Trespassing and Alligators

We went for a run before work today. After the last two days topped 100 deg, it was a prudent move. We ran 'lake-side' only to find that we were below the dam and couldn't even see the water. There was a little side trail leading straight up the dam, and I said 'What's the worst that could happen'.

We were attacked by bugs and plants with spines, but the view was awesome. Then we come to the end and a fence. With a lot of luck I hopped the short, unstable fence to the side. Then I notice the sign...oops guess were weren't supposed to follow that side trail. After some deliberation, K decided to hop the fence. I take this photo and immediately hear a vehicle. I look over and see a very official looking vehicle...park rangers. Crap...

No big deal, 'don't do it again' and off we went...except that there was now a large spillway between us and the car. The only trail we knew of was a long way around. So we chase down the rangers and ask for the quickest way. They direct us to go through the spillway, admonishing us to watch out for the moss, slippery rocks, ... and alligators. Big, man eating ones. The kicker is that the trail to the spillway had a sign saying 'danger, keep out'.

Guess we could ignore that one since we were warned about the large alligators :)