Friday, April 25 
After coffee and breakfast and a quick walk around Green River State Park campground in east-central Utah, I shut the crew inside the Best Little Trailer and head for the shower house. When I return I’m pleased that it’s quiet inside the BLT. I open the door to two canine mugs, happy to see me again.
“What good puppies you are!”
One afternoon and night in the campground is enough to refresh me and the crew.
I’m ready to boondock again. I break camp and drive us over to the campground’s drinking water station to fill up the tank.
Next I drive over to the dump station.
This campground is so handy.
All goes well until I prepare to flush my sewer hose before replacing it in the bumper of the BLT. I hold the sewer hose in my left hand and the flushing hose in my right. With my right hand I lift up the lever to start the water.
It comes out with the pressure of a fire hose!
You know those joke canisters that, when opened, a paper snake with a spring jumps out, wiggling and flying about? Well, that’s what the water hose does! It has a mind of its own, tearing out of my hand to whirl like a dervish.
I drop my sewer hose and leap out of the streams of cold water. The hose continues to jump around. I’m laughing my head off as I dive back into the spray in order to push the lever down and stop the flow of water.
Who knew dumping could be such fun?
Okay, where to go next? Last night I sat in bed studying my Utah atlas. I thought the crew and I would spend a lot longer time in Moab and the National Parks than we actually did.
We are way ahead of ourselves.
Here we are in central Utah already. The first two years of our vagabond life we were still in Arizona in April.
The next leg of of our trek north is from Green River to Price. The online weather report for Price is cold, wind, and rain. It also says it’s snowing in southern Wyoming. Heck, Monticello (7,066 ft.), south of Moab, is expecting a low of 23 degrees!
What to do?
Seek lower elevation without going further north . . .
We certainly aren’t going to hang around Green River (even though it’s only 4,079 ft.) or backtrack to Moab or Monticello.
Before leaving Green River I fill up the gas tank ($3.59). We take Interstate 70 west, passing the sign that says “no services 153 miles.” That’s if you go all the way to Salina, I guess.
We travel about fifteen miles and take exit 149 to ride Highway 24 south.
The crew and I camped in a lovely canyon in the San Rafael Reef in 2012. It’s located near Goblin Valley State Park. We didn’t camp long in the canyon because I couldn’t pick up any internet signal.
I loved it there!
Before returning to that fondly remembered canyon, I turn west off Highway 24 to explore another road going toward the Reef. I’m curious to see if there’s another great boondock!
The road soon deteriorates to a narrow, dirt, single lane. I become concerned about the difficulty of turning around. I drive a one-lane bridge over a creek. The scenery is pretty . . . lots of soft green against rock.
A fork in the road forces me to make a decision.
It may be the last place I can turn around for who knows how far. Also a sign reads “access by permit only” and another reads “Hatt Ranch.” My atlas shows a mix of BLM and patches of private land, probably the BLM land lying beyond the private land.
When in doubt, get out.
I don’t want some rancher yelling at my door that I have to leave when I’m in my jammies and about to go to bed!
I turn around, get back on Highway 24 and continue southward. I want to return to that marvelous canyon anyway! This time we won’t make camp in the canyon, but rather we’ll camp above it, so I’ll have a better chance of picking up internet signal.
Our new camp!
Beautiful views in all directions! The dirt road goes down into the canyon.
I estimate our elevation at 4,000-4,500 feet.
This next photo is the view to the southeast from our campsite. It’s good to be in wide open space again!
I can see the canyon from our front door and from the side window . . .
Bridget and Spike explore their new home. I’m giggling with delight. This is one of our best camps ever!
“AACKK!! A SNAKE!”
I toss the crew inside the BLT and shut the screen door. The snake is headed toward the Perfect Tow Vehicle!
Click to enlarge.
I stand beside the headlight, about eight feet from the snake, and determine that it has no rattles.
Even so, it still could be venomous. . . .
Dang, I can’t let it crawl into the PTV!
I throw a few stones at it to make it leave.
