|
2003 Turtle Season Diary - page 2
It's a smelly job...but it
has its rewards
8/01/03 Not all nests are
pretty...we were cleaning a particularly smelly nest (over 20
dead/decomposing hatchlings covered with maggots) and towards the
bottom there were 9 live hatchlings - so once again we called on
friends to help us get these babies out to sea. Another ever
so helpful surfer jumped into the chilly water with a
hatchling. We flagged down a couple
of ocean kayakers to help us with the rest of the brood. A
delightful lady from Germany donated a shopping
bag to use as a carrier.
A Bit of History
While on patrol we pass by two lookout
towers. This is
the one in Ormond By The Sea, which is slated for renovation.
Members of Flotilla 44 stood guard in this tower around the clock
during World War II, looking for enemy ships and submarines, troop
movements, and American and Allied ships torpedoed by enemy
submarines. Another tower, located in the City of Ormond Beach,
Florida, is currently used by the Volusia County Beach Patrol as a
lifeguard station. For more information, check out US
Coast Guard Auxiliary site.
Life is for sharing
8/12/03 We have only
"met" via email, but let me introduce George and Peg - a
couple that enjoys their beach walks. George was kind enough
to share one of his very
entertaining articles about our beautiful beach.
George
Goldtrap is a writer for Seniors Today. His new book, A Legacy
of Laughter is available at www.Goldtrap.com
College Break
8/14/03 One of the most rewarding aspects
of volunteering are the people you meet...Bev
is one of those special people. During a college break she
came to Daytona for the sole purpose of volunteering for Turtle
Patrol for 2 weeks. It was a pleasure getting to know her and
we wish her the best in her career choice.
Overcast Days
8/14/03 When we are toting
around hatchlings, we like to "show them off" to folks
visiting the area. It did not take long for the word to spread
and people came
streaming out of their condos...what better way to spend an
overcast day.
Look of Wonder
8/14/03 This is one of my favorite
shots...ageless.
Late Risers
8/15/03 We had the
opportunity to include the Flagler run in our patrol. This was
going to make for a long day but boy was it worth it. 11:30
and look there...the sand is moving - they are starting to
emerge. These guys were covered with ants and with a storm off
the coast the surf was rough so we had our work cut out. Get
the ants washed off, let them walk
on the beach and keep an eye out for birds...for over 100
hatchlings! We had the help of a really
sweet lady with the most beautiful smile. Our cooler
was cramped for so many hatchlings, so we stopped at Snack Jax and
this wonderful man built
us a "custom" box so our little guys could go 4x4'ing
in style. Of course while the ATV was being customized, some little
ones got one on one time with the hatchlings.
Back to top |
|
