A to Z Challenge: Snakes

I live in Florida so snakes are common. You can run into snakes almost anywhere. This snake decided to join us in the Church yard for Easter..



It was a non-venomous snake. The snake was treated properly, everyone was able to get a good look and then everyone left the snake alone.

My daughter last held a snake about two years ago. This Spring she was able to hold a few more at our trip to Alligator Alley.



They even let me hold the snake...





This snake was a tickler...





Notice the smiles on her face. My daughter has been able to hold alligators, birds, kangaroos, monkeys, snakes, and even fed a baby tiger. I've been lucky enough to fill her life with adventures and still hope to add a few more adventures into her life.

My wife is not a fan of snakes. Two years ago, I had someone comment that wrapping a big snake around a  young child wasn't a good idea, that the snake was stronger than I thought and could squeeze at anytime. Yes there is some risk to it. Even if a smaller snake decided to bite it would upset my daughter, which would surely earn me an earful from my lovely wife and her Irish temper. So yes there is risk. However, look at the smiles!



I win she is happy, she is learning to respect snakes (and other animals), she is making memories and having adventures. As for me I'm spending quality time with my daughter.

A to Z: Lizard Adventures

So last year I posted a video about lizards that chill. Staying on that theme I thought I would share some lizard adventures.

This lizard wanted to fish..





This one made friends with my daughter..



At least we don't have lizards like this..



Wonder what M will bring?

A to Z: Gators

Near the end of last month my daughter had her Spring Break. I knew she hadn't had a big Spring Break but I had a day off during the week to make her Spring Break special. A day that would feature, Gators big ole Alligators!



She is always happy to hold a baby..



My advice on handling alligators: It is better to hold an alligator, than to have a Gator hold you!



The alligator  pictures came from Alligator Alley in Alabama. If you are in Southern Alabama check them out. There site is here. More A to Z on Monday!

A to Z Challenge: Catfish

My post is a little late. My daughter did not have school today and I was off from my day(evening/night) job. So, I took my daughter out to one of my favorite bayous where I was having some luck of late to try and catch her a fish.

A view from the Bayou..



Luck wasn't on our side at the bayou. However that was fishing wise. Sharing a picnic lunch with my daughter, seeing an Osprey, turtles and spending quality time of course makes me very lucky. I made the call to go to the catfish farm about an hour drive from where we were..

The drive was through the countryside so we had plenty of rivers to cross and plenty of horse farms. My daughter loves animals so seeing horses was a small bonus,

When we reached our destination we were joined by another fishing enthusiast.

  

That is a Bald Eagle.

Now the mission was for my daughter to catch a fish and she did!



She ended up catching a 19" catfish, which she reminded me is an inch bigger than my big catch of the day. However, it was worth this smile..



After all that is what fishing is all about, the big smile!  I was going to get a picture of her holding it which she tried but did not have success. Now I am enjoying a big catfish feast! I will be back with a post related to D.

Perfect Day

I'm exhausted. These long road trips wear me out. Add in factors such as it being late, darkness, fog and it makes it even worse. However, the day was perfect.

I took my daughter to the beach as we visited with my parents. We walked along the way we saw a Wood Stork not something you see everyday..




A picture from two years ago from the same park. We also so lots of turtles. Then once we got to the beach the water was really calm for the ocean. Great for taking a younger kid swimming. However, in the water we were not alone. A pair of Dolphins were swimming a short distance away from us. A very cool experience to share with my daughter. We also saw pelicans and a couple of Ospreys who were catching fish!

Nice to share adventures with your kid! Then we made it back home for her swim lessons. I think she learned the duck paddle...



Like I said a magical day!