Papa’s World – Moments in time with pictures!

September 4, 2025April 23, 2025 / Tom / Leave a comment

Debby – Papa – Sarah and Sherry!

She has since graduated from H.S.

And now enrolled in college.

Here – we visited her at her school when she was young!

That smile and her cheerful disposition-

Makes this a –

A MOMENT IN TIME WITH PICTURES!

On Sherry’s bucket list of places to visit-

EPCOT for the FLOWER FESTIVAL!

We finally made it in the Spring and were not disappointed.

The many brilliant flowers were just as we imagined!

THIS IS A MOMENT IN TIME WITH A PICTURE!

My youngest son won first place in a pool tournament.

One of dozens, if not hundreds, of times winning.

He is a ranked pool player who has often played in Las Vegas.

Proud of this young man!

A MOMENT IN TIME WITH PICTURES!

Sherry and I are in our third year of volunteering for the Protection of Sea Turtles –

At Ocean Isle Beach!

Here is one of many nests we have helped on to make sure after hatching –

The baby Sea Turtles make it safely to the Ocean surf and water.

Being retired –

Volunteering –

gives us meaningful activities as we get older.

A MOMENT IN TIME WITH PICTURES!

http://www.sfitzsimmons.juiceplus.com

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Memories – pictures and good times.

July 27, 2025March 8, 2025 / Tom / Leave a comment

Found this little gem on Facebook!

It is very informative,

and I wish I had seen it long ago.

If you do not play golf –

Most likely, you won’t be impressed.

But – being one who hits a good shot-

and then falls back into the abyss-

This shows me what I may be doing wrong!

Of course,

I printed it off and will use it the next time I golf!

MEMORIES – PICTURES and GOOD TIMES!

This is our friend Jim –

Whom we met as volunteers for the Protection for Sea Turtles –

On Ocean Isle Beach.

He lost his wife a few years ago –

And we get together every so often at Pelicans Perch-

A local bar and restaurant on OIB.

He also drinks Pabst Blue Ribbon –

as I did in WNY! LOL

This is his yard on OIB next to the canals.

A true friend and a good guy all around.

MEMORIES – PICTURES and GOOD TIMES!

A blanket and gift –

from our dear friends –

Claudia and Jim Martin.

They were our friends back in NVA-

They moved down near us a year ago –

after selling their home in Reston.

They had a new home built about four miles away –

And we get together –

Friendships are PRICELESS!

MEMORIES – PICTURES and GOOD TIMES!

The team from the Sea Turtle Protection –

We sat on this nest until it hatched,

and we made sure-

They all made it to the water.

This involves going to the nest by 7pm each night-

Until 11 pm. or later.

Most hatching occurs-

in that time frame.

On day 50 to 55 –

Those are the days after the nest is discovered by the group-

Who patrol the beach.

Then a team comes in and verifies –

and either moves it to protect from high tides –

Or leaves it where it is –

and erects the screens and fencing.

The nest is then given the number in which it was found.

Our job is to talk and interact with vacationers –

and people who live here.

We explain what we are doing –

and how we maintain the nests.

The nests are subject to be destroyed by people who

do not know or wild animals.

When they hatch –

We instruct people to stay behind the ropes and no lights-

As that distracts the little turtles and causes them to become blind.

Two days are spent after the nest hatches to see if any more are in there-

Then, an inventory is taken –

to see if it matches the number that made it to the water.

All eggs are counted,

and any that did not make it-

out of the nest.

This information is given to the governing body for wildlife

and is compiled yearly.

It shows the impact that we-

as volunteers make –

in protecting an endangered species.

This is done all up and down the East Coast.

We all then go onto other formed teams-

to the next available nest.

This continues to about mid-October –

And begins sometime in early July.

Most of the nests are laid early May to Mid June.

MEMORIES – PICTURES and GOOD TIMES!

Sherry and myself as OIBSTPO volunteers.

Welcome to my blog.

PAPA’S WORLD- My site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

MEMORIES – PICTURES and GOOD TIMES!

Papa’s World – A look at life in the Carolinas!

April 27, 2025December 13, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

It is Christmas season – blue skies – white fluffy clouds – warm sunshine –

It’s where we wanted to be –

No snow – a little chilly until the sun is noon high –

No ice and a slight breeze.

We can also walk the beaches –

Robins are in the yards –

A lot of birds at the feeders.

Best of all –

I GAVE MY SNOW SHOVEL AWAY TO THE MOVERS FROM NVA!

Walking the beach with friends –

Long sleeves but shorts on –

A light jacket but sandals!

Later that day – GOLFING!

This is living in THE CAROLINAS!

When friends visit in October –

You walk the paths –

You see the colors of fall –

But – a lot of this GREEN is year-round!

