Thursday, July 14, 2022  -PN #6

 Overnight storm, with its strong winds and heavy downpours,  had moved off shore when we got to the beach this morning. Last night’s full moon still shining brightly.

At the short end of the island, we discovered a broken up dock washing ashore. The wooden portion was still in the surf, but various large foam pieces were on the beach. Leslie and Brenda carried them up beyond the high tide line. Leslie will coordinate their removal later today.

Beyond M 6, a faint crawl was found almost obliterated by the overnight wind and downpours. We surmised this was the incoming crawl, although we couldn’t be sure. The distinct V pattern had been obscured. A second crawl, presumably outgoing, was about 40 feet up the beach with the marker for PN #4 between the crawls. Crawl measured 32”

                                                           Presumed incoming crawl

                                                            Presumed outgoing crawl
                                                                                                            

Between the two crawls she travelled to the top of the dune and slid back down 3 times,  crawling both behind and in front of the dune. Thrown sand marking possible body pits were located at each of the 3 points high on the dune. The track was difficult to follow due to the previous night’s wind and rain, disappearing altogether in certain areas. 

Even more puzzling was the fact that a wind blown crawl continued further up the beach in a pretty scalloped pattern along the base of the dune for about 20 feet beyond the presumed outgoing track, then simply disappeared. We actually wondered if we possibly had two turtles, but the crawl measurement was consistent throughout. 

                                                   Three areas of climbing up/sliding down the dune

                                                  The pretty scalloped pattern along base of the 

                                                  dune about 20’ outside of the in and out crawl

We extensively probed all three noted areas, but no eggs were found. Marked PN #6 at the location where we identified the most likely nesting area. 

                                              PN #4 in the foreground, PN #6 on top of the dune

 Many thanks to Leslie and Karen for being our sub walkers today!!