Thankful for Wildlife?

I was telling Dynamo that I should do a Thankful Thursday post about being thankful for my snake friends. I've always been a little torn about how I feel. At times I thought the snakes were haunting me. I even researched animal totems and possible reasons that I could be seeing all of these snakes. But, in the end I think the bottom line is that when you bike as much as Dynamo and I do we're gonna see critters. We're gonna see more than most people because we bike anywhere from 25 to 45 miles each week. And, when you start early or late in the day, that's when they're most active, especially in the summertime.

So, I've decided to be at peace with nature, especially the slithering creatures. We have come to an understanding with one another. It doesn't mean that they don't scare the poop out of me when I am surprised by them, but it does mean that I understand that they have a place. I am in their habitat disturbing their life and daily rituals, so why should I get upset that they're there?!?

I LOVE when we see lots of activity in the park. I enjoy seeing the squirrels gathering food and playing, the deer, especially the babies with spots, and the turtles.

Dynamo took a ride the other night while I was helping mom out with Bible School dinner. Here's what he saw...





And, when MBM, Dynamo, and I rode on Tuesday evening we saw this turtle in the middle of the fireroad.



He was struggling so hard. When we finally got a close inspection we realized that he only had 3 legs. WOW!! It's amazing how they survive. Dynamo helped him up over the hill since he was like a tire stuck in the mud...just spinning!



And...we couldn't leave the park without checking on our "favorite" snake family. Since it was getting dark, we knew they would be out hunting. Sure enough...



The picture shows 2, but there were 4 total. I guess naming them Jack and Dianne won't work now. So, I'm looking for naming suggestions. Got any?

Dynamo and MBM were very interested as you can see here!



It felt like a National Geographic episode. Talk about being close to nature! Happy Thursday!

Mountain Bike Monday - Happy Birthday Poco!

Well, this year is the 75th anniversary of Virginia's state parks! How wonderful!!! The park was alive with all sorts of activity over the weekend. There were nature hikes, scavenger hunts, animal observations, etc. Much to be done at the park over the weekend! It was so nice to see all the people out celebrating the parks! It's a nice change from the middle of winter when there's hardly anyone around!



We went for our usual Saturday morning spin starting early to beat the heat! When I say early I mean about 7:30 a.m. As the summer continues we will start even earlier! We tackled the Lakeview Trails first and then made our way over to the green and blue trails!  After that we stopped by the Heritage Center where we found all sorts of people and activities. We stopped to chat with some people before heading back to the truck via fireroads.



While chatting with some park rangers we found out that the snakes from the other day actually have lived at the park in the same location for about 6 years! The picture of the dam above is right before the bridge where they live. YIKES! I can't believe that as many times as we've crossed that bridge that we've never noticed them lounging there! When we crossed on Saturday we didn't see them, but the ranger said he had just seen them a little while earlier. He confirmed that they are, in fact, northern watersnakes. He said they like to hang out in the culvert pipes or on the rocks and let the water rush over them. What a cool life huh?

Let's just say that according to my snake book, which is the official Dept. of Game and Inland Fisheries book, the northern watersnake has long teeth and will bite repeatedly. So, I really don't want to make one mad by trying to inspect them too closely. So, from now on we'll ride by and wave letting them just be!

So, after an adventurous fact-finding morning, we completed our ride with about 25 miles! I just love learning about nature! I think it ultimately will make me less afraid. At least I hope so!