Tortuga

Yet another turtle in the world of turtles.

Just yesterday, I was listening to Joseph Campbell being interviewed by Bill Moyer. The topic discussed was how human beings were adapting to a world void of nature as we once knew it. The evolution was a making us sick. Mentally and physically. This was where my focus was when I first came to Costa Rica. I was running to the forest, trying to escape the endless conversations of doctors appointments and psychotropics.

I came here on vacation in 96. I couldn’t believe it. There were only 24 rental cars in the country at the time. People outside of the city did not drive. They still had ox carts. People were on horses.There were a few motorcycles. Not many. 6% of the environmental diversity of the world existed in this tiny country. It did not cross the borders.

I fell in love. But I knew it wouldn’t last. That’s why I altered my life to be able to be a part of the jungle before it became changed by invaders. I knew it was going to succumb to the same fate as Amelia Island. Trashed by tourism. And it did. In 27 years I have watched the systematic devastation of the environment here. Not by just US gringos. All of the world has had their hand in it.

Getting back to turtles. They have been a big part of my life. Living in Florida, if you spend any time outside by a lake, creek or the beach, you are going to have encounters. If you live outdoors like me, there will be many. They were once a common occurrence.

But now, one mention of a turtle and you will be attacked by the local turtle enthusiasts of Amelia Island. They are a bunch of fussy, Yankee ladies that are going to keep the world straight. “I KNOW TURTLES – YOU DO NOT KNOW TURTLES.” Therefore you need to be removed from the beach. But first I will take that 15,000 dollars a year in taxes. Then go somewhere else. “AND BESIDES THAT I DO NOT HAVE TIME FOR YOUR OPINION, I HAVE A TEE TIME. I HAVE TO MEET THE WINE SALESMAN. AND I HAVE A LUNCHEON ENGAGEMENT WITH JACK HEALAN.”

Oh well, just another turtle. It had lost its way and was found under the bushes by a pool. It was transported to the water. Two beautiful, curly headed little boys in tow. Following and watching.

At first the turtle seemed to have no energy. But as it got closer to the water and could hear the sounds of the sea it began to move. It wanted to go home.

It was placed in the water.

It swam away. Never to be seen by me again.