I needed Gatorade for two reasons this morning. First, there was 100 percent humidity and I sweated my way through my run #4,563. Secondly, I saw my first live alligator without being protected by a fence. I would like to tell you that it was a frightening sight, but it was the cutest little thing I’ve ever seen – about three feet in length. It sat there not more than ten yards from me and watched me run by.  When I looped back, the gator was soon surrounded by motorists warning others, especially those with pets, to stay away. I watched it scurry back into the pond. It was one of two nature sightings this morning. The second was a red-beaked Common Moorhen that was hanging out in my backyard, watching me swim. My conclusion is that these creatures of nature apparently like to watch humans exercise. 

I felt like Nature Boy this morning, when most days are pretty routine when it comes to outdoor life. There are the giant squawking Sand Cranes that stop by our neighbors to be fed on a regular basis and other marsh birds that normally like to watch me in my back yard cage while they roam free. The screened-in lanai truly feels like a bird cage, although the clear view design makes it more like a bubble protecting us from the perils of nature. Last night’s rain washed away any cob webs and bugs, so my view was relatively unobstructed. Small palm trees and flowering bushes give it that tropical feel that we love about Florida. 

I’m now safely inside at my desk writing in air conditioned comfort. Currently, there are no symptoms of Agoraphobia or the persistent and extreme worry about spaces that are outside my home. Bug spray and Gatorade should keep any  unwanted varmints away when I do go back out there, usually only to take Tally to do her business. Otherwise, I will be in my fortress probably watching the new season of Bosch or sports. I’m not an outdoorsman, so going for a run is a brave endeavor especially when it involves dodging alligators. Nature Boy – Not!