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.
We spotted a Mississippi map turtle basking near the base of a cypress tree in the lake. These turtles inhabit waters along the Mississippi River and are identifiable by their shell patterns, which resemble the contoured lines of a map. They feature vivid yellow markings, yellow eyes, and a serrated ridge down the center of their shells. Their diet consists of aquatic plants, fish, and invertebrates.
“Picture me then idle, basking, plump, and happy, stretched on a cushioned deck, warmed with constant sunshine, rocked by breezes indolently soft.” ~Charlotte Bronte
“Do not let fear confine your life inside a shell of doubt; A turtle never moves until his head is sticking out.” ~ Charles Ghigna
Some of the flora and fauna that add to the charm and allure of this beautiful lake.
“You can’t really say what is beautiful about a place, but the image of the place will remain vividly with you.” ~Tadao Ando
A calm and slightly overcast day make for some pretty reflections on the water.
“Only in still waters do things reflect undistorted.” – Anne Brown
“Take a walk with a turtle. And behold the world in pause.” ~Bruce Feiler
Various shades of brown can be found in nature’s palette. These earthy hues provide a richness and warmth that can be soothing to the soul.
“Nature gives to every time and season unique beauty; from morning to night, as from the cradle to the grave, it’s just a succession of changes so soft and comfortable that we hardly notice the progress.” ~ Charles Dickens
There almost looks like a smile on this turtle’s face as he sits contently, basking in the sunshine at the base of a large cypress tree out in the lake.
“A smile is the light in the window of your face that tells people you’re at home.” ~Unknown
Hiking on the boardwalk around the edge of Reelfoot Lake is a good way to see native plant and animal life, with each season offering up its own variety of treasures.
“I felt my lungs inflate with the onrush of scenery … I thought ‘this is what it is to be happy.'” ~Sylvia Plath
Turtles seem to be plentiful this year. Here are a few seen in May and June.
“Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast.” ~William Shakespeare
walking on a country road 