Morning fog left a thick layer of frost in its wake Saturday, treating area residents to fleeting winter beauty across the region. Hoar frost is composed of tiny ice crystals and is formed by the same process as dew, but when the temperature of the surface is below freezing point. The ‘feathery’ variety of hoar frost forms when the surface temperature reaches freezing point before dew begins to form on it. As winter persists, frosty, sparkly moments such as this illuminate the long stretch ahead lying in wait for spring, transforming winter morose into moments of awe and wonder.