We were walking in the park the other day at a pretty good clip, and all of a sudden Jon grabbed my arm, and I squealed.  We were about to step on a black snake warming itself in the sunspot.

 

We stopped and took its picture, of course.  About the same time, a little girl (about 5 or 6 years old) and her grandmother came up behind us.  They stopped too and we pointed out the snake, showing interest but no fear.  The little girl was very interested, and we told her that it wasn't a poisonous snake, that it actually keeps Rattlesnakes away.  She didn't get too close, but she was fascinated;  the grandmother looked a bit worried, but she took its picture too.  And we all watched as it made its way back into the woods.

 

So glad we got there first.  Otherwise, I believe the mood wouldn't have been fascination, it might have been fear.   

 

HAPPY HIKING!!