Mel and Wes Stories: Bayou Sea Turtle in Louisiana

Louisiana: Bayou Sea Turtle

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Lesson: Bayou Sea Turtle Setting the scene: The family visits Lake Charles, a town in southwest Louisiana. Mel and Wes meet two teenagers while they fish in a bayou. People in This Story: Bubba (teenage boy); Delia (teenage girl); Mel; Wes Brand Name or Company Name item is in green. Slang terms are linked to the Slang Dictionary. Click on the term to view its meaning. "Speed Talk" is in pink; meaning is in [brackets]. Story: Wes: What a drag! There's nothing to do here. This is the pits! Mel: It's certainly not much of a place. Dad and Mom are content to gab with old friends. But this is a dump for us. Whadaya wanna do? [What do you want to do?] Wes: Guess we can get some gear and go fishing. Dad said he used to do that in Contraband Bayou. Mel: I suppose it's better than sitting on our thumbs. Wes: Yeah, but not by much. [The two gather fishing rods, hooks and a wicker creel to hold any fish they catch. They also get a jar of worms for bait. They then walk about 100 yards [approximately 30 meters] to the bayou. Two teenagers are fishing near the bayou bank. A boy is sitting down, with a fishing line already in the water. A redheaded girl stands near him. She throws a small rock in the water.] Bubba: Hey, girl. Stop messing around! You'll scare the fish. Delia: [Laughing] Fat chance, Bubba. You've been here almost an hour and ain't [have not] caught any yet. Bubba: Don't you go mean-mouthing me, Delia! Delia: [She notices Mel and Wes coming close.] Hello. Haven't seen you two around before. Did you just move in? Mel: No, we just came for a visit and decided to go fishing. Wes: What's up? My name's Wes and this is my sister, Mel. You getting any action? Bubba: Not much. My name's Bubba and this is Delia, my kid sister. We live in the white brick house over yonder. This bayou is a fine place to fish. Just not having much luck today. Mel: Say, Delia. Do you actually like to fish? I'm afraid that I'll be bored out of my gourd. Delia: [Laughing] I hear you! But at times we see something worthwhile. Besides, it's pretty and peaceful here. Mel: Too humid and hot, though. [Peers at an object in the bayou.] What do suppose that is? It's moving this way. Delia: Not sure, yet. Bubba, What's that in the bayou? Bubba: Huh? Well, I'll be! It's a sea turtle! Must be lost and trying to find the Gulf of Mexico. This is great! Hurry up and get the boat! We can catch it. [The four friends quickly climb into a row boat and paddle to the large sea turtle. Bubba slips a small rope around the turtle.] Wes: What a ride! That turtle is strong enough to pull your boat, Bubba. How far do you think it'll take us? Bubba: Probably all the way to the Gulf. But, I'll cut us loose at the first dock we see. That'll be in about ten minutes at this speed. Mel: Good, we don't want to hurt the turtle. Let it go free. [The turtle swims steadily for about 10 minutes. Bubba then cuts the rope and the friends paddle to a nearby dock on the Bayou bank. They watch the sea turtle continue swimming south.] Bubba: That was fun! Wes, do you want to help me catch a few water moccasins? Wes: I'd like to but we have to head back now. Thanks for the swell time! Bubba: You're welcome. Glad to know you both. Bye. Mel: Goodbye. [Mel and Wes walk back up the road.] Wes, what do you think of that? Wes: Terrific! Most fun we've had here in Lake Charles. [Friends invite the family to visit them in New Orleans. Click here to see the following story: Madi Gras.]