Hi all
Well, as we said, we have been very busy and very lucky to get to Mon Repos conservation beach near Bundaberg to see some baby loggerhead turtles being born and crawling down the beach into the sea. What a fantastic experience, 136 baby turtles born and we got to see them close up and to feel their tiny flippers on our hands. We watched them go down the beach and into the sea then we went back to watch the guide dig the nest out and count the shells. The hole was 61cms deep - it was astonishing to think these tiny creatures had dug up and out of the hole. Even more amazing was a second small batch of hatchlings appearing under the guide's knees. There were about 20 in the second batch so it was a grand total of 156 babies. Only 1 in 1000 makes it back to lay eggs so everything possible is done to try to give them every chance of survival. The guides were great and struck the right balance between ensuring the safety and care of the turtles whilst ensuring everyone got to share the magical moment of their birth. Just wonderful.
We spent a pleasant couple of days in Bundy and went to the Bundaberg rum distillery for a tour and tasting - yummy. We then drove to Rockhampton for one night and went to the Great Western Hotel to see an indoor rodeo - alas - the contractor who should have supplied the bulls didn't turn up so we had to watch some videos from previous weeks rodeo escapades and then made friends with the locals in the pool bar (Gary lost!).
We have now arrived at Airlie Beach and are staying in a lovely little place called Sunlit Waters with great views over the harbour. Tomorrow we go sailing for 3 days with www.ozsailing.com.au on a tall ship called the Alexander Stewart. Lets hope the weather settles (its very windy today). Expect some photos of us snorkelling in our sexy stinger suits.
Hope you are all well, Happy Mothers Day to all you mothers.
Thinking of you.
Lots of love
Gary & Tracy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Hi there - all sounds terrific as usual, although sounds like you've been having some dodgy weather. Updates from the factory - big restructure: Sally M off to A4E next month, new Policy Director post (Felicity), Countries off to R&D, Ops Director vacancy, my post going, all admin posts going except for 2 PAs, new WDA posts in Countries, Standards advisers going to each strand team who now have full time support WDAs from what was the England team. All change!!
N x