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After reading Spot's thread about turtle fossils, I thought I would like to share a special story about my encounter with a loggerhead turtle.......I've shared this story with AussiePam, Red Glitter and Butterfly (Angeleyes84)many moons ago ...:-4



A few years ago, I spent some time in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This is an extremely busy area and no place for turtles due to the high volume of visiters:(



My family and I spent a wonderful evening wining and dining in the hub of FL. After dinner I wanted to walk the 2 miles back to our hotel along the beach, and no one wanted to join me. I was really delighted to have a quiet walk along the sea.



The beach was empty.....I couldn't believe it:-6Guess all the party goers were sleeping in anticipation of a later night, or they were already partying in the clubs...woohoooo......I had the beach to myself.... How lucky was I:D





As I was walking along the beach, I saw a big, moving lump towards the boardwalk. Naturally, I went to investigate...It might be an alien life form that I needed to speak with:yh_rotfl No fears on me, are there



As I walked up towards this creature, I realized that it was a loggerhead turtle. This creature was massive and beautiful. I looked around me, and realized that I was still alone....no one saw the turtle, and no one was around



The moon was full, and I could see every inch of this magnificent animal's body....plus I had a flashlight. She was absolutely beautiful. I named her Orla...Irish for 'beautiful princess'...



I couldn't take my eyes away from her....I spoke softly to her and rubbed her head and feet as she layed her eggs. I wanted to touch some part of her that she could feel.



Orla had already dug the large pit to lay her eggs, and she plopped the eggs down one by one....It took all night to plop the eggs, I sat with her and held her flipper and sang some Irish song to her...she didn't seem to mind. Think I sang....dunno.....Hills of Donegal, Skye Boat and Destination Donegal....I even heard Aussie Pam cyber-harmonizing to my songs.. Pam has the voice of an angel and plays all sorts of instruments. Geeze.....Who wouldn't be happy with those songs:-4



The poor dear finally finished her nesting and decided to return to the sea after spending tons of time pushing sand back onto the nest to bury it..I helped of course, but she wanted to make sure it was all done, and kept flipping sand over the nest;)



When Orla was finally done, she made her way back to the sea, and it took forever for the poor turtle to maneuver her way there.



I said goodbye to her and gave her a hug and kiss. She slowly made her way into the surf, and I cried to see her go.



I then called the township to secure her eggs and future loggerhead turtles. My family slept through the night and missed out on an opportunity of their life ***sigh***



But, I know I will see her again as I swim the seas with my turtle friends......



After all...I am the "Shell Seeker"

What a lovely story. How lucky you were to experience this first hand. :-6

Thank you so much Kindle...I felt blessed by the experience and will never forget this wonderful turtle.

that is just unbeliveable to have experienced such a beautiful time with her, and I know she loved having you there for love and support.

Odie;1066741 wrote: that is just unbeliveable to have experienced such a beautiful time with her, and I know she loved having you there for love and support.


Thank you so much Odie:-4



You are such a good friend to post this, and I appreciate your thoughts:-4

And now I know you have "Turtle Power":)

Kathy Ellen;1066777 wrote: Thank you so much Odie:-4



You are such a good friend to post this, and I appreciate your thoughts:-4


if only others cared as much as you had, still cannot get over your staying with her until all was safe.



your students would have been proud when you told them that story!:-4

Kathy Ellen is a super woman! She is the Super Turtle chick in my book.