· Okefenokee Swamp – Looking 250º from Gater Hole – 3 Days working in a canoe ·
22½" x 24½"   2" x 8"
Copyright © 2003 Tony Foster

9 – 11 October 1998 · with MB · 10 October · paddling into Gater Hole at 8.00am I see a large tree trunk stranded on the mass of floating weed which is my painting site · nosing the canoe towards it I realise it is a huge alligator · I backpaddle into some nearby reeds, anchor & set up my painting equipment · the clattering irritates the alligator & it dives & heads towards me, finally veering off & resurfacing near a gator nest 30' away · it lies stationary, only nostril & eye visible while I start work, then disappears · I paddle over to the floating island & measure its clear imprint in the grass · 2 2/3 paddle lengths · 12½ ft ·