How could a web site about the desert be complete without at least one page about the rattlesnake? This critter was waiting under my picnic table when I woke up. For anyone that has stayed at the Palm Canyon campground, site 107, this may look familiar. I tried to coax him out of the area with a stick, but he headed for a space under the wall to hide. I went about my business of cooking breakfast and after about 10 minutes my pal came out and started to try and find his way out. I watched him for about 20 minutes and discovered that he was a pretty good climber. On several occasions he almost made it to the top of the wall, which was roughly 4 feet tall. Then he would tumble down and start his exodus once again.
Eventually he found his way out and headed home, wherever that is. Despite the fact that most people think that deserts and rattlesnakes go together, I can count the number of times I have encountered rattlesnakes on one hand.
