“A walk in the park?’
“Sure,” I said. “It’s a beautiful day for a long walk.”
So my friend, Toni and I started along the path of Loantaka Park; the one force-shared by rivals as competitive as Coke and Pepsi, AT&T and Verizon, and the Montagues and Capulets, otherwise known as the adversarial Walkers and Bicycle Riders.
“Why don’t those bike riders make a sound to let us know they’re right behind us?”
“Well,” Toni answered, “Those bells we had on our bikes when we were children are just not a cool accessory for this generation of grownup bike riders.”
And so we dodged the bikers and briskly walked, with step counters clipped onto waistbands. Just as our heart rates were finally raised to any cardiologist’s expectations, a site greeted us along the side of the path. A small group of people centered around the attraction as we curiously joined them,
“What’s happening?” we asked the onlookers.
“A turtle is laying eggs.” 
And sure enough, as the group cleared enough space for us to see over the side of the path, we saw the turtle mom-to-be busy in labor, laying egg after egg right into the muddy hole she had dug. 
I felt embarrassed for her, out in the open, in plain view, during her private time of creation.
But she seemed oblivious to the humans rudely goggling at her, and went about the task at hand.
The humans gradually lost interest and opted instead for getting on with their exercising programs. We left Mom Turtle and continued our walk.
I’m sure that nature took care of the rest of the details.
MorristownMemos 
Comments on: "SUMMER WALK" (39)
What an incredible encounter, Ronnie, and aren’t you and your friend lucky to have chanced upon it!
Yes, it was an incredible encounter; I couldn’t help but notice how effortless it appeared to be for that turtle mother. She didn’t seem to be in any distress or pain. One little push and another egg was added to the stack of eggs. I was as amazed by the ease of Briinging eggs onto the world as I was watching the process itself!
Have you ever watched chicken laying eggs? Same process: no effort and no pain. The world is full of small miracles, dear Ronnie.
Actually I have never seen a chicken laying an egg, Dolly. But I believe you when you tell me that it causes no pain or effort to the chicken. I will sleep better tonight knowing that fact!
LOL I am glad I was able to contribute to your peace of mind, dear Ronnie.
wow this is a different kind of turtle. His head is big compared to others. I have not seen this before. You’re lucky you’re able to get a good shot of it 🙂
I’m not a turtle expert, but I was told that the pointed nose indicated that it was a snapping turtle.
oh nice, they are quite different from the regular ones. Thanks for sharing 🙂
You are welcome, and now you know all the information I have about turtles!
A beautiful encounter Ronnie, not often are we fortunate to be able to witness such a magical moment. The wonders of The Great Architect of the Universe are never ending in its beauty.
You’re so right, Ian. I have been walking in that park, on that same path, for years and never saw anything as amazing as this publicly egg laying turtle !
What a magical thing to see! 👍❤
Yes, it was an amazing sight!
What a great “find” on a walk! Seems like a special encounter with nature and I always find those moments surprising and very special. 🙂
We find all sorts of nature sites in that park: the litle frog “peepers” in spring, bird nest building and an occasional snake slithering across the walking path. I am not as enthralled by the slithering as by other activities of other creatures!
Brings to mind the story of the tortoise and the hare…. only this tortoise stopped for babies before continuing on to compete with bikers and walkers.
How clever of you, Dor! The tortoise and the hare story never occurred to me.
hello DEAREST RONNIE,i can envision your setting and the awesomeness of watchinga very private delivery while forcing yourself to stay onthe path, not responding to your inner self, to step off thepath and watch the final egg to ping onto the murky soiland allow the babe to emerge.reminds me of a similar blessed occasion many years back.my parents had a penthouse on the beach at pompanobeach florid. lo and behold, a HUGE turtle messily, hastily dug her hole to deposit her eggs in the sand,then turned back into the open ocean, where touchinglyher mate was waiting for her return just yards off the sandwhere they turned full circle and headed to the deepcool Oceanit is a blessing to have both experiences, you in the swampand us in the sand.
Yes, Lynn; now we have something else in common. Watching turtles turtle lay eggs!
Fascinating egg laying sequence. Less than fascinating bike riders – after all they have voices, don’t they?
Before having phones with cameras I carry all the time, I would have missed so many interesting pictures. That turtle laying eggs was an amazing opportunity for a photo op.
Bikers’ inconsideration outweighs their voices. They must resent having to share the path with walkers.
And here the roads with cars
Quite a sight! Looks like a snapping turtle.
I am slowly training the bikers that we share our trail with, Every once in a while I put my arm in a cast then stick out my arm like I am stretching and clothesline a biker. Then say how sorry I am, but I just didn’t hear you coming. Very rewarding, but I’m spending a fortune in plaster.
Congratulations on identifying the Snapping Turtle, Al. I forgot to mention that minor fact…
As for the biker trick of yours, do you use a real cast? How did you get one? When my last arm cast was taken off several centuries ago it was cut off, rendering it unusable.
What a beautiful encounter Ronnie. Life goes on regardless. Wonderful pictures. 💕
That was such an uplifting experience!
Must have been wonderful to witness Ronnie 🙂
Great pics. Thanks!!! Stay safe, Adrianne
Thanks, Adrianne. They were taken with my iPhone. I don’t ever bother to get out the camera any more….
Wow! How gracious of her to share her moment of creation with you. Divine nature.
and btw — bells are required by law on all bicycles here — doesn’t mean they are actually present or they are used, but they are a necessary accoutrement of every bicycle. 🙂
I’m a big fan of bicycle bells. I think the relationship between walkers and bikers would improve if they didn’t imperil each other.
Always nice to see nature replenishing. Bikers should say something if they are behind you. In NYC in the old days, couriers used to have a whistle to blow. Maybe you could grab a Zagster Bike Share and join ’em
You can always be counted on to come up with a creative solution, John.
Thank you, Ronnie.
That is a solution I had not thought of before!
Ta da.
Third try – Lucky You – Gaye
Do you mean Lucky me for seeing turtle laying eggs?
Lucky you!