Snakes on a Lane

I didn't have time to take pictures (much to the delight of some of you...Heather...) but yesterday was an interesting day for snakes. As Laurie and I were driving back from the field, she all of a sudden yells out. She had almost run over a snake that was sunning itself on the middle of the highway. She was very concerned about one of the huge logging rigs running over it behind us, so she reversed and pulled over to the side of the road. Then she started yelling at me, "Get out! Get out!" I didn't understand at first, but then realized she wanted ME to go move the snake from the road because she didn't want to open her door to traffic. So I get out, walk to the middle of the 4-lane highway, and start coaxing a long gopher snake to the side of the road. S/he obliged and wiggled off into the woods. I climbed back into the truck and we set off again. But wouldn't you know it...a SECOND snake is sunning itself in the middle of the road just a mile later! Laurie doubles back on the highway and once again, Lauren is out of the truck to tend to the snake. This snake, however, was not as cooperative as the first (same species, though) and reared its slithering head at me as I tried to get it off the road. Meanwhile, I am listening for the sounds of cars and semis that could come around the bend at any moment and nail me. The snake, half-glaring and half-wiggling, finally made it to the forest. However, Laurie had to find a place to turn the truck back around, so she leaves me standing alone on the side of the road. Anyone who knows me remembers that I have fears about family and friends killing me and leaving my dismembered body in a remote area...those thoughts started to creep up on me as I stood, waiting for her to come back for me. Of course, she finally did, and today I had my camera out, just in case another snake needed my services.