 |
| Dennis Frandsen County Park Northern Trail |
I wasn't sure exactly where I wanted to walk today, but I headed out to my parents and ended up helping my dad with some things for the new barn. I was still in a really good mood, nice and relaxed. My dad ended up getting called out for work and my mom was taking pictures so I decided to head out to the lake. Something was just calling my name.
I went up the Northern trail and was enjoying the walk greatly. I even got a great picture of a huge flock of ducks on the water! Isn't it great? They are so cute and fun to watch. I continued down the path, all happy and peaceful. I had even thought to myself, "wow, i'm not even slightly scared of bears or anything right now." Then it happened.
A huge snake- probably over four feet long- came out of nowhere from the left in the woods and was making a very fast beeline toward the lake on the right, five freaking feet in front of me!!!!! Have you ever seen a girl scream and high step it like Adrian Peterson when he is running into the end-zone, also looking back to see if anyone is coming? Well, that's exactly what I did. My heart was racing and I was so grossed out and just plain terrified. Right when I stopped high stepping, guess what? I heard a huge rustling of leaves and another freaking snake came out of the woods right behind me! So I continued to shriek and high stepped it further up the trail. And AGAIN I heard rustling, and a freaking snake came out of the woods behind me! I decided to run and probably went a good 20 yards without stopping. I came to a halt and checked my 6:00 and called the first person I could think of- Jasmine.
She answered the phone and I breathlessly told her the story, all while trying not to cry, walking forward and looking in all directions like a mad person. As I came around the loop, the fall leaves on the ground became heavier and I just wouldn't calm down. Imagine how many snakes could be under those leaves!!! Eventually I did calm down, but it took awhile. Poor Jasmine- thanks again girl!
So, being the nerd that I am. I remembered something that I learned- fear comes from a lack of knowledge and understanding. If you fear something, get to know it. Afraid of stairs? Climb more stairs. You get the picture. So for the past 20 minutes I have been looking up snakes on the DNR website. I don't feel any better yet, especially since it started talking about finding them in homes with cracks in the foundation. Whimper.
Anyways...i'll stop being a baby now....I have the species narrowed down to two- either the North American Water Snake (the only water snake in Minnesota) or the North American Racer. Both are the only ones large enough to fit the description. The first, very large snake was what looked to be a solid gray color and about four feet long. That thing was cruising like an Eagle was on its a**! The other two I barely saw because I was looking back at them while moving forward, and I didn't keep looking. My educated guess is that it is the water snake. Since they were clearly headed toward the water. It also looked thicker than the racer snake. And in the description it says really old water snakes may appear to be a solid color.
Well, I tried. I still don't feel better. This is what I get for hoping for something to write about. Be careful what you wish for, people! I know I will be from now on.
With all my unease (ok and gratitude),
Jamie Lynn
P.S. You're welcome for not including any pictures.
😱
ReplyDelete