This afternoon I went out in the Gulf in my kayak out past the second sand bar. I tried to find a clear path with no jelly fish and exited my kayak. Ouch! There were countless jelly fish and no space between them and I got stung pretty good so back in the kayak I went.
Earlier in the day while in the water I had what I can best describe as a Pilot fish that kept hugging me and running into me and it kinda spooked me, making me leave the water. Well, on this afternoon occasion, I noticed several of those Pilot fish begin to surround my kayak and then a whole swarm of them. I noticed an entire school circling under me until I noticed something else.
It first appeared to be some of the dead, brown June grass that is more in the shallows, but something about it appeared to define itself differently. I looked closer and noticed fins, but the shape was not recognized as anything I understood. Upon closer inpsection it turned out to be three Nurse sharks with their noses meeting and their bodies going out away from the center.
I stayed above them, leaning my head over the side of my kayak and watching them. They appeared to be asleep, resting, whatever. I wanted so badly to get out and get a good look from the water, but the jelly fish were everywhere out there, leaving no clear path to exit my kayak. I was definately more afraid of them than the Nurse sharks.
But then, there was a shark about 10 feet away from me that slammed through the surface attacking something. I did not see it clear enough to guess the type or even get a good enough look for size. But it was pretty neat.
Does anyone have an idea when these jelly fish will get the heck out of here? They have been horrible all summer out there in the deep.
Btw, the reason I decided to go out a second time today was as I was leaving Robert Ellis street, from the stop sign down passed One Seagrove Place into the Gulf I noticed what appeared to be a wave out beyond the 2nd sand bar. I drove down and watched it for a while and never determined what it was. It wasn't like the normal bait fish thing. I read that the Tarpon were running through, which is why I went out the second time to see if it was Tarpon out there creating that commotion. I just don't know. But the shark thing was pretty neat. I love this place.
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61
Beach FanaticAuthor
Yes, a blue crab can hurt and certainly draw blood. In fact, they don't always let go. But yes, if someone gave me the option of the two, I'd stay away from the stone crab.
As far as the snakes and encounters I've had, it should be noted that I spend a lot of time in the elements. In fact, I was just out even as the mist from Tropical Storm Kay is arriving. I saw a deer in the forest and a couple snakes. I've had some amazing experiences since moving here, but I've had plenty days where I've walked in teh forest for 4 hours or more. I've also trekked through swamps and kayaked in areas that are virtually untouched, even with all the activity and tourists in close proximity.
If I'd have spent as much time pursuing females as I have wildlife, I might have had my toes curled a few more times. But then again, these toes were made for walkin'
As far as the snakes and encounters I've had, it should be noted that I spend a lot of time in the elements. In fact, I was just out even as the mist from Tropical Storm Kay is arriving. I saw a deer in the forest and a couple snakes. I've had some amazing experiences since moving here, but I've had plenty days where I've walked in teh forest for 4 hours or more. I've also trekked through swamps and kayaked in areas that are virtually untouched, even with all the activity and tourists in close proximity.
If I'd have spent as much time pursuing females as I have wildlife, I might have had my toes curled a few more times. But then again, these toes were made for walkin'
Beach Fanatic
Mike, I love your pics, but do you have a death wish??? I love the colors of the rattlesnake, unless you have a zoom, your to close!!!
SWGB
Yes, a blue crab can hurt and certainly draw blood. In fact, they don't always let go. But yes, if someone gave me the option of the two, I'd stay away from the stone crab.
As far as the snakes and encounters I've had, it should be noted that I spend a lot of time in the elements. In fact, I was just out even as the mist from Tropical Storm Kay is arriving. I saw a deer in the forest and a couple snakes. I've had some amazing experiences since moving here, but I've had plenty days where I've walked in teh forest for 4 hours or more. I've also trekked through swamps and kayaked in areas that are virtually untouched, even with all the activity and tourists in close proximity.
If I'd have spent as much time pursuing females as I have wildlife, I might have had my toes curled a few more times. But then again, these toes were made for walkin'
I think you just summed it up as to the total effect from the "storm".
Meow
Mike...I like it so much better when you romance nature rather than women.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Mike, I love your pics, but do you have a death wish??? I love the colors of the rattlesnake, unless you have a zoom, your to close!!!
I don't really think I'm too close. You have to remember, I have a digital and I reach down and take the shot rather than having to look through the viewfinder with my face nearer (with my 35 mm) I suppose if they strike they could get my fingers that surround the digital camera. But I can kinda tell when they are about to strike. Well, the first pygmy that I found did surprise me, but he came up a few inches short, thankfully. Now I think I know a little more about their temperment and how they position themselves before they're about to strike.
