I spied a gopher snake making its way across the sand today. He was about two feet long and looking rather sharp. I hadn't ever thought that there might be snakes at the ocean-side. I suppose they must live in and around the foliage that has been allowed to grow back at the beach over the past twenty years. I imagine other fauna have made a 'comeback' at the beach what with the habitat restoration in full swing. Gopher snakes are non-venomous, but one might not realize that upon first glance. Hopefully, no beach-goers have a wee freak-out should they see our man here slithering by!
Strandfunde--
I upped the ante by adding an adjective to the mix. Based on context, can you guess what the adj. is in English? I think you can!
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| A 'Schnecke' in German can also refer to a pastry. Context matters! |
I would freak out if I came across a snake - none in New
ReplyDeleteZealand.
Oh, that's right! How interesting. Cats are also not endemic to NZ and are now considered to be an invasive species there, from what I have read.
DeleteWe have very few snakes here in the UK, and I don't think I've ever seen one. Not sure I'd like to be sunbathing on the beach and feel a snake slide over my body!
ReplyDeleteNo, I wouldn't like that either. :D
DeleteWe mostly had Garter snakes visit our front garden. They'd slink around the greenery my dad had planted. I would always try to pick them up. They'd retaliate by releasing a 'stink' on my hands. -very unpleasant, but non-venomous.
I had a friend who supplemented his income by catching adders and milking them for their venom. The big trick is how to release them without getting bitten. I did it once, following his advice.
ReplyDeleteWow! I would imagine that one needs to engage the head of a snake in just the right way or it's curtains.
DeletePick it up by the neck/head, put it down by the end of the tail - quickly, before it climbs up its own body to get you.
DeleteWe have too many snakes for my wimpy liking and many of ours are venomous. They swim really well too (in rivers/lakes at least).
ReplyDeleteLove the snail in particular.
Oh, yes. I have heard that Australia has so many deadly slinky-crawly things. I wonder what a gopher snake would make of the Pacific Ocean?
DeleteI'm so glad you like the snail. I hadn't realized they, too, would be at the beach.
I have no clue whatsoever what those adjectives might mean. I await enlightenment!
ReplyDeleteHoi Debra! The adjective translates to 'hot' or 'spicy'. So, it's a hot pepper fashioned out of kelp that I've posted. :D I hope you've enjoyed your month away from Blogland.
DeleteDear Bea, that sand is so white that when I first saw the photo, I thought I was looking at snow and found myself wondering where you'd traveled to find snow! Ever since I was a child and grew up out in the country where there were rattlesnakes and water moccasins in the creek, I've been afraid of snakes . . . even non-venomous ones. When I see a snake, no matter how small, I wish I could appreciate its beauty, but mostly I just quake inside with fright. Peace.
ReplyDeleteYeah, the picture is a bit unclear, in terms of discerning what the ground is covered in.
DeleteBased on where you grew up, I can imagine that your seeing snakes would not be as fun for you as it is for me.
That would definitely make me jump. The place I live has oodles of lizards, and I was startled by them at first. But with snakes, yeah, I'd worry they were poisonous.
ReplyDeleteI get that.
DeleteHi Bea, many snakes in the city and the farm. Had to kill one this summer otherwise, I wouldn't kill them and let them go their merry way. Husband had a deadly one in the house at the farm last month. It was spitting venom at him.
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow, Donna! You're here! Good to see you 'round these parts. :)
DeleteWe're lucky to have mostly only non-venomous guys slithering around here.
I would head the other way if I saw that guy slithering around. I am still curious what Ms. Frizzle would do if we ran across one during our hikes. I hope I never have to find out.
ReplyDeleteIf I were a dog, then I'd deffo be chasing a gopher snake in the grass.
Deleteuntil recently, I did not realize there was mild and sharp paprika.
ReplyDeleteThere are schnickle pastry (tasty little guys), but I can't make the connection.
Schnickle sounds like a diminutive of Schnecke. Do you suppose they came from German immigrant bakers to OH?
DeleteGah, another Australian who'd run a mile at the sight of the snake! ... I had a warm Schnecke as a treat earlier this week. Although they do go by the pedestrian name of Snail in these parts. Adjectives are helpful. I think we might be ready for more!
ReplyDeleteI can't remember if we use the same name for the pastry known as Snail here as well. I guess I haven't had one in so long that I've simply forgotten!
DeleteAdjectives are very helpful. Keeping this in mind, I will endeavor to include them. :)