In the spring, we took a boggy family hike through a riparian gulch along Skyline Ridge. Our feet were wet with dew as we plodded across a green meadow that lined the creek and opened to the morning sun. Spiders scampered underfoot. But the boys mostly chased each other, shouting southern anatomical parts and faceplanting into the foot-high grass occasionally. We stopped for lunch on an oak knoll, and passed around sandwiches and sunscreen. Out of my pocket I fished these intact turtle scutes that I’d found on our walk up there around an alpine pond. I figure they’re either from a painted turtle that got caught by (like I’d know, right?)…a coyote?
Scutes are like the skin on a turtle shell. In fact, it’s derived from the epidermis. The word ‘scute’ is derived from the Latin scutum, which means ‘shield.’ The shell, or carapace, can withstand great injury in order to protect the turtle; even deep cracks or entire missing portions are then filled with bone and then able to heal. The carapaces grow outward like the rings in a tree trunk. Just look at the beautiful patterns they make over time! And that, my chelonian buddies, is proof that the God drops acid.
More SPC patterns here.
incredible! really, wow! and i love the new site design.
You crack me up…southern anatomical parts and acid and all!
p.s. I feel myself rolling slowly back into the game (life, uploading photos, blogging again – maybe even today…) – phew – it’s been rough around these parts for a while.
Oh and – oops – that is one STUNNER of a photo 🙂
So beautiful! I looked at the photo for a bit before reading your entry, and the most exciting thing about strange little pieces like that is how many things they can be before you give them a name and a purpose.
why thank you, ladies 🙂
NICE.
I like the hand, sun, turtle back composition. Leaves alot of associations to be made.
this is a gorgeous shot. the details are elegant and the lighting is fantastic.
You were new to me and now I’m new to you.. and I love the tactile feel of this space. Adore the banner, words, photos, art. And, from the look of it, two jiggers, just like us…. ahhhh, sweet boys.
beautiful shot and amazing words, as usual.
the site looks fab!
thank you for explaining scutes to me – i wasn’t quite sure what i was looking at but it certainly is gorgeous.