Thanksgiving Florida Style

For those of us in the States, this is the official day we designate for giving thanks to others and our own fortunes. I don’t mind having an entry on the calendar as a mental reminder, but honestly, I think this holiday is 364 days too short. If we took this to heart, we would be thankful throughout the year for all the help and successes we have on a daily basis. If nothing else, it would train us to think about the positives more and help negate the constant barrage of negativity that comes at us from every angle – news, social apps, politics, the neighbor’s cat. Life has become so polar lately the middle ground has been tilled up, doused with gas and hit with a flamethrower. We need to get back to civility if that is even possible anymore. Hell, we even have “influencers” trying to convince others to disown their own families because they won’t swallow the narrative. I do not have the answer, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt if we thought more often about the values at the foundation of this holiday. One thing I do know is the entire Intrigued family is incredibly grateful for our personal families, our friendships and especially all our wonderful subscribers and readers. Thank you for your time, comments and support – you make our efforts truly rewarding!!

Now, typically, we like to bring you the traditional symbols of Thanksgiving on this day. You know, Turkeys (link here), Quail (link here) and Cranes (link here). Translated..whatever we happen to find in the queue ha!

Being that we are currently in the southeast, how about we celebrate..Florida style this year!

It is Gator time, hit the jump and maybe take a step back.

We spend a significant amount of time in Texas and as a result, we are fairly accustomed to the big reptilian sightings especially along the Rio Grande Valley. They can definitely get big in Texas…just ask Linda about an unexpected encounter walking the back roads of Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge..oops, one sec.. make that the Jocelyn Nungaray National Wildlife Refuge (it took me forever to learn how to spell Anahuac, this change is going to take some time).

A couple of years ago Linda and I headed down to Florida and was met with quite a shock. These scaly creatures are practically everywhere down here and just not onesies and twosies, rather throw a stick and hit one numbers – I am sure the local readers are laughing at me right now.

Sweetwater Wetlands Park in Gainesville is a perfect example. The first time we visited this place we were disappointed to learn that dogs were not allowed in the park. Linda stayed with them in the parking lot while I did some quick exploration. Minutes later I knew EXACTLY why pets were not allowed, death lurks in the waters and on the banks as they say. This was an entirely different experience including multiple Gators just walking across the walkways directly in front of me – W-T-H!

I distinctly remember going back to the car and telling Linda we needed to drop the boys off at the RV so she could come back and witness this killing field. On our return, I was busy pointing out all the Gators littered about the banks while an apparently massive fan boat revved in the back waterways. Eventually, we made our way out to those waters and immediately noticed there didn’t seem to be enough room to really maneuver a boat – yet still, we heard those engines roaring.

Then we noticed that the source of the sound was coming from a nearby bank – no boat in sight, just one big-assed Gator bobbing up and down in the water. It would dip its mid-section down in the water, bring in air to fill up its belly as it raised back out of the water.

Like a giant Gator balloon… with a tail and teeth.

Then it would open up that mouth and let out a bellow that I swear shook the ground. Linda and I looked at each other in utter disbelief. Again, locals are probably laughing out their noses by now, but this was quite a sight for Midwesterners. There’s nothing in our waters that can acoustically shake a house down – nowhere close I tell ya’!

We just stood there taking it all in as this played out time and time again. Correction, Linda stood there trembling while this loop played out – I was busy taking snaps because, well, that is what I do. It occurred to me after I got back in the digital darkroom that none of my tins could convey what we had experienced that day on the banks. A mental note was made – the next time we made it back there I would try to capture it via video.

Jump to a few days ago when we found ourselves once again standing in the midst of prehistoric creatures at Sweetwater. This time I remembered my promise. Here is a video of a muuuuuch smaller specimen, but it was displaying the same behavior albeit not as loud as our first encounter. Note, if the embedded video does not work, here is the direct link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWCD76VNe3U.

Crank that to 11 and you’ll get the feeling. I did do some quick research as to this behavior and learned that both males and females will bellow as a form of communication – attract mates (no dating apps needed here), show of territorial force and to communicate who brings what to the next University of Florida tailgate party. Both the physical sound and the ripples in the water combine to deliver the message. Keeping with the theme, are boys are very thankful they got to stay in the RV.

Figured I would throw in a few more shots of our new Florida friends. Linda felt a little safer in our recent visit to Sweetwater – knowing that old adage you don’t have to be fast, but faster than the person you are with, well the tables were turned this year – no way was I going to be able to out “run” her and that healthy foot above is capable of 20mph in water (tail assist) and 35mph short burst on land – I was basically Gator-bait.

Gators definitely have my admiration and respect. I’ve read many posts from my friends that live in these or similar parts – they all assure me if I don’t do anything stupid then I have nothing to fear. Did I mention I am thankful for the reach of The Beast glass!?!

With the exception of one encounter in the past where I almost stepped on the head of one (link here), I’ve done my best to stay alert, respect their domain and keep my distance – especially in the Sunshine State as they know how to grow ’em really big down here.

Will wrap it up here. Hope you enjoyed our tribute to Thanksgiving served up Florida style. Again, a heartfelt thank you from all of us here at Intrigued. Take care, think positive and watch your step.