I declare this day to be "Painted Turtle Day!"

It was a hot, sunshiny Sunday...just the kind of day that painted turtles would be out in droves, sunning themselves on logs.

It seemed as though everywhere I paddled along the southwestern shore, I would see a turtle or two on a log.

Gee, I wanted to stretch out and sun myself as well! The turtles looked so happy, so peaceful.

Of late, I have been worried that the number of turtles was decreasing, but in reality, I just get out boating too early for them to appear. They love the heat of the day, while I love the early morning coolness...