On May 26th, the boys and I headed down to Galveston for a sea turtle release at Stewart Beach. We arrived in time for lunch (at Shrimp 'N Stuff) and then stopped by the Broadway Cemeteries. These seven cemeteries caught our attention because they were covered with wildflowers. As it turns out, the cemeteries provide final resting places for both notorious and distinguished residents of Galveston, in up to three layers!
It wouldn't be a visit to Galveston without a stop at LaKing's for some saltwater taffy.
The walk back to our car took us by a bank, and Henry noticed squash growing in beds along the sidewalk. The bank has turned all of the land next to the sidewalks into beds for all sorts of herbs and vegetables!
We made it to Stewart Beach in time for the boys to run and splash in the water before the turtle release. It was cool and rainy but that didn't stop the boys from getting in some beach time.
My turtle-loving boy just waiting to see the turtles!
The NOAA Fisheries and Houston Zoo released nine sea turtles, eight of which had sustained injuries due to fishing (most had ingested fishing hooks). Six Kemp's Ridleys and three loggerheads were deemed ready to return to the ocean last Thursday, and we got to see them up close!
NOAA staff members carried the Kemp's Ridleys, the smallest sea turtles.
And then they were set down and allowed to crawl back to the sea.
The loggerheads were much bigger, weighing 150 pounds or more.
This one had been in the NOAA facility for over a year and was very hesitant to go to the water, at one point turning around!
Henry remains entranced by sea turtles and the release was an unforgettable experience. We're looking forward to returning to Galveston later this summer to visit the NOAA's "Turtle Barn" to learn even more about turtles and how we can help protect them.
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