Baldrick

Blue Magic
Mark & Chris Dewey
Sat 29 May 2010 00:26

27th May 2010

 

Today we visited the turtle sanctuary where we rescued a turtle and released it back into the sea.

 

We have discovered a new use for our bath tub on ‘Blue Magic’ !

 

 

 

Miss Tippy, Jackamy and Blue Magic made a donation to the turtle sanctuary and as a thank you they allowed us to name and

tag a baby turtle to release into the sea.

 

These turtles have been caught in fisherman’s nets and then taken to the sanctuary where they are looked after until they are ready to be

released again.

The turtles are a protected species but they are still considered by the local population as a delicacy to eat !

 

There was much discussion about the name as it is not possible to tell the sex of the turtle until they reach maturity at around 10 years old.

Derry suggested ‘Stew’ and Brian suggested ‘Gordon’ as he was being set free like the last prime minister.

 

We settled on Baldrick !

 

Baldrick has very pretty markings, he is six years old, weighs 12 kilos and measures 43cms across and 45cms in length.

 

   

 

Our turtle was extremely strong and it was quite a feat to wrestle him into the dinghy where we transported him on his back whilst

stroking under his chin to keep him calm.

Once on board Blue Magic we put him into the bath where he swam around happily while we motored out to the lagoon ready to set him free.

 

Charlie, Annie and Freddy came with us on our big adventure.

 

After all three boats had anchored we transferred Baldrick to the dinghy again and took him to shallow water where we could all snorkel and wave him goodbye.

We turned him over, helped him up, then he launched himself from the side of the dinghy and he was gone in a second, he swam so fast passing us all in a flash.

 

 

All the children sent us thank you cards and Charlie

Made up a poem about the day :-

 

Thanks Mark & Chrisy for such a great day!

I’m sure Baldrick the turtle enjoyed his stay.

 

We saw Baldrick get tagged,

We named him as well,

But we don’t know if he is a beau or a belle!

 

He came on Blue Magic,

A gorgeous blue boat,

And lay in the bath whilst trying to float

 

 

 

 

“Hang on a sec, the kids can stay here”

“We can stay on Blue Magic ?!”

The Norty kids cheered.

 

Chrisy made sandwiches

Mark told funny jokes,

About everything ranging from turtles to blokes

 

We arrived at the anchorage,

To set Baldrick free,

So we piled in the dinghies and off we went – WEE!!

 

Everyone said goodbye,

Our cameras were set,

But we missed that great shot as Baldrick left like a jet!

 

Rum punch at Blue Magic as the day ends,

Thanks Mark and Chrisy for being great friends.