If I come across an Eastern I will use the zoom a little, since approximately 40% of their biting victims, if fully 'venomated', die. I don't know how the statisticians figure out which ones are fully injected, but I've read that in several places.
The snakes actually don't have all that good of range, and at 40, I'm still pretty quick
Beach FanaticAuthor
Mike...I like it so much better when you romance nature rather than women.
Oh, no. Wait till you see those pictures :funn:
Just teasing. Actually, so do I. I have always preferred being out in nature and observing its gifts than most anything. Yesterday as I walked in the woods across from Deer Lake SP, and as the wind rustled through the trees and shrubbery, I stopped and listened. It was as if I was being placed in another time, when my survival necessitated an intimate knowledge of the woods.
The colors struck me. The greens were varied and the shadows that existed between them whispered to me. I heard cracks on the forest floor and wondered what was. I wondered if it were an armidillo who nosed itself along the ground, looking for something beneath the resting leaves, clumisly searching with no idea that I was present. I wondered if it was a coyote, oblivious to me as the wind helped to conceal my scent and sound. I wondered if it were a gopher tortoise, trudging along, or a big Eastern Diamondback pulling its massive weight over impediments.
Yet I saw nothing but shadows. Nothing but hope. Perhaps it was only the wind that focused my eyes into the space where I could not see. But as I stood still, my only movement the slighest of breath, I felt myself dissolve into the surroundings. I lost all feeling of self and I was one with everything.
For a moment my soul rested among the pine that swayed in the breeze. I looked to the sky and back down to the forest. Most everything was rooted to the ground. I knew I would be leaving soon, back to the walls and cabinets and fridge and television. But these trees would be there until they cracked and spit fire and decended to lay. Their final place, to rest and decay and replenish.
And I was witness.
SWGB
I don't really think I'm too close. You have to remember, I have a digital and I reach down and take the shot rather than having to look through the viewfinder with my face nearer (with my 35 mm) I suppose if they strike they could get my fingers that surround the digital camera. But I can kinda tell when they are about to strike. Well, the first pygmy that I found did surprise me, but he came up a few inches short, thankfully. Now I think I know a little more about their temperment and how they position themselves before they're about to strike.
If I come across an Eastern I will use the zoom a little, since approximately 40% of their biting victims, if fully 'venomated', die. I don't know how the statisticians figure out which ones are fully injected, but I've read that in several places.
The snakes actually don't have all that good of range, and at 40, I'm still pretty quick
Blood tests at the autopsy (sp?).
Beach Fanatic
Holy Cats Mikecatadjuster, nice writing!
I kept expecting to read how you were in mid-air between snake fangs and that tree branch about to make contact with the top of your head during your "conscience" moment and we would all laugh like mad.
Riveting....really. Been there, done that. literally.
I have pics to prove it when I was on the trail way up by Canada stalking an owl that had recently alighted a fresh blanket of snow to remove a mouse from the foodchain. (snap) Not a sound during the entire event. I slowly crept up on the owl, now perched on a dead limb, which had just swallowed the mouse whole and was captivated at how it eyed me (snap) as perhaps I could be next....not a care in the world. (snap...snap) Closer...(snap) and then suddenly it spread its wings (snap) and in an instant, I again was the only one on that trail, with only the crunch of fresh fallen snow underfoot as company.
Maybe a good thing that everyone doesn't understand the draw of being alone in nature.....or we never would be.
I kept expecting to read how you were in mid-air between snake fangs and that tree branch about to make contact with the top of your head during your "conscience" moment and we would all laugh like mad.
Riveting....really. Been there, done that. literally.
I have pics to prove it when I was on the trail way up by Canada stalking an owl that had recently alighted a fresh blanket of snow to remove a mouse from the foodchain. (snap) Not a sound during the entire event. I slowly crept up on the owl, now perched on a dead limb, which had just swallowed the mouse whole and was captivated at how it eyed me (snap) as perhaps I could be next....not a care in the world. (snap...snap) Closer...(snap) and then suddenly it spread its wings (snap) and in an instant, I again was the only one on that trail, with only the crunch of fresh fallen snow underfoot as company.
Maybe a good thing that everyone doesn't understand the draw of being alone in nature.....or we never would be.
Beach FanaticAuthor
Good point Ash, that in a way its better that more people don't feel the way we apparently do about nature, otherwise the outdoors might resemble yet another theme park. In fact, when I went to Yellowstone, in a few areas, I felt that way. There were a few features, if I'd encountered them by myself, walking upon it unexpectantly, would have been mind blowing. But the fact that it was partitioned off and seemingly had a l stadium of onlookers made it seem as if it were not natural at all. It made the entirety of it seem man-made.
