See You Later, Alligator

When my friend, Kim . . .

Kim, trying out her new kayak

 . . . told me about canoeing recently through Riverbend Park and coming face to face with a wide-mouthed, hissing alligator and accidentally paddling the wrong way -- closer to the alligator's open jaws -- I wasn't scared.

I was terrified!

So I did what any normal person would.  I joined Kim for a kayak adventure through those same waters.

Here's why . . .

Kayaking through Riverbend Park

Isn't it gorgeous?  The way Florida used to be before we paved paradise and put up a parking lot.  Or, in our case, filled in the swamps and put up gated housing communities, shopping malls and several rodent-inspired amusement parks.

It's such a treat to get out in the wilderness, get an upper body workout and enjoy nature.

Heron and I having a staring contest.  The heron won.

There was also this little fellow . . .

Limpkin

We saw hawks and turtles, both large and tiny, spiders and then we saw this . . .

"While canoeing this river you will encounter alligators."

Kim and I noticed the sign didsn't say "May encounter alligators" or "There's a tiny chance you'll encounter alligators."  The sign said "While Canoeing this river you WILL encounter alligators."

Well, we fooled them because we weren't canoeing.  We were kayaking.  Entirely different.  Right?

But then, what is that on the bank . . .

Alligator on the bank.  Notice how he blends into the surroundings, looking more like a log than a gator.

Fortunately, he stayed put and we didn't.  "Paddle faster, Kim!"

"Just a minute.  I'm taking a photo."

(Notice it's not a closeup.  I have smart friends.)

Thanks to Kim for shlepping her kayaks to Riverbend Park for our morning adventure.  And to her hubby, Brian, for lending me his kayak.  And to the powers that be that let this part of South Florida be.

Beautiful.