Orlando is simply glorious in the spring. The flowers are blooming, the wind is blowing at just the right speed, and turtles are on the loose. Orlando tends to be busy during the spring months with visitors taking advantage of the latest travel deals to get here for a swing around the theme parks or to participate in the tons of offerings for things to do in the area. As a result it seems, turtles face a little more difficulty in crossing the roads to go from one lake to the next.
Rodents, Bugs and Turtles – Oh My!
Let me start this story by saying I am scared of any animal that is not classified as a dog or cat. I am scared of rodents, bugs, and now, turtles. I am scared of anything I think can outrun me.
Now I’m not talking about those cute little green turtles we used to grow in the terrariums before their import was outlawed. I’m talking about those huge mama jammas that snap and as it turns out, can move rather quickly.
So on a beautiful spring day in Orlando, we were headed down one of the main roads to check out a new restaurant in town. Right in the middle of the road, there was this huge snapping turtle. Of course I didn’t realize it was a snapping turtle until the thing tried to take my hand off.
The Good Samaritan Tries to Lend a Hand – Literally!
I consider myself a Good Samaritan when the need arises, and I figured I would try to get this poor turtle out of the middle of the road. After prodding with sticks, shoes, and verbal instruction, it wasn’t budging.
It just so happened I had a pet carrier in the back of my car. I’m not one of those “think on your feet” types of people. I tend to like to mull things over for a few days before I come up with the wrong decision. I run get the pet taxi and with the help of a friend and a few worthless bystanders, we attempt to get the turtle I have named Susie into the pet taxi. As I put it down in front of dear Susie, she retracted her head, and I took this as my opportunity to lift her – the whole time screaming in sheer terror – to get her into the pet carrier. With her head toward the back and her body completely filling the compartment, we loaded Susie into the trunk and headed toward the nearest lake.
Sounds of Trepidation
You know how you can hear a sound and all of a sudden you are filled with fear? I heard that sound and immediately knew trouble was ahead. I pulled up to the lake and ran to open the trunk. Sure enough, Susie apparently morphed into some svelte, lithesome turtle and had managed to turn herself around to the front of the carrier. She was snapping at me before I even started to pick her up. Naturally, I begin screaming like the big old scardy cat I am. I pick up the carrier while the Olga Korbut of turtles is just snapping away.
Of course, I have the mac daddy of pet carriers; one of those “doors guaranteed to stay closed” types. (Note to self, write pet carrier manufacturer testimonial letter.) Fortunately, it also “no tools required” for assembly or in my case, disassembly. I undo all the screws and find the longest tree branch available to flip off the top cover. I swear I see steam coming from Susie’s ears. With her freedom immediately at hand, she decides she isn’t ready to budge. I run to my car, all the while in my mind knowing she is chasing me. I jump in the car and lock the doors (how stupid is that?) only to look back and see Susie apparently taking time to sun bathe while sitting in the bottom of the pet carrier.
About two hours later, she decides to mosey on out and take a dip in the cool waters of Lake Lucerne. You know, I never drive by that lake that I don’t give a shout out to Susie. If you are out and about in Orlando and have that fear of anything other than dogs and cats, go ahead and ride with a pet carrier. You just never know when it might come in handy.
Have you got a crazy travel story to share? I would love to hear it. Leave us a comment!
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