Re: [Paddlewise] Yum Yum Yellow and gators

At 08:52 AM 9/21/99 EDT, you wrote:
>While not a scientist, I am a student of nature.  And while "man" (read 
>scientists) continue the project of labeling everything that exists in "his" 
>world, perhaps it is time to employ a more natural thought process when 
>dealing with nature.  That is, "If it walks like a duck and quacks like a 
>duck, it just might be a duck."  One of the most asked paddling questions in 
>my little part of the world (NE Fl) is, "What about the gators?"  How this 
>relates is this.  I have never personally been confronted by a gator but
have 
>heard stories of boats being "nuzzled" around by big boys.  Mainly during 
>mating season.  From under the water, the underside of a yellow or white
hull 
>would resemble the size, shape and color of a potential mate or competitor.  
>It is not difficult to make the leap to other aquatic animals.  My advice to 
>paddlers during gator mating season is to avoid confrontation in the three 
>"F's."  Don't come between an animal and its food, family or f(hmmm.  I
can't 
>remember the third "F.") "Oh, well, never mind."  EL
> Bruce (St. Aug)
> Whole Earth Outfitters
>***************************************************************************

Back years ago when I use to canoe, till I learned better, I had a yellow
canoe which I did a lot of photography out of. Once in the Okeefonokee
Swamp a gator followed me around all day blowing bubbles out its nose and
bumping the canoe. This went on for hours and every time it did I would put
the paddle blade between its eyes and push it away, the bump there it was
again. The ranger said it was a horny gator and a good think I refused it
or it would of been more interesting I guess. Boy that was a ugly yellow
canoe.

Dana
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