Warm days are much like cool summer days back North.

We choose to live here near the border of N.C. and S.C.

Beaches – golf courses and shopping!

We can go to entertainment venues in Myrtle Beach or Wilmington!

LIVING IN THE CAROLINAS!

Our community is full of retirees-

Mostly from the North.

Some still work remotely from their homes.

We volunteer in many different ways.

From May to October –

You can find us at the beach –

THE PROTECTION OF SEA TURTLES!

Other times it is the FOOD PANTRY.

The Coastal Living for the Elderly.

We gathered donations for WNC and the hurricane that devastated that area.

Living here has offered us many different ways to live in retirement.

This is some of the “WHY” we moved to the Carolinas.

A Christmas present from a close friend and neighbor Daine and Steve.

They actually still have a cottage on Rushford Lake in WNY-

Close to where we lived and raised the kids.

Now – they are here in the late fall and into late spring –

Then back to WNY –

They know all the places that we frequented when we lived there!

A small world as they live but three houses from us now.

We now live in the present –

Cherish each day as it passes and look forward to the coming day.

Our calendar is full – We like it that way.

Living as healthy as we can –

Aging healthy –

Living life one day at a time-

and Living LIFE to the plus each and every day!

A salute to you that read my blogs!

Writing positively –

Good vibes –

Life experience-

And for the family and future generations to come.

Thank you for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Visit the SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL!

March 29, 2025July 20, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

As members of the Volunteer Sea Protection program on Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. –

As a group, we made the journey to Hampstead, N.C. to the Sea Turtle Rescue Hospital.

Thirty to thirty-five members made the almost two-hour drive –

We were given the regular tour and because our group supports the hospital –

we were given a behind-the-scenes tour where we could not take any pictures.

At that time they had 89 Sea Turtles that had been recused and transported to the hospital/

There are 500 volunteers that work for the hospital –

350 who walk the beaches and 150 who actually work at the hospital.

This is a display of an actual Sea Turtle nest – so the public can see how the eggs are laid and covered back up by the adult Sea Turtle.

Above is a breakdown of garbage in the Oceans that the Turtles will eat as they swim.

Volunteers work with some of the Sea Turtles until they are well enough to be released back into the ocean.

They take them 40 or 50 miles out to release them.

THIS IS LENNIE – blind and a permanent resident of the hospital with a blunt force injury.

Vats and tubs containing various sizes of Sea Turtles –

This is all done with grants – fundraisers and gifts –

$100,000.00 a year to buy pallets of SALT for the water so they can survive.

Our volunteer group on OCEAN ISLE BEACH we have almost between 150 and 200 volunteers.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

VISIT TO THE SEA TURTLE HOSPITAL.

Papa’s World – MORE GOOD VIBES!

February 9, 2025October 17, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

A little humor to start your day off with a smile!

Remembering efforts to help the people-

from the Hurricane Helena disaster.

Purchasing supplies for those in need –

MY GOOD VIBE FOR TODAY!

When my son and daughter-in-law visited last fall –

Shawn and Trisha –

FAMILY brings GOOD VIBES!

Great longtime friends bring GOOD VIBES to our lives!

A picture of my father – second from the left –

Who passed away in 1969 when I was 19 years old-

It brings me a memory of GOOD VIBES!

Our volunteer work for the Protection of Sea Turtles –

here – our team on one of the nests –

that we sat on until they hatched –

and made it to the ocean-

On Ocean Isle Beach –

BRINGING GOOD VIBES!

Our granddog “MARLEY” –

BRINGS SMILES AND GOOD VIBES!

Thanks for reading –

PAPA’S WORLD-

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A year in review!

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025 / Tom / Leave a comment

Tayor and Cassidy – first day of school – I believe first grade!

And in 2024 –

their first day of school is the 8th. grade – 14 years old!

Notice how Cassidy is slowly catching up to Taylor who is 5’8″!!!!

They are growing up way too fast.

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

This was our second full year volunteering for Sea Turtle Protection –

N.C. WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION – PERMIT – ST2402!

It was a mixed bag for us in 2024-

First I had two implants for my front teeth –

and then Sherry had one.

Then we think during golfing – she strained her L1 vertebrae resulting in a fracture.

This was followed by a blockage in the small intestine –

Then we both caught COVID!

This all limited us in our beach walking and nest sitting for 2024!

But we still did duties

and look forward to next this new year.

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

Finally –

after all the Pandemic years –

We were able to get the family all together-

for a beach vacation!

And we were able to celebrate both of ur 75th. birthdays!

Family Beach Vacation – 2024!

What a wonderful time –

renting two golf carts –

the grandkids loved that!

The older three drove them –

Being together once again –

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

My sons and their families.

While the oldest-

was not able to visit during 2024-

My youngest did!

