The fall of 2021 was a mild one and saw me snorkeling in the lakes of northern Wisconsin up to the end of October. The water and the air were not only warm enough for me but also turtles. I would have figured by that time of year the turtles would have been burrowed down in the mud hibernating and waiting for spring and they probably thought the same of me.
There are many stories of turtles in First Nations folklore from north America was created on the back of a turtle to turtles are associated with healing, wisdom and spirituality.
We crossed paths often in the fall of 2021 and I hope they imparted some of their wisdom on me if not I enjoyed there company.
All of the photos below are of the Painted turtle – all except one – can you find the snapping turtle?
