December 14

This morning we went out early as the tide was just coming in.  There were a zillion aquatic critters on the beach and in the tidal pools.  Any shells we found that were still inhabited got tossed back into the water. 

The bi-valves peeking out of their shells were pretty cool to see.  And the little shrimp scuttling around in the shallow water.  Tiny crabs were burying themselves in the wet sand, only to be found and devoured by the Sandpipers.

Rick even spotted some dolphins feeding the shallower water.  Just fabulous!

While I was washing off the shells we'd collected at the shell washing station, Rick went over to the pond to photograph a Cormorant along the edge.  As he was taking pictures, a three foot long alligator lurched out of the pond and tried to grab the Cormorant!  Thankfully, he missed.  Glad I didn't decide to photograph any foliage around the pond.  I had no idea there was at least one alligator (maybe more!) in the pond.

We fly home very early tomorrow.  I don't even really mind because it's been such a wonderful, relaxing week....  Mary