Project 365 d-134

     For a while today it felt as though I was in a jungle. Upon traversing down a steep bank toward the back water of the river ( I'm a Pieces by the way); I encountered two huge snakes. Now I have seen big snakes before, but viewing them over a buttery bowl of popcorn as they sliver on the screen if much different than seeing them swim twenty five feet from me. As I stood precariously on that hillside, a yellow and black spotted viper cruised away form the shoreline in toward the open water. Relieved that it was moving away, it suddenly turned back toward the shore a little farther down. My camera was on auto and I was firing away at this half slithering, half swimming creature in amazement. Finally it came back ashore too close for my comfort and slowly wiggled its way into the thick green grass.

     Thinking rationally, I decided that it was most likely not going to bother me and was more afraid of me. So, on I went a little closer to the water trying to photograph a submerged barrel for another super secret photo project. Something moved among the bright green moss just on the shoreline to my left. In slithered another BIG Snake! This one was brown with black spots and it just floated there on top of the moss as if studying me. I could feel my heart beat in my throat as I watched this viper watch me. Of course I was again taking photos and looked down momentarily to gauge my footing and upon looking back up, it was gone. All I saw was the parted green moss that has suddenly moved back together. That was enough of that, and I moved back up the hill toward safety.

     On higher and safe ground, I noticed a butterfly fluttering in an out of the tall grass. With a quick change back to manual; I started to photograph this more pleasant subject and it became today's image. Funny thing is, I had just been thinking to myself that I would like to secure a grant to clean the rubbish out of this back water area. After seeing those two big snakes; I'm not sure that I am the right person for that job. 

Happy Shooting.