It doesn’t faze the snake. So much for vibration scaring a snake. I toss a stone that lightly hits the tail. The snake pulls back (photo below) Well, that got your attention!
I run around to the back of the PTV and pull out a rake.
Click to enlarge.
The snake has changed direction. By scratching the dirt near the snake’s tail, I convince it to move away. I rake close behind it until it’s about 50 feet or so away from the PTV.
Sorry to harrass you, lil’ buddy, but I’m not sharing this campsite!
Later, I look at a field guide.
Oh, it’s only a gopher snake. Gee, I wasn’t very nice to our welcoming party.
This is going to be fun! I’m looking forward to photographing the canyon and the wildflowers!
rvsue
NOTE: I apologize for the gaps between posts. I have intermittent internet. Today (Tues., 4/29) I drove back to Green River in order to have a strong enough signal to post this, and to pick up a few groceries. I’d like to stay a few more days at our canyon camp. It’s gorgeous and there’s a lot to explore! Eventually I’ll get the blog up-to-date. Please understand if I’m absent from the blog. I will read all your comments.
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING AMAZON FROM MY BLOG!
Beautiful! What a peaceful looking place.
Unless you’re a snake. 😉
Hi, Teri . . . I stand in our campsite looking over the immense desert and I’m revitalized. I don’t know how much people drain my energy until I’m alone again.
ha! I had my Utah! book out and Hwy 24 is where I was looking for a spot. That looks like nice country. Glad that you got some much needed rest.
There are several places to boondock around Goblin Valley State Park area of the Reef. The trick is finding one that isn’t overrun with noisy, toys-on-wheels. That’s why this spot is a gem!
Wow, am I the first? Sue, I always used to rinse out my sewer hose after dumping [I did this for 20 years] but lately I am just depending on the gray water cleaning it adequately. I figure the risk of splashing myself is higher than having a dirty sewer hose. 😉
Ever wonder why they make those hoses ribbed? I know…the length…but in the meanwhile…crap (pun intended) gets stuck in the grooves. We had a see thru attachment that had a hose attachment…one could run H2O in it until it was clear.
Since I don’t use my shower to shower, I don’t have enough gray water for that method to be effective. I use the flush hose for the reason Cinandjules mentioned. Whatever works for you is good.
Nope, I see I’m not the first. Need to type faster, I guess. 😀
Aww, just enjoy. . . The important thing is you’re here!
Hey there, you are in the area that I was just putting my post together about….. I went up the canyon without trailer and found some great places but you were right… the road does get rougher and with few places to turn around. I had trouble turning around my full sized truck. I did find a couple of great spots with the best views ever near the opening of the canyon near the bluffs. I agree….ALWAYS trust your instincts. I get myself in way to much trouble when I don’t!!
I think I saw your camper! The one I saw was on the Goblin Valley side of the main road (that has the kiosk), up against the reef. Wonderful place!
Oh my, I am truly honored and touched to find that your readers were thinking of me and mine yesterday. How very nice of all of you. We are fine however those about 30 minutes south of us are not. Lots of damage but no deaths, thank the Lord. The Lord had His hand on me as I was to be traveling in that area at the time of the tornado. I had decided not to go to my appointment.
Again thank you so much for your concern!!!!
wonderful relief to hear of your safety and His guiding/protecting you!
Pauline, we’re all part of Sue’s family and families stick together and are concerned about each other. You’ve just known her longer and better than we have. Glad you are safe and hope the folks near you can recover quickly from the damage.
Glad to know you are ok Pauline! 🙂
Glad to hear you and yours are safe Pauline!
Sue, remember those Wiggle Worm hoses parents used to put out in the yard when we were younger? That was the ADULT version that you shared at the campground!!
Either you don’t write about them but it amazes me that you haven’t seen more snakes in your travels…….glad to hear this one was harmless ;-D
Lacy
Hi, Lacy . . . I haven’t held back about snakes. Believe me, every one I encounter will be reported here. Stay tuned! 🙂
Pauline….So glad to know that you and yours are safe!
Hi Pauline,
I am watching tonight’s weather forecast. Stay safe and please let us know that you are okay.
