I love turtles. It all started when we moved here. One day I walked out to the driveway and there was a turtle. I took a picture of him for evidence since Dave was not home and I figured he’d never believe me. Here is his picture on my scrapbook page from 2007.
Since then, when we travel we are always on the look out for turtles or Timmy, what we named the turtle in our driveway.
We have lots of turtle art on our walls and have taken lots of pictures of turtles.
I’ve even made a stencil of a turtle for stamping on one of Dave’s shirts and some fabric.
But this was the first time that we were able to “swim” with a turtle. Next to our lodging in Hilo on The Big Island, is a park which break walls form a great place to swim and for turtles to live.
We saw turtles a couple years ago when we were here, but never got close to them. The day we went into the water was overcast so there were few people out.
Meet Radar. According to locals he is 80 years old. A marine biologist comes out and checks on the turtles and has determined he’s been around that long.
To give you an idea of how large he is, here I am with him in the water. He came right up to me. He was just one of several turtles who make this area their home.
What a thrill to not only see the turtles, but to get so close. For me, this was the highlight of our trip.
As promised, that’s the end of my Hawaii photos. Now to some serious art play!
Awesome! That would be thrilling .
Dolly, It was so neat for him to swim right up to me.
You can post Hawaii pictures for me everyday! We were blessed to live there for 17 months and I love all the wildlife and plants. It is my perfect place.
How wonderful, to be able to get so close to him! I can see why that would make your trip even more special!
Judy, It was soooo cool! I couldn’t believe that he swam right up to me. Then I almost freaked out thinking he might bite me, but he didn’t. Great experience.
Maryjo, Thanks! It is a beautiful place.
Wow, how wonderful to be in the water with such a majestic creature. Cute turtle on the pocket. xox
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Corrine, Thanks. It was wonderful and really magical.
What an exciting time to be with Radar! 3 years ago I swam with sea turtles in Akumal Mexico. It was wonderful, enlivening and very tranquil. What wonderful energy they have. I recently found a box turtle shell in our woods. Feel very fortunate to have found it.
Sue, Thanks for sharing your turtle swimming experience. It is amazing to be in their presence. Love that you found one in your woods. They are so special. Thanks for dropping by.
Wow. That was incredible. I think I might have been a little afraid. I don’t know why. LOL. Looks like you weren’t. So glad you got to have this experience.
Barbara, When I first got in the water I wasn’t scared. But then when he started swimming toward me, I was getting a little scared he might want to bite me. But he just wanted to check me out. Then I felt comfortable with him. It was a wonderful experience.