Offering unsolicited assistance

I had been planning to go for a hike today, but it was supposed to rain so I decided not to. I did want to do something, so before I went to town I drove over to the East Rim Overlook. Before I got there, I had to stop for a big old turtle that was by the side of the road!

I picked him up to move him the rest of the way across the road, and he did NOT like it! He started snapping - really loud. Click. Click. I hadn't really thought it through... but I did have a grip far enough back that he couldn't reach me! I set him down and backed away quickly.

The mountain laurel along the path to the overlook are still blooming, but there are a lot of blossoms that are already finished. Still, it's a lovely scene as you walk through the woods.

This is that mystery tree by the overlook. Is this the finished flower, or will they open further?

Back at the parking lot, I had to get some pictures of the magnolia tree that is blooming there. I've been seeing these along the road, "like great lights in the forest." I'm pretty sure this is big-leaf magnolia, but there are several varieties here, so I will have to check.

How about some scale references for this thing?

He was still there when I drove out. Apparently he is undecided as to which direction he wants to go. Oh, well, it's a side road, and he's big enough people will see him, hopefully.