Snappy Summer (Original Photography)

Happy meteorological summer! Here in Mankato, the temperature flipped from "spring" to summer" as if a switch were thrown. Gone are the chilly spring days and here is the heat of summer.

Since completing a master's degree in early May, I've mostly been looking for work. It's a slow process and, as always, a little depressing. To counter that, I've been looking for good photo ops and spending a bit more time in nature. It's amazing what being in a forest, surrounded by trees and clean air can do for one's outlook.

While out at Triple Falls, I came across another creature apparently pondering the universe and his place in it...

^{Snappy Face}

This is quite possibly the oldest snapping turtle I've ever seen. It was hard to get a good photo, since he was surrounded by large rocks and, well, I didn't want to get snapped. Snapping turtles are quite capable of taking off a human's finger with their powerful jaws. Standing ankle-deep in the stream and crouching down, I was able to get this portrait of him.

^{Strange Stone}

If you didin't take a good look, you might accidentally step on him, trying to cross the stream. Here's a more detailed view of his old, weathered shell. The other side has a long crack.

^{Not A Stepping Stone}

Somewhere, I read that these turtles can live almost 50 years. I can only guess at this one's age, but it's entirely possible that he's older than I am!

^{Triple Falls}

Thank you for taking a look! If you enjoy my work, please click the upvote button. Comments are also greatly appreciated.