Yes, a garter snake as is common in New Hampshire. First live one I have seen in 2024. Yes, a tad late compared to other years BUT I really don’t go out looking for them — plus I have been ambling different routes this year.
I have seen at least two dead ones — both much shorter than this one.
I don’t like snakes. So, seen this didn’t thrill me.
I would be thrilled if this was the LAST snake I see for the year. I really don’t like snakes. That what happens when you grow up in a country where snake bites are FATAL.
The garter snake & the hawk were during my daily, 4-mile morning amble. I encountered both within a few hundred yards of each other — on (or just off) ‘Prospect Mountain Road‘. Much of Prospect Mountain Road & the roads leading off it are unpaved (i.e., dirt). It is also pretty rural. I live, on another dirt road off Prospect. So, much of my ambling revolves around this road. That was indeed the case this morning.
Garter snakes are pretty common, especially around this time of the year, in this neck of the wood. ‘Rowen‘, our 2-year old Newfie, stepped over it. Did NOT notice it. Just walked straight over — just missing it, TWICE, with its front paws. That is Rowen. Not the most observant dog in the world. Too busy looking around, but not down at its feet.
We have a KETTLE of hawks near the top of the mountain.
Yes, a KETTLE.
I did NOT know that that was the term. I had to look it up. Over the weekend I saw about 4 circling around. Today, it was just this one & it was darting all around us. Came sweeping directly at us. I was not quick enough to get a shot.
The TR8 was later on in the day. In town. Nice looking car. I had a TR7 in the U.K. It was my last car there. I should have brought it over. It was the 3rd from last TR7 built! Its registration was ‘MGM 327X‘. I did NOT lust after the TR8 as I would have earlier in my life. I am in the process of parting with the TWO British cars I still have, i.e., the 1989 Jaguar V12 XJS & the 1969 MGB. But, I checked it over. Seemed to be in great shape. Bravo.
