Leatherback day

Leatherback turtles are very rare... HUGE and very rare. Most years we average 6 leatherbacks within the 50 miles of shoreline in our county. Just to put it into perspective, the total nest count of all turtle nests averages to about 500 a year. The photo to the right is from the Orlando Sentinel but gives you an idea of the size of these turtles.


So, today started out with a lovely sunrise... 

an enticing moon-set 

and then I saw turtle tracks, not just ANY turtle tracks but the very large and unmistakable tracks of a leatherback. Large nest and tracks — better viewing if you click on the photo and see it enlarged.

Not only are they large but leatherbacks have a tendency to act like they've been drinking and zig-zag across the beach. Alas, she was gone but her telltale signs were left behind.
Needless to say it made MY day and my friends on the turtle patrol arrived while I was snapping photos so I got to gush my excitement to someone equally as thrilled. Oh happy day!

Ginger... WOW!

I have ginger plants growing all around my house mainly as a landscaping touch but also for my own home-grown ginger root. Yum.

The plants have sporadically been putting out their annual flowers for the past couple of weeks but yesterday I noticed that every single plant by my patio door was abloom. 

Each cluster of these lovely hanging White Ginger blossoms is about 12 inches long and they boast a light ginger scent. 

 

Plus, as each individual blossom opens, the flower has a distinctly cute and almost toothy persona. Fun!

Ginger... WOW! lovely to look at as well as providing flavorful roots for cooking.  

Merry Month of May

Here it is the middle of May and, again, I've been remiss with this blog. With the warmer weather I've managed to get to the beach early enough to see the rising sun. Always stunning and always different no matter how many times I see it.

Then there is the double great heron. Two for the price of one. Hurrah! I do so love a bargain.