Today was a good day for taking a slow walk in the countryside. Something I often do as I live there too. I headed out toward the winding country road that is a few hundred feet from my house. I pause as I reach the gravel road and look back toward my house that has dissapeared behind me in the myriad of green, yellow and brown foilage from the trees preparing for winter and the spattering of cedars here and there. I have passed from the cool cover of arching branches and into the bright light focused on this winding lane.
It is warmer now as the sun shines and lights my journey. Warmer now than the cozy house I just emerged from a few minutes earlier. A slight breeze stirs the air and I walk, a little more briskly now, taking in the fresh air, the smells, sounds, and views of a wonderful day..."wonderful feeling...wonderful day"... as they say.
I have gone a few hundred yards, when I pass by a lone box turtle sunning itself in the middle of the road. A wiley and bold turtle indeed, he must be, as he has his head stuck out, neck stretched full, looking at me. As I grow closer, he does not budge or withdraw, not even as I stop 2 feet away and say, "Hello Turtle".
Now, for those of you that do not know...this is a very unusual sight to see a turtle that does not immediately withdraw its head into hiding as anyone approaches. So, I think to myself, this must be a very confident turtle and not threatened by humans. But also quite rude, as he does not once respond to my freindly Hello greeting.
After pausing a few moments, to commiserate in a one sided chat, ...I head on down the road ...glancing back occassionally to see if turtle has moved from his repose.
Eventually, I reach the midway of my intended journey and now, turn around to head back down the path, retracing my steps along the way. As I emerge again at the top of the hill, I see Mr. Trutle has started a walk himself...moving slowly from his sunny spot in the middle of the road. Fortunately, this is a less travelled road, although, I have sometimes seen a passing vehicle during my previous journeys.
"Hurry up Mr Turtle, you are entering the danger zone"...the part of the road packed down by repeated tire tracks. I paused again at the side of the road to take in the turtle jog. And then....
And then...
A cloud of dust rises from the horizon,
and a large whtie car comes barrelling down the road....
I scream, "Watch Out Turtle", in my mind. 
The car swerves and barely misses the turtle.
Mr turtle is scared shitless...
and withdraws into his shell.
He will not come out,
Even when I explain how it is safe now and he should quickly move on.
He ignores me again.
So, I walk on, looking up to scan the blue sky above...this is the spot where I usually see buzzards flying overhead and swooping down close to see if I am a potential meal....
No buzzards in sight. Good omen. 
Along I go, on my way again toward home...but curiosity gets the better of me and I head back, retracing my steps again...to see if Mr. Turtle is moving again. Nope, still frozen in the same hazardous tire track zone...but now he is sticking his head out again. I nudge him with my toe to move him along...which of course I know does not work with turtles, but I do it anyway. He keeps his head out as I nudge him along...but then sticks out his front feet to stop his skid forward.
Ok...I'll just pick him up and place him in the grass on the other side of the road. And I did.
Bye Mr. Turtle.
Nice walking with you today.
>>> Mr. Turtle <<<
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read more blogs!
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teddybearr48
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Oct 19 @ 2:01PM
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In case you wonder, this is a true story.
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Blaiserboy
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Oct 19 @ 2:34PM
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I am sure, that once Mr Turtle has a moment to relax and ponder. he will be eternally grateful for your help..
Nice story..
Thanks for that....!
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bluewind37
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Oct 19 @ 3:02PM
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Where I live, it's not uncommon to see snapping turtles on the side of the road. Plenty of times I have stopped to move one out of the road. Those snappers are some ungrateful and ornery critters, but, they deserve a fair shot at living too. By the way, my sister has a pet snapping turtle. She's had that turtle for 27 years now. Biggest baby in the world. 
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southernlass
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Oct 19 @ 5:18PM
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God bless you, my friend, for helping him cross the road. You have no idea probably, but this is exactly what wild life rescuers recommend you do with a turtle that has not been injured. Turtles demand a great deal of special care; they do not really make good pets because of this fact.
I have rescued two wild turtles and now have a beautiful, large turtle habitat with pond and waterfall for them on the back of my propety. Both are doing well and swim happily in their pond during the majority of the year. When it's really cold they come in for a few months into their indoor pond. They are a joy, but as I said, an awful lot of trouble and expense. Mine are aquatic turtles and thus need the water. A box turtle probably is a little easier to care for, but I'm so glad that you simply helped him along his way and that he is safe.
It was a good story. I know you'll be blessed for your kindness to him. One kudo well earned for you, sir.
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missliss78
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Oct 19 @ 8:16PM
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Awesome li'l story there, Mr. bearr!
It almost felt like I was by your side enjoying that walk & talk with Mr. Turtle with you!
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