August 06, 2007 at 03:11pm by Gus
ABOVE: Michelle standing at the entrance of the boat basin, pointing to the spot where the sighting took place.
Michelle and I recently purchased a 2-person Ocean Kayak. We took it out on Sunday for our maiden voyage. At around 6pm, while kayaking in front of the boat basin at the Deering Estate, a crocodile almost capsized our boat.
Not 90 seconds after putting the kayak in the water, we were approaching the entrance to the boat basin, and mistakenly spooked a crocodile that was laying below the water.
The animal jerked so hard and whipped it’s tail, it drenched us both with water - I’ve never been so scared - we were no more than 4 feet away. The beast must have been at least 7 feet long.
Honestly, I was in shock. At first, I didn’t know what it was. I saw a dark gray shape, but the only thing I could imagine was a sea monster, a ferocious manatee, or a goliath grouper. From what I saw, the thing looked prehistoric!
Michelle thought it was a Hollywood-style special effect, an underwater air cannon designed to keep boats from entering the basin. That seemed plausible to me. The explosion of water reminded me of the Jaws ride at Universal Studios, it was big, like when someone does a cannonball into a swimming pool. The kayak rocked hard and we both got soaked!
It really didn’t dawn on us until we got back to dry land what it was.
There’s a crocodile warning sign right next to the canoe launch, I saw it, but paid it no mind. I thought it must be a relic from when John Deering lived there.
ABOVE: The crocodile warning sign clearly states - Caution Crocodiles in the Area.
We are seriously considering selling the kayak. If we do, the Craigslist ad will read something like this…
2 Man Ocean Kayak For Sale - This package includes the Ocean Kayak (Yellow) w/ 2 premium seats, 2 paddles - Almost Brand New!
ABOVE: Michelle feeling much more safe kayaking in the pool.
As we were leaving, a Park Ranger told us a women saw a crocodile 2 days earlier.
I thought there was only alligators in Florida.
I’m trying to convince Michelle to not sell the boat.
ABOVE: Michelle standing in front of the Stone House at the Deering Estate
About the Deering Estate:
The Deering Estate at Cutler is not only unique in natural beauty; it also includes historical buildings dating from 1896 to 1922, important archaeological sites that date human presence on this land to 10,000 years ago and animals back 100,000 years, and a Native American burial mound dating from around the year 1600 (see: map).
 | Gus Moore heads up Miami Beach 411 as site administrator, where he has been helping people understand how Miami works for over a decade. See more articles by Gus > |
