This morning as I walked out, no as I started to walk out, onto the balcony of my waterfront condo, I hesitated for just a moment as something unusual caught my eye.
In the water below me, I saw what looked like a large alligator with mouth wide open perched just off the rocks. Trembling, my first thought was "How am I going to get past this thing?", followed quickly by "Should I call animal control?"
Then, gathering my wits about me, I did what any serious blogger would do. I grabbed my camera!
Snap, snap! (Pun intended!)
I decided if it WAS a gator, I could quickly scamper back up the steps. Slowly, I gathered the courage to descend the staircase. After all, I'd never SEEN an alligator on this part of the reservoir, despite the heavy rains Jackson has experienced over the last several days. Anything was possible.
Can you make it out? Do you see what I saw?
OK. Here's the truth. Upon closer inspection, it wasn't an alligator at all, but a large piece (about 20 feet) of driftwood. It was realistic looking enough to get my adrenaline pumping this morning.
What do you think? Doesn't it look real to you?
Written and Published by Pat Starnes REALTOR
Pat Starnes, a Realtor since 1988, specializes in Mississippi Residential Real Estate and can assist you with buying or selling in the Jackson MS Metro area.
Areas of service: Brandon, Pearl, Ridgeland, and the Ross Barnett Reservoir area
Search all available homes in the Jackson MS MLS
Pat Starnes, Broker; Pat Starnes Real Estate, 300 Castlewoods Blvd., Brandon, MS 39047; 601-278-4513 - Cell
LOL...it sure does...but be careful, I once had a client who asked me to do some photography for them and they did mention some wild life being in the area, I ran into this character and he had FRIENDS!...well, I got the shoot done, but as it was getting late in the day, I got what I needed and got OUT!...lol...it CAN be an eye opening experience!
Pat, That's a pretty funny picture. You do have to look twice to see it's not a gator. Rich
Hey, I thought it was real.....amazing piece of driftwood....my adrenaline would be going too!
Looks real enough to me to stay away until I was sure. After spending about a 1/4 of my life in Fla. I definitely look before I leap.
Pat: I would have been fooled too...in fact I was! I totally thought that was a gator. Of course, when it doesn't move I guess I'd eventually figure it out.
OMG, Ralph! Your gator is MUCH BIGGER than mine! But they are facing the same direction.
Rich: I showed the photo to friends at lunch and they instantly said "yep, that's a gator!"
Lori: the "gator" is still there and everyone who sees it is fooled.
Jack: Yes, I crept down the stairs very carefully, ready to LEAP in an instant. (as if I could move fast enough!)
Chris Ann: Funny thing, it does move with the motion of the waves! It weaves and bobs...creepy!
Great way to keep people away. I think you should put a spot light on it at night.
Now that you mention it, there ARE a couple of people I'd like to run off!
I would not have known it wasn't a gator if you hadn't told us. Very realistic. I'm impressed you were so brave when you thought it was real. What we won't do for a photo for our blog, huh!
You could have called Elvis to the rescue! I would have gotten it! It does look real though Pat, and you had me fooled! Happy April Fools!
Sharon, I guess I could have saved it for "April Fool's Day"!
Jeffrey, would you have come over to wrestle the gator for me? Another photo opp!
Pat, Even looking twice, I still would think Gator if not for your tip off!
Ginger