Trisha and Shawn –

Hoping this year they all can make it down from NWPA!

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

Once again my grade school buddy-

and his wife paid us a visit.

This has become an annual visit for the last five or six years.

Bob and Pam –

who now tour the country as RVING –

Spending time on both coasts –

and in the South.

Life on the road – camping –

and warm weather either-

in Phoenix or The Villages in Florida –

Or summers in Maine and New Hampshire!

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

We have now enjoyed our new home for three-plus years.

As the sun rises on year number four –

We are happily living our dream –

of beach life and golf.

Shopping and exploring the area.

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

Our life still consists of old friends-

who have been a part of it for years!

Jim and Dottie – Cindy and Buck –

from back in NWPA and WNY.

Now we all live in the state of N.C.

Still friends for all these years!

A YEAR IN REVIEW!

I hope you enjoyed reading this –

as much as I do in remembering these events for 2024.

Here is to a new year – out with the old – in with the latest.

PAPA’S WORLD:

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – A home with memories!

December 18, 2024September 5, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

Before we even moved into our new home –

we purchased a SOLO STOVE fire pit!

Now – it is mostly for family and friends –

as I am not that much of a campfire person.

Growing up I experienced all of that –

But this fire pit is a little special.

Once you get it going –

it seems to be smokeless!

Unless you burn lumber scraps that have chemicals –

I learned not to do that!

I put in the four cement blocks-

in the middle of the back patio.

The family when they come like it –

and many s’mores are done here!

SOLO STOVE – if you are going this route –

I recommend this one!

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

LOL – THAT IS ME!!!!!!!

Marley –

belongs to the family Krohn in Leesburg, Va.

Such a gentle girl –

they dress her up and she just goes along with it!

We consider her part of the family.

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Stepping outside at dusk –

a view East from Cameron Woods Community!

If you look at a coastline map –

you will see from Charleston, S.C. –

To Wilmington, N.C. –

There is a coastline curve –

almost like a quarter moon –

This is unique-

in that, our beaches face SOUTH!

Our house sits North in the front –

and South in the back

The sun goes almost directly over the house giving our front porch –

almost full shade most of the day!

One of the reasons we came to this lot

in the early afternoon –

and saw that we would have shade-

in the front all day!

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Sherry –

while volunteering as a nesting parent –

ST2402 – NC WILDLIFE RESOURCES COMMISSION PERMIT!

We volunteer to do this-

and also walk the East End Of OIB!

Looking for where a Sea Turtle has come ashore –

and made a nest.

This keeps us busy the whole summer months.

Did you know –

for every 1000 baby Sea Turtles that hatch –

ONLY ONE MAKES IT TO ADULTHOOD!

Today there are human footprints in trash –

predators in fox – birds – crabs – fish –

It is a wonder any make it at all!

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

We try to golf when we can –

with or without friends.

Living in this temperature allows us to golf year-round.

Buying the first tee card-

gives us a discount.

One of the reasons we selected this area to live in.

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Bob and Pam –

his wife and my grade school friend –

once a year on their RV trips –

they stop in-

and see us for a week or so,

All these years-

and still good buddies!

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Andrea and my son Troy-

when they visited.

They are trying to come back next summer.

Looking forward to seeing them.

A HOME WITH MEMORIES!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – ST2402 permit – SEA TURTLES!

December 8, 2024August 27, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

It is an early evening in August –

the middle of the month –

Sherry and I are dressed in our orange shirts –

shorts and carrying our flashlight-

that beams red in the darkness!

We are carrying our chairs –

as we leave the boardwalk and step onto the sand.

Beyond the “TRENCH” for the little turtles-

who hatch to make their way to the ocean –

lies a deserted evening beach.

We are almost near the end of the “SEASON” for beach vacations!

we meet at the nest – NUMBER 21 –

there have been 36 nests on the beach.

The sun is setting –

casting an orange glow over the vacationers who have gathered –

News has gone up and down the beach –

THE TURTLE NESTERS are waiting for the hatchlings to appear.

The ten team members have been all given their assignments –

when the hatchlings begin the escape from the chamber-

that contains them!

We know that this one contains 142 eggs –

Because it was relocated from below the tidal line –

to closer to the dune –

to keep it from being flooded out!

This would cause the baby Sea Turtles to drown!

Then – a small crack in the center of the chamber –

about an inch long.

While we are talking – the “DROP” happens!

The previous night – a full moon –

but this night the clouds set in – darkness prevailed!

We all assumed our positions –

The edging was set up going to the water line –

it was not yet high tide but was rising minute by minute.

A large crowd has gathered –

standing beyond the rope –

a barrier we erected to keep the eager crowd back –

so we had room to crawl-

on hands and knees along the trench.

