File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
So, I went solo camping at Crystal Cove State Park in Orange County, California during the last week of June. Twice, I came across Southern Pacific Rattlesnakes. Once while hauling ass around a blind bend in the trail with my pack loaded. Nearly stepped on it before backing off and scaring it away.

This one in the picture decided to visit me at the Deer Canyon Campground whilst I was enjoying my breakfast coffee. I didn't even realize he was there until I got up to clean up camp. I hoped up on my picnic bench to watch him as he warmed himself in the morning sun. After a while he flicked his tongue and got my scent... he split in a hurry and missed a nice shot of him in a half stance staring at me.

I definitely had my "snake vision" on for the rest of the trip. A mountain bike freewheel "clicking" sound from a biker who got the drop on my from behind had me high stepping it at a full run for several feet before I realized what it was. heh....
>> Anonymous
nice pic, good to know orange county is still wild(i have regular encounters with gopher and king snakes myself)