Marilu
Glad to know you are safe, Pauline. South of Nashville, got much more than we did, even though we had quite a bit of flooding in the area. Alabama is expecting more tonight.
Very glad you are safe. I was also thinking of you as the blasted storm left OK and headed south.
Pauline, so happy you are ok. Tornadoes are very scary. I grew up in Tulsa, so remember well just how scary! So glad you cancelled your appointment.
Pauline! Thank heavens you and the family are okay! After I emailed you in Green River, I drove back to camp and out of internet signal range. I had to go all night without knowing. Looks like my readers jumped in. . . Aren’t they the greatest?
What a relief. I had a close call with a tornado in Georgia. It ripped up the countryside between my house and the school where I taught. Maybe it was a message? Haha!
Every day is precious, all the more after tragedy averted. Love to you and all
the family . . .
That’s a great spot Sue. In a place like that I would stay as many days as possible and not worry about an internet connection. A part of my blog post today was about bloggers at times feeling obligated to their followers to write about something every day. I kindly suggest taking some time away from the internet, enjoy your beautiful camp site and kick back.
Hi, Steve . . . You’re right. I do feel obligated, especially when knowing my readers are thoughtful enough to shop Amazon from my blog. I feel like I should earn my commissions.
I’m addicted to my blog anyway. Who wouldn’t be, what with the kind, interesting, informative and often humorous comments that show up here.
Thank you for your considerate message to me.
Oh. I might be first and I read the entire post! No party foul here! Not going to happen so I’ll just keep on typing.
I laughed at you and the sidewinder hose!
Beautiful scenery indeed! Add snakes to the list of bats…me and them can’t occupy the same space!
I hope Pauline and all the other blogorino’s in the path of the storm are safe. Speaking of……Alan batten down the hatches…..the storm is headed your way!
Forget the award for being first. You get the Most Faithful Reader Award. Congratulations!
I join you in wishing safety for blogorinos everywhere . . . .:)
Love your view from camp and also of Spike at bottom. Naughty dog.
Hi, Rita . . . Take another look at Spike at the bottom of the post. Doesn’t he look like a knicknack you could pick up and put on your mantle? He’s in that static pose in most of his photos, while Bridget either sits or lies down. What a crew!
Sue, remember that you are living your life and it includes the blog but the blog shouldn’t be the focus of all of your life so we’ll be fine for a while with intermittent posts. After “Camp Ugly” and the Spike scare you probably need solitude and rest (even from posting and responding) for a while. Comfy chair, sunshine, glass of tea and a book sounds like the best prescription for your continued good health.
Hi, Reine . . . You are always mindful of how I’m doing. 🙂
The emptiness (for lack of a better word) of this place recharges me. Wandering around, taking in the beauty of the flowers, trees, shrubs, colored sand, rocks, and enormous sky, listening to the silence with only the whoosh of the wind or a birdsong, gazing out across unpopulated expanse… All of it restores me. No wonder I’ve been crazy most of my life!
It’s easy to see why you were giggling with delight over that site-it’s awesome!Finding that shows a real talent,I know.And trusting your gut along the way is a great tool.
Safe snakes have often shown up close and personal in my life’s travels,usually because they’re attracted to reflecting light and warmth.Glad to see that as usual you’re cautious for the crew and yourself without needlessly freaking out.Even when accidentally disturbing their nests while swimming,diving,wading or twilight strolling I and they have managed to get along or apart without incidence.
A wild hose soaking you with cold water is a hilarious way to get out of a chore.
Guess that’s one more reason you appreciate the extra storage the ptv affords you,
spare dry towels when you need them!
Enjoy your time,the place and each other while your there.
You are so perceptive, weather, and you surprise me with what you think of!
Yes, one of the things I appreciate about the PTV is the storage room it provides. Besides having spare towels handy, including the raggedy ones I have ready for use on Spike, I have a bin of cold-weather clothes. I pulled out a sweatshirt to wear over my nightclothes in anticipation of a dip in the overnight low. It’s also nice, when I run out of something in the BLT’s cupboard, to go out to the PTV “pantry” and find my back-up supply.
