Copperhead - Snake in the grass

 

          Another hot day in the Upstate of SC. I needed to get out and hike for the body movement and the mental stimulation. I bought a new pair of hiking shoes yesterday and they needed to be trail tested on my big feet. Trail Fly Ultra G 280 by INOV. Hiked 3 miles and found the shoes to be very light and comfortable. I'm taking a longer hike next week and we'll see if I'm still pleased with their performance.

          Tall Pines WMA has become my go to hike for a causal walk in the woods and today found it hot and wet equaling humid. Taking the left side of the loop is up a small hill and the tall grass and occasional briars cover the path and brush or grab my clothing as I slip through. The trail tops out into a wide level path under a covering wood which is held together by cob webs and single strands of silver thread. Sometimes I look like a windmill and other times like a judo fighter pulling and deflecting as they wrap around my face and enter my mouth. I always win the battle but it's not a pleasant victory!

          The hard right turn is a descent down to the smaller of the two lakes and the path is easy to follow. A gradual left curve snakes right and you have covered half of the loop. There is a trail leading left and a short path to the small lake. Water level is extremely low and several plants growing above the water, normally all are covered. I continue with the loop and the forest is on my right while I see glimpses of the bigger, fuller lake on my left. This is a popular fishing lake in cooler weather so side trails to the lake are common. I have a trail I always follow and stop at the lake edge to take a picture of the lake, same picture every time I visit this beautiful spot. Today was no different except for the movement near my foot. My phone camera was in my hand and and ready to capture the lake image but I recognize a snake. It stops and I look hard before making out the copperhead markings. I zoom in and take the picture but it's still difficult to see the snake. When I begin to push aside the grass it hurries away and our meeting is over. The camouflage is so good you may have trouble picking out the copperhead skin, it's in the middle of the picture. So thankful Mr. Copperhead had things to do and places to go without biting me first. I go back to the main trail and turn left, nice easy climb as I head back to my truck. The remainder of my hike is uneventful and "normal".

          Black snake is just a picture I took earlier this year.

           Turtle is sitting with it's backside in a, looks like a mud hole, not sure whats going on. This is the second time I've seen this in the past couple weeks, if anyone can explain whats going on, please do so.

Wandering in the woods

           Turtle