Right after the flood waters went down last month, I made one of my periodic sweeps through what is left of Smelterville.
The only sign of life was this snapping turtle the size of a small washtub making his way across La Cruz street near the railroad tracks.
Now, I’ve been known to help your basic box turtle cross the road, but this guy could snap a broomstick if he set his mind to it. I figured he could make it across without my assistance.
If you like big turtles, you can click on the photo to make him larger (at your own risk. You have been warned).