Close Encounter

Looking up the western slope of Tortugas Mountain

We had a close encounter with a Western Diamondback Rattlesnake on our way back in this morning.  Becca walked right past the tail end of the snake, doing a double-take when she spotted it out of the corner of her eye.  Fortunately, the rattler was not aggravated by our presence, and I was able to take quite a few photos of it.  Finally, tired of my scrutiny it moved off into the desert grass.  Although I marvel at the beauty of this desert denizen I have more than a healthy respect for the danger it represents.  By the way, this season--for the first time--I had Becca vaccinated against rattlesnake venom.  She's also had a booster shot.

Lower foothills trail

Ambling in the heat

Across a hot Chihuahuan Desert

Yucca cucumbers and the Organ Mountains

Yucca and Ocotillo

New fruit on a Soaptree Yucca

West of the Tortoise

Electric vs wind power

Heading back up the mountain

Becca walked right past this Western Diamondback Rattlesnake

The rattler was draped over the edge of the trail

Something about that expression gives you the shivers

The "rattle"

Giving us the eye

Flicking its forked tongue

Slowly slithering away

Disappearing into the grass