Something New in July. July 4th and 5th, 2025

Andrea had Friday the 4th off for some reason. Supposed to celebrate something but we know of nothing worth celebrating. I'd done some looking into a spot on the middle of the state that we've been wanting to go... a big reservoir. Because I'm not very bright, I thought there was a park. And there is, so that's where I researched for trails and stuff. We drove for a couple of hours (some heavy traffic due to accidents) and finally got to the visitor's center, got some maps and asked for some directions. Ready to go.



We drove through the park, checking out various spots through the car windows and finally got to the path I'd chosen. It's a wooded trail that winds up next to a wetlands and pond. Sounds good! And the fact that we found a (heavily scarred) Ringneck under some bark right away on the trail (after a mile walk to the trailhead, that is) was a good omen.

We went through the trail slowly, keeping our eyes peeled, ate some wild blueberries, saw some predated turtle nests but saw no animals. Right around here, Andrea told me that this park is the South end of this area only and the area itself is massive and not a park. Basically, I had failed again. Still, once we hit the pond at the end of this trail, it was almost worth it. (I fell once during the walk, too.) Worth it in that it was beautiful out there. Finally, we saw some turtles. A Painter and... what's that other one?

Ah yes, a Musk.

That made us happy enough to head back, eat more blueberries on the way, and see a Pickerel Frog back at the beginning of the trail.

Not a ton for the few miles invested but it was better than sitting on the couch. We hit another spot on the way back to the road and found some Redbacks amongst some broken foundations.

Well, I felt a bit foolish having put so much effort into, essentially, the wrong place, but whatever. We saw five heard-earned species out there and I added a couple of birds. (Shitty pictures, not worth sharing.) We were hungry so we went to get some fries and shakes at a nearby place. We got the shakes but they seemed to forget the fries. Finally, we got them and I dropped my shake that I'd tried to save and spilled 2/3 of it all over myself and the floor. I cleaned it up. I was pissed.

We were close to a favorite spot, so we drove 20 minutes to another place in Hampshire County as my chocolate shake hardened on my clothing. We got there and hit the short path. A Bullfrog greeted us.

One of my favorite places in the world is here, in fact, I want my ashes tossed into this turtle lagoon. It's just a deck overlooking the pond, but the pond is filled with Painted Turtles just being Painted Turtles. Some bask...

and some swim.

Check out the leech on this guy's shell.

He was up basking later, knowing he had to bake it off.

I could stand here looking at turtles all day, but the sun was baking us a little too. This Bullfrog jumped for cover.

A small Green Frog moved into position.

A small Snapper was also seen out there!

Man, I just love this spot. I hope to die soon so my ashes will  be amongst all of those critters.

Continuing on the path, we got to some logs chopped up from a fallen tree. I was peeking under bark and Garters were were scooting out. I saw two and couldn't get a shot of either. Andrea found one and I got this shitty shot to prove that yes, there are bark Garters here!

On the drive out of there, we saw this. Very much appreciated.

So, that was nine reptile and amphibian  species on the day. Not a bad count for the day, despite all of the trials and tribulations. Less traffic on the way home was also appreciated. Then we had to hear fireworks all night.

The next day, Saturday the 5th, was going to be hot, so we headed into Norfolk County early to have a look for Copperheads. We know that they've dispersed and could be just about anywhere in the vicinity of their dens. I gave the trail that had borne viper fruit in the past a very good look-see, but came up empty for anything. No Coppers, no Racers, no Garters, no salamanders. Nothing. Well, I did see this cool Summer Fishfly.

I said, "Jeez- not even a compensatory Redback for my efforts." But it was pretty dry. But then, miraculously, I rolled over a log and got our First of Year Marbled Salamander, and boy howdy! What a beauty!

Nice compensation, indeed!

Driving out, we pulled in to a small reservoir (a theme!) because it has been a good toad spot and Tinies should be present by now! It was very overgrown but we found our way to an opening. This stunning Green Frog was there.

And yes, tiny American Toads were hopping through the weeds like little bugs! I love Tiny Season.

Mission accomplished, we headed home as it got hotter. The wildlife continued in our dumpster. Man, what a look we got for waking him up!

The next day was going to be steaming. Andrea wanted to swim so we went to our favorite pond in Norfolk County. I forgot my camera. Once again, I had failed. At the swimming spot, there was a Garter laying on a Water Snake. Everybody there got nice up-close shots of the duo. When Andrea got out of the water she gave me her phone, told me how to take a picture, and I scared them off in my attempt. Another failure.

But we got to see some critters over those three days. Look, as I get older, I'm getting dumber, clumsier and more forgetful. I guess I'll just have to get used to it until I can be in that turtle lagoon permanently.