Boating with Burt and Linda and Linda’s friend Claudette and Burt’s neighbor Jay was exhilarating. No more than 10 minutes into the boat ride on Burt’s newer pontoon boat, we spotted numerous alligators, which were very exciting. It was easy to see the difference between alligators in Florida and crocodiles in Africa.
But, for those unfamiliar with both of these scary-looking and dangerous creatures, we thought it was important to share the differences.
The differences are listed below between an alligator and a crocodile from this site:
“Although they may look similar at first glance, the most significant differences between alligators and crocodiles are their overall size, snouts, jaws, coloring, feet, and teeth. Take a quick look at how you can differentiate between the two reptiles. The comparison between the American alligator and the American crocodile shows the unique qualities of adults from each species.
| Alligator | Crocodile | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | 8.2 feet to 11.2 feet long 400lbs to 800lbs |
10 feet to 20 feet long 300lbs to 2,000lbs |
| Snout | U-shaped snout | V-shaped snout |
| Jaws | A wide upper jaw hides the lower teeth and overlaps the lower jaw |
The upper and lower jaw are roughly the same size, allowing the teeth to interdigitate |
| Feet | Webbed feet allow for better swimming |
Feet are not webbed but possess a jagged fringe |
| Teeth | Roughly 80 teeth | 66 teeth |
| Colors | Dark gray or black, with a cream underside | Olive green or light brown with a mottled pattern |
These differences make it easy to identify an alligator and a crocodile. As with many other creatures, the males are larger in both the alligator and the crocodile, but the crocodile is a much larger reptile overall.”
After we boated past the first canal, where we spotted the alligators, we headed out to the open expanse of Lake Harris, as shown in the photo below.
We always enjoyed boating, and when Tom and I met almost 32 years ago, we both had boats, and each of us had owned boats for years. It had been a long time since we’d been on a boat on a lake. The last time was on Lake Minnewashta in Minnesota with friends/neighbors Jamie and Doug in 2017. For that post, please click here.
Being out on the water on a perfect weather day was ideal. Mother Nature was kind to us to provide a sunny day without high temperatures and a gentle breeze. We couldn’t have asked for more. Burt’s newer boat was comfortable. We each got a slight sunburn but not severe, and we felt no discomfort today.
We stopped at a lovely Lake Harris park for a lunch picnic. We found a great picnic table sheltered from the sun, and all six of us took out the various items we shared. We brought homemade chicken salad and coleslaw. Claudette had a big package of croissants to share, and the four of them added the chicken salad to make sandwiches, except Tom and I, who went bun-less, as usual.
After lunch, we continued on the journey to see the famous and impressive Dora Canal. We had no idea how gorgeous it would be and we will share photos in the next few days. We took dozens of photos, many of which we still have to share.
A special thanks to new friends Linda and Burt for the beautiful day boating and for sharing your favorite spots with us in the exquisite chain of lakes in central Florida.
Be well.
Photo from ten years ago today, May 28, 2013:
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We are so happy you enjoyed our beautiful Dora Canal! Boating through the cypress tunnels never gets old! And spending time with both of you is always a treat!
Linda and Burt, thank you both for a wonderful day! We loved every moment! Such treasures to behold!
Love always,
Jess & Tom