Day 248

At our old house, we lived across the street from a nature preserve that was known for its garter snakes. Yet, as many times as we traveled through that amazing property, we saw more snakes people had removed from their garage than we did in the actual preserve. At our school trail, I know snakes are present. Not because I see them but because they find their way in the school and end up in a classroom, usually of a teacher who is not as comfortable with these cute creatures often referred to as danger noodles or nope ropes. At our current farm, we have plenty of acreage which would be ideal for snakes. Before restoration began, trying to find let alone catch a snake in grass taller than me was basically an impossible task. Now that the grass is under control, they tend to be found when I spook them while mowing the lawn but we are getting better and better with our snake eyes and they are becoming much more common captures now.

But my wife and I hoped we would be able to have a better chance of finding them more routinely if we left an old barn door on the ground. Every once in a while I could pick it up and we would see what treasures were beneath. Most of the time, we find snakeskin, so we at least can confirm they do use this board. 

It wasn't until just recently that we hit the jackpot. When I lifted the board, there was slithering in each and every direction. Luckily, our little snakecharmers are getting more comfortable and capable at catching and handling these harmless common garter snakes. With a little help from mom and dad, it wasn't long before each child had either a snake to hold and observe. 

Just about every night, we look for snakes and toads and are a bit dejected when we find nothing. However, sometimes it's when we stop looking that the thing we are looking for finds us. With patience and observant eyes, we are sure to discover something that captures our imagination and intrigues and inspires us to learn and explore more.