What a Turtle Day! May 4 was my first day of turtle patrol for the 2015 season. First we were dealing with strong winds, high tide, and rain. (I borrowed a rain jacket that two people could probably fit into.) Then we sadly came across two dead turtles and one sick turtle which I had to hold in my arms all the way to the turtle hospital. Luckily it was a small green turtle and only weighed about 20-25 pounds. These guys can grow to 300+ pounds.
But that's not all. While patrolling the beach (me clutching the sick turtle) our ATV dropped it's drive train and we were stranded in the sand far away from any beach access. Fortunately the beach patrol responded quickly to our calls. Unfortunately the beach patrol vehicle got stuck in the soft sand while trying to rescue us. Another beach patrol vehicle came to help out and also got stuck in the sand. After much consternation, head scratching and planning how to complete our patrol of the beach, we eventually got off the beach, got a ride, and left our poor ATV immobile on the beach.
Yes, there was a positive outcome. At low tide a tow truck came and picked up our ATV which has since been repaired. The only thing that remains — even after a week of tides and rain — are deep ruts in the heavy sand from stuck vehicles and the tow truck and of course my memories of this day won't soon be forgotten. Nor will the tongue-in-cheek comments from fellow patrol people about me being too heavy for the ATV.
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