Painted Turtle

The bravest of the bunch. This painted turtle was one of 4 sunning on a log as I approached. But with each step I took, a turtle plopped into the water. Lucky for me this one wasn't about to give up his spot in the sun. Have a look at his wrinkly neck.

We have a few reptilian things on our lake... this one is really the only one I feel at ease around. At a distance or on land, the snapping turtle is quite interesting too, it's just the other slithery things I get the heebies over... But enough about them.

Each spring these turtles climb up the hills around the lake and burry their eggs. Then eventually we see tiny 1-2" turtles making their way back down to the lake. It's fun to watch the parade, until a dog gets one. Yuck.

Thank you to everyone who wrote such nice comments and gave stars and favs to yesterdays loon. I'd especially like to thank all of you for reading that LONG post. I guess I was fairly excited and had a lot to say about the whole experience. :) I'll keep it short today. (The turtle didn't quite evoke the same feelings. ~ No offense to you Mr. Paint.)