I posted yesterday about having conversations with nature and then had a short but very important conversation with this rattlesnake on the trail at Reservoir Ridge Natural Area last evening. They initiated the conversation when they started to shake that rattle while I was about four feet away. Thus began our conversation. As soon as I heard them rattle I immediately stopped in my tracks. Without any words I knew exactly what they were saying to me, “That’s close enough! I’m coiled and ready.” I answered them by saying loudly something like, “Holy Crap!!”, then stepped back. I frantically looked for them. Once discovered, I moved off the trail and let them have it. After all, they were there first. I then asked if I could take a photo or two. I understood that rattle perfectly, without words.
They are using the open field north of the CSU Research Center as a helicopter staging area, which is next to the Reservoir Ridge Natural Area. The above image was taken last night as one of the helicopters was ending their day. I think there were six or seven helicopters on the ground, fuel trucks and mechanics waiting for them. As you can see the smoke sits atop of us, no blue sky. Very little wind. Even after receiving 14 inches of snow the fire smolders. As the fuel drys the fire burns a bit more each day and is unfortunately making its way towards Red Feathers Lake and Crystal Lakes where there are several homes and cabins. They are unincorporated communities and census-designated places and of course a post office. They have been under a voluntary evacuation for a couple weeks now. The smoke is visible this morning and makes the throat tender.
Sunset at Reservoir Ridge during Cameron Peak Fire
I had my first encounter with a rattlesnake at the nature area between taking these two images. It was nice having several people warn me about the snake and where it was located. Once I approached the snake it made sure to shake it’s rattlers and let me know it’s physical distancing boundaries. I admit it was difficult to see it but easy to hear it. It was coiled about six inches off the trail and ready to strike if anyone dared to cross it’s boundaries. I wasn’t in a daring mood so I respected those boundaries. I even began a dialogue with it hoping to help it relax a bit, it seemed rather tense. Told it I was only passing by and to have a good night.
