Turtle time

Turtles in our midst!! We have been coming to Hilton Head for many years now and love the idea of sea turtles. Fueled by Nemo, we have read books, and looked at marked nests over the years but never have we seen even a track of a turtle. UNTIL Sunday, we were taking an early morning walk when the turtle patrol came by. We stopped with them at a nest several houses down. They were just checking for activity and then the nest next door to us had hatched Friday night. we were told that stragglers end up in the dunes confused by outdoor lights. They can not make it all day in the heat and end up dying because they are unable to reach the water. The nest can hatch for several days and after a few days, they do an inventory, count the eggs, and the shells. They were going to do this on Tuesday. We excitedly discussed how we would be able to at least see the eggs, and shells. On Monday morning, Michael awoke early and took Bryn with him on a scouting walk. Bryn returned out of breath and yelling, "A turtle, A turtle, hurry!!!" I woke my mom and dad insisting that they not get into clothes but run out on the beach in pajamas. Everyone ran out except me, always the mom, I did not want to wake Keaton and so I stayed behind---for all of two minutes. The moment everyone left and the house was silent, I thought,"Are you kidding me? He wakes me all night long. I can wake him for a once in a life time event." So out in our pajamas we ran. We hit the beach running and watched the turtle make a path to the ocean. He was very small and working very hard. We cheered him on. He was our Crush. When he made it to the water, he was clearly in his element. The rest of our day, while incredible since we are beach front with beautiful weather, was just not as emotional or exciting as the turtle we waited six years to see. Then we awoke this morning anxious to see the nest inventory. Keelin with her eagle eye and attention to detail found many tracks but no lost turtles in the dunes. Then the turtle patrol arrived to uncover the nest. They found three babies and helped them to the water. We had quite a following on the beach today as we invited all who walked by to join the turtle train. The volunteers gave us information and encourage people to become more knowledgeable in order to save these cuties. Loggerheads weigh between 250-400 lbs. Loggerheads are threatened. Only 1 in every 10,000 hatchlings survives to adulthood. So if you find yourself in a turtle area, PLEASE turn out your lights after dark.


We are looking forward to more naturing tomorrow as I have signed us up for a mini introduction to a new resort in exchange for free dolphin tour tickets. (There seems to be a bit of apprehension as to what the magic show and turtle feeding will entail as they are trying to sell timeshares) Only tomorrow will tell. We are starting the day off with donuts that we get to customize . What can go wrong with donuts and a free dolphin tour??????