Go babies, go!

Our sea turtle nests have been hatching for the past 6 weeks or so and it is always exciting to see early morning evidence of their adventurous nightly escapes from the nests. One of this morning's "evacuations" was particularly impressive. I have always been amazed at the unassuming hole the hatchlings escape from. Hardly more than a gentle dent in the sand. See below with close-up for more clarity. (Don't forget you can click on a photo to enlarge.)

But looking towards the sea you can really witness the tiny tracks (no more than two inches wide) as they head with unerring purpose toward the ocean. These tracks are appropriately called scatter. 

Go babies go!

In a few days the turtle patrol will clean the nest, check for stragglers and count the number of empty eggs shells. I'll bet this nest had well over a hundred of the little guys. Just so you can get an idea of the size of these little creatures — that now have the difficult task of surviving in that big old ocean — here is a photo I took a couple of years ago of a bucket with some rescued hatchings before they are lovingly put in the ocean. They hatched during the day which made them easy prey for seagulls and open for dehydration from the heat of the sun.

However, the scatter on this August 12 morning gave promise of a great future ahead for these particular little turtles. Hope I'm around to see one of them return right here in 20 to 30 years to lay her eggs. Full circle, yes?

Towering menace

Oh so glad I had my umbrella on such a gray and stormy day. This towering menace started throwing water at the ground all around me but it was warm and I loved it. I was also assured me of being practically alone on the strand. 

Ah yes, happiness can even be a bit damp at times.

August already?

Where does time go? It's August already and one of my favorite months of the year. Favorite because nine of my friends have birthdays in August (that includes me.) 
My parents met in August, got married the next year in August... and had ME the following year — in August. Phew. Lots of parties when I was younger but not so many now that we are flung to the wide corners of the country. It's a wonderful month and these early-morning photos are proof.

The first was taken on the first. The other one taken just this morning, August 6th. I thought it was stunning and the pelicans skimming the ocean's surface added a little interest. (Click on the photo to enlarge and get a glimpse of the pelicans, headed north, skimming the surface of the ocean.)

Enjoy! And Happy Birthday all you August babies.