Airboats and Alligators

Boggy Creek Airboat Ride and Gator Show

Thursday, December 4, 2014

Belle came to visit us at the Village.  She was so much fun as she talked to the girls about how "Chip was just a small teacup.  Can you imagine all the fun places he could find to hide in the castle?"

Randy was the one that really wanted to go on the air boat rides.  Caden said that he wanted to do it, but that he wouldn't have suggested it if Randy hadn't said that he wanted to first.  After the fact, Caden said he was glad that Randy had wanted to so bad.  Especially after we found out that we would be holding a live alligator.

I loved the scenery we got to enjoy as we waited for them to prep the boat.  I love the South.  I'm a Western girl, for sure, but I love the feel of the South.

This was a fun little turtle pool.  Any time they find a lone turtle, they put it in this pool.  We were all in heaven.  In fact, I think we need a turtle!  We counted 8 babies and 4 big ones.  It just so much fun to feed them!!

They had some nets that we could use to catch little fish before our ride.  This may have excited them a bit more than the actual ride.  They were so happy using their own nets.

The boat was super loud.  It was loud, but it was not bumpy.  I thought we would be able to feel the reeds and tall grasses as we passed over them, but it was surprisingly smooth.  And shallow.

Caden took the guide too seriously when he asked who wanted to step out of the boat to see how deep it was.  Caden was half-way off with his shoes before any of us noticed.  He let Caden test it out with the paddle.  Once it was confirmed that no one would be getting out of the boat, I was the only one interested in how deep it was.  The others became more interested in the cows that were just standing around in the swamp.  It was crazy to see cows on something that doesn't really seem like solid ground.  I mean, we were on a boat, for crying out loud, dodging cows!!!

I know that you won't be able to see it, but I know that in the space between the reed, close to the center (slightly more left) is an alligator.  Randy is the one that found it as we passed.  Because they are an endangered species, we couldn't get closer to it to take a better picture.  We could pass it, but not get close enough to get a decent shot.  Oh well, I will always remember seeing it up close.

After the boat ride, we were able to learn more about the alligator.  Did you know they grow about a foot each year for the first 7-8 years?  And that after that, they grow about an each a year?  Or that their teeth are like the Russian Dolls that fit into one another?  If one breaks off, there is another one waiting below.  It was fun to learn.  From a distance.

And then he crossed the space boundaries and put that thing right up into our faces to see the teeth.  Well, not my face.  I think he saw the feral look I get when cornered by a live alligator.  He knew better.  He values his life.  He stayed away from my face.

Randy was all over this morning.  From the drive down a long dirt road that reminded him of the three months he spent in Florida, to the boat, to the humidity, and finally to the gator itself, he was flying on cloud nine.

Shelby was the one that wanted to actually get into the gator pit to pick out the one to hold.  This girl is fearless.  She was almost peeing her little pants wanting to be the first one to hold it.  She amazes me, sometimes.

Almost 4 feet long!

We ALL took turns holding this baby alligator. Those pictures coming when we get them from our other camera!