Friday, March 22, 2013

Hahamongna Detail Week, 4

If you look closely at this photo, you'll see Boz was a younger dog when I took it. I still think it's a fun shot, and so does he.

We've encountered rattlesnakes at Hahamongna many times. They don't want to bite you. They just want an opportunity to get away. So when you come upon them, you do not sniff them or lick them. You stand back and let them pass.

It's also a good idea to keep your eyes open and stay on the path, so you don't surprise a rattlesnake in the grass.


This week, Boz is giving you a tour of Hahamongna Watershed Park to show you some of his favorite details. I'll check in and respond to comments as much as possible. It shouldn't be too hard. I hope you're having a week full of wonders.


18 comments:

Andy said...

I have the same feelings about snakes as Indiana Jones has. I'm looking forward the the tour by you and Boz.

Kalei's Best Friend said...

I've had a few in my backyard.. all baby ones that have a worse bite than their adult... Even had one on his last legs in the garage -- it was so hot he had crawled in there.. He didn't even flinch when that shovel....

Anonymous said...

Looks like Boz is keeping his eyes peeled for any snakes in the grass!

Bellis said...

Boz the Mighty Snake Hunter! Has he ever met one? They terrify me because when they rattle, dogs run toward them to investigate the noise.

That's my favorite sycamore in the background, pre-windstorm. The storm took down a major limb, so it's no longer symmetrical.

Have you any photos of the main river basin north of Johnson field pre-sediment deposit? I've forgotten what it looked like before all the plants and trees disappeared under 15 feet of granite chips.

sonia a. mascaro said...

Looks Boz is very attentive.
I fear so much snakes... principally rattlesnakes and others poisonous species.
Did you know that yesterday when a gardener was cutting the grass, he had found a coral snake in the back yard. Scary!

sonia a. mascaro said...

Ah! Love your new template!

Petrea Burchard said...

I have pictures, Bellis. Some are posted on the blog, some are in my files. I also have pictures of the Hahamongna basin from before the post-Station Fire flooding.

Boz has met a rattler. We were walking at Hahamongna, he was behind me, and I heard the rattle. I looked back to see Boz standing next to his new friend, who was big and coiled to strike. The snake and I were both relieved that Boz came when I called.

What a surprise to find a coral snake, Sonia! Wikipedia says they are venomous and like rattlers, they will only bite as a last result. So don't make him mad.

dive said...

Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog. Love it, Petrea. I'll bet the rattlesnakes skedaddled when they saw him coming.

LOLfromPasa said...

Wonderful photo, Petrea. I always love seeing those beautiful mountains...something I really do miss.

TheChieftess said...

Very good advice Boz!!!

Laura M said...

Ohhh-kay. Yet another reason not to get out into nature. (At least alone. Know any good-lookin' single older guys? Actually, I'll forgo the good-looking if he like Beethoven.)

And another reason to get the grass mown in my backyard before the warm weather brings out the snakes.

Margaret said...

I had a week full of grading, but things are looking up. Hooray.

Petrea Burchard said...

Dive, rattlers, skedaddle no matter who's coming. They are curmudgeons who want to be left alone.

They're here waiting for you, LOL.

Boz is very free with his advice, Chieftess.

I go out there all the time with Boz, but I'd be safe alone. Lots of people walk out there. It's wide open and sunny.

The snakes don't scare me. Maybe they should, but I've learned about their behavior, I watch the edges of the path, and I make sure Boz is near me.

Margaret, you and I both need a hike in the warm sun with our snake-loving dogs.

Ms M said...

Yes, that's very good advice from Boz not to sniff or lick rattlesnakes. I will absolutely have no problem adhering to his wisdom. (We have rattlesnakes here, too, in the foothills).

Petrea Burchard said...

I'm glad you won't be licking them, Ms. M.

Susan Campisi said...

Boz was (and still is) such a handsome stud. He's a great tour guide. I love his simple instructions.

Virginia said...

If I walked up on that sign, I'd be in Canada by now.
V

sonia a. mascaro said...

Yes, we must have much caution with coral snakes. There is a false coral, harmless and a true coral, but even the experts has difficulty to know the distinction. I fear so much snakes!!