Awwww, dude!

There was a group of young men on the beach at dawn this morning, taking photos, strutting their stuff, and posturing as only young men can do. A few sat aside quietly to watch the sun rise. It was evident that they were good kids since they took time to pick up and dispose of beer cans they noticed on the beach, despite the fact the cans were empty!

Several of them were curious about the sea turtle nest and quickly gathered around a Park Ranger who came by to check the site.

"Whoaaaa...how did they know to come here?" wondered one tousled-haired, sleepy-eye boy.

"What do you mean?" the Ranger asked.

"Well, like, how did they find it? Are they attracted to the orange [flagging]? How'd they know you fixed this place up for them?"

"Awwww, dude....." one of his compadres groaned.

"Actually," the Ranger replied with incredible composure, "we roped the area off after the eggs were laid."

It was difficult to keep from chuckling out loud. Luckily I remembered the words of my old school teacher, Mr. Deaver: "The only stupid question is the one you didn't ask."

Then again, Mr. Deaver didn't hear this conversation.