Heron Island on the Great Barrier Reef was another birthday destination.   My number one goal at Heron Island was to see baby sea turtles hatch and run for the sea.  I was not disappointed.  Our first evening on the island we saw a nest hatch, and every day after that as well.  We also saw a large female turtle cover her nest and return to the sea, and on our last day, very early in the morning, my sister saw a large female run to the sea from the shoreline.  We saw sharks and turtles during our snorkle trips.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Nielsen

My sister Rebecca on the beach at Heron Island

Turtle hatchlings on Heron Island reach the water

Turtles hatch at Shark Bay on Heron Island

Shark Bay, Heron Island

Champagne birthday picnic on the beach.

Photo Credit: Rebecca Nielsen

Fresh turtle track after she covered her nest and returned to the sea.

Me and my sister Rebecca celebrate the sunset.

Heron Island sunset