GATOR SPLASH HEART FAILURE

I am out walking around a lake, near where I am camping, (outside of Christmas, Florida) that is east of Orlando and west of Titusville. I walked through a pathway--actually a part of the Florida Trail, or one of its offshoots--

and a huge rustling and splash followed – – and this alligator flipped around to watch me as I walked by. I was within about 3 feet of him. I estimate an 18-20 inch head- length of around 7-8 feet, 300 to 400 pounds. I didn't have so much as a pocketknife with me.