Turtle Inspiration

Solo voyager brings to mind of the humble turtle covering vast stretches of ocean ..... exposed and vulnerable to a harsh environment with predators always intent to harm her .......
My heart cries out for every turtle that dies from having been mercilessly slaughtered by poachers, died from pollution, killed by passing vessels and the many hungry monsters out there in the remote, deep , blue open desert of water.
Turtles show immense courage in their struggle to survive......i believe through their courage and inbuilt instinct, they learn to recognise and conquer fear in order to return to the shores where they first hatched to continue with the cycle of life.
Being Seychelloise, growing up in Seychelles, I have spent many magical moments swimming and playing with this beautiful, courageous, gentle creature around the bay of Anse Lazio, Praslin. I still do so whenever i return to this particular corner of the Indian Ocean.
Like the turtle, i too am a sole swimmer and somehow it always seems to amaze me how curious and trust worthy it always shows towards me. My swimming aids are only a pair of swimming goggles and fins and they continue to be so when i go in the water.
I begin by keeping my distance and gradually approach, intermittently surface diving and swimming ajacent side by side, allowing plenty of room so as not to smother it's space. It is always so very moving to watch as it slowly turns it's head to check me out and not in the least perturbed by my presence.
Finally, after 20 mins ( myself, having to keep going up for air ) of unhurried concentrated attention on me, the gap between us closes and i am allowed to touch it's back and a front flipper ........ many a times a turtle has made a failed attempt to bite my hand whilst trying to touch it's head, not sure whether it's a warning to keep off or thinks it's about to be fed ?
I love absolute simplicity .... the mind is clear, free of all confusion, one has focus, light becomes sharper and brighter, sounds become richer, one is filled with this deep powerful presence of life ...... i am priviledged to have felt this in the presence of a turtle.