Alligator Log
Alligator Log
I am the alligator log that lives in City Park lake, I don’t know how long I have been here, but I have enjoyed the company of many friends over the years. I don’t know who named me first, but I think it was an artist named Stephanie, who drew me meaner than I really am, with my friend the Great Blue Heron in 2014. I don’t really mind the reputation, since my friends know my true nature. I have also been accused of being a drifter, but that is not such a bad thing either.
This is how Stephanie drew me, as if I was waiting for the right moment to swallow my friend.
This is how I really am. (July 2013)
When I’m not sleeping, you know that is so easy, just floating half submerged on the surface. I do keep an eye on the shore, at the people. People who are fishing I keep a close eye on, because they could put a knot hole out with a fish hook, then I couldn’t keep an eye on anything. Joggers and walkers go by, I just watch mostly for the dogs with them, because they don’t pay much attention to me.
My friends the Double-Crested Cormorants love to sun themselves and use me as a diving platform. The American White Pelicans like to use me to preen and hang out with each other.
It is hard to be a submersed log with reptilian features, that is why I work hard floating around to find friends. I mostly hang out near the southeast corner of the lake, but will move closer to the center to bring in my more timid friends like Mr. Heron.
In the winter, I am a place to perch off of the ice, and I watch Bald Eagles swoop over the ice looking for something to eat. I have fewer friends in the winter, but my fair-weather friends always come back when the weather warms up.
My friends the turtles like to bask in the sun.
I know that in my former life I was a grand tree somewhere with lots of friends flying in and crawling about, and living in my branches and bark, but those memories have faded. Soaking up water and lying in the sun have made my memories a bit soggy, so I just try to keep up with my more recent buddies.
Some of my above-water friends include: Great Blue Herons, American White Pelicans, Double-crested Cormorants, Canada Geese, Mallard Ducks, Red-eared Slider Turtles, and Bald Eagles that fly over. I also have lots of submerged friends, invertebrates and fishes, but sometimes they see me as just a hunting perch for those that like to eat them.
My friend Dan has been driving by daily for almost twelve years, keeping an eye on me and my friends. He takes pictures and wrote this story. He just retired, so I won’t be seeing him as often. His wife Stephanie often draws from his photos, adding her perspective to my personality.
Other pictures of the Alligator Log and Friends:
Double-Crested Cormorants and American White Pelicans (2014)
American White Pelican June 1, 2018.
Bald Eagle February 17, 2019
Canada Geese- March 25, 2020
Sometimes they try to balance me out on both ends (March 2020).
Solitude is sometimes a good thing.
Daniel N. Gossett April 2020
