We went to this park about an hour from our home in Houston one time last winter hoping to see some of the alligators that roam free in the park, but it was too cold and they were all hybernating somewhere (I don't know if they do actually hybernate, but we didn't see any!) Well, this time it was warmer and we were all amazed to be so close to wild alligators. If you look closely you can see the fear in Rachel's face and the death grip I have on Andrew's shoulder! (And, of course, don't miss the gator right below our feet!) :-)
Rachel was nervous about being so close to alligators at first, but it wore off quickly. Sean, Ellie, and Andrew were all super excited to actually see them.
I didn't once feel nervous about being so close to wild animals that would eat us whole if we got too close (honestly, I really didn't!) but I kept thinking about how much my mom would freak out when she saw these pictures. I guess I didn't inherit her nervousness/worry. I just figured that it was a state park that has been around for a long time, and if there really was danger they wouldn't let us be there.
We lost count at 11 (and that was at the very beginning), but we walked a 1 mile trail around a swampy lake, and saw lots and lots of these guys just hanging out in the water. We didn't get a good picture of him, but we also saw a tiny baby alligator. You can tell in this picture how close this gator was to the shore, and the trail was just right next to the shore, but apparently if you stay on the trail and don't bother them, they don't bother you! It was like playing "where's Waldo" because they would just lay still in the swampy water and were hard to see if you didn't look hard, but I think each of us (even Ellie and Andrew) had a chance to say, "Oh, there's one!" and be the first to spot an alligator.
We went to this park about an hour from our home in Houston one time last winter hoping to see some of the alligators that roam free in the park, but it was too cold and they were all hybernating somewhere (I don't know if they do actually hybernate, but we didn't see any!) Well, this time it was warmer and we were all amazed to be so close to wild alligators. If you look closely you can see the fear in Rachel's face and the death grip I have on Andrew's shoulder! (And, of course, don't miss the gator right below our feet!) :-)
Rachel was nervous about being so close to alligators at first, but it wore off quickly. Sean, Ellie, and Andrew were all super excited to actually see them. 
I didn't once feel nervous about being so close to wild animals that would eat us whole if we got too close (honestly, I really didn't!) but I kept thinking about how much my mom would freak out when she saw these pictures. I guess I didn't inherit her nervousness/worry. I just figured that it was a state park that has been around for a long time, and if there really was danger they wouldn't let us be there.
We lost count at 11 (and that was at the very beginning), but we walked a 1 mile trail around a swampy lake, and saw lots and lots of these guys just hanging out in the water. We didn't get a good picture of him, but we also saw a tiny baby alligator. You can tell in this picture how close this gator was to the shore, and the trail was just right next to the shore, but apparently if you stay on the trail and don't bother them, they don't bother you! It was like playing "where's Waldo" because they would just lay still in the swampy water and were hard to see if you didn't look hard, but I think each of us (even Ellie and Andrew) had a chance to say, "Oh, there's one!" and be the first to spot an alligator.
7 comments:
hmmmmm....freak out? no, but the kids would definitely have nail marks on ther arms! What was to keep the gators from coming up on the path? The whole scene reminds me of a 60's song with the line, 'gator's got your granny - chomp chomp chomp'. oh boy
cute pics, can't wait to see you all!!
That is so fun! We will have to go again with you in the summer I guess. I remember being scared driving there when we went the first time, but your right, you just don't feel scared when your there I think because it is a state park and there are so many people doing the same thing. I don't really know why, but it scares me a little to see the pictures but I know I wouldn't have been if I was there. So fun! Im glad there were so many for you to see. And Im glad you are posting easier now, because I look forward to reading them all!
OH, for the LOVE!
I would pee all over myself.
No joke.
I think I would be hanging out with Rachel! That is crazy that they are free to roam! Do they feed them so they won't attack humans??
Sincerely, I don't know why it's not dangerous. There are rules/guidelines posted all over the place... ie. Don't approach an alligator, don't get within 30 feet of a baby alligator, don't feed them, if they do start to chase you don't turn your back on them (I liked that one!). But really, they just sat in the water and watched us. ???
We missed that one while we were there-look at your darling family!!!
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