from liquid to solid has been tamed for our own consumptive pleasure.
Water into ice. This process also happens daily in the winter wilderness of the great outdoors. Snow melts, water seeps down rock faces, waterfalls flow over cliffs. There comes a point however when the temperature freezes and all motion stops. Running water solidifies in midair.
Brilliant in their hues of blue and white, these ice formations tower above the forest floor like silent sentinels over the winter landscape. From below the view is breathtaking. From the top it is commanding. Stack enough ice cubes on top of one another and suddenly there is a mountain to climb.
On Sunday February 13th, ten New School students, aided by the professional guiding service High-Xposure, donned crampons and helmets, harnessed in and roped up, grabbed a pair of ice picks and climbed their way up 30 feet of sheer ice.
Water’s hydrogen bonds are weak but ice’s overall structure is strong. Strong enough to drive an ice pick through and hold your body weight as you dig your metal spiked boots in and pull yourself up.
Gravity exerts a constant downward force. Determination, if you choose an ever increasing upward one. The sun gleams off the frozen surface, you grit your teeth and smile….
Think of this the next time you reach for an ice-cold beverage…..
New School Recreation Outdoor Education: Leave The Library. Escape The City. Learn For A Lifetime. What Does Your Facebook Status Say…..?
SKI TRIP FEB 25-27. WHITEWATER RAFTING APRIL 16-17. ROCK CLIMBING MAY 7.
