I Can Top That
By Bob Kimball

    I found David Marks story very amusing.  The one titled "THE HALF THAT BITES".   I was an observer for Seis Pros in the swamps of Alabama for two years.  Except for winter, snakes were always a dangerous nuisance.  Unlike surveyors, observers were not equipped with machetes.  We had to rely upon the expertise of our Cajun air boat drivers.  I swear those guys were fearless.  I can remember an incident that happened to me as my driver was taking me out to my pull boat deep in the swamps. 

    We were about half way there when we bumped into a tree.  Having to be able to maneuver through the tight swamp growth it was a small air boat.  To my dismay a big cotton mouth dropped into the boat, Maybe three feet in front of me.  As i was trying so hard not to shit my pants, my driver cut the engine off and moved in front of me.  As anybody that has run up on a cotton mouth knows they raise up about one third of their bodies and come towards you.  This guy stuck his boot at the snake, and when it bit into his sole he grabbed it by the neck, played with it, and let it go.  This is a true story.

    These Cajuns fear nothing in the swamp.  They will jump in the cold water just to catch a four foot alligator, and drive by and put it in your pull boat.  They were some of the coolest, nicest and respectable dudes I have ever had the pleasure of meeting.  I love you Steve.  Hope you are still going strong in you neck of the woods.