A Beautiful Day for a Walk
By Jeff Moffitt
@moffittjc (121540)
Gainesville, Florida
April 25, 2020 6:49am CST
After fighting off the coronavirus for a whopping 19 days, I was itching to get out of the house. But of course as soon as I started feeling better and regaining my strength, it was rainy and storming outside. So that meant a few more days of being stuck inside the house. Oh well, just some extra time to build my strength back up!
We finally had a gorgeous, sunny day a few days ago, and I took the opportunity to get outside and go for a walk. Not wanting to be around people for fear I may still be slightly contagious, I chose to visit the campus of the University of Florida, as the campus is closed and all the students are gone. My intuition was right, and I had the entire place to myself. I decided to walk along a jogging path on the southwest side of campus that traverses a beautiful lake.
Along my walk, I came across this beauty sunning itself on the bank of the lake, just a few feet away from the jogging path. Normally, the alligators stay away from this part of the lake since the jogging path is normally full of people. It amazes me how quickly nature moves back in after humans vacate an area!
Have you noticed an increase in wildlife in areas in your community that were once full of people?
35 people like this
33 responses
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
25 Apr 20
It's always sunny day here for more than a month but I stopped walking in the morning. Just staying home as much as I can.
4 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
I still try to stay home as much as I can, but after being sick inside the hose for three weeks, I just need to get outside and get a little fresh air. It did my body, mind and soul a lot of good.
3 people like this
@Alexandoy (65308)
• Cainta, Philippines
25 Apr 20
@moffittjc oh, sorry to hear that you had been sick. I am scared to be sick nowadays.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
@Alexandoy Thanks, I only had a moderate case of the coronavirus, so I was one of the lucky ones. I just hope I now have an immunity to it.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Apr 20
I love nature! I love being out in it, I love seeing all the beautiful plants and animals, and I like taking pictures of the beautiful scenery. It's what keeps me from going crazy!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
28 Apr 20
@nela13 I agree, which is a big reason I spend so much time out in nature. And probably a big reason why I am always so happy!
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (51045)
• Canada
25 Apr 20
Not yet I haven't, but you will be the very FIRST person that I alert when I am out for a walk and see an alligator. 
I think that it is necessary to stay away from others, but I also think that getting fresh air is just as important, and I'm glad that you were able to get out, it is a good strength builder, and stress reliever. Now you can start moving towards more healing.
I think that it is necessary to stay away from others, but I also think that getting fresh air is just as important, and I'm glad that you were able to get out, it is a good strength builder, and stress reliever. Now you can start moving towards more healing.2 people like this
@Juliaacv (51045)
• Canada
25 Apr 20
@moffittjc I will say that when I take my walks, I do see that there is a lot of big piles of do-do on the sidewalks from the Canadian Geese. And yes, there are times when you need to take a detour off of the sidewalk because there is a goose sitting on the sidewalk. You don't mess with a Canadian goose anymore then you would mess with a Florida Gator.
We have to plank the curve on this virus, we need to take back our sidewalks around here. 
We have to plank the curve on this virus, we need to take back our sidewalks around here. 2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
@Juliaacv I've had a few run-ins with your Canadian Geese when they've visited Florida for the winter. They are nothing to mess with. I think I would rather take my chances with an alligator than a goose! haha
Yes, if we don't get a handle on this virus soon, we may not be able to take back our sidewalks from the critters.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
I will be completely amazed and surprised if you notify me that you came upon an alligator in Canada while out for a walk! lol
Yes, the walk did me a world of good. My strength is pretty close to back to normal. I definitely have my healthy appetite back, that's for sure!
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
25 Apr 20
wait you took that pic? I'd be running the other way!
2 people like this
@Jessicalynnt (50523)
• Centralia, Missouri
26 Apr 20
@moffittjc fair enough, in the water they are faster and sneakier
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Apr 20
@Jessicalynnt Very, very sneaky when they are in the water!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
I’m used to alligators, so I don’t mind getting near them. Well on land anyway. If I see them in the water, I steer clear.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (339431)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Apr 20
I've just checked on your what-I-thought-was-relevant post and you don't mention that you had the virus. 
Have you really had it? I guess so since you say so. That's just awful. I would have been so worried for you had I known. I'm so pleased you're okay now.
