Turtles & rain are the talk of the town at the moment. Who doesnt feel a sense of calm when swimming under pattering rain drops? When accompanied by lightening strikes, however, that is another matter....
today’s fun facts:
Water temp: 23.6
Air temp at 6:30am: 22:2 (should have been that yesterday!)
Conditions: bit choppy, lainey described vis as “really crap”
Vibes: not many swimmers .. if you’ve always wanted to win the drinks express today would have been your day!
Tide: Low at 8:04am
Lainey with the conditions report:
Greeting crew with a smile! What’s not to love about swimming rain hail or shine !
depleted drinks express today…. I detected a bit of hesitancy for some to get in the water …..Today was your day to “win”!
There is a new green sea turtle in town and I am not sure if a name has been settled yet, however i am sure it will be named soon. I think “kate” as in “kate moss” was “trending” on swim/dive Social media which was full of amazing footage of two of the turtles dancing together, or simply lazily swimming or munching on algae and weed, the preferred diet although they have been known to treat themselves with the odd jelly fish (and maybe jimbles)? Cabbage tree bay is literally a sanctuary full of abundant sustenance for the turtles … we are very lucky .
So…. After the spectacular weekend, social media lit up on Monday with commentary and many opinions centred on the impact of the crowds in the bay trying to get close to the “new” turtle (and by inference other creatures). I realised I had been "one of those" people early Sunday morning, excited to see the turtle and had indeed dived to take a photo (was I within 3 m? I’m not sure)…. Whilst our (much smaller) group kept our distance, seeing the commentary on social media made me question why i feel the need to get close to and take any photos of said turtle, or any creatures in the bay rather than leave them be. For me, its about sharing the beauty and wonder and joy of the wonderful slice of heaven we have been blessed with on our door step, especially for those unable to. However, the mixed reactions have reminded me that the Bay is their home, the weed, algae and other "green jungle" is or holds their food and we have to be careful not to disturb them or their peace.
So many people are uplifted and inspired by the beautiful photos and stories posted on our awesome community networks. The pictures & stories can also raise much needed awareness, and money (note the $$$$ raised for Seabird & Turtle rescue by the B&B community & the amount of rubbish picked up by swimmers every day - taking 3 from the sea), provide valuable educational material, awareness and actions to protect our environment and creatures, identification via specific unique features for health & activity monitoring and also to get a sense of the healthiness of the habitat (or, find coral that really should be growing in warmer waters!). So the upshot of all that is, we are blessed with a slice of reminded to respect their home but still it is important to share the joy and wonder with gratitude and care.
Australian seabird and turtle rescue provided the following useful guidelines which some of you may have seen on other socials… Perhaps this should be posted at Shelly beach and along the walk way with other signs?
Off my soap box now, and to finish, maisy was unconcerned about the conditions:
Have a great day, stay safe, stay sane, be kind & look out for each other !
Jocelyn
Public service announcement:
B&B monthly dinner – 8th March 2022
Coming up at our next B&B dinner on March 8th at Bluewater Café at 6.30 pm, we keep things close to home, with our beloved Cabbage Tree Bay once again being the centre of attention. This month John Michael (Thommo) Thompson, our guest speaker, and the lead organiser of the Cole Classic, takes us below the surface for an in-depth view of the Cole. Each year so many B&Bers volunteer on the day and this is a major contribution to the community involvement required to organise such an event. Over the last three years more than $400,000 has been raised for a whole range of projects including marine conservation in CTB. Funding from the Cole Classic can be a vehicle of change to further enhance the CTB environment. Come along to hear about what has been done as well as provide input into what you think needs to be done.
The cost of the dinner is great value at only $30 a head, which includes shared entrees, and a selection of mains to choose from (including a vegetarian option). Glasses of beer or wine and desserts are also available at the special price of only $5 each (please note, NO BYO). Bookings are essential, so to avoid disappointment and secure your spot please book HERE.
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