Route Editor
Route Scout
Yesterday (Fri April 5, 2013) in the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, on the NORTH side of the Gateway Loop Trail about 100 yards west of the Gateway/Windgate junction at WP1 trail marker...
I see a small Western Diamondback rattler on the side of the trail, moving. He does that traditional rattle snake move where he stretches out across the trail. That snake is probably 24 inches long, a youngster compared to one I saw in the same area one week ago. Anyway he leisurely crosses over, then takes up his perch in another traditional spot, coiled, looking out toward the trail. I catch the attention of some oncoming hikers and suggest they wait a minute till the snake decides what he wants to do. The hiker ladies are a little bit anxious, never seen a rattlesnake before. Snake calms down and I cross in front of him. He hisses a little bit but generally seems pretty calm. I convince the ladies he's not trying to attack us. They start taking pictures.
Then suddenly, right in the area where I was standing 60 sec ago, comes the biggest Gila I've ever seen. Nose to tail he was as long as the trail is wide. Easily 20 inches or more. He looked like a small alligator. Characteristic orange and black mottled color, big thick and short tail. He lumbered across the trail like Gila's typically do. Not fast, appearing like he didn't have a care in the world. He crossed and went up the side of the aluvial fan doing whatever it is that adult Gila's do. I was so amazed that I didn't want to take my eyes off him and get my camera out, plus I was still keeping an eye on the rattle snake and other approaching hikers, including what looked like a couple of guys who, if I was inclined to profile, fit the description of "frequently bitten" demographics.
Two diamondbacks in the same area, one week apart. One giant Gila. A smaller, patch nosed snake up further on Tom's Thumb. Gazillions of lizards. It's the season at MSP. Keep your eyes open and scanning. I know some insist on hearing the sounds of digitally recorded pop music instead of the gorgeous sounds of nature while hiking. Personally, I think if you do that you're inviting trouble. Keep your dogs on a leash. ENJOY the wonderful and natural animals in the desert.
I'm REALLY sorry I didn't get pics of the Gila...
The bigger diamondback (Dave) last week:
The smaller diamondback (Stan) yesterday:
I name snakes and other monsters. It helps me get over my being anxious about them. Diamondbacks are Dave and Stan. The Gila's name is Elvis.
Sgt Lumpy - n0eq
.....ahem