Taking its first plunge back into the sea at dusk after a lazy afternoon sunning on the beach, this green sea turtle can snooze just as well under water as on land. They are known to hold their breath up to 45 minutes while actively foraging and from 4 to 7 hours while sleeping! The sea turtles I've watched while diving in the waters off Hawaii typically surface every 5 minutes or so.

As a kid and teenager growing up in the islands turtles were legal to hunt and it was not unusual to have turtle meat served at luaus and other local celebrations. As a result if I ever saw a turtle in the ocean that was the last I saw of it! They were very wary of humans, but after more than 40 years of endangered protected status, the current generation of turtles have no fear of man, and are often found frequenting reefs and beaches that are also popular with people.

Though somewhat lumbering on land, these slow and steady creatures are a reminder to me of the gentle yet firm elements of nature.

Intentional camera movement captured the gentle mood of the ocean, combined with a second shot at a turtle slow shutter speed to contrast the froth against its solid shell.

* Disclaimer - No turtles were harmed while capturing this shot, however I've never tasted one I didn't like :-)