We had to keep the baby turtles on their journey to the water –

in that trench.

Mainly to ensure they reached the water.

You see –

they go towards the white of the waves crashing on the shore –

and the sound of those waves.

When the moon is out they head toward the water.

On dark nights –

the lights from the beach houses draw them toward the dunes.

They will perish if they do that.

Foxes – birds – stray cats – birds and crabs –

they are a feast for all of them.

Thirty-five minutes later –

the last has reached my position at the end of the trench –

I guide “HER” –

I have named her PEGGY –

In my mind only –

after a dear friend who donated to the Sea Turtle Protection last year.

Now we have to sit in the nest for three days –

we had what is called a “BOIL”!

That is when all of them seem to come at once.

If this happens –

the Wildlife Resources Commission of N.C. –

Requires us to sit for three days in case any are left!

So – we thanked the crowd –

who mostly reframed from using lights –

phones and cameras.

These would blind the little turtles –

and then they are lost.

After the three days were up –

we did what is called an inventory required by the Commission.

Here you dig down and recover the egg shells –

and any small turtles that did not make it!

This gives the Commission the data they need –

and also tells us if our count was correct!

Which in the darkness –

is hard to see.

After –

you tear down the nest –

fill in the chamber –

and dig another hole to bury the eggshells in.

The foxes know where the old chamber is-

but we try to keep them from digging up the shells-

that were left.

NEST NUMBER 21 is officially closed –

we were right on the count made by the relocation team!

A big shout out to –

NEST NUMBER TWENTY ONE’s TEAM OF DEDICATED MEMBERS!

All of us moved on to other nests –

and new team members.

A big thank you to LIZ in the middle of the trench as team leader-

even though she was pregnant – CHEERS!

As the moon comes up over the ocean –

another night has ended for our volunteer work-

Sitting on the beach at night from 7 to 11 pm.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – Walking the beach looking for Turtle Crawls!

October 2, 2024July 12, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

We volunteer to try and save baby Sea Turtles –

on OIB, N.C.!

This entails early morning WALKING –

like at 5:45 am.!

We must be on the beach that early –

and walk the East end of OIB –

to see if there were any Sea Turtle Crawls overnight!

If you find such a crawl –

you immediately call the person in charge of the response team –

Who will come to the spot and find where the nest is.

They will determine at that time if the nest is okay to be left there –

or in danger of being flooded with “KING TIDES”!

These are exceptionally high tides –

and destroy the nests.

Then – our job is to continue the walk –

and see if any more TURTLE CRAWLS

have happened!

Looking in front of us to the far East end of OIB!

The Sun is rising and we walk toward it!

On this particular morning –

The forecast was calling for rain – thunder and lightning!

This is the view behind us from the West and the storm was approaching.

Sherry took this picture of me –

walking the dune line while she was closer to the surf.

We walk a wide area –

picking up trash as well as looking for crawls.

The storm was on its way –

and we wanted to be off the beach before it was upon us!

It took nearly one hour to walk –

and we made it back in time with our bags of garbage!

Papa and Sherry near the end of their walk –

two bags of garbage –

while it is seldom Sea Turtles come in on this section of beach –

It has happened.

Cleaning up the beach –

and walking almost two miles –

That was our mission that day –

and YES –

we did beat the storm as it opened up just as I started the car –

and headed home!

Turning 75 years old for both of us –

this type of volunteer work keeps us active!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – BEACH LIFE IN OIB!

September 23, 2024July 2, 2024 / Tom / Leave a comment

The family came to spend a week with us –

this is Tammy and the grandkids and Marcus is here.

They came in a day early –

and so did Debby- Mike and Sarah.

Ella and Maddy came a few days later –

and we spent the week in a rental on OIB!

BEACH LIFE – Marcus asked me how many times we come to the beach in a week!

Well – it depends on what we have to do during the week!

I really do not know how we found time to work! LOL

I mean in five minutes-

we can be at the bridge or causeway –

then in another five minutes,

we are standing in the sand.

It is just knowing that you can do this –

A lot of times we drive over to Sunset Beach on the mainland side –

Go to the little park with our chairs –

and sit in the shade-sun in the grass –

and watch the boats go up and down the ICW!

Not exciting but we like to do it!

Other times we will go to OIB-

park and walk – looking for shells –

I mostly do not go over knee-deep in the water.

And at this time of year,

it is really warm water.

We sign up to walk the beach for the Turtle Patrol –

We walk the East End which has no houses –

and look if a Turtle has crawled in to lay her eggs!

This is part of reporting so that a quick response team can come and verify the nest –

Move it if needed –

and prepare it so predators can not get to it!

It is all part of being part of the group to protect Sea Turtles.

I was once asked,

“WHY – these Turtles have been doing this for thousands of years – why do they need protection and all that stuff you do”?

