Close encouters

Grandma and Grandpa's condo is situated next to a mangrove—part wetland with intriguing trees, part wildlife sanctuary. Depending on the tide, it's almost like another planet. Happily, a gator-free planet (gators don't like salt water).
We walked down the pier to the bay, taking notice of birds (a cardinal in Florida?) and lizards. When we reached the pier's end, first we saw what looked like an entire school of fish jumping out of the water together. Then, along came a new friend...
A lone dolphin was out for some quality playtime, zipping around and splashing so close to us, we had to move or get wet!
We marveled as the dolphin goofed off in the shallow water, showing its belly as it wiggled on the bottom of the bay. The water here is no more than about three feet deep.
I've never seen a dolphin do anything in its natural habitat other than swim along and occasionally jump in the air. This was a special treat. :)