ALL >> Travel >> View Article
Florida Alligator Stalking Vacations
Alligators were the furthest thing from our minds as my wife Ana and I traveled along the coast of northern Florida. We had paid $23 to camp in our conversion van at a beautiful state park on the beach the night before. In the morning we saw a dolphin swimming near shore.
Then we heard we could camp for free at the isolated campgrounds which dotted the Apalachicola National Forest. Our frugality sent us into alligator country.
We spent two nights in the dark woods next to the dark waters of a slow river. Our only company was an old guy who seemed to be living there, and a nice couple with their two-year-old daughter. Lester was from England, Kari from Texas, and Indya was born in Guatamala. They met in India, of course.
Our little group circled the fire at night, trading stories, and occasionally sneaking down to the water with flashlights to look for the eyes of alligators. We heard splashes in the night, but saw nothing.
Lake Talquin
When the old guy told us camping was free at Wiliams Landing, on Lake Talquin, we all moved up there for a week. The hot showers ...
... convinced us. We continued trading stories around the fire each night, but now we saw all kinds of wildlife. Armadillos walked through camp, giant grey herons fished just offshore from the van, and there were racoons, owls, squirrels, ducks, and turtles. Then was also the "monster."
March is a great time to get out in the woods in Florida, so I was poking around near a corner of the lake, when I heard the splash. There were no fish that big, I knew, and we had already seen two small alligators sunning themselves the day before. This one had to be a giant. Ana and I returned the next morning, and again heard the splash. It was under the water before we could see it.
In the coming days, we visited the monster each morning once the sun was high enough for him to come out and soak up the heat. We caught enough glimpses to know he was at least ten feet long. Kari and Lester made a "Crocodile Hunter" movie of us stalking it.
In time, it no longer panicked, but just slowly lowered itself into the water, as if getting ready to hunt us properly. We stopped trying to get so close to it. Our gang went to view alligators safely after that, from the tour boat at Wakulla Springs.
About the Author
Steve Gillman hit the road at sixteen, and traveled the United States and Mexico alone at 17. Now 40, he travels with his wife Ana, whom he met in Ecuador. Read more stories, tips and travel information at: http://www.EverythingAboutTravel.com
Add Comment
Travel Articles
1. Taxi Booking In Bhubaneswar: Reliable And Affordable TransportationAuthor: ommsaitoursandtravel
2. Taxi Services In Bhubaneswar: Your Guide To Affordable And Reliable Travel
Author: ommsaitoursandtravel
3. Your Guide On How To Get The Most Out Of Your Kerala Family Holidays
Author: Rakesh Ku
4. New Year Delta Flight Specials | Best Deals
Author: Delta Phone Number
5. Gokyo Chola Pass Everest Base Camp Trek: An Adventurer’s Dream
Author: hikingadventuretreks
6. Where To Find A Cheap Party Bus For Birthdays, Weddings, And More!
Author: Nationwide Chauffeured Services
7. Explore Nepal From Ayodhya With Our Exclusive Tour Package
Author: Riya Srivastava
8. Tanzania Private Safari
Author: Travel to Africa Safaris
9. Introduction To The Kala Patthar Helicopter Landing Tour
Author: everestassistance
10. Introduction To The Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour
Author: everestassistance
11. Best Hotel Near Neem Karoli Baba Ashram: Hr Hotels And Resorts
Author: Hr Hotels and Resort
12. Flamingo Fishing Charters Always Deliver The Most Exciting Fishing Experience!
Author: Papagayo Fishing Charters
13. Ultimate Guide For A Sell Marriott Timeshare At Marriotts Club Son Antem
Author: Marriotts Club Son Antem
14. Swan Valley Wine Tours Party Bus: Fully Decked Out For An Unforgettable Experience
Author: Party Bus Hire Perth
15. Pub Crawl Party Bus: Fully Decked Out For An Unforgettable Night Out
Author: Party Bus Hire Perth