Sunday, March 2, 2008

Alligator mississipiensis

Ocala National Forest is a wonderful gem that we visited last year. This week we pulled out of the Christian Motorcyclers Association entourage at Salt Springs and took a short hike to one of the lakes that have formed along the St. John's River. Bird Nerds that we are, we were lucky to hear and see a pileated woodpecker (Doug thinks it was the extinct ivory-billed), as well as the threatened, but no longer endangered alligator. Did you know these guys date back 150 million years, having outlived the dinosaurs by a long shot? As scary as they are, I-95 was a lot more intimidating as we completed the last 50 miles to Palm Bay.

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

Leave it to UofF alum Judy to find a way to publish a "gator" photo!
Looking forward to more reports of your adventures.
Stu

Anonymous said...

Totally forgot that, Stu. Seems like another lifetime. I will be on the lookout for an authentic Seminole and a 'tarred heel' next.
Judy

Anonymous said...

You two are headed in the right direction. More rainy cold days are on tap up here in New England. Can't wait to follow your journeys. Love, Jas

Jack the . . . Baer said...

From one GATOR to another -- you should carry some marshmellows around with you in case you run into another big one. They love the gooey sweet stuff and it calms them down. So much for millions of years of evolution. GO GATORS!

Mrs. Kochel said...

Can't wait to follow your trip. Will you be wending your way up to Minnesota? You are welcome to sleep in our newly remodeled basement. Have a great time!
Marcia