Day 7 – The Croc Hunter’s Apprentice

Transcript of Day 7 – The Croc Hunter's Apprentice

Day 7 – The Croc Hunter’s Apprentice

Aaron had always been fascinated by crocodiles, drawn to them like a moth to a flame(1). As a kid, he would spend hours watching documentaries and hitting the books(2) to learn everything he could about these ancient reptiles, soaking it up like a sponge(3). When he got the chance to work with a renowned crocodile hunter in the Australian Outback, he jumped at the opportunity(4).

His mentor, Steve, was a hard as nails(5), no-nonsense kind of guy who believed in going the extra mile(6).

"If you want to survive out here, you need to be prepared do what others won’t, mate," Steve would often say. “At least, that’s my 2 cents(7).”

Aaron admired Steve's dedication and absorbed every piece of advice he could offer.

On their first expedition together, they encountered more crocodiles than you could poke a stick at(8). It was the thrill of a lifetime(9), but also a dangerous one. Steve always reminded Aaron to stay focused and avoid cutting corners at all costs(10) when it came to safety.

One day, while scouting a particularly treacherous area, Steve warned Aaron about a notorious spot where many had kicked the bucket(11), or in other words(12), become croc food.

"Don't let your guard down(13), Aaron. These ancient creatures are as smart as a whip(14)," Steve cautioned. “And if you don’t keep your wits about you(15), you’ll end up on the dinner menu(16).”

“Sound advice!” Aaron replied.

However, despite the warnings, Aaron's excitement sometimes got the better of him(17). He had a tendency to act impulsively, which Steve noticed.

"Aaron, we need to be on the same page(18) and work as a team(19). Communication is the key to(20) safety. Got it?" Steve said.

During a routine check of the team’s croc traps, they found a whopper of a(21) crocodile had been caught. Its body was so large that the cage was nearly bursting at the seams(22). Aaron's initial reaction was to approach it hastily, but Steve stopped him jumping the gun(23) and going off half-cocked(24).

"Remember, patience is key. Let's do this by the book(25) and one step at a time(26), or everything could go pear-shaped(27)." he warned Aaron.

“Alright, got it.” Aaron responded.

They approached the trapped crocodile cautiously, knowing that despite being confined, the croc was still a force to be reckoned with(28). Its yellow eyes flickered with a cold, calculating awareness, and its powerful tail thrashed against the steel bars, testing the limits of the trap.

"Right, we need to proceed with caution(29) here," Steve muttered, his voice steady.

Aaron nodded as he armed himself with some rope and duct tape to help restrain the beast. They knew the next steps were crucial; one false move(30) could spell disaster(31).

Steve moved first, expertly lowering a rope noose into the trap and manoeuvring it around the croc's massive jaws. It was like threading a needle(32). As Steve finally got it into place around the croc’s snout, he tightened it to keep the beast from snapping at them.

"Now, comes the fun part(33). Let’s get her out," he said, signalling Aaron to help lift the trap door.

“You’ve got a strange idea of what fun is, Steve.” Said Aaron.

Steve counted down. “Alright, 1, 2, 3”.

As soon as the door was raised, the croc exploded into action in an attempt to break free(34). With a ferocity that sent adrenaline surging through their veins, it lunged forward, its powerful tail sending debris flying(35). The metal cage rattled as the beast fought for freedom, its bellows echoing through the air.

"It’s do or die!(36)" Steve shouted, struggling to hold the rope as the croc’s raw power threatened to overwhelm them.

“Alright, I’m on it!” Yelled Aaron.

Aaron quickly moved in with the duct tape, securing the croc’s jaws first, then working together with Steve to bind its limbs. The creature thrashed violently, nearly breaking loose(37) several times, but they fought back with every ounce of(38) strength and determination they had.

After what felt like an eternity, the croc was finally brought to heel(39). Its massive body, now heaving with exhaustion, lay still beneath the layers of tape and rope. The pair had completely knocked the fight out of(40) the enormous prehistoric creature. They stepped back, breathless and sweating, the intensity of the encounter still coursing through their bodies.

"We did it! Though he definitely gave us a run for our money(41), ey?" Steve said with a mix of relief and pride in his voice as he slapped Aaron on the back.

“Bloody hell… my life flashed before my eyes(42)!” Aaron replied, his eyes wide with shock.

“That was a close one”, Steve said still catching his breath(43), knowing they had experienced a narrow escape(44). “Far out!(45) I’m thanking my lucky stars(46) he didn’t gain the upper hand(47).”

"Yeah. You can say that again(48)!” Aaron replied. “It was certainly a close shave(49), but we pulled it off!(50)"

“I knew you had it in you(51), mate" said Steve. “See, catching crocs is a piece of piss(52), Aaron”. He continued, a combination of humour and sarcasm in his voice. “Just throw the rope around the jaws, have a cheeky wrestle, and Bob's your uncle(53), it’s in the bag(54).”

“Yeah…” Aaron said with hesitation. “Just like shooting fish in a barrel(55), I guess…”

Each encounter was different and often didn’t go to plan(56). There were times when Aaron made mistakes. Sometimes, Steve would have to take him down a notch or two(57), but always in a constructive way.

One memorable time was when Aaron, full of beans(58) and eager, ignored Steve's instruction to wait for backup before approaching a croc nest. He ended up startling the mother crocodile and getting himself into hot water(59). Steve had to step in quickly to diffuse the situation.

Later, Steve addressed Aaron firmly but kindly, "You need to understand the importance of caution, Aaron. Acting on impulse(60) out here could literally cost you an arm and a leg(61), or worse, cost you your life(62). Learn from this and don't let it happen again."

This experience was a reality check(63) for Aaron, reinforcing the gravity of their work.

The Outback was a harsh teacher, but having Steve to show Aaron the ropes(64) when it came to(65) working with crocs was invaluable.

"This job isn't for the faint of heart(66), but it's worth every moment, and I reckon you definitely have what it takes(67), mate!" Steve told Aaron one day.

Amidst the intense days and sleepless nights, Aaron and Steve shared many laughs. Steve had a knack for(68) lightening the mood.

"Don't let the job get to you(69). Sometimes you need to take a breather(70) and clear your head(71)," he advised, noticing Aaron's fatigue.

“Yeah, it can definitely take the wind out of your sails(72) sometimes. But I love it!” Aaron said enthusiastically.

Aaron's journey as a crocodile hunter was filled with ups and downs(73). He learned valuable lessons about teamwork, perseverance, and respect for nature. And through it all(74), he found his passion reaffirmed, knowing that despite the dangers, come hell or high water(75), he was right where he wanted to be.