Under Water

[Matt J]

It oughta be interesting. It would be neat to actually be on location as the process of the lake breaking through unfolded. I may head out on my bike right now to see, hear and feel the wind. Can I get a DWI on my bike?

Just joking. I'm perfectly fine.

Btw, I never step outside without a nightlight. I've had several pygmy in my yard (3) since moving here.

Yes you can get a DWI on a bike, but I'd be more worried about wind gusts on a bike right now. Plus that rains coming at some point. I didn't even think to look at some of the lake levels. That dock on Stallworth lake is definitely going under though.

 

[mikecat adjuster]

Yes, the rain prevented my exit into the night. For those interested I thought I'd share another image, taken several months ago of a hognose snake. I happened upon two hognose snakes in a neat mating ritual. One slithered away but this one spread its hood in a defense mechanism. It's the first time I've seen this. It made itself look like a Cobra. It was exciting. The snake also hissed very loudly. Its third defense is to play dead if molested further. I don't like to molest animals so I allowed it to miantain some semblence of dignity.

 

[Rudyjohn]

Holy shiite! I received fair warning from a fellow Midwesterner but I just had to take a peek.

I just can't believe I lived the first 21 years of my life down there and never had the experiences some of you have recently had.

Snakes, yes. We knew they were out there, everywhere. A few times we'd see them crossing the road, or we'd accidentally rake across a few rattlers, or find them coiled on the patio. These were all common occurrences.

But I gotta say, ignorance was bliss for us most of the time. We played and traipsed thru woods all the time; swam in rivers, and never worried too much about snakes (however, I was always the one that was the most leery).

But the ocean, all we worried about were sharks when we swam out past the 2nd bar or a few crabs pinching your toes, or hopefully not step on a ray.

Really, if I knew THEN what I know NOW...

.

 

[ASH]

I have stepped on a crab and got bit good. Bled like a stuck pig. I had netted a big blue another time and transferring him from the net to the cooler, he got ahold of me and one side of the claw went clean through my fingernail and into the meat.

I hope people understand just how hard a crab can bite. It is no little nibble.

 

[Matt J]

I have stepped on a crab and got bit good. Bled like a stuck pig. I had netted a big blue another time and transferring him from the net to the cooler, he got ahold of me and one side of the claw went clean through my fingernail and into the meat.

I hope people understand just how hard a crab can bite. It is no little nibble.

Most natives call it a nibble because blue crabs will pinch and run. If you ever encounter a stone crab watch out. They pinch and hold, that big old claw is like a hydrolic (sp?) vise. Trust me once you get one of those the blue crab is just a nibble. ;-)

 

[ASH]

Maybe all the walking in the sand has made my skin thin. Both times, both sides of their claws penetrated the skin.

 

[mikecat adjuster]

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'

 

[Helping Hands]

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!!!

 

[Matt J]

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".

 

[Miss Kitty]

Mike...I like it so much better when you romance nature rather than women.