In my line of work I feel that one can’t help but be in complete adoration of nature and all it’s wonder. One thing I love most about coming home, besides the friends and family, is the environment. Albany is just a stones throw away from some of the best scenery this side of the Mississippi and I try my best to get out into it whenever I can.
A couple of days ago I took my pals Jason and Arthur up to the Adirondacks for some good hiking near Lake George. We climbed a small peak called French Point Mountain, a difficult rated trail and definitely one of the least traversed areas in the region, but one with one of the best views of Lake George around.
The trail itself was a nice workout which involved very steep, but short climbs in rapid succession. The scenery was beautiful all through the hike. Along the way up to the first peak we found a gorgeous waterfall that you crawl up off the path, sit, and just listen.
Yes, sorry Mom, we drank the water which was cold, refreshing, and absolutely delicious. I don’t recommend doing this to anyone.
About four miles up the nine mile route I ran into a very life threatening situation with a poor rattlesnake I have since named Henry. I was leading the climb for this part of the trek. Upon coming to the crest of the very steep climb we had just completed and as I went to step my left foot down I saw something move extremely quickly out from under my foot’s path! Cat like reflexes may have saved me here as I instantly jumped to the right just as the snake started to rattle and take a defensive stance.
I can’t really explain how scared I was at that particular moment, but after taking a moment to realize what had just happened the gravity of the situation dawned on me; Four miles up a very steep trail is not a good place to get bit by a rattlesnake. Who knows what could have happened had his head been the closest part to my foot instead of his tail. Definitely one of my closest calls yet.
As a short aside, here’s a little diddy about rattlesnakes. First off, there aren’t supposed to be that many here. This region is called the Tongue Mountain Range and is the only place where these creatures can be found. Despite this it is incredibly rare, according to official sources, to come in contact with one. This is ironic considering the two times I’ve climbed this region I have seen one. There hasn’t been a recorded bite since 1997.
From the posture in the picture I can tell it is a Copperhead. Timber rattlers also frequent this region and do sometimes come in this color, however a Timbers will almost always keep it’s rattle in an erected position in the defensive stance. Copperheads hold the most bites nationwide yet also hold the lowest fatality rate. Being bit by this particular one would have been in my best interest, had I in fact been bit, rather than be bit by a youngster. Mature snakes have more control over their venom and would probably do their best not to part with their venom in the instance of a bite.
If you do find yourself bitten by a rattlesnake it is of the utmost importance to stay calm. Having a rapid heartbeat will only spur the venom through your system faster. If you have a cell phone and have reception call 911 as fast as you possibly can. Snake bites should ALWAYS be considered a life or death situation. If you are on the side of a mountain, try to make your way down the easiest way keeping the bitten limb as immobile as possible. Some experts recommend sucking out the venom quickly while others do not. In any case, a tourniquet several inches above the bite, loose enough to allow a finger to pass through, should be utilized. Always keep the location of the bite below the heart.
A snake bite, depending on the species, is not always fatal. Time is of the essence however to ensure that the tissue surrounding the bite will not die or become horribly infected.
After shaking off the craziness of the situation and after cursing at the lady who had written my mothers hiking book (”I’ve been hiking these regions for 35 years and have yet to see a rattler.” Yeah, nice call) we headed for the peak. Once there we sat, ate, and took in the gorgeous scenery.
Obviously I couldn’t leave without a summit handstand photo op.
At the summit we also came across a very pleasant sight: blueberry bushes! They were remarkably delicious and very bountiful. We sat for maybe a half hour eating and laughing.
We headed back after about an hour at summit and finished our hike. There was danger. There was excitement. There was adventure. There was brilliance. For those who are fortunate enough to live near mountain regions or national parks, please, take full advantage.
-Charles