Diary of a Sea Turtle

October



Monday



I've been swimming and diving all day. Haven't seen anyone else. A few other leatherbacks floated past yesterday, but I ignored them. It's not like I'm in the mood to mate or anything. Last night I did some shallow diving for a plankton meal. In the morning I'll do some deep diving. I haven't snacked on a jellyfish for a while, and I've got a craving. Hmm. Maybe it is time to mate again.




Friday
It's getting close to nesting season. I should probably start heading that way. Yesterday three different leatherbacks were giving me the eye. You should have seen the carapace on one of them! I told him size wasn't everything. I want a sensitive father for my babies. A nice artistic leatherback. I hope the little shy one comes back. I think he has beautiful eyes. I'm finally just offshore from the nesting grounds.



Saturday

Did the deed with the little shy leatherback. I wonder if I'll see him again. Maybe he'll write me poetry. I'd like that.




November
Monday
I haven't seen Shy Boy for three weeks. Maybe we'll meet again next year. I just got to the shore. These nesting grounds are quite deluxe. I always come here. I recognize some of the girls from a few years back. I'll probably keep coming here for the next 20 years or so. No time to chat with the others. I have a body pit to dig.



Tuesday

Finished my pit just in the nick of time. This year I laid 70 eggs - my biggest batch yet. Can't wait to see what my 70-uplets look like. I bet they'll all have their father's eyes. I stayed with them a few hours, but then I headed back into the water. The temperatures have been cool, which means probably more sons than daughters this time.





Time to head out to sea and find a new daddy for my next batch. I think I'll lay them farther up the beach, this time. I'd like more of a view.





January
Monday
I've been out swimming for months now, celebrating my 12th birthday. But I think tonight's the night for my babies to hatch. I want to watch them reach the water.



Tuesday

Nothing yet. Maybe they're still digging their way to the surface. 



Friday



Here they come! Tiny babies. Some of them look like that big carpace leatherback I met back in October. I wonder who their mother is. I see about 30 with those dreamy eyes. Those must be mine. And they look to be excellent divers. When a bird flew swooped by, they all plunged deeper into the ocean. I feel so proud. My babies are ready for their lost year; they'll keep to the ocean, away from the shore. I'm planning to log 1000 miles this year.  Maybe I'll see them again somewhere.