Enjoy your day!
Discovering that joy and safety could be found in solitude,
I started,as a child,to explore dirt roads, fields of tall grass and forests,usually on quests for favorite plants,wild berries, flowering weeds, rocks that glittered…
When you choose a precious bit of time away from the blog
to allow such things to replenish you I’m delighted for you.
Equally delightful to me is our communication. I find it at once comforting and refreshing,perhaps because we’re unusual in similar ways.Keen awareness ,as you well know,is exercised
with effort,so I appreciate your acknowledging it. 🙂
We do have a lot in common, weather. I, too, as a child explored the fields, creeks, and woods around my home. I can see the apple blossoms, a yellow finch alighting on a goldenrod,the jack-in-a-pulpits and skunk cabbage, and a favorite place next to a stream. I remember it as if I were there this morning.
“Joy and safety in solitude” and yet many avoid being alone.
Hi!! I read your page everyday, and used to get emails whenever you posted.
I don’t get those e-mails anymore.
Think there’s something wrong with Feed Burner.
If you know the reason could you please let me know.
You and Pups have a great night!!!
Thank You,
Barbara
I am getting my emails.
Barbara, I use to get them also, then they stopped. I just re-subscribed. You might try that. I believe I read where it happened to a few others also.
Sue, love the photos, enjoy the canyon and wildflower. Hi to the pups.
I was one of the ones that Yahoo stopped letting Sue’s e-mails come thru along with a couple more bloggers updates. I went back and resigned-up to Sue’s blog and, thankfully, it worked. When I tried reupping on Gypsy Journal and another blog, it said I was already signed up, but I’m still NOT getting the blogs. So frustrating! Now, I’m having to try to remember to go to those blogs I’m no longer getting each day. Oh, yeah, I’m gonna remember that.
Cat Lady
Thanks!!
John, Susan and Cat Lady are correct. We don’t know why it stopped working for some readers. Let me know, Barbara, if re-subscribing doesn’t fix the problem.
Weird thing is.. I got the e-mail today. Go figure..
I thought for sure you were going to say back to the showers after tackling the hose. Wow you had 2 encounters with slithering things that day. Lol Looks like you and the crew found a nice place to rest.
Hi, Jeff,
At least the water from the hose was clean! It’s been a long while since I’ve had two showers in one day. My hair was still wet from the first shower . . . 🙂
One of the photos shows the line of RVs that can see what goes on at the dump station. I imagined them inside laughing their heads off at my dance with the hose.
What a great life you have, Sue. And a great crew to enjoy it all with. Nothing ‘s perfect but you are headed in the right direction. I suspect quite a few people feel a connection with you also. Enjoy!
Dennis
I do have a great life, Dennis, for which I am grateful, especially after years and years of a not-so-great existence. I wish for you a great life, too!
Remember,
Round head on a snake is non-poisonous. A triangular head is poisonous. Now, if they could just
pose so we could get a looong look at the head….
Great looking camp! I am:) jealous. (But in a good way) 🙂
Well. That’s a round head. Thanks for the info. Never knew that.
Never knew about the rake trick, either. Hmmm
Hi, Terri. . . I couldn’t tell if the head was round or triangular until I saw the photos on my laptop. It’s good to have a field guide to identify the critters one encounters.
I don’t blame you for being jealous. I would be, too, if I weren’t the one here.
Your writing has a pace and rhythm that more than carries the story. It’s a gift. Thanks for sharing.
-Bob
You’re welcome, Bob. I appreciate the compliment. 🙂
Hi Sue….Thanks for making my evening! It was great to come home after a trying day of work to find your update. Your blog and beautiful pictures help me keep dreaming of the day that I will be able to purchase a trailer and take extended trips. Thank you!
I bet you felt like a little kid dodging that water hose. Bridget was probably rolling her eyes and Spike was slightly embarrassed for his Mom! Finding silly fun at the dump station…you really are living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment! You go, girl!
