Little Baby Turtles

This morning was Awe Inspiring! The alarm went off at 5:05 AM, the sun had already risen. Should we go? Let's do it! Three sleepy kids in PJ's, some water, a few snacks, the camera and we were ready to go. We confidently crossed 3 rivers and made the 25 minute trek to Ostional Beach. We had been waiting for the Arribada (the very large coming of female turtles to lay eggs on the beach) but we were told that this weekend the Nacimiento was to occur (the hatching of the eggs layed a month ago). We followed the hungry stray dogs and vultures onto the beach and went in search of baby Oliver Ridley turtles.

How wonderful! A few locals began by showing us holes in the sand where little noses where peaking through. Far from the water these brave little souls headed (more or less) directly for the ocean. By the end of our three hours on the beach, we had saved some turtles that had rolled onto their backs, shooed away hungry dogs and at times carried babies (from the hole from which they had emerged) to the ocean because they were surrounded by vultures. As with many things, the experience was like a metaphor for life. We were like Angels. We gave them little boosts and carried them when they fell behind. We also let them go a little astray so that they could find their own way and get stronger from the experience and the detours. All in all, a remarkable morning. Now we await the Arribada!

Watch this slide show of our morning!