Yesterday I went into some deep, deep stuff and was caught in the heavy rain. I was actually lost for a while, having followed one 'game trail' after another. I had to walk through some thick brush, no trail at all, before I found my way. I came out on 30-A in a totally different spot in the pouring rain and know passers-by in vehicles had to wonder. But as my shirt and pants clung to my wet body and as I opened my mouth to take in fluids from he sky, I knew why I was there.
And Ash, thanks for the compliment on my writing. It would be great to write a book based deep in nature. In fact, I'd started one a while back and actually wrote another that I didn't publish that had a lot of scenes set in nature. Anyway, thanks for communicating that to me. One thing that never goes out of style, a kind compliment.
Yesterday I went into some deep, deep stuff and was caught in the heavy rain. I was actually lost for a while, having followed one 'game trail' after another. I had to walk through some thick brush, no trail at all, before I found my way. I came out on 30-A in a totally different spot in the pouring rain and know passers-by in vehicles had to wonder. But as my shirt and pants clung to my wet body and as I opened my mouth to take in fluids from he sky, I knew why I was there.
And Ash, thanks for the compliment on my writing. It would be great to write a book based deep in nature. In fact, I'd started one a while back and actually wrote another that I didn't publish that had a lot of scenes set in nature. Anyway, thanks for communicating that to me. One thing that never goes out of style, a kind compliment.
Beach Fanatic
I came out on 30-A in a totally different spot in the pouring rain and know passers-by in vehicles had to wonder.
So you were that guy peeing on the bike path on 30-A.
Beach FanaticAuthor
So you were that guy peeing on the bike path on 30-A.
Capital 'No'. But you do have an active imagination
Beach Lover
Oh, no. Wait till you see those pictures :funn:
Just teasing. Actually, so do I. I have always preferred being out in nature and observing its gifts than most anything. Yesterday as I walked in the woods across from Deer Lake SP, and as the wind rustled through the trees and shrubbery, I stopped and listened. It was as if I was being placed in another time, when my survival necessitated an intimate knowledge of the woods.
The colors struck me. The greens were varied and the shadows that existed between them whispered to me. I heard cracks on the forest floor and wondered what was. I wondered if it were an armidillo who nosed itself along the ground, looking for something beneath the resting leaves, clumisly searching with no idea that I was present. I wondered if it was a coyote, oblivious to me as the wind helped to conceal my scent and sound. I wondered if it were a gopher tortoise, trudging along, or a big Eastern Diamondback pulling its massive weight over impediments.
Yet I saw nothing but shadows. Nothing but hope. Perhaps it was only the wind that focused my eyes into the space where I could not see. But as I stood still, my only movement the slighest of breath, I felt myself dissolve into the surroundings. I lost all feeling of self and I was one with everything.
For a moment my soul rested among the pine that swayed in the breeze. I looked to the sky and back down to the forest. Most everything was rooted to the ground. I knew I would be leaving soon, back to the walls and cabinets and fridge and television. But these trees would be there until they cracked and spit fire and decended to lay. Their final place, to rest and decay and replenish.
And I was witness.
Ok, mikecatadjuster, if you were in my Language Arts class, I'd have to give you an A+ for this!! (Of course, no 4th grader would be writing like this!)
I just have one question for you....how do you adjust cats!!!????
Beach FanaticAuthor
Ok, mikecatadjuster, if you were in my Language Arts class, I'd have to give you an A+ for this!! (Of course, no 4th grader would be writing like this!)
I just have one question for you....how do you adjust cats!!!????
CatAdjuster stands for 'Catastrophic Adjuster' which I did for Allstate. Just to clear up any misunderstandings
Beach Lover
Well, shoot.....I was hoping to learn all about cat adjusting since most of 'em I've run across need all kinds of adjustments.....especially of the attitude!!! ;-)
Beach FanaticAuthor
Here is one that I just ran across on the trail. It is the smallest pygmy rattler I've seen yet. I had stopped on the trail and was looking over the trees at One Seagrove Place. Just as I was about to put my next foot forward and get on home, I looked down and saw this little pygmy. I noticed how the line running down the back of this one is not red like the other. I'll include down below another picture, although blurry, will show just how small this snake was, pictured next to my phone.
Btw, this one struck at me a number of times. It was kinda cute. I wish I could pet these little f*****s, but they are so rude.
Btw, this one struck at me a number of times. It was kinda cute. I wish I could pet these little f*****s, but they are so rude.
SWGB
Okay, I always thought it was mik-catad-juster. 