A snake is a snake is a snake in my book. Even if they are not poisonous, they still could bite. I have had copperheads in my yard, along with other non-poisonous snakes. Last year I had animal control come out to remove a 6 1/2 ft rat snake from my driveway. I did not want it crawling up into the car or worse yet, getting into the house. The officer was making fun of me until the snake sidewinded back towards him….you should have seen that man jump! But it was only a harmless snake!!! Ha! Glad that you were able to persuade your little friend to slide out of your campsite.
Enjoy your peaceful surroundings…it is ok to be “disconnected” for a while! Hope that you find a nice pocket of nice weather. There have been some nasty storms rolling across our country. Wishing everyone a safe evening!
Hi, Denise. . . I’m happy to share my life and the that of the crew . . . to revive and refresh you, and to settle you into thoughts of your future after a day at work.
Fear of snakes must be part of our DNA. At first I was repelled by the sight of it. By the time I’d given it the “bums rush” out of the campsite, I was feeling more sympathetic. The snake was here first. Maybe it was drawn to the heat of the PTV or maybe it was curious. Do snakes have curiosity? Hmm . . . . ?
My next post will be about the weather. Seems to be a topic all around the country this year! Hope all is calm, safe and beautiful in Virginia, although the storms are headed you way . . . .
Boondocking in Croatan Forest Yesterday, a disheveled lady probably over 70 in a dilapidated Road Trek knocks on the door and says that my dogs are so cute and that Schuyler wants to play with them.I told her sure and bring the dogs out.The lady comes back through the woods with a rabbit on a leash expecting a play date.Look up the phrase ballistic canines.
Said she is from MS.Tried to go see her the next day but she was gone.Sad story there somewhere,
Jeeze. God bless that little lady. There but for the grace of God…
Thanks for sharing that, Chas. If anyone is near that forest, be on the look out for her, then, as Chas was going to do, befriend her for a moment.
Hi, Charles . . .
Where in creation is the Croatan Forest? It sounds mythical. Haha!
Sad story for the rabbit if she keeps setting up “play dates” for it with canines. As for the lady . . . His eyes are upon her, as they are upon the sparrow . . . I hope she travels a safe path of contentment.
Eastern NC.Heavily underutilized.We were returning to PA for spring/summer and stop there to visit the mother in law who lives there.God bless her.She is 89 and occasionally breaks 100 in golf.
Not a bad spot for a boat/kayak boondocker.Short access to ocean,bay,small rivers.Scrub Pine ordinary scenery but good wildlife.
Thanks, Chas, for your reply and additional info. I’m not very familiar with eastern NC, although I climbed around the western part when I lived in Georgia.
Wow! Hooray for Mom!
Snakes are cursed. But they are important creatures. Bad eye sight, no hearing, sensory clues are heat, and vibration. Moving a snake away is a tricky situation.. the rake vibrates. Good move.
Hi, Rand . . . Yeah, the rake worked well. I wasn’t going to let the snake get into the PTV, although it did occur to me that the snake could’ve come back after dark and found it’s way into the PTV . . . *shudder* . . .
Imagine driving down the highway and feeling a snake crawl over one’s ankle . . .
No snakes! No snakes no snakes nosnskkkkekksssssss
Ok, I think I finally got my toes uncurled, lol! Yeah, snakes are beneficial yada yada. But phobias ignore logic! (I love all the rest of your pics, and I wholeheartedly admire your ability to actually photograph snakes in the wild.)
I’m with you on the phobia! No logic involved. That’s me too 🙂
Pat and Edie . . . I’m as phobic as you both, but sometimes you have to take care of a “situation.” I feared I’d have snake nightmares (went through several years of those — after my divorce from a snake). Only sweet dreams so far!
A girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do!!!! I am divorced from a snake, too! Been there, done that! Your comment made me laugh out loud!
Hi Sue, We’ve had company here for awhile from South Dakota. I did read up to see what you’ve been up to. The scare of losing Spike was a real trauma for you (and we readers as well)….been there, done that. I know the feeling. Anyhow, I am here again enjoying your voyage.