My answer is this –

Go back in time 600 plus years –

there was no one here except the Native Americans –

and they saw the need to protect and respect Nature!

They were the guardians of all the land and species!

Today – the last census – 2022 – 333.3 MILLION PEOPLE live in the USA!

Take the last 600 years and add up all the people who died –

and you have 600 years-

of garbage – trash –

and the changing of the environment.

The Oceans are full of trash that will be here for thousands of years without going away.

On top of that are predators – fish – birds – dogs – cats – foxes – HUMANS!

The answer to the question as to “WHY”?

IS US!

We – humans – have contributed to Sea Turtles diminishing in population.

Now – we are taught as a group that through studies done by Universities across the country-

That for every 10,000 eggs that hatch –

only 6 (SIX) baby Turtles survive to become adults!

And there are several species that are on the extreme list of extermination!

Education is needed to explain that our World as we know it-

is going through changes –

More floods – more drying up of rivers – heat – storms of destruction –

I had another person tell me –

” I DON’T BELIEVE IN CLIMATE CHANGE – BUT SOMETHING IS HAPPENING”!

Just look around and see the BEACH erosion-

some will be going away.

Hurricanes are more prevalent today –

Flood areas are there that were not there when I was growing up.

So – do we go to the beach every day –

or four times a week – NO –

But – WE CAN if we want to –

being able to see them every day is why we moved here.

Being involved in The Protection Of Sea Turtles-

is our way of trying to do something to help the World.

BEACH LIFE is more than living near the Water – Sand and Fun –

It is watching out for Nature – picking up trash –

educating children to be GOOD GUARDIANS of NATURE –

After all –

WHO else is going to do it-

and answer the question as to “WHY”?

Digging holes in the beach?

Please fill them back in as BABY SEA TURTLES can not crawl out of them –

and they are dangerous at night walking and you can really hurt yourself if you trip over them!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – BEACH LIFE IN THE OIB!

Papa’s World – Calm before the storm – Sea Turtles.

August 31, 2023August 16, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

We have volunteered to watch Sea Turtles’ nests to ensure they make it into the ocean.

Many nights – 7pm. to 11pm. are long – sitting – keeping watch on the nest and when it gets dark

blackout exists – no lighting – even phones.

This light could cause great harm to baby sea turtles.

So, we use red lights, not directly shining on the nest or the turtles.

Part of our training was when we volunteered.

The beginning of sunset – OIB – just before dusk – in the distance a storm front is forming and coming our way.

Sunset – but we know a front is coming – hoping it stays out over the water.

We have endured rain before – huddling under walk ways until it passes –

but what scares us the most is lightning!

The front has moved to just offshore – with lightning in the distance 10 miles away.

For safety reasons – if it gets within 7 miles – we leave the beach!

In this picture, you can see the rain coming down on the water.

It was okay when we saw flashes but could hear no thunder.

Then it became flashes and thunder!

Another storm front came from the NW and moved in over the SE – time to leave which is what we did.

This was the 4th time we have left because of lightning!

All part of volunteering for the protection of Sea Turtles!

Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

CALM BEFORE THE STORM – SEA TURTLES

Papa’s World – A boy named HENRY!

August 25, 2023August 8, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

In my many nights of Turtle Nest sitting – I came to the conclusion that it is about much more than protecting Sea Turtles!

One week in particular – a young boy – 12 years old – would always seek me out when he came to the nest!

His name was Henry – and even though I might be on the opposite side of the nest – he made it a point of walking to the shoreline and then coming back up the rope to where I stood!

He would talk to me – ask me questions and ask if he could be an intern next year.

I gave him the information – and answered all that I could to his questions.

He reminded me so much of our grandson Bode –

he had that inquisitive nature.

He was polite – and after a while would say I have to go now – but I will be back again

and so he did – each day – searching until he found me.

I met his cousins and siblings – he would go into the water as I watched and body ride the waves.

Each day checking in to see if anything was happening to the baby turtle.

On his last night of vacation – he came up to me and said he would be leaving in the morning –

I said to him it was a pleasure meeting you and if I do not see him again – good luck and follow your dream of being an intern here at OIB.

He looked at me and said, “You won’t be here next year”?

I said I would be here and he said then “I WILL SEE YOU”!

Yes HENRY – I will look for you for this made my day – a young person looking up to me –

This is a bonus in NEST SITTING for me – A YOUNG BOY NAMED HENRY!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – A BOY NAMED HENRY! livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa’s World – We help another Turtle Nest team!

August 23, 2023August 6, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

DISCLAIMER: The work for protected Sea Turles is authorized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission – PERMIT ST020232

We now go to the beach at dusk – joining other teams in helping where ever we can!

