Blue Spring

This gator was huge. Similar to one from 2006. "In the distance, is that an alligator? No, too big, its a log. Closer, on second thought, Na, those are branches extending. Closer, oh my goodness gracious, it is an alligator. And what a gator. 13 feet easy. Just the head was an estimated 2 feet long. A widebody. A new size record for me. When I get a camera I hope to get a picture of this behemoth. I paddled parallel to it, twenty yards away, then got in front of it, looking at its immense head. It then saw me. Slowly, an immense forelimb lifted up, as it tuned to enter the water headfirst. Unlike the small shy gators in the canal, nosily splashing, it slowly entered the River. Definitely the King, Rex on this Mardi Gras, it floated on the surface for a moment, then submerged. For a second or two, I felt like the kid in the canoe, and put paddle to water, glancing behind me for a wake. Seeing none, I relaxed, I would not end up like Marty (circa 1970 March of Dimes kid)"

Back to 2026. On the water from French Landing at 12:30.