Hi, Jim,
I thought of you last night and wondered if I’d lost you. I’m delighted to see you here again!
Lose me? I’m like Elmers glue when it comes to sticking around.
🙂
Take a break Sue, enjoy your remote location. Rest. Relax. Read. Reflect. We’ll be fine for a little while anyway. And we’ll be right here when you get back.
Hi, Dawn . . . Thanks for the wish! I’ll add more Rs to the list . .
Retreat. Rest. Relax. Read. Reflect. Rejoice!
You forgot repeat! LOL
And I hope to repeat many, many times!
What a lovely campsite! I am with a few others. Enjoy this beautiful place and don’t worry about us followers. We will survive.
Hi, Barbara . . . It was a pleasant vacation from the blog — being lazy. I do miss it though, after a day or so.
It’s my good fortune that I’m connected this morning (don’t know why), whereas last night I couldn’t open up my home page.
Thank you for your kind message.
oh what great pictures! lovely scenery. so peaceful
Thanks, Carla. I’m excited about sharing the pics I took when a storm rolled through here.
Love the site! That’s like being king of the world (except for the snake). I love those long, clear views of the world. Please take some time off, we will be here. Oh…I bought a little cast iron skillet via the blog yesterday. It didn’t cost much but maybe will push you up a level. I’m considering a mattress and, if I do it, it will be through your blog. Maybe it would help ay for tat pricey, convenient cap site!
Thanks, Ginger! I hope you enjoy the skillet. It should last you for many years.
Every purchase helps me. I’ve said it before and will again . . . I appreciate every purchase, right down to the MP3 downloads that send pennies my way . . .
Eeew! where’s there’s a gopher snake there are rattle snakes! Keep Bridge & Spikey safe! Area looks gorgeous! susan
Ooh, is that true? I was hoping “where there’s a gopher snake there are NO rattlesnakes.” Oh well. . .
Good evening!
I love the little snake, reminded me of one time I was trying to shoo a BIG gopher snake off the road out near my house, country, and that stinker took offense and made a run at me.. that snake gets bigger every time I tell this story!
Love your new digs, you have a talent for finding the great spots.
As usual…a great read…did the iPad and camera show up on your Amazon account? Just a little thanks for the wonderful blog?
Yes, Lee! I did get credit for your iPad and camera! Thank you very, very much. The commission gave me a nice boost. 🙂
Sue,
Great to see you are still having fun after all this time. You’re my hero!
Phil
Aww, Phil . . . That’s sweet.
Yeah, I’m still lovin’ this life on the road. Hope all is well with you!
Hi, Sue! Really appreciate the way you walked us through your decision-making process while finding a new boondocking spot–very helpful. Yup, you’ve probably done that many times before but I noticed it today. Dang–snakes. /Sure glad we don’t have big poisonous snakes here! The San Rafael Swell–on my bucket list. What a stunning piece of geological history! Thank you…
Hi, Dawn,
The San Rafael Swell is noted for wonderful hiking opportunities, also the activity known as “rock scrambling.” The boulders are round and connected in a way where they are easy to walk on, one to another. Bridget and I did some scrambling. It was fun.
Actually we are camped along the San Rafael Reef which is at the eastern edge of the Swell.
Thanks for the feedback on the process I go through in search of a boondock. I came very close to deleting that section as it seems very dull to me. I have to remind myself what is dull to me may be informative to others.
When I get into an area where ownership of land (public vs. private) is sketchy and not well-marked, I don’t camp there or I make my stay very short. There were other issues as well, such as too much vegetation for me to easily lose sight of Spike as he wanders.
great looking area for boondocking!! when observing snakes such as the gopher snake you saw, if you can see their eyes a poisonous snake has cat eyes and nonpoisonous snakes have round eyes, that is if you get close enough to see that. poisonous ones have fangs also !!! LOL
Great hint, Doug! I had heard it before but I couldn’t remember which was which. Maybe now I’ll remember.
I took note of the eye-shape, as well as the distinct, black “slash” markings by the eyes so I could make an ID with the help of a field guide.
