We are riding through Irish horse country now. We have seen some beautiful ranches and expansive pastures. There have been some well manicured polo grounds in a couple of the shires we rode through. They appeared to be as well cared for as a golf course green.
On one of these polo grounds this morning we were treated to a great site. There were two kangaroos at a full flat out "run". I use the word "run" because I don't know what to call it. They really don't run, they hop. But these two were moving faster than a deer runs... They were so awesome as they sped across the open field at a breakneck pace. What a treat! I have seen a number of Roos hopping along but nothing like these speeds.
We rode, we climbed, we enjoyed! What a day...
In the afternoon we were riding along and saw a snake in the road. It was about a four plus foot long black snake. It appeared to be dead. As two of us road up to it, one was on one side of it and I was on the other. The "dead" snake was between us. But... as the snake was right between us he came to life. He flared his head wide like a cobra. The bad news, I was on the business side of the red bellied black snake. As I was told, should you be bitten by one it would not be serious enough to kill you quickly. But you would want to seek proper anti venum right quick.
a gate without a fence...
With that profound thought I will sign off for today. 😊
Mike, Really! You always put your riding companions at the business end. Never assume a snake sunning itself is dead. You might get to be that way if you do.
ReplyDeleteBTW, as Australia's head of state is the Queen (like Canada), all lands held by the government (state or federal) are referred to as being held by the crown.
Glad you are enjoying the pubs. They are the heart of the community in most little country towns. Regards, Scott.
Mike, A bit of research shows you are golden. The Red Bellied Black Snake only ranks #10 in the list of most poisonous snakes in Australia. Still, stay away from the business end. However, you are coming into range of the King Brown and the Coastal Taipan: Both much higher up the hit parade. Let your riding companions test them out: They are likely more experienced in this sort of thing. Stick to wine. The bite can be bad in the morning but hardly ever fatal. Sometimes, you just wish... Scott.
ReplyDeleteScott, I had one of those mornings... I wished I had been bitten by the red bellied black. Climbing on the bike after feeling the bite of a full bodied red. Ouch