Hilton Head surprises

The week before graduation has been traditionally dubbed "Beach Week," one last blow-out at the Outer Banks. We ended up venturing further south, in search of warmer weather and a quieter spell, to Hilton Head Island.

Our escape was a lovely mix of relaxing and nature surprises: gorgeous sunrises, an exquisite full moon, a double rainbow following an afternoon storm, and a special sea animal sighting.








This was the best surprise of all ...

Yes, we could hardly believe it!

She was so still, we wondered if she might have crawled onto the beach in her last moments. But no, quite the opposite. She was laying eggs – at about 6:30 a.m. (Yes, I rose that early on vacation. My conversion to a morning person is a work in progress.)

Here's a close-up of the loggerhead sea turtle we've named Nessie:


When we walked back on our way home, she was gone! We ran into an official-seeming fellow on his four-wheeler, who said he'd put up a sign marking the spot. Sure enough, a few days later ...


We'll be following the eggs' progress at the Global Sea Turtle Network. According to the site, Hilton Head Island averages 150 nests each season. Let's hope these little ones make it back into the sea!