Bathing Beauty
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Our nights have suddenly turned very cold. A few days ago the temperature dropped about twenty degrees in a few hours and it’s stayed that way ever since. I’m not really complaining, but it does take awhile for my body to adjust and to decide if I should bite the bullet and start hauling some of my winter clothes out of the attic. That’s a little too much like admitting defeat, but it’s probably better than freezing my butt off.
I was digging up plants and moving them to new homes yesterday when I happened upon a garter snake out soaking up some rays. Initially I’m not big on snakes, but once I know they’re there I’m usually OK with having them around. They keep the vermin population down to a dull roar, and we’re overloaded with mice, chipmunks and squirrels. So they can have at them, although I don’t think this snake was ready to move very fast yet!
CurTales 
That’s a very handsome garter snake you came across. (S)he seems to understand these warmish, sunny days are slipping away and is out catching those rays when, well, the sun shines.
Just back from a 7 day Grand Canyon rafting trip. The snakes maintained a low profile, but some tarantulas visited as well as big horn sheep, and some not-so-big-horn sheep. And, of course, mind-boggling vistas. I lament I was unable to bring along my Canon but managed to get a few good pics with my cheapo waterproof Olympus. Good to be back and visiting your blog.
September 18, 2011 at 9:29 AM
I think tarantulas would creep me out even more than snakes! Well, maybe not. A close tie for sure. Glad the rest of the trip was worthwhile and hopefully the cheap-o camera got some good pics to remember things by. Let me know if you post anything!
September 20, 2011 at 8:59 PM
Beautiful shot. Hope you had a looooong lens though. Many thanks for your visit and your kind comments.
September 18, 2011 at 12:45 PM
Thanks … I was actually pretty close (Tamron 90mm) but this snake wasn’t half the size of the ones we usually get by our pond. So I was pretty brave! I’ve very much enjoyed visiting your site … you do great work! Thanks for stopping by!
September 20, 2011 at 9:01 PM
That is a great shot! I have great respect for snakes and give them plenty of room. Hugs
September 19, 2011 at 1:49 AM
I’m with you Mumsy … lots of space! Good to see you again!
September 20, 2011 at 9:02 PM