Seriously though, why do you think they call them pygmy rattlers? ;-)
Seriously though, why do you think they call them pygmy rattlers? ;-)
Beach FanaticAuthor
Okay, I always thought it was mik-catad-juster.
Seriously though, why do you think they call them pygmy rattlers? ;-)
Pygmym I know. I know. I've seen probably more than 15 since moving here in February and the first one I saw was about 24 inches long and big. At the time I thought it was somewhat small, but come to find out, it was at the big end of the spectrum. But this one today was just tiny. I saw another about the same size. The size of a pencil in length and girth.
I'll tell you, this one today kept snapping at me. I know wasp stings hurt like heck. I wonder how its bite is relative to a wasp as far as the initial pain. I know the lingering affects can be downright horrible. I just wonder about the initial rush of chemicals running through you.
Btw, I was meaning to ask you about your name. Kinda catchy, but I think I'll stick with mine
Banned
Yesterday I saw .?.?.?
Yesterday in Watercolor I saw a snake about 4 or 5 feet long and 3 inches wide. It was rather tan with dark brown or black rings. The rings were probably 2 inches wide and continued down the whole length of the snake. I never saw a snake like this and I can't find a picture of one on the net. Do you know what it might be?
I walked the trails for about 30 minutes before the system makes its way in. Here is what I found.
Yesterday in Watercolor I saw a snake about 4 or 5 feet long and 3 inches wide. It was rather tan with dark brown or black rings. The rings were probably 2 inches wide and continued down the whole length of the snake. I never saw a snake like this and I can't find a picture of one on the net. Do you know what it might be?
Beach Fanatic
There are several threads on here regarding snakes and contain photos. A search for threads about snakes will likely find what you need.
Beach Fanatic
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/Venomsnk.htm
Here, I borrowed this link from another thread that SWGB had posted it on. You should find your snake there.
Here, I borrowed this link from another thread that SWGB had posted it on. You should find your snake there.
Beach FanaticAuthor
AAbsolute it is very difficult to go off of a description to determine the snake you saw. But it coud be one of many kinda of water snakes. It could also be a pine snake. I saw an unidentified snake as I came out of Angelina's parking lot a couple days ago. I think it was a black racer. I also was told by a neighbor that a black snake was trying to crawl up the wall of my house. I'll bet it was a black racer, which is a climber.
Whatever the snake was that you saw, it does not sound like a posionous variety. Thanks for sharing. It is interesting to hear about snake encounters in this area. Keep them coming and I'm sure I'll have more snake pics to come.
Whatever the snake was that you saw, it does not sound like a posionous variety. Thanks for sharing. It is interesting to hear about snake encounters in this area. Keep them coming and I'm sure I'll have more snake pics to come.
Banned
http://www.flmnh.ufl.edu/herpetology/FL-GUIDE/Venomsnk.htm
Here, I borrowed this link from another thread that SWGB had posted it on. You should find your snake there.
Thanks SWGB and ASH for their help. I think I found the snake on the list and it was termed Nerodia fasciata fasciata. If it was this type it sounds like it may have been a record holder for its size.
Meow
Pygmym I know. I know. I've seen probably more than 15 since moving here in February and the first one I saw was about 24 inches long and big. At the time I thought it was somewhat small, but come to find out, it was at the big end of the spectrum. But this one today was just tiny. I saw another about the same size. The size of a pencil in length and girth.
I'll tell you, this one today kept snapping at me. I know wasp stings hurt like heck. I wonder how its bite is relative to a wasp as far as the initial pain. I know the lingering affects can be downright horrible. I just wonder about the initial rush of chemicals running through you.
Btw, I was meaning to ask you about your name. Kinda catchy, but I think I'll stick with mine
:shock:...you may be officially on your own now.
Beach Fanatic
Yesterday in Watercolor I saw a snake about 4 or 5 feet long and 3 inches wide. It was rather tan with dark brown or black rings. The rings were probably 2 inches wide and continued down the whole length of the snake. I never saw a snake like this and I can't find a picture of one on the net. Do you know what it might be?
As Steve Earle would say, "You better stay away from Copperhead Road."
Beach Fanatic
He's just new, 3 more months and he'll be like the rest of us who just barely miss some of these marvels.
I'm starting to believe he doesn't miss anything. He follows game trails through outback trails in the pouring rain. He takes intimate portraits of venomous serpents on said trails where I ride my mountain bike without considering their presence. If anyone can document the rumored black bears or FL panthers of remote parts of Walton County (or perhaps some new coastal Bigfoot/Yhetti/Abominable Beach Bum creature which we need to substantiate), it will be miskecatadjuster. He will be in the vicinity on a kayak or mountain bike with a digital camera in his possession and post it for all of us to see.
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