I found more than just salamanders in the Smokies... 💍

 

On Wednesdays We Wear Scales  A midweek check-in from your favorite pink-haired reptile nurse. Hey! I’m back from Asheville, and I have survived the mountains. The "Big Top-Off" ritual worked perfectly, the robots held down the fort, the animals are thriving, and I somehow came back with a little extra weight on my left hand. I’m engaged! I spent the whole trip in my element: messy pink hair, muddy boots, and scanning the ground for anything with scales or slime. I didn’t think anything could distract me from a good herping session, but my partner managed to pull off the ultimate surprise. I’m still figuring out how to balance this beautiful purple stone with my usual covered in calcium powder and substrate aesthetic, but I think I can make it work. The Zoo MVP Shoutout Before we get into the muddy stuff, I have to give a massive shoutout to my coworker, Marcus. Remember how I said you need a Trustworthy Person to leave your zoo? Marcus was that person this week. He didn't just check the water bowls, he stepped up for Sapphire, who needed some extra one-on-one care while we were gone. Having peace of mind that Sapphire was in good hands is the only reason we were able to actually relax and enjoy the mountains. Every keeper needs a Marcus. If you're reading this, man, thank you! Featured Creature: The Salamander Capital If you’ve never been to the Smoky Mountains, you are missing out on the salamander capital of the world. It’s not just about the views; it’s the humidity. The Smokies are essentially a giant, temperate rainforest. Because it’s so lush and damp, you don’t just find salamanders in the water, you find them under every log, leaf, and rock. It’s a literal treasure hunt. I found this Dusky Salamander while doing some light stream-flipping. There is something so rewarding about finding these guys in the wild; it’s like a reminder that when the habitat is exactly right, life just... happens everywhere. It’s the ultimate bioactive inspiration for my enclosures back home. A Different Kind of Rock Since we’re talking about finding treasures in the woods, I had to show you a close-up of this one. I’ve spent most of my life looking for "gems" under damp logs, so transitioning from holding a dusky salamander to holding... this... was quite the gear shift. One minute I’m checking ventral scales and the next I’m checking the light refraction on an amethyst. The butterfly nails were already on the itinerary, but I didn’t realize they’d be pulling double duty as a backdrop for the biggest update of my life! I’m still buzzing from the excitement, though I’ve already started the internal debate about the wedding party. The big question: Is Fettuccine Ring Bearer material? - Pros: He’s reliable and slow. - Cons: He has no pockets and a high probability of trying to hide in the officiant’s sleeve mid-ceremony. I’ll keep you posted on the logistical nightmare of a reptile-inclusive guest list. MY WEBSITE Visit Our Socials

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