Turtle encounters on Heron Island

Whilst on Wilson Island nesting turtles we did catch
Returned to Heron Island to see baby turtles hatch.
Brisbane to Gladstone is over a six hour drive
Plus a fresh crab sarnie stop to rest and survive.

Up early for breakfast and to swallow a ‘Kwell’
As the ferry bounced along with the large swell.
Tying up at the jetty jutting from the sandy cay
Where gliding underneath was a majestic ray.

Snorkelling in these pristine waters is wonderful
Admiring the variety of coral gardens so colourful.
The diversity of marine life is utterly fantastic
But at risk due to the use of so much plastic.

Back on the beach the dunes resemble a war zone
As turtles dig nests trying to secure the best home.
While the eggs incubate and the hatchlings slowly grow
Until upon emerging, down to the ocean they must go.

Evidence of this phenomenal hatchling race
At dawn discovering their sandy pattern trace.
Dwarfed by the deeper compressed adult tracks
The occasional stragglers we protected their backs.

I certainly hope future generations enjoy this reef
As the results of human influences causes me grief.
Please be thoughtful of your consumption, never forget
All of the world’s living things that deserve our respect.

Enjoying so much of Queensland is tinged with guilt
But proud of this freedom our government has built.
As slow release from lockdown rests with the vaccine
A brighter future for all of us in 2021 I sincerely believe.Read more