Went to the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue in Surf City.  They have about 27 rescued Sea Turtles currently. They said they had more but just did a big release. What a wonderful place and wonderful volunteers.  We heard the stories of some of the Turtles, but it made me sad to think about how injured some of them were. Some were blind and would never leave there little tanks.

Another fabulous weekend at Topsail. The more I stay here the more I fall in LOVE. When we arrived the sky was dark and ominous, but we still spent alot of time at the ocean and swimming at the Southern end of the island in the Sound.  Dug up some clams. I got my land legs that night and we walked on beach hunting and chasing the ghost crabs. Sunday was gorgeous and spent the morning at the ocean and made all kinds of castles and sand sculptures. Later, we drove  back to the Sound for more swimming and fun. Our beach umbrella blew away in the wind, the people sitting next to us, went out in their boat to try and rescue it, but the wind was too strong. Spent the night walking on the beach after dark and lighting off fireworks.

Pulled out my underwater camera today in hopes to practice a bit more. Underwater photography is tricky as the lighting and colors are not the same. Here are a couple though that came out cool. Some have crazy distortion, but I thought they are still fun!!

What a wonderful day for a mermaid swim with friends!

Came across a fabulous website that is everything Topsail Beach. The history behind it and things to do.  Just wanted to share some cool info:

Taken from: http://www.topsailbeach.org

Situated at the southern end of Topsail Island, off the coast of southeastern North Carolina, the Town of Topsail Beach is the smallest of the three communities located on the 26-mile long island. North Topsail Beach occupies the northernmost section, and Surf City, the largest town on the island, is in the center.  The Island is just off US Highway 17, about half-way between Wilmington and Jacksonville. 

Topsail Island has a rich and varied history. Local folklore claims the name, Topsail (pronounced Tops’l), originated during the 1700’s when pirate ships roamed the coastal waters. Historians explain that marauding pirates hid their ships in the channel behind the island and waited for passing merchant ships loaded with goods. The pirates would pursue and attack the merchants, claiming the cargoes as their own. Eventually the merchants became aware of this infamous hiding place and began to watch for the tops of the pirates' sails showing over the rolling dunes - hence the name Topsail Island.

Prior to World War II, the only access to Topsail Island was by boat. Area residents frequently made this short trip and picnicked on the sandy shores of the Atlantic Ocean. Local farmers are said to have driven their livestock across the waterways to graze on wild grass. Treasure hunters searched for Blackbeard’s infamous buried treasure throughout the maritime forests which covered the island.

During the war, the U.S. Navy took over the island and began a joint venture with Johns Hopkins University known as Operation Bumblebee. The waterway was dredged, roads were built, and fresh water was piped onto the island. Operation Bumblebee was the beginning of the space program for the United States Government. An arsenal center for the assembly and storage of rockets was built on the sound side of the island, and launching pads were constructed on the oceanfront.

Concrete observation towers were built throughout the island to monitor the experimental launchings. Over 200 rocket launchings took place on the island between 1946 and 1948. When the testing program was dismantled, the government sold the island to the public. Many of the original military structures are still standing.

Incorporated in 1963, the Town of Topsail Beach boasts a friendly, family oriented style of beach living. High rise development is not allowed, beautification is encouraged, and conservation of the island environment is a top priority. There are over 1200 homes, but only about 368 year-round residents. The seasonal influx of tourists increases the population to about 7,000, which helps sustain the town's motels, restaurants, gift shops, fishing pier and other businesses. The only sea turtle hospital in the state, the Karen Beasley Sea Turtle Rescue and Rehabilitation Center, is located on the sound near Town Hall. The arsenal (Assembly) building from Operation Bumblebee now houses the Missiles and More Museum as well as a meeting room that is available for rental.

Heading to the beach again soon....just a couple more from our last beach trip.

Hello all my lovely friends, I need your help to win 'Mermaid of the Month' for June. It would mean alot if I could win this month because well it is a special milestone birthday (40) and today is my actual birthday!! The photo with the most 'likes' wins. In order for your vote to count you need to like my mermaid pic on the Mermaid Minerals Fan page. Just look for this image titled "Mermaid of the Month-June"

Memorial Day Weekend kicked off the opening of the Kraft Family YMCA pool so what better way to celebrate than to swim with a mermaid! I had so much fun!!  The pool was packed but when the whistle blew, all the kids had to get out, then we took the opportunity for the kids to have their photos taken with me. By the end of it all, all them chose blue as their favorite color (like my tail) and they chose collecting seashells as their favorite thing to do too.  A big Thanks to Jennifer Jones  and Kristin Hutchins for helping organize this great event. KRAFT Family YMCA ROCKS!!