Animals

Boater #1: Look at all the geese! Will they move out of the way of the boat?
Boater #2: Of course they’ll move. They’re just like birds.

–Lake Erie, Cleveland, Ohio

Overheard by: Beth

Guy to Dachshund: Sit!
Girl: He doesn't really need to sit, he is so close to the ground.

–Tampa, Florida

Old man to wife, in Russian: What sign are you?
Woman: I'm a fish.
Old man: Shark, son of a bitch.

–Hallandale Beach Boulevard, Florida

Overheard by: superemanuella

Tourist lady looking at photo of sea otter: Oh, you have salt water beavers here?!
Local guy: Yes, we do.
Tourist lady: Do they have a name?
Local guy: Yes, we call them ‘snatches.’
Tourist lady: Did you hear that, honey? They have snatches here!

–Schooner’s Wharf, Cayucos, California

Overheard by: Local girl

Drunk camper: If that dude actually comes back with a fish and starts slapping people with it, I’m leaving this island. That is just way more intensity than I am prepared to deal with.

–Lake George, New York

Overheard by: Sneaker

20-ish girl to sister: I think a shark just brushed up against my foot! [Everyone nearby stares.] Oops. I think I said that a little loud. False alert, everyone — it was just some seaweed!

–Clearwater Beach, Florida

Fat guy: Oh boy, that plane looks just like a seagull. You’d never see it coming! Oh wait, that is a seagull.

–Air show, Lake Michigan

Overheard by: Steve W

Father pointing to ocean: Hey, John, look at the dolphins! [Seven-year-old boy looks around, not seeing them.] You’re missing them! You’re missing them like you miss everything! You’re just like your mother!

–Rehoboth Beach, Delaware

Overheard by: Got to remember that for when I am a parent

Girl, carrying piece of kelp to dad: This can be my pet until we get a doggie!

–Hermosa Beach, California

Guy: See that dark area in the water slowly moving? It’s a school of fish
Girl: Wow, are you sure?
Guy: Yup — snapper.
Girl: Wow, that’s amazing. [Long pause] How come it’s now on the sand?
Guy: It could also be a cloud.

–Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

Overheard by: Rob Kemper