This writer apologizes to those who think one turtle story per year is enough. Each was a product of recent experience.

As they got off their golf carts and walked toward the 12th green at Pebble Lake Golf Course Jake stopped. He spread his arms, palms spread backwards, in a halt fashion. The foursome stopped like a platoon on patrol. As the foursome watched a crow walked toward a small dark object moving slowly across the green. With a quick peck the crow picked up the small object, spread its wings and flew off.

As the other three watched Jake hurried onto the green and picked up three other small dark objects moving slowly. “What are you doing Jake? What are those things?” Carl asked.

Jake held his cupped hands together and showed his golf buddies three newly hatched painted turtles. “These little guys have just hatched and are heading for the pond in front of 13 tee. They are completely vulnerable; their shells have not hardened; they are easy pray for almost any predator.”

He turned one of the inch in diameter, babies over revealing the red/yellow painted pattern. “Not many of these guys make it to the water, when they do the fish and snakes and herons get them,” Jake said as he headed for the pond where he carefully dropped the turtles into the grass along the shoreline.

This round of golf at Pebble Lake and nature adventure started two weeks earlier at Braemar in Edina.

For several years this foursome of Edina residents have reserved Wednesday afternoon for their weekly round at Braemar. They shared the common trait of success in business, love of family and a camaraderie on the golf course where they enjoyed being outside competing while observing the wonders of Mother Nature. Foursome members better have really good excuses for missing this weekly reprieve from the reality of life.

During the second round of the new season, each golfer was expounding on what he and his wife were seeking during their twilight years. Golf courses, access to airports (for kids and grandchildren visits), quality medical care was all listed repeatedly. Bud the CPA was talking of his love for Tucson. “We spent some time in Green Valley again this winter. That higher elevation will make the summers bearable, close to Phoenix and great hiking. And we can play golf all winter. The javelina were everywhere this winter, like playing golf in a zoo.”

Jake, a customer service rep, who grew up in Fergus Falls said, “I love nature, just seeing animals in their struggle to survive gives me a warm feeling. Beckie and I are thinking of moving back home to Fergus Falls when we retire. We have family there and we enjoy all four seasons. The hunting and fishing are great and Pebble Lake Golf Course is really fun to play.”

Carl, the financial planner, asked, “Why would you want to go back to the country and play golf on some goat track after playing courses like Braemar for years?”

Carl’s comment was made while they were playing the 16th hole. “That is what I am talking about,” Jake said, as he pointed to a giant snapping turtle, caked with mud, as it slowly crawled across the fairway.

In a defensive tone, Jake continued, “Don’t knock it until you have tried it. The golf course is wonderful, great condition and beautiful. We should go out and play Pebble Lake some time, you would love the course…. and the area.”

Carl chuckled and challenged Jake, “You drive your Suburban and pay the greens fee and I am in.”

“I will drive! And I will pay your greens fees, under one condition,” Jake said.

“What’s the condition Jake?” Carl questioned.

“When we finish our round, and you guys have to be honest, if the golf course is truly better than you thought, you have to pay me back for your greens fee and also split the cost of mine.”

Bud laughed as he said, “Sounds like a cheap golf date to me, but it would have to be a weekend.”

Jake got his money back; the guys had a few beers on the way home.

The following Wednesday Fritz said while they waited on the first tee, “I did a little research on those painted turtles. The most interesting thing is, like many reptiles, their sex is determined by the temperature at which their eggs are incubated. Warmer temperatures typically produce females, cooler temperatures make males. Must have been really cold when the four of us were incubated. Those little guys are favorite food for raccoons and even bigger turtles eat them. The few who make it to adulthood can live 30 years or more. Turtles play a vital role in the ecosystem.”

Carl said in a sarcastic tone, “Wow these weekly golf rounds have turned into a science lesson. What’s the subject next week Fritz?”

Bud said with a laugh, “Jake should have somehow marked those little guys he saved from that crow. That way 30 years from now when he is playing the red tees at Pebble Lake, he might meet up with of those adult turtles that he rescued from the crow”

“Just hit the damn ball Bud, I got you five- five- five,” Jake smirked.