This big guy and I met as we were both strolling across a fairway in Florida. I stopped to let him pass, but he saw me and curiosity got the best of him. He turned and began walking right at me. Ever been charged by a gopher tortoise? It is a bit freaky, but it is also a lot less frightening than being charged by an alligator. Alligators are faster than I am, but I am faster than a turtle.
When he got close enough to confirm that a big man was in his path, he pulled his head and legs inside his carapace for protection. (That is his shell, Lowell.) I slowly moved to the side and walked away, hoping that he would decide that the danger had passed and he could go to where he was going. He finally did.
Jack, you are a brave man to continue taking photos when you are under attack.
ReplyDeleteHe looks pretty friendly to me!!
ReplyDeleteI love turtles!
ReplyDelete(http://marielatortue.blogspot.com/)
They are my totem animal!:o)they're friendly, calm, patient, and would not attack you.
i'm surprised you were taking photos during a game of golf.
ReplyDeleteDo you get relief if your ball is blocked by a turtle hazard.
ReplyDeleteIn Arizona people have desert tortoises as back yard pets. My kids land our dog loved. The tortoises loved the grass.
The gopher tortoise sounds very brave! Glad you had your camera with you.
ReplyDeleteOh I love turtles! Maybe he wanted you to take his picture.
ReplyDeleteAdorable turtle and you got such a cute portrait! I had a turtle when I was a kid and I'm still enchanted by all turtles, they are lovely critters!
ReplyDeleteHappy weekend,
Léia
What a terrific shot of that guy!! I love it!! Glad you had your camera! And I'm glad you explained "carapace" for Lowell, it informed me as well!! Well, if you see him again -- the turtle that is -- tell him hi for me! Sounds like your weekend is off to a great start, Jack!!
ReplyDeleteThis fellow reminds me of an African tortoise I was given when I was a kid, which lived for many years in my parents' yard until it vanished for good. I always blamed the gardener.
ReplyDeleteEverywhere you go, you meet someone who wants to appear on your blog!
ReplyDeleteHe certainly was ready for his close-up, Jack. This is one portrait I didn't expect to see on HDP. Nice capture of his intense look as he was charging at you. Gotta love a tortoise hazard. And, I agree -- I'll take a tortoise on a fairway over a gator any day.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad that in all the excitement you still took pictures. This is a great shot of the curious guy.
ReplyDeleteI have still to see a turtle charge... This is an extremely nice portrait Jack!
ReplyDeleteAnother portrait! Love that you are at his level for the shot. Did you wonder that you were playing so slowly that he wanted to play through?
ReplyDeleteBises,
Genie
Thanks for helping Lowell out. Wonderful shot, Jack!
ReplyDelete*ps HK and lobsters coming in the near future to Blog near you.
hahahahahaha Grin!
Another super portrait Jack!
ReplyDeleteI saw a big green turtle on my vacation too.
ReplyDeleteI hope you didn't make eye contact! ;-)
ReplyDeleteSunshine Coast Daily Photo - Australia
Three things: were you lying on the fairway to take this shot, do you often come across turtles on the golf course, and how many people played past you while you were 'involved' with taking this image? Btw...super shot!!
ReplyDeleteShame it wasn't an Eagle or a Birdie!
ReplyDeleteVery scary meeting.
ReplyDeleteGreat shot!
ReplyDeleteThat is a big fellow!
ReplyDeleteI remember once escorting a snapping turtle across a road in Ontario's cottage country. Towards the edge of the road, he moved quickly towards me as if to bite...
Love it! You never know who you might meet on the golf course.
ReplyDeleteHellooooo, nice you!!!
ReplyDeleteGreat shot, Jack!