I have always loved alligators. For a girl who loved fairy tales, to me they were the closest modern equivalent to dragons.  Since we moved to Florida, we seek them out as often as we can.  I feel like something is missing in my life if I don’t get to see a ‘gator at least once a month. Why else live in Florida?

On one such ‘gator seeking hike in Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, we saw a little one (about 30 inches long) hanging out in a deep canal. He (she?) was floating casually, with just eyes and nostrils above the surface. Our polarized glasses enabled us to see the rest of him suspended in the water, with neatly spread claws just like Alice’s crocodile recitation in Wonderland.  He moved his tail almost imperceptibly, so he could turn to keep an eye on us while continuing to chill.

I was struck by his beauty and watchful indifference. We gazed at him and he at us for about a minute. Despite having my phone, I decided to enjoy the moment rather than risk disturbing him for the sake of documentation (the photo on this entry is a stock photo).

We have seen hundreds of alligators since, but my encounter with my serene little friend has remained my favorite. I named the website for him because I love his laid back yet observant personality. Two traits I aspire to, in my typical life of busy nothings.

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