Thank you, Mike, for another wonderful video! Those gators were HUGE!
Love the Hampton Inn in the background.
Kind of fun to think about all the people staying there who have no idea that "Gatorland" is right behind them.
Yes, isn't it interesting how close to 'civilization' wildlife can get. I remember the first time I realized how many coyote were amongst us all. As far as danger though, or being loco, that was funny, you guys make me think I'm doing something dangerous.
I remember the same reaction in Louisiana when a big boat stopped me to ask if I was okay, wondering if I were lost becaue I was about to get into an area that was swarming with gator and was only in my kayak. But what people don't understand is that I work out.
Seriously though, I just don't feel in much danger. Not anymore than driving on most highways. With the snakes my biggest chance of getting bitten is as I'm walking, which is no different than anyone else. When I'm photographing them they will invariably try to get away. I had a few strike at me in these videos, but I've worked something out where I don't get quite as close now. I sometimes hold my camera out on a stick for the extreme close ups.
Regarding the gator, I am a little worried about that, I must admit. But I have been right over a 15 footer, and it was big, big around and nearly crossed the Louisiana bayou I was in. Probably my most intimidating moment in my 9.5 foot kayak. But yes, that gator there in Daphne was the closest a big one has come to my kayak. The only way something bad would have happened is if it had tipped me over and I'd landed on him. He may have bitten out of a reaction or its tail, which would have been a more realistic problem, could have hit my head, knocked me out, and without a lifevest I'd have drowned.
My biggest problem, as I've noted, is my camera is only a 3 times zoom which is rediculous. I need to get very, very close to have any kind of adeqaute shot. It is an underwater camera though so the cost was higher and I got less of a camera for the price, but with underwater capability. I was losing too many cameras and phones because of my propensity of being in the vicinity of water.
I read about this guy one time who was creating a 'suit' that could withstand almost anything. He wanted to take it out in the wild and have a grizzly attack him. They make chain suits for people swimming with shark. There are snake boots and chaps for walking in snake infested terrain. I wish I had some snake boots and chaps. The boots are maybe 150 bucks and the chaps, I don't remember, maybe under $100. It would help me to walk through areas that are thick, whereas now I have to stop all the time and retrace my steps all the time.
We'll see what today holds. I'm hungry now. Let me check my fridge for gator ;-)
are asking for a rest.