(Snapping Turtle - photo by Neil Barker - June 30, 2024)
A pair of beings meet along a forest path and both stop.
Each unsure yet curious of intentions and the next step.
Brief pause, curiosity fulfilled, their journeys continue.
I took these photos on June 30, 2024. I was about three-quarters through my hike when I met this Snapping Turtle on the trail. I had just turned a corner on the trail and saw this Snapping Turtle slowly walking in my direction. We both stopped.
This is the first time I have seen a Snapping Turtle on this path. I slowly crouched down and took a few photos. Then I carefully went around the turtle giving them some space - for their sake and mine!
I like seeing turtles on my hikes in Spring and Summer. There is something about their spirit or manner that I cannot quite figure out. There is a stoic patience or maybe wisdom that turtles seem to project.
What do turtles mean to you?
What do they mean? As a species- tremendous persistence? As individuals- choleric temperaments? As beauty show contestants- last place finishers? As potential interspecies bonds-. One can hug a tree, or raise an affectionate lion but it's inadvisable to hug a snapping turtle!!
I have neverrrr seen a snapping turtle, this is BEAUTIFUL Neil!