The Day I Saved Larry's Life, May 16, 2011

I started writing this on May 19 and now it is May 25 but I wanted to keep that date as the title because it is special.On Monday we decided to take a hike through the Voorhees Nature Preserve in the Colonial Beach area. After quite a drive through the countryside, we arrived at Westmoreland Berry Farm, a charming fruit and vegetable stand with concession stand, goats to feed and pet, and directions to the preserve. We got our map and headed out. I was really excited because the website said that we could see eagles here. Larry sees eagles all the time, but his sightings always look like hawks or vultures to me. But far be it from me to disagree with my husband. (We're in Amish country right now so I am trying to pick up some of the local attitudes.) Anyway, we headed out through the damp woods and I immediately slowed down. I have fallen on slick ground one time too many times (torn rotator cuff is proof). I made my way carefully down the slick woodland hill as my husband, the part mountain goat trotted ahead. When we finally reached the river at the bottom, he had of course already spotted an eagle. This time I believed him. We started up the other side and the walking was a little tough. Again I hung back, using my two walking sticks to steady myself and being very careful to keep my eyes on the ground, as usual, to watch for slick spots or treacherous roots. This was not my first mountain hike. Larry got to the top and waited for me. He suggested we go back and I reluctantly agreed. We simply turned around on the narrow path so that I started out leading the way, watching the ground, as usual, and feeling him breathing down my neck. All of a sudden, there in the path was a copperhead. I flung out both arms, gasped and sort of pushed Larry back with my butt. I was so shocked I couldn't speak until we were a few steps back and I sputtered, "SSSnaaake!" We both stood very, very still and stared at about a two to three foot snake, sunning himself on the path. We had come within two feet of him and stood six feet from him and HE NEVER MOVED. It was really eerie. Finally we threw sticks and rocks at him until he moved away. He never coiled or offered to strike, which I still find odd. When we were certain he was many feet from the path we literally ran through.

Larry and I both know if he had been leading the way on that path he would have stepped right on that snake. He doesn't have to watch the ground for slick spots or tree roots. Sometimes being old and rickety is a protective mechanism. Sure saved his butt, and mine.