Have you really had it? I guess so since you say so. That's just awful. I would have been so worried for you had I known. I'm so pleased you're okay now.2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
Yes, I tested positive for the virus. Was sick for 19 days. It was horrible, although I only had a moderate case. But I was determined to stay out of the hospital, because that’s where people go to get sick. Lol
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
27 Apr 20
@JudyEv I have no idea if I am immune now. I'm 95% sure I am at least temporarily immune. How long the immunity last still hasn't been determined yet, I believe. I'm waiting for the antibody test to become available here where I live, so that I can take that test. That will determine my immunity level, or at least that's what they say.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (339431)
• Rockingham, Australia
26 Apr 20
@moffittjc I honestly didn't realise that. I'm so glad you're well now. Do you know if you are now immune? I'm just curious.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (177809)
• United States
25 Apr 20
What a great picture. He's taking back his turf. I'm glad you're getting stronger each day. Will you be getting tested again to make sure you are virus free?
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
I was tested for the antibodies. Not sure if that makes me still contagious, but my doctor did not place any restrictions on me.
2 people like this
@LindaOHio (177809)
• United States
25 Apr 20
@moffittjc That's good. Glad to hear it.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
@LindaOHio But I am still taking all the precautions I can, just to be on the safe side.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160611)
• United States
26 Apr 20
Our community is both small and very sparsely populated. We ALWAYS have wildlife. I think an armadillo digs in my yard, looking to eat grubs and snails. I watch hawks as they watch for rodents. I have had deer go up the street in front of my house and a fox run through my yard. I agree that today has been a beautiful day. So glad that you are feeling better.
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (180362)
• United States
25 Apr 20
The news did a story on that..bears in Yellowstone are walking down the highways since cars are not on them, and they showed a coyote near the Golden Gate bridge. Congrats for being over Corona, but sadly I was reading on the news that even those in their 30's and 40's who have had mild cases of the virus are having strokes. I really hope you are in the clear..
2 people like this
@snowy22315 (180362)
• United States
25 Apr 20
@moffittjc I think they were healthy prior to the Covid..I hope it doesn't happen..
. I guess you may want to check your BP though a few times a week and watch for any symptoms.
. I guess you may want to check your BP though a few times a week and watch for any symptoms.2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
@snowy22315 I monitor my BP daily, plus take medication for it.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
Oh great, I need to watch out for that then. I wasn’t aware of that. Did they say it was in people with high blood pressure or diabetes?
2 people like this
@much2say (55514)
• Los Angeles, California
25 Apr 20
I wonder at what point you are considered not contagious anymore - as with flues they would say after the fever is gone. I'm so glad you are doing much better and able to be out and about. I'm sure your day out to step out was glorious. I notice nature is buzzing about like crazy - they are thriving and enjoying not being disrupted by too many humans. Oh, but the gator 
. . . even gators notice!
. . . even gators notice!2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
I stayed quarantined for 14 days after the last known fever.
1 person likes this
@Tampa_girl7 (50179)
• United States
25 Apr 20
I’m glad that you are feeling better. Mr. alligator looks quite comfy.
2 people like this
@Tampa_girl7 (50179)
• United States
25 Apr 20
@moffittjc I miss seeing them. Of course I had a fear of being near them, but enjoyed watching them from a distance.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
He never even moved as I approached him. He must have been in a deep sleep or having a good dream!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
@Tampa_girl7 I have a healthy respect for them, but after being around them my whole life I've gotten to know a little bit about their nature. Usually, if you see them laying out on the shore or bank of a body of water, they are sunning themselves trying to get warm, and generally aren't looking to do a lot of movement. Think of it as napping. You can usually get pretty close to them at that point without them making a big fuss. They're more dangerous when they're in the water, it usually means they are waiting for the chance to eat. And of course, when it's mating season you just want to avoid them altogether because they get rather ornery.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (105820)
• Marion, Ohio
25 Apr 20
Not much around me has changed as I live in the middle of nowhere anyways.
2 people like this
@wolfgirl569 (105820)
• Marion, Ohio
25 Apr 20
@moffittjc Never know when we will see them.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
@wolfgirl569 Has anything ever tried to attack your bigger animals?
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
So you’ve always had critters around! Nice!
