In the meantime/ Back to Japan

So, things have been a bit hectic between work and training for the Coolangatta Gold, and thus, i have not had the extra time to write as much as i would have liked to. But, since i have a free moment i will try to knock a few of these things out.

A quick throwback to the Japan trip:

on our last night in Japan (the evening immediately following the competition) we had the absolutely amazing privilege of witnessing nature in one of its rawest forms. As the sun set and darkness settled over the sand, a group of small lights could be seen gathering in one spot on the beach. Locals and visitors were gathering around a cordoned off area (about 5'x5') where two months earlier a sea turtle had laid her eggs.

At approximately 8:30 in the evening, the sand started to shift. A hole formed, out of which the first endangered sea turtle emerged. Not to be left alone, the first turtle was quickly joined by 150 (+/-) of his siblings. As they made their way toward the water's edge many would become disoriented and wander off course. We gently raised sand near the turtles to help guide them back on-course. The question was posed, 'why not simply pick up the turtles and carry them to the water?'. The answer is that, the infant turtles need the journey across the sand to build up strength for the swim to come; carrying them to the water would only allow them drown. So we helped to guide them to the water. I took special attention to one little guy whom i named Turbo. His progress was made in bursts of speed and rest. Brian joined in helping guide Turbo to the water.

While there is no way of knowing how many of Turbo's siblings will survive their journey, it was a blessing nonetheless for all of us to bear witness to the start of their trials of life.