Sunday, February 3, 2008

DANGEROUSLY CLOSE!

Yesterday Scott watched Easton for a few hours while I went on a picture taking quest to Magnolia Plantation. (Did I mention that I LOVE my camera!??) The weather was in the 60's and it was a perfect day! There were quite a few people there but you can easily get lost and separate yourself from the crowd in all the gardens, etc. so that's exactly what I did. The above slide show are pics of what I got before my "near death" experience. There are some great macro shots and viewing them in a small format like this just doesn't do the detail any justice.Now, on to the good stuff! I wandered out to a lake filled with birds/ducks and I also knew there were some alligators as I had seen them before. I would make a mental note to be on the lookout. As I was walking along I noticed some kind of bird in a tree in the water that had it's wings all spread out and it was acting very strange. (FYI: You can click on any of these photos to see them larger - and you may want to a little further on. :) )




I needed to go a little further to get a closer look and see what all the commotion was about. Once rounding the corner and walking another 20 feet or so I saw this little guy. Who would have thought he could get that other larger bird all hot under the feathers? :)




As I got closer and closer. . . right on the edge of the lake. . . fascinated by these two birds. . . I just so happened to look down (as to not fall in) AND . . . .





Can you say HOLY CRAP!!! (Or at least I said something to that effect, maybe not appropriate for my blog. :) ) This alligator was laying right up on the edge of the lake about 4 feet away and blended so well in all the grass that I didn't even notice him. So much for mental notes! He was easily 8-10 feet long and had some teeth that I knew could tear one of my limbs off in one chomp or drag me into the water never to be seen again. I nearly had a heart attack right then and there! After the initial shock of what I was standing right next to (mind you these are creatures of the wild in their natural habitat - not in a zoo or a cage), I gathered myself and slowly stepped away as to not startle the alligator. Phew!!! I observed him from a distance to decide whether or not it was worth it to continue on (the path I was on was only 8 feet wide with the lake on one side and the Ashley River on the other). I decided to keep plugging on. With spring and quickness in my step I got to the far side of the path and ran by. I figured that if he came after me I could probably outrun him. :) I saw many alligator out in the water and another up on the bank before I made it safely back to the car. All in all, it was a fun adventure in the name of great photos sake. Scott reminded me that it doesn't matter if you get great picutres or not if me and the camera didn't make it back to the car! So true!

6 comments:

Carr Family said...

I would have totally peed my pants. What a crazy, cool, and exciting little adventure. Your pic's look great. Happy to see you didn't become dinner for one of those chompers.

Tiffany said...

K- don't do that anymore!!! I seriously would have had an anxiety attack and wouldn't have been able to move. Good thinking on getting out of there.

Phill, Allie, and kids said...

Holy crap is right~ I would have for sure done it in my pants. But the pics are awesome! I agree with your husband though... be careful!

Mindy said...

Good story! Can you imagine if you had taken Easton along with you? Be careful out there! You are not a crocodile hunter, you are needed! The pictures are great!

Nate said...

Sweat pics Jess! Good thing you saw him before he saw you!

bean said...

Jessica, good to find you again!!! hope all is well. I love your blog. You are a great potographer. This was a close call, but such a good story. Keep in touch with me here!!! joce