So goes our Senior living years!

Below is a beach sunset at Ocean Isle Beach, N.C. Warm – water is warm – crowds have gathered –

and we are assigned the edge of the water – keeping people informed and back from the trench!

The beachgoers line the ropes and peer up the trench – which was made for the baby turtles to make their way to the ocean – LOGERHEADS!

The nest was being opened after 75 days!

It was colder than usual in Spring and early Summer with lots of rain.

This formed a crust at the entrance to the nest making it hard for the little turtles to break through.

Being not hot also made the hatching go up to day number 75 which at that time the OIBSTPO is given permission by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission to “OPEN” the nest!

When this happens the team goes into training mode – each with duty and as in our case –

lend a hand and foot to help out!

They emerge from the nest and head for the Ocean – sound and sight guide them – the ocean WHITE CAPS – their instinct is to go toward the light!

The White Caps represent that.

Heading toward the ocean along the trench made just for the reason to get them to and into the surf!

Team members are there to guide them by placing a gloved hand down on the sand to direct them if they try to climb the edge and go in another direction.

If they flip over – do not help them – they are ingrained to right themselves.

Bright lights from outdoor lights can draw them to that direction so we ask that vacationers turn out the lights outside.

Most accommodate – as foxes wait in that direction.

Getting them to the water and into the surf is what volunteering is all about –

being educated along the way – three to four nights of information from the training leader.

Going down the trench – heading for the water – the crowd is now in the hundreds – lining the trench and

spread out along the beach –

we now have eight volunteers lateral along the dry sand spaced out to keep the people back and to keep everyone calm as the surf washes the babies back among their feet!

“FREEZE – DON’T MOVE we calmly say together!

We keep our eyes glued to the babies – and they make it into the water and ZOOM out to sea!

One more baby SEA TURTLE makes it thanks to volunteers – the satisfaction of being a help in the protection of an endangered species!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – WE HELP ANOTHER SEA TURTLE NEST TEAM ON OIB!

Papa’s World – Preparing Turtle Nest for watching!

August 10, 2023July 18, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

DISCLAIMER: The work for protected Sea Turtles is authorized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission.

PERMIT: ST020232

The volunteers of Ocean Isle Beach are in the dozens and dozens – from walking the beach looking for

“TURTLE TRACKS” to riding an ATV along the beach and dunes looking for the distinctive large

Tractor Tire coming up out of the water – then turning around and heading back to the water.

Thus – leaving buried her nest – to be found by these said volunteers who then put in place

protections to ensure the nest is safe!

The nest has been protected against predators and here – on day number 55 – the nest watchers gather

at 7PM. every night – to 11 PM. until the baby turtles have hatched.

In this picture – the top covering has been rolled back and a miro-phone buried eight inches and covered up close to the nest.

We now are listening for activity inside the nest to give us a better idea of when to expect the turtles to hatch and emerge.

You can see the yellow line running away from the nest down to a speaker set up for listening.

As team members watch – 10 members to each team – the leader prepares to bury the microphone.

Soon the yellow wire is to be run back to where the team members have their chairs set up behind the rope-off area.

The roped-off area with team chairs and the ramp for the baby turtles extends all the way to the water.

This whole process on OIB is done by volunteers – there are currently 28 nests and each will require a team consisting of 10 members!

They are continually educating the public and children who are fascinated by this process.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – PREPARING SEA TURTLE NEST FOR WATCHING!

Papa’s World – Storm moves in while Sea Turtle Nesting!

August 9, 2023July 19, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Disclaimer: The work for protected Sea Turtles by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission –

PERMIT – ST020232

The storm was building while we were there at the beginning of 7PM.

The clouds drifted in and you could see the front coming from the West.

Because of how the coastline curves – OIB almost faces South!

The sky to the North West was getting dark.

The clouds are moving in and behind them in the distance is lightning!

View down the beach toward the West end – the wind picked up and radar showed lightning strikes some 13 to 15 miles away!

Sherry still talking to folks but we were watching the weather on our phones!

Around 9PM. the team leader said it was time to go – so we picked up – packed everything up and got the trench smooth in case they hatched when no one was there!

Safety first – be off the beach if lightning strikes are within 10 miles!

Thanks for reading – we were off the beach and had reached home by 9:20 PM. and it opened up with a downpour – wind and lightning!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – STORM MOVES IN WHILE SEA TURTLE NESTING WATCH!!!!!

Papa’s World – Nest Sitting for SEA TURTLES!

August 8, 2023July 17, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Ocean Isle Beach – Disclaimer: The work for protected Sea Turtles by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission Oermit ST020232.

We have joined not only the WALKING GROUP – but also the NEST PARENTS group starting on day 55 after the Sea Turtle has laid her eggs – of “Watching the nest ” until they have hatched.

