I-75 turns east at Naples and then goes to Ft. Lauderdale on the east coast of Florida. It goes through the Everglades to the Atlantic Ocean. This stretch of I-75 is called Alligator Alley and there isn’t much along that stretch – except alligators.
We don’t take that road when we want to visit the Everglades because US-41 is closer to our doorstep. But when we go into the Everglades on 41, we see alligators.
J thinks I’m reckless because I occasionally jump out of the car to take a gator photo. I did for this one because he is such a beauty and he was right there on the side of the road – there were a lot of them sunning but I didn’t tempt them all. Just this one – and I kept my door open and our vehicle between me and the gator. I leaned around the corner because I know they can run fast on land – even though they look sluggish and docile. I don’t run very fast so I have to use my brains instead.
I wasn’t taken in by his smile.
We stopped at an information area that had a boardwalk along a canal where alligators like to sun themselves. With my telephoto lens I was able to take these photos of their amazing feet.
Don’t tell J, but I have an intense desire to reach out and touch them. I also have an abundance of common sense.
You can see a couple of juvenile gators here.
A New Day: Living Life Almost Gracefully 
Looks like you could shake his hand ( paw, craw, feet ) You must have some amazing equipment and are quick on your feet !
LikeLike
Actually I have one telephoto lens and one 50 mm lens I use. With these guys I could take all the time I wanted. They were enjoying the warmth of the sun and seemed to have no intentions of leaving until the sun went down. We were on a boardwalk overlooking the canal they were in.
LikeLike
I have only my phone so the spectacular detail is just amazing to me!
LikeLike
great alligators Pat, lovely detail 🙂
LikeLike
Thanks! I’m glad you enjoyed them.
LikeLike
Fantastic captures, such great detail!
LikeLike
Oh the joy of telephoto lens! Thanks. 🙂
LikeLike
Amazing photos Pat! I had been wondering what Alligator Alley is like.
LikeLike
I haven’t gone on it but 41 will look the same because they are fairly close. There is a look-out tower and trail that is on Alligator Alley that I want to go to.
LikeLike
You dare-devil you!
Thanks for specifying the lens used on those close-ups. I was hoping you wouldn’t really be THAT close.
LikeLike
I’m curious, and kind of like living on the edge, but usually not stupid. 😀
LikeLike
Thank you for this very fine post, it brings back memories of the times that I traveled through that area.
LikeLike
Isn’t it wonderful to have memories – one of the benefits of age. 🙂 I’m so glad I was able to trigger some for you.
LikeLike
I love the photos of their hands. Makes me want to tickle them, but I also have some caution. I will not say that I have an abundance of it 😉
LikeLike
😀
LikeLike
Maybe alligator wrestler can be your retirement career!? Nice shots.
LikeLike
Thanks for the belly laugh. Can’t you just see my rolling in the mud. I think I missed my calling – on tax forms under occupation I can list professor and alligator wrestler. That should get their attention.
LikeLike
GREAT SHOTS!
BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!
LikeLike
Thanks, Francine. I’m glad you enjoyed them.
LikeLike
Awesome, AWESOME captures, Pat. You are so intrepid, and I fully understand your wanting to reach out and touch the feet, or even to shake hands with Mr A. 😆
LikeLike
Thanks for understanding. Maybe we watch too many cartoons of dangerous critters who are made to look cuddly. 🙂
LikeLike
Hehehe. So true. 😀
LikeLike
Great photos, Pat! I haven’t been to Alligator Alley since 1977, and I was wielding a Kodak Instamatic. Love the detailed foot photo!
LikeLike
I had never examined an alligator foot before and found them fascinating. 🙂 Beautiful in a strange kind of way. Thanks for your continued support, Naomi. It means a lot to me.
LikeLike