Chance Encounter

The cool morning mist was clearing as I untied my surfboard from the roof of my old car. I zipped up my wetsuit as the high clouds burst to brilliant oranges and yellows from the sunrise. The ocean breeze blew my hair across my face and the scent of the ocean felt like a greeting from an old friend. In the distance, the morning chop crashed to shore in rhythmic waves.

I walked down the sandy path between tufts of ocean grass that rustled and buffeted against the never-ending breeze. This was the California I had come to love. I smiled as I anticipated another great day of freedom and life.

A few surfers were gathered at the water's edge and some were already paddling out to catch the first waves of the day. I felt the cold Pacific water seep through my wetsuit, but the cold was always replaced by the excitement of joining with the force of nature and trying to find that perfect ride.

And so the day went. I caught some good waves and only stopped to grab a snack from the car. I had to chase down some loose trash that blew across the beach a short distance away but I made sure it made its way into the trash can.

The sun lit the sandbars and reef below the surface and I had a good view of its rich coral colors and brightly colored fish that darted away as the waves tumbled me off my board a time or two.

It was on one such occasion, as I climbed back on my surfboard that I noticed something dark in the swells nearby. As it came near the surface again, I could see it was a green sea turtle. I frowned, wishing I had my waterproof camera. Oddly, it didn't swim off; I dipped my head under the waves for a better look and saw it was tangled in a net.

I slowly paddled closer and slipped into the water, my leg tether kept my board near. The turtle seemed lethargic and struggled against the drag of the heavy lines. I untangled the lines from the edges of the turtle's shell and flippers. Line by line, I pulled the tangle free until it slipped clear of the animal.

I held my breath a little longer and watched as it swam off towards the reef. I climbed back on my board with the net and tied the loose ends to my tether. I knew it was time to head back home anyhow but I remained a few minutes to watch the setting sun.

That was when I realized I wasn't alone. The turtle had returned and in its mouth, it held a tattered plastic bag. I took the bag and watched as the turtle swam away a last time. I think it knew we were responsible. If only we could learn too.