From “O beautiful for spacious Skies” to ” Aaack!….a thorn in a pretty bouquet of roses.” But that camp is reward enough for the small problems that come up. I know Bridget and Spike are loving it, it looks so peaceful. Thanks for sharing and stay safe.
It was a jarring experience. I was frolicking around the campsite with the crew, finding different wildflowers and marveling at the views, oohing and aahing, oblivious, and then… SSNNNAAAAAKE!! Boy, I tossed the crew like live hand grenades through the door of the BLT. They were stunned. Haha!
Just made me laugh out loud! Bet the crew was inside before they had time to figure out what was happening!
Which how I wanted them to be…
Nice Campsite Sue, beautiful views! The snake would have creeped me out. They have so many babies and can climb up. Just the other day a fiberglass camper owner posted pictures of their hitchiker snake that came out of their trailer when they arrived home from an extended stay out west. They called Wildlife Rescue to pick it up. Did I say CREEEPY.
Question for you, do you have a lock on the tongue of your camper for those times you leave your site? Curious as you stay in such isolated places it seems, which I like also
Man, you have had so many experiences, it is making you a very strong person I suspect. Enjoy your stay and take care.
Hi, Diane . . . A hitchhiker snake. Noooooo! Not good. I have a habit of leaving the door open so the crew can go in and out as they please. A chipmunk visited us once . . .
Yes, I have a hitch lock. It came with the trailer from the factory.
All of this discussion of snakes got me to thinking about the five years I lived as a child in the Mojave Desert of California. In all that time, the only live snake I saw was the king snake my stepfather kept as a pet in an aquarium. (He had issues, and the pet snake was one of the most normal things about him.) I used to spend time off by myself amid the brush and cactus, even wandered off for several hours once and never saw a snake. Saw lots of others things, but that might have been the peyote. 🙂 Either that or too much sun. 🙂
Hi, Walt . . . One would think you’d come across lots of snakes in the Mojave. On second thought, many people traipse all over snake territories and the number of bites is a very small.
Interesting childhood . . . Thanks for giving us a glimpse.
Well, do be careful in snake country this time of year!! I think you did the right thing in driving it away from your camp. The neighbor man once killed a huge harmless snake on his front porch but he said it would not let him get a good look at the head and that was just TOO close to the door!! Lived in NC all those years and never saw a poisonous one thankfully…but most of those years we had dogs and I usually took them outside with me as they would notice maybe before I did. In fact, the neighborhood was FULL of dogs…so maybe that helped in keeping the snakes farther away.
Be safe!! Elizabeth in WA (no poisonous snakes…virtually never see any snakes HERE!!)
Gee, another reason to love Washington. Yes, I had to drive the snake away in order to relax at camp. It definitely was headed for the PTV. I am very glad I noticed it before it had an opportunity to crawl up into it.
I should claify…in Western WA state…no worry about snakes. Now in the deserty part in Eastern WA…another matter…lots of rattlesnakes there!! (And I won’t say about the kind of people we lived among there…but it is significant that they are not keen on people messing about in their RVs either…a word to the wise…)
Yup, no rattlesnakes here. Seems I once read/heard that King snakes kill rattlers.
Based on my childhood recollection, I believe that is correct.
I’m glad I returned to read more about snake adventures. The eye pupil position is something to remember should I ever come face to face with another snake.
Years ago when our children were very young I took them to the library to learn about snakes from a snake person. The man arrived with about 20 cloth bags. Each bag contained a snake. The children learned how helpful and desirable snakes are.
After dinner the boys went to the yard to play while I cleaned up supper. Chris came in to inform me, “Mommy, there’s a ‘nake in the paragus'”. I went out to see and there was, indeed, a snake in the asparagus. My first thought was to grab the hoe and chop the little sucker to bits. Then, the educator part of me remembered the day’s lesson on our friends, the helpful snakes. Whatever kind he was, he was allowed to go home to his family that night and I prayed that the next time I saw him, the children should be nowhere in sight.