Several photos that were taken around the lake during December. I was surprised to see two turtles sunning on a log so late in the year. I’m sure they will find a warmer place underwater as the big cold front creeps in this weekend.
Below is a peaceful scene of cormorants and gulls gathered at a distance from the boardwalk.
“I like to think that to one in sympathy with nature, each season, in turn, seems the loveliest.” ~Mark Twain
Note: Credit goes to my husband for the colorful slug photo.
Cypress trees reflected on the still waters of the lake.
“There is something more beautiful than a beautiful thing and that is a beautiful thing which has a beautiful reflection on the water.” ~ Mehmet Murat Ildan
A spider lives inside my head
Who weaves a strange and wondrous web
Of silken threads and silver strings
To catch all sorts of flying things,
Like crumbs of thoughts and bits of smiles
And specks of dried-up tears,
And dust of dreams that catch and cling
For years and years and years …
~Shel Silverstein
During these hot and humid days of summer, while other critters are hidden away in shady, cooler places, dragonflies seem to be out in good number, enjoying the sun.
“When the heat of the summer
Made drowsy the land,
A dragon-fly came
And sat on my hand.”
~Eleanor Farjeon
We often see snakes tucked in amongst the vegetation while walking around the boardwalk at Reelfoot Lake. Occasionally, they will fall from trees or slither along the handrails. Many are water snakes which are nonvenomous, but there are also cottonmouths in the mix.
“The serpent subtlest beast of all the field.” ~John Milton
“Do not let fear confine your life inside a shell of doubt; A turtle never moves until his head is sticking out.” ~ Charles Ghigna
Driving along the road, we spotted this elegant-looking eagle sitting serenely at the top of a cypress tree.
“There’s a nobility in his eye, a regal serenity about him. Does he not personify all that men try to be and never can be?” ~Michael Morpurgo
Bacteria feeding on decaying vegetation at the bottom of the lake release methane bubbles. The bubbles rise to the surface and become trapped, one over the other, in the newly frozen ice.
“In the stillness of a frozen moment, we can find the magic that life has to offer.” – Unknown
Some of the remnants of autumn staunchly stood their ground, while others lay intertwined just below the surface of the winter ice.
“Winter, come rest your soul on autumn’s weary head. Twirl, shimmer, soften before tucking fall to bed.” ~Angie Weiland-Crosby
The trees and animals weren’t the only ones with icy feet, but we still enjoyed walking around and seeing the frozen lake and cypress trees during the latest arctic blast.
“January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow.” ~Sara Coleridge
