mixed with no small amount of completely rational fears.

I don't actually get in the ocean fearing Sharks... it never really crosses my mind. All those little 'stingy' things DO cross my mind, however.

I wouldn't hesitate to get into a shark cage to observe Great Whites... yet at the same time I don't like touching all those little tide pool critters believing that surely I'll make the mistake of touching the very rare "Devil's Tail Poisonous Blubber Anemone".

And then there is this: The ocean is big, and mysterious, and we don't know what's in there except that we do know there are things in there that don't want us in there with them. It's a 'foe' I can't really see... prepare for. And the ocean also takes away my nearly super power like reflexes and demon-like speed.