After a 'surprise' appendectomy 3 weeks ago, got cleared by the doc for an easy hike, something like Overlook with the tower observer's road almost to the top.
Took a group of 10 new hikers from the YMCA hiker's group. It was a great day to be out. I always love looking at the mountains thru the eyes of new folks and today was no exception. Mix of sun, a few sprinkles and no bugs.
Besides being 'back' in the woods (at least on easy trails for a bit) there were 2 other highlights. One being the view from the Overlook with storm clouds coming in towards the overlook, with peek a boo views through and over the clouds.
After being on Overlook many times saw my first Timber Rattlesnake. One of the isolated populations in NYS. Now I know where to look. This one was forearm-diameter, 4' to 5' in length, with an unmistakable patterened body and a black tail. It was curled on the rocks sunning itself. Without wanting to disturb it, took a half step closer for a little better photo, staying about 6' away. It sensed the vibration and up came the head, up came the tail, and the warning rattle. My day was made. Provided it a bit of a sunburn from my flash, backed up and it relaxed again. It went back under the nearby rock when the sun ducked behind a cloud, then out again in the vegetation for the other photo. Having a day like this was a really nice welcome back to the mountains.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=avk6ugum.54hx1e7e&x=0&y=9atgxs&localeid=en_US
Took a group of 10 new hikers from the YMCA hiker's group. It was a great day to be out. I always love looking at the mountains thru the eyes of new folks and today was no exception. Mix of sun, a few sprinkles and no bugs.
Besides being 'back' in the woods (at least on easy trails for a bit) there were 2 other highlights. One being the view from the Overlook with storm clouds coming in towards the overlook, with peek a boo views through and over the clouds.
After being on Overlook many times saw my first Timber Rattlesnake. One of the isolated populations in NYS. Now I know where to look. This one was forearm-diameter, 4' to 5' in length, with an unmistakable patterened body and a black tail. It was curled on the rocks sunning itself. Without wanting to disturb it, took a half step closer for a little better photo, staying about 6' away. It sensed the vibration and up came the head, up came the tail, and the warning rattle. My day was made. Provided it a bit of a sunburn from my flash, backed up and it relaxed again. It went back under the nearby rock when the sun ducked behind a cloud, then out again in the vegetation for the other photo. Having a day like this was a really nice welcome back to the mountains.
http://www.kodakgallery.com/ShareLanding.action?c=avk6ugum.54hx1e7e&x=0&y=9atgxs&localeid=en_US
