Magical Night

It was pitch black outside, just me and the stars. No flashlights, no headlights, no light from your cell phones were allowed. Not seeing well in the dark, I could only imagine and was terrified of just what I might step on. I could hear the guide talking and since I walked slow I was in the back of the pack. And, trying to watch my steps for heaven knows what was slowing me down. And the most amazing sky full of stars. It looked as though hands full of them had been scattered across the night sky. You could see every star so clearly. No clouds to block your view. No city lights to distract from the beauty. The guide lead us to an area roped off where there was a bit of light shining to show you the wonder you were about to behold. The sand on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world began to move, from underneath. Then another roped off area began to move. Out of the night sand popped a head and then legs. Then another and another. I was witnessing the hatching of the endangered baby loggerhead turtles. The loggerhead turtle has been on the threatened species list since 1978 due to pollution, shrimp trawling and development in their nesting areas. Adults grow to nearly 3 foot in length and weigh on average 300 pounds but they can grow up to 1,000 pounds. They lay only 4 eggs in the period of 2-3 years and have a lifespan of about 45-65 years. These beautiful little creatures are drawn to light when they are born. Thus no lights were allowed to distract them from their journey to the ocean. The moonlight bouncing off the ocean is their beacon. Their long journey to the water imprints on them where to return to lay their own eggs when they become an adult. So it is imperative not to interfere with that journey. The reality is though that most become dinner for the predators lurking in the water beyond or on the shore. Although the loggerheads have many nesting sites throughout the world, I was able to witness the Pacific turtles hatch in Northern Australia along the coast near where the Great Barrier Reef begins. Watching them struggle from the sand then make the trek into the ocean will forever be my most magical night ever experienced.