Eastern Box Turtles

I have been seeing several Eastern Box Turtles in the last couple days. Of course they are always crossing the road and I have to be careful not to crush them. The turtles are not endangered, but thier numbers are still quite small. They burrow into the dirt when temperatures get too cold for them which is much under 38 degrees. They go into a sort of hibernation until the weather warms up and food is available. I think lately they have been heading to the creek to cool off as it has been unbearably hot. The temperatures have been in the 90's with about the same humidity.

We have been working early and stopping by 1:30pm as it becomes hard to breathe and work. Last year I got way too much heat and I am not about to repeat that event. I didn't feel good for 2 or 3 days after. When it gets hot in the forest it is always humid. It is sort of like living inside a terrarium. 

Between the rain and the heat we are trying to get some outdoor painting jobs done. It is a difficult task at best. The grass is still growing at a good rate even with the high temperatures due to the rain included with the heat. 

Everyone has been staying as close to the creek as possible in tubes, canoes, kayaks or just sitting in a lawn chair in the middle of it. The warm temperatures have slowed down the fishing as the temperature of Pine Creek is approaching 70 degrees according to Tom Finkbinder who runs Slate Run General Store and is an Orvis dealer.

The dogs pretty much stay indoors or in the creek trying to keep cool as well. So if you come to camp bring a variety of clothes. You never know when we can go from hot back to cool. I would prefer a little cool right now. Mountain girl, Paula, logging out.