This requires a team of 10 individuals to go through hands-on training while at the place nest for four hours in the early evening – each night until the Sea Turtles have hatched.

Hatching usually occurs between Day # 70 to Day # 75.

The team gathers as the Team Leader explains a phase of Sea Turtle Nesting – always reminding them that this is a public beach and part of the training is to educate people on just why we do this.

Everything you see in this picture has been installed by the Sea Turtle of OIB Protection volunteer organization.

At the beginning and end of each watch session – the volunteer team cleans and smoothes the trench from the nest to the water line.

Installing a rope barrier for crowd control and to make sure the baby turtles have a clear path to the water.

Team members place their chairs between the rope barrier and the trench to have easy access when the hatching begins.

Past history has been the babies will hatch after it cools down for the day and the sand is not so hot.

Those hours are generally 7Pm. to 11PM.

Team members interact with the spectators and encourage them to watch and ask questions.

There can be upwards of 200 to 300 people who stop by or bring their chairs to wait for the hatching!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – NEST SITTING FOR SEA TURTLES ON OIB, N.C.

Papa’s World – Turtle Nest – a place for social gatherings.

August 6, 2023July 19, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Disclaimer: The work for Protected Sea Turtles is authorized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission – Permit: ST020232

The parents bring the children and the children bring their parents!

Nest sitting not only to keep a watch on the Sea Turtles hatching – but to share with the community

and teach what this whole process is all about – NEST PARENTS!

The team gathers while the team leader prepares the microphone buried in sand to “LISTEN”

to the baby turtles inside.

The crowds come each night – week to week different as the changeover occurs in rentals.

Each week starts over by teaching each group “WHY” we are here and how they can help.

People bring chairs – food and drinks and talk – to the team and amongst themselves.

Conversations with team members from Sunset Beach Turtle members – sharing information.

They are in blue shirts.

The female Sea Turtle does not start laying eggs until she is 25 years old – through DNA testing

done by cooperation between N.C. – S.C. – Ga. – and Northern Flordia –

they have traced a daughter – mother and grandmother Sea Turtle –

which places the grandmother Sea Turtle at more than 75 years old!

Welcome to OIB Sea Turtle Nest Sitting – a social event as well as teaching!

Thanks for reading Papa’s World – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

Papa – observing the team members and the people of OIB – SEA TURTLE NESTING!

Papa’s World – SEA TURTLE NEST PROTECTION!

August 5, 2023July 14, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Disclaimer: The work for protected Sea Turtles is authorized by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission – PERMIT: ST200232

The Sea Turtles Protection on Ocean Isle Beach is a volunteer organization.

Many – many volunteers dedicated to the Sea Turtles hatching and as many as possible reaching the waters of the Ocean.

Also – to protect TURTLE NESTS along the beach from predators and educate the public on the survival of the Sea Turtles who come to the beach to lay their eggs.

Nesting is usually done overnight – leaving huge TURTLE CRAWL TRACTS on the beach – digging a hole and laying the eggs.

The SEA TURTLE ten covers the nest, slowly crawls back to the ocean – the mother never sees the little turtles – and can lay eggs several more times.

The beach is patrolled by an ATV every morning before 5:30 am. and Beach walkers at 6am.

Nests are called in and a response team comes and verify the nest and sets up protection and takes GPS coordinates.

Female Sea Turtles only start producing eggs at the age of 25 years old –

Through DNA testing of eggs – they can be tracked all up and down the coast of N.C. – S.C. – Ga. –

and the Northern part of Florida.

They have the DNA of a daughter Turtle – its mother and its grandmother which would be at least 75 years old!

The Sea Turtles return to lay eggs all up and down the coast and sometimes come back to the same beach.

Thanks for reading and here are some pictures of the preparation to protect the nests.

Here the nest has been prepped for protection – the mesh rolled back to bury a microphone to listen to the babies moving around in the nest.

The sounds they make are then compared to several recorded sounds on an app on the leader’s phone.

You then compare the sounds to the app to try and pinpoint how many days are left before they hatch.

The team comes each night at 7PM. and sits for four hours – they will do this each night until the nest hatches.

Past data collected shows that the nest will hatch within this time frame but it can occur outside of this,

these are dedicated volunteers – it could stretch into weeks of watching and waiting!

Installing the microphone by burying it next to the nest at the same depth – it records people 50 to 75 feet away talking and moving about.

This is put down to keep foxes out of the nest – when they hatch this will be moved out of the way.

Team members listening to the sounds from the nest Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD –

livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – SEA TURTLE NEST PROTECTION – ON OCEAN ISLE BEACH

Papa’s World – Living life in our senior years!

