I have Selachophobia

I admit it. I have a big fat fear of sharks. I no longer go in the ocean beyond waste deep - and even that is nerve-racking at times.

Did you see this photo and story on the other day? Holy stinkin' cow. It is a must-see!

The photo was taken on New Smyrna Beach (aka "shark bite capital of the world") - the very beach I went to several times as a child. I have distinct memories of lifeguards blowing their whistles and calling everyone in because of a shark sightings. That doesn't go over well with a young 7 year old. Couple that with Sea World visits and watching Jaws.... I was well on my way to phobia-ville.

Then, around 6 years ago I was at Salter Path/Emerald Isle with my 2 nieces and my mother-in-law when we saw a shark just a few feet away from us. It was circling. We WERE ONLY ANKLE-DEEP IN THE WATER AND A BIG SHARK WAS JUST A FEW FEET AWAY. My MIL and I were shocked and a little rattled. Needless to say, we did not go out any further.

My phobia is not completely pervasive. Somehow, I managed to snorkle in the carribbean and once in the bahamas. I even endured Stingray City (which I loved, by the way). I think the difference was that the water was crystal clear. These cloudy-water beaches freak me out. I wanna see whats out there.

Because, well, I KNOW they are out there.