1 person likes this
@Freelanzer (10743)
• Canada
25 Apr 20
I didn't know you got the virus? Sorry. Glad to hear you are a survivor. Stay safe and enjoy your freedom to roam - safely.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
Yeah, I had it for 19 days. It was horrible.
1 person likes this
@just4him (317040)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
26 Apr 20
I really was hoping you found a picture of an alligator to put here and not that you ran into that beauty in person. I'm glad it was more interested in sunning itself than you jogging.
I haven't noticed it here yet, but I have heard the wildlife is reclaiming its territory.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Apr 20
Here in Florida, we run into alligators all the time. They are everywhere.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
28 Apr 20
@just4him Sometimes you can't help but trip over them! lol
1 person likes this
@just4him (317040)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
26 Apr 20
@moffittjc Yes, I'm sure they are.
1 person likes this
@hereandthere (45645)
• Philippines
26 Apr 20
@moffittjc what's the difference between alligators and crocodiles?
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
There’s no crocodile. It’s a figment if your imagination!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Apr 20
@hereandthere Mostly the shape of their heads and snout. Crocodiles are also much more aggressive than alligators.
2 people like this
@kareng (59050)
• United States
4 May 20
@moffittjc One with a big mouth, jaw and teeth!!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
4 May 20
@kareng I know a few buddies of mine that have big mouths. But not the kind for eating, more like for yap, yap, yapping!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
4 May 20
Haha, my new friend would be happy to eat me if it could. What kind of friend would do that? lol
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
@DianneN But you will be back! Haha
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
Pretty soon they’ll overrun you condo unit! Lol
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247186)
• United States
25 Apr 20
@moffittjc Pretty soon we won’t be here.
1 person likes this
@Elizaby (6902)
• Pensacola, Florida
27 Apr 20
Glad you are doing so much better. The only I am hearing that there is abundance of (at least I ainn't seen one hear though I do hear an occasional rattler) is large copperheads and the bears in neighboring Santa Rosa are coming out in the neighborhoods
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
29 Apr 20
@Elizaby I just saw a post on Facebook where someone was mentioning that snakes are coming out like crazy now here in Florida!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
28 Apr 20
You have a lot of copperheads coming out? I haven't seen any snakes yet, surprisingly.
1 person likes this
@Elizaby (6902)
• Pensacola, Florida
28 Apr 20
@moffittjc Now in my neighborhood but closer to the northern end of the state line. A friend on facebook poted a picture of two large ones on their property near Jay.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
26 Apr 20
@moffittjc
Sorry when you wanted to go out it rained but glad when you could go out it sounds like you had a nice walk. Good choice of where to go when hopefully no one will be around to avoid.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Apr 20
There are so many beautiful places around this community to walk or jog, there's never a shortage of choices. But so many people have taken up walking or running as a form of exercise that it's hard to find a place that isn't full of people.
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Apr 20
@Hannihar Isn't that a violation of Sabbath law? You're not supposed to do any work on the Sabbath. Wouldn't walking be considered exercise which would be considered work?
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (130218)
• Israel
26 Apr 20
@moffittjc
I am sorry there are so many out there doing the same thing as you. I miss walking around on the Jewish Sabbath morning. I loved to wander around the neighborhood and also miss not being able to walk to town to places I enjoy.
1 person likes this
@isweartokira (3460)
• United States
26 Apr 20
what a gorgeous picture, I would definitely want to walk there, too. well I'd try to avoid the croc
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Apr 20
Sometimes it’s hard to avoid them. They are literally everywhere!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
26 Apr 20
@isweartokira Welcome to the Sunshine State! Where you too can enjoy sharing our amenities with our ever so lovable pythons, alligators and iguanas!
1 person likes this
@isweartokira (3460)
• United States
26 Apr 20
@moffittjc that's Florida for you
1 person likes this
@Butterfingers (66583)
• India
25 Apr 20
I heard about these in news but since am not going out yet to witness
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
You want me to send one to your house so you can see it up close? We have millions of them around, I don't mind sending you one. They make great pets as long as you feed them large amounts of meat every day!
1 person likes this
@moffittjc (121540)
• Gainesville, Florida
25 Apr 20
@Butterfingers I would die if I go even one day without meat! haha
1 person likes this
@Butterfingers (66583)
• India
25 Apr 20
@moffittjc haha these days even am not eating meat
1 person likes this
