Found a snapping turtle with the sheep.

Our day started off with horrible heat and humidity. The sheep and I discovered a huge snapping turtle in the compost heap. We heard a hiss and Wu started stamping her hoof showing a warning to the flock. The babies didn’t listen to well and were curious.

The turtle didn’t like the idea of moving. I think that it had climbed up because of the nesting duck or maybe it was making its own nest to lay eggs. In any case, I was afraid that it would go after the ducks or even hurt the lambs if they go too close. I tried to lift it with the shovel, but it was much to big and heavy and then it quickly buried itself back into the compost heap. Look closely and you will see its tail.

I was able to flip it down the hill with my shovel, then into the hay sled and we took a short ride out of the pasture and down the road.

Another quick flip and out of the sled. With the shovel as a prodding stick, the turtle reluctantly went back into the woods.  Now I wonder if the turtle came from the pond next door or from our beaver pond at the bottom of the hill.  Was this reptile responsible for the eggs vanishing?  What of the ducklings to come soon?

I told the turtle that if she ever shows up again in the pasture, I will make turtle soup out of her. She has her fair warning.  I have never had turtle soup but I bet its good.

The cold front has come through and it is a bit better weather tonight for sleeping.  I managed to get in a couple of miles running between the storms.  But I am restless.  We seem to have a batch of no-see-ums in the bedroom and Bub is snoring to beat the band.  It is a good night to write.