Maybe you've never heard of a banana slug? Second largest slug in the world and most of them reside in the Pacific Northwest. They are usually yellow with brown spots (hence, the name), but they can also be brown, green or even almost black. I think I kind of heard of banana slugs before visiting the Redwoods area, but I don't remember the context and it seemed like such a fleeting conversation. Fast forward to the day we hiked the trail of the giant Redwoods-they only allow 50 car passes a day to this area and the information area that you get the permits for this also had a gift shop. Of course, I had to browse and buy a few things-and as I was at the cash register waiting to pay, there was a plastic yellow slug sitting there. So, I asked, "Is that a banana slug?" and the answer was, "yes" (as though I should know, but I didn't). And, I laughed and said, "Oh, that's why they're called banana slugs!" As I had never seen a picture of them. I just thought banana slugs were called that because they lived in banana trees-not knowing that they are predominantly in the Pacific Northwest where there is nary a banana tree. So, now I know. And, now you know!
A few hours later, at the bottom of the trail of the giant redwoods, in the dappled light of the afternoon I see a gleam of yellow from under a fern frond. Lo, and behold! A banana slug!! It's a, "Be still my heart" kind of moment as I got up close to take these. Granted, this one seems like a young one, but don't you think they're kind of cool looking? So yellow and all.
Look closely and I think you can see what must be its eyes. And a smile. Of course there's a smile-that's my story and I'm sticking to it!
In the meantime:
Join us as a group of us (yes-there are many of us!) from around the world post our shadow shots over at Shadow Shot Sunday 2. Entertain your muse and be amused by stopping by to see what others have posted!
5 comments:
Well, those are different shadow shots for the day, Paula, and they are great ones! But I think I would probably keep my distance!!
Okay, so slugs are not my favorite creepy crawlie, but you've captured some great shadows here. I'm just glad I'm not seeing them in real life!
oh yes I remember all my gardenig days in the Pacific Northwest and those pesky slugs! I had chickens that would gobble up the slug eggs....a fowl revenge haha
Have a great slug free day!
It is hard to believe these are slugs - it looks more like a piece of tree-ripened fruit awaiting the harvest. Only its changing position suggests a creepy bug...
Shall I be honest? I'd rather not meet one of these critters in person!
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