August 4, 2023July 13, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Our SENIOR years are here – we are close to the middle 70s. Yet we are still active – always exploring!

Here we are on the marshes of the ICW – near OIB N.C.

We moved here for the weather ( we both hate snow-ice and cold) close to beaches and golf

and our dear friends are only 40 minutes away!

Have a sense of humor – be kind and share a smile!

When family visits – the sunsets but rises to begin a new day with them!

One of our walks on the beach brings us a Turtle Nest – so we became involved – walking early mornings on Turtle Beach Patrol – looking for signs of turtles – protected by the state of N.C.

Disclaimer: The work for protected SEA TURTLES is authorized by the N.C. Wildlife Resources Commission – PERMIT ST020232

We now walk and nest sits – all volunteers – dedicated people – to help Sea Turtles survive.

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

PAPA’S WORLD – LIVING LIFE IN OUR SENIOR YEARS! THANKS FOR READING AND HGD!

Papa’s World – SHERRY – committed to TURTLE NESTING!

August 3, 2023July 12, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

The Work for protected SEA TURTLES is authorized by the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission

PEERMIT ST020232

A nest on OIB – Sherry and I have committed to walking the beach and she committed to sit and observe the nest until hatching.

This involved TEN TEAM MEMBERS who started on a specific day of the nest being laid –

They go down at 7PM. and stay until 11PM each night until they hatch.

Each member is given a task to perform upon arrival and during the hatching.

This must be performed each night – and the nest is checked each morning by the ATV-GATOR patrol

and daily checked by the OIB police patrol.

When the walkers observe a Turtle having come ashore through the gigantic crawl tracts –

A verification occurs and a team will ready the nest by adding protection and roped off.

This is all done by volunteers – there also is fast response teams and relocation teams

in event the nest is in a dangerous area of survival, and it is moved very carefully.

Predators are watched for and everything for the hatching is provided to insure safe passage to the ocean.

Sherry – volunteer for SEA TURTLES ORGINATION OF OCEAN ISLE BEACH. Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – my site: livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

TEAM MEMBERS SET UP WITH PATHWAY FOR SEA TURTLES TO GO TOWARD THE WATER OF OIB!

SHERRY – COMMITTED TO TURTLE NESTING – PAPA’S WORLD!

Papa’s World – strange discovery while on Turtle Patrol.

July 23, 2023July 2, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Sherry and I signed up to walk the East end of OIB during the TURTLE SEASON and report and nests we should find.

On this section of OIB – there are no houses – only sand and surf for about one mile!

A great place to walk – hearing only the surf and some birds.

We walk all the way to the point and a little around it toward the ICW side.

Just before the point, we came upon this sight – a chair with a pair of pants draped over the back – a waterproof shoe in the surf – tackle boxes all open – a battery with jumper cable hooked up –

fishing poles and a pole holder for the poles.

STRANGE – no one around!

And then around the corner out of sight – two fishing poles in their holders – bait on but laying in the sand and no one around except a boat with a man standing on it!

It was a deputy with a badge and he ask me if this was my stuff!

I told him no and around the corner was the chair and tackle boxes and more poles and I held up the shoe and said we found this also.

He told me to just place the shoe by the pole which I did and he got on his walkie-talkie to the police department.

He thanked us and said he would take care of it.

The chair and all the equipment just sitting on the beach and no one was around!

We continued our TURTLE WALK – not seeing any signs and went back to our car!

On the way back two police trucks and an ATV passed us going toward the chair and poles.

Also – our walk time is spent picking up trash off the beach and then report in what we see as far as signs of turtles!

Sherry is about to throw our trash collection away from our TURTLE BEACH PATROL!

Thanks for reading PAPA’S WORLD – livinglifedoingitmyway.blog

COMMENTS WELCOMED!

Papa’s World – Eagle in the neighborhood – Sunrise on our Turtle Watch on the OIB!

June 20, 2023May 31, 2023 / Tom / Leave a comment

Good day everyone – in late afternoon after being out and about – a neighbor posted she had an Eagle sitting up in a dead tree just up the street!

So we drove past our home and went to the end of the street and sure enough – the EAGLE was there!

We have seen Eagles here and in the surrounding areas since moving here.

What a magnificent bird!

This is one I can tell – it was only a few days ago! LOL

We have signed up for TURTLE WATCH BEACH PATROL!

We are on the beach by 6:00 AM.

We have an area a little over one mile one way in an East Direction and have to look for Turtle tracks or crawl!

We have instructions and numbers to call and we also watch for beach erosion and record and take pictures of it and let them know right away.

Sherry and another walker – we have orange shirts with Turtle Patrol on them to identify who we are – along with a parking pass in case our car is checked by the police.

We can not park illegally and must obey all laws.

Notice the bag – we also collect garbage and trash on the beach.