Day 4: Another Record!!

Day four began on a pretty good note, we headed down to the designated beach for our cleanup, after 2 hours of cycling, we reached the site. Without much delay, we splitted ourselves into the respective small groups to collect the rubbish. Out of the things that were collected, we were shocked to pick up a bag full of baby diapers. After collecting the trash, we set aside time to split the rubbish into plastic, glass, metal & styrofoam. After spending about 2 hours for the cleanup, we headed back to the turtle hatchery to fix the shelter by weaving fishing line together.

Lunch was AWESOME! With our full scout uniform on, we proceeded to the school nearby for the exchange session that was planned. We were then welcome by the kids with their wide smiles, before having a chorus speaking presentation by the boys & girls. We then taught the kids some interesting action songs, which they seemed to be very interested in. In a nutshell, everyone had their share of fun, including the teachers & the scout master. But all good things have to come to an end, when we had to bid farewell to the kids. Well, we might get to see them again when we head back to the school to paint a mural on the school's wall.

After dinner, the group were splitted into beach patrol teams, wherby Nicholas & myself were supposed to be on patrol, along with Arvind and Oliver. We gathered our "Barang Barang" before heading down to the beach. Initially, there were streaks of lighting flashes which lighted up the nightsky, but sadly, it was followed by a heavy downpour. It was due to this tormenting rain, which resulted in having to be under the nearest shelter for close to 1 hour & a half.

So here's come the main event of the day, we set off once again after the rain had subsided, and continued with our patrol. Nicholas's & myself were amazed when we saw this rock-like creature making its way back into the sea. We both could not believe what we saw, without any hesitation, we took out the camera to try to get a good snapshot of our "friend". After speaking to the ranger who were with us on patrol, we learnt that the turtle was the largest green turtle sighted in Setiu. Based on its tracks, we managed to locate our first nest of turtle eggs, which numbers up to 157. We did what was necessary, before handing the eggs over to the WWF's personal, in order for them to be at the hatchery on time.

It was really a lucky night as to see the largest green turtle in Setiu wetlands and to encounter two nest in a single night. Total egg count added up to 233 eggs. Even though we were both drenched to the bone, I must say it was truly a great experience and unforgettable one!

Signing off,
Parry