(Almost) nothing but blue skies lately ... and we like it that way.
Ospreys build their nests on pretty much any reasonably flat surface as long as it is near the water. It looks as if this one is enforcing the speed zone (out on the River -- from the boat. The other blue skies are from our trip to Lakeland.
What would you do if you saw this smiling creature ahead of you on the path?
Yep, me too -- and I wouldn't really need this sign to tell me to turn around.
(I do like seeing them from a safe distance.)
The sign was at the beginning of one of the trails at Circle B -- and we didn't see any alligators at all there. But I just had to share the sign. Both alligator pictures are from the archives. The first from this year's trip to the Everglades and this one from years ago near the Texas Gulf Coast. This smiling gator was one of the very first we ever saw.
Linking to: SIGNS SIGNS; SKYWATCH FRIDAY; AND SATURDAY CRITTERS. Thank you to the hosts as always!!
i would be frightened of the gators!!! your skies are heavenly!!!
Posted by: Debbie | April 04, 2016 at 04:02 PM
I enjoyed the sky photos and about the alligator, yes it may be an adventure but must be weary for safety reasons right.
Posted by: DBA Mountaineer | April 03, 2016 at 09:43 AM
The alligators are fascinating and scary and I'm so glad we don't have them here.
Posted by: Gunilla | April 03, 2016 at 03:37 AM
Wonderful blue skies, Sallie!
Seeing alligators in photos makes me smile, because they look really scary AND even smiling. I would definitely turn around. :)
Thank you for sharing. Have a lovely Sunday!
Posted by: Sara - My Woodland Garden | April 03, 2016 at 01:38 AM
I would not need that sign either. I wouldbe running away from those big Gators
Posted by: Margaret Birding For Pleasure | April 03, 2016 at 12:09 AM
Sensible advice on that notice - although pretty strange that it needs to be said!
Cheers - Stewart M - Melbourne
Posted by: Stewart M | April 02, 2016 at 06:37 PM
Blue skies here too! Yea!!!
Lots of gators along the Texas Gulf Coast too. They always have the right of way!!
Posted by: Florence | April 02, 2016 at 12:47 PM
What an interesting experience. Wonderful shots.
Posted by: Rajesh | April 02, 2016 at 11:01 AM
Great photos from a distance! Do you really think it's smiling as it hopes dinner has arrived?!!!
Posted by: Christine | April 02, 2016 at 07:19 AM
Good to see the odd alligator I think. They were almost extinct. Apparently they are learning to co-exist with humans. Just keep telling yourself...he's afraid of me, that's why he's baring his teeth.
Posted by: Dianne | April 02, 2016 at 07:05 AM
And you just KNOW why he is smiling! He's SO happy to see you! lol We're getting a shower this morning and much needed. Love our Florida trails! Hugs, Diane
Posted by: Lavender Dreams | April 02, 2016 at 06:01 AM
Hello Sallie, I love the osprey and that gator. Cool critter. Thank you for linking up and sharing your post. Have a happy weekend!
Posted by: Eileen | April 02, 2016 at 04:40 AM
How do we feel being chased by a alligator?
But better don't try it.
Posted by: rainfield | April 02, 2016 at 02:29 AM
great series, but, personally, I would have liked a better view of the nesting Osprey :)
Posted by: NatureFootstep | April 01, 2016 at 11:39 PM
Smiling you say, Sallie, - probably thinking of the delights of a leg or an arm!!!|! Great pictures....
Posted by: Hildred Finch | April 01, 2016 at 08:42 PM
I love the blue skies! We've had a lot of gray days around here lately. I would most certainly not want to meet that guy.
Posted by: Eden Hills | April 01, 2016 at 08:33 PM
Amazing photos and the alligator shots are impressive. They certainly are fascinating creatures and I enjoy seeing them. I remember at the Everglades a couple of years back. I was incredulous how close people went to get a photo, with small children even.
Posted by: DeniseinVA | April 01, 2016 at 06:07 PM
I normally give them a very wide berth when possible, and if not Im out of there! We've had all kinds of weather sun, rain, cold , hot and some perfect!!
Posted by: Sondra-SC | April 01, 2016 at 02:05 PM
I love the lovely photos and information on your blog! Oh that alligator looks scary to me! Thanks so much for the comments on my blog. Have a great weekend. cheers.
Posted by: islandrambles | April 01, 2016 at 02:00 PM
Glad the skies are blue for you. Don't think I would ignore that notice either. Scary animals.
Posted by: fun60 | April 01, 2016 at 01:47 PM
I'd be content to not see an alligator on land, thank you!
The osprey seems to have found a good spot for a nest - the signs help keep everything neater and provide a bit of shelter, too.
Posted by: Lesley | April 01, 2016 at 10:35 AM
Beautiful images, sky is one, and Aligators, they are fabulous.
Posted by: Bob | April 01, 2016 at 09:20 AM
Sure I'll turn around quickly too !
Posted by: Annie | April 01, 2016 at 08:25 AM
Great sky shots ~ love the collage and alligator shots too!
Wishing you peace in each day ~ ^_^
Posted by: artmusedog and carol | April 01, 2016 at 07:40 AM
It must be interesting living on a daily basis alongside alligators? I suppose that people get used to it but I wondered if there are some strange people who perhaps dislike them, or don't think alligators are dangerous and so take chances?
Must be great having Ospreys as close neighbourss
Posted by: Phil | April 01, 2016 at 04:22 AM
so it looks like Spring is in your part of the world, enjoy :-)
As for the alligator, um no thanks, I"ll pass on that one.
Posted by: Amy | April 01, 2016 at 02:29 AM
Nothing better than BLUE skies!!! Love the walk....even the alligators...as long as they keep their distance. lol
And the osprey nest...that is awesome.
Posted by: Hootin' Anni | April 01, 2016 at 02:07 AM
Wow, what a friendly smile !
Posted by: Gattina | April 01, 2016 at 02:02 AM
Gators and snakes scare me. I would rather avoid them as much as possible.
Posted by: Andy | April 01, 2016 at 01:32 AM
I wouldn't like to meet one on a trail.
Posted by: diane | March 31, 2016 at 10:34 PM
Did you say Cheese to make the alligator smile? Lovely shots!
Posted by: Lady Fi | March 31, 2016 at 09:33 PM
Great photos, and yes, I would definitely turn around and go back!
Posted by: Peter B | March 31, 2016 at 09:10 PM
I would step slowly backwards; every so slowly. Of course, two or three steps and I would probably trip and fall and be face to face with a smiling alligator. :) These are splendid photos, Sallies. I especially like the osprey (and the sign.
Posted by: Penny | March 31, 2016 at 06:06 PM
Beautiful blue skies and scenery. Not so beautiful alligator - I'd not need that sign either!
Posted by: Al | March 31, 2016 at 05:15 PM
Crazy Ospreys. I'd freeze on the trail if I saw any gator. Then probably take photos as I walked backwards.
Posted by: Gaelyn | March 31, 2016 at 05:00 PM
Hi Sallie, Love seeing your pictures. Fine Osprey photo. That is a resourceful bird. Always give the gators a wide birth. They can be amazingly fast for short distances, and one never knows when they will see a person as food. While in Florida this month we toured the Everglades National Park and saw a dozen different gators, but at a safe distance.
Thanks for your recent comment on my blog. You are most kind.
Posted by: Taken For Granted | March 31, 2016 at 03:59 PM
I would rather not share the path with this smiling creature!
Posted by: tom the backroads traveller | March 31, 2016 at 03:56 PM
I am terrified of alligators and crocs. Happy April Fool's Day.
Worth a Thousand Words
Posted by: Photo Cache | March 31, 2016 at 03:42 PM
I love your Osprey pic and the gator signs. I don't need a sign to tell me to turn around either.
Posted by: Yogi | March 31, 2016 at 02:51 PM
Great sign which I certainly wouldn't ignore.
Sydney – City and Suburbs
Posted by: Jim | March 31, 2016 at 02:20 PM
Oh boy...I think I'd turn around. Love the ospreys nest on that sign! Good catch. Glad you are enjoying your beautiful blue skies!
Posted by: ellen b | March 31, 2016 at 01:21 PM
Hmmm keep away from the Alligators as if I need to be told. Love the Osprey speed limit
Posted by: Don Wood | March 31, 2016 at 12:57 PM
Hello, Sallie! We had to turn around on the trail at Circle B. A big gator was laying across the whole trail. I love to see the Ospreys on their nest. Wonderful collection of photos. Happy skywatching, enjoy your weekend!
Posted by: Eileen | March 31, 2016 at 12:57 PM
I would just say nothing and quietly, quickly retreat, no sign needed here either!
Great photos!
Posted by: Janis | March 31, 2016 at 12:48 PM
just YIKES! :)
Posted by: TexWisGirl | March 31, 2016 at 11:10 AM
Fascinating Blog, as always. I am not sure what I would do if I came face to face with an alligator. I did meet a herd of Highland Cattle and at least one Bull on a lonely single-track road on one occasion. They were eating the grass on the edges and there was a ditch on each side-and I was in a bright red car. I waited over 30mins for them to move off :).
Posted by: Hazel | March 31, 2016 at 11:01 AM
These alligators certainly look scary. Here ospreys are an endangered species and it's interesting to see them so close.
Enjoy your weekend Sallie!
Posted by: Ruby | March 31, 2016 at 10:57 AM