Today my sister and I decided to take the kayaks out onto the lake. It was a lovely September day...warm, but not too hot...breezy but not too windy. On the way to the lake (which is about 5 minutes from home) we came across the tiniest little baby turtle trying to cross the road. His little head was sticking straight up and he was really hoofing it. Of course, we had to turn around to make sure he got across OK, and when we went back, he was just tucked into his shell in the middle of the road with cars whizzing by. Needless to say, we picked him up, and took him for a ride. Here is the little guy next to a set of car keys for scale.
The original plan was to let him go in the area where we launch the kayaks, but it's right by a parking lot near a pretty busy road, and he already demonstrated the fact that he is not exactly traffic-savvy. So, he went for another ride...in a kayak!
He thoroughly enjoyed his ride, and so did I. That is, until he peed on me. Turtle pee...ugh. Anyway, we found a nice secluded spot, far away from evil cars and trucks, and set him free.
The original plan was to let him go in the area where we launch the kayaks, but it's right by a parking lot near a pretty busy road, and he already demonstrated the fact that he is not exactly traffic-savvy. So, he went for another ride...in a kayak!
He thoroughly enjoyed his ride, and so did I. That is, until he peed on me. Turtle pee...ugh. Anyway, we found a nice secluded spot, far away from evil cars and trucks, and set him free.
Goodbye little Mellie. We named him after sweet Mellie who died in April. Mellie was a Brittany, which is technically a bird dog, but her first love was always turtles. If there was a turtle anywhere in or near the yard, she would sniff it out. Yes, Mellie was a girl. Yes, I'm pretty sure this turtle is a boy. I'm not sure why. Maybe it's the indiscriminate pee-ing. Anyway, this little boy's name is Mellie.
One thing little Mellie won't be lacking is friends. Here are just a few of the many, many turtles we found today.
Can you tell that the turtle in the last picture has his legs sticking straight out? His back legs are fully extended - what a weird pose. I guess his legs were a little chilly and he wanted to soak up some of that September sunshine.
We weren't disappointed in the aviary department. This is my sister with a gorgeous swan.
All around, it was a very good day.
7 comments:
I used to have a pet turtle about that size! I love turtlles
I enjoyed your turtle rescue. :-) great photos. You asked about the sweet potato vine, it is an annual here, but they come from Tubers that can be dug up and stored in peat to over winter protected. I never do that, I replant every year. I think, back in my archives, (july?) you can see more of the vines. Thanks for the comment!
What a lovely day. You're right, there is something restorative about being out and about in the woods. It's like you can breathe and let things go. Now, the trick is to hold onto that while I sit at my desk listening to people complain.
They say no good deed goes unpunished, hence the drenching by Mellie. Good for you, anyway. :)
Oh, great pics... great story! So cute... and I would've done the same thing!
great shots. i am amazed that you saw that little turtle from your car. so cute!
What a sweet little turtle!
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