I love to hike. It’s fantastic exercise and you get to experience the great outdoors. Got a friend along? Perfect! This is me at the summit of Mt. San Gorgonio a few summers ago. At 11,600 feet, it’s the highest point in southern California. Yes, I am rocking Chanel sunglasses. I’m a southerner and a Californian. We can’t help ourselves. But I digress.
Most of my hikes are local and fall somewhere in the 2.5 to 5-mile range. I try to hit a trail pretty regularly, but sometimes I just hit the sidewalk. One of my favorite walks is a 7-mile loop up into residential hills and back. It’s taxing, to be sure. But I really enjoy it. And it’s safe. The most I ever have to worry about is a film crew blocking the sidewalk. Except that one day…
I had made it to the highest street on my route and was preparing to start the downhill portion. The short distance covered on said highest street is the only section without sidewalks. But I know the drill. Walk against traffic. Keep my eyes and ears open. It’s pretty standard. And I was moving along when whoa! What the hell is that? I jumped up on to the curb and stayed still. About 12 feet in front of me was a rattlesnake. It was just chilling in the street, nestled among the fallen Jacaranda blossoms. And it was blocking my path. Oh, and I almost forgot, I do not love snakes.
I pulled out my phone (as I always walk/hike with a phone — just in case) and called my local police department (and NOT 911). Don’t ask me why my local police department phone number is in my contact list. I can’t explain my thinking. I only know that it came in real handy that day. Anyway, I called and my side of the conversation went something like this: Hi. I’m walking on ABC Street and at the corner of XYZ Drive there’s a rattlesnake in the road. Well, I’m a little too scared to get closer, but it doesn’t seem to be moving. Wait. A car is coming. I’ll let you know if it moves. Nope. That car came within inches and the snake didn’t even twitch. So you’re calling Animal Control to come pick it up? Great. Thank you.
For those who don’t live in a rattlesnake zone, let me explain. Animal Control still want to know about and remove dead rattlers. Apparently, the venom in the snake’s glands is poisonous for up to a year (!) and can be quite dangerous to pets and people alike if the dead animal is handled. In fact, the danger may be greater than being bitten by a live specimen, as snakes parse out the venom and therefore a controlled amount is experienced. If the venomous gland of a dead animal is somehow administered, there is absolutely no control as to the amount one may receive. This was news to me, but I’m mighty glad to know the authorities are taking care of bid-ness.
So I moved to about 5 feet from the little bugger and snapped a pic. I have to admit, he looked really beautiful. I also have to admit I booked it away from there, just in case that snake was only playing ‘possum.
I’ve crossed paths with several more rattlers. I do all I can to keep my distance. I don’t want to know them and I’m sure they don’t want to know me. (I wish I could say the same for Mister. That guy must surely be from Slytherin House.) But I can’t let my fear of snakes keep me from hiking. It’s just too awesome. If you’re able and can find a trail somewhere near you — even a short one — do try and go for a stroll/hike. Nature is good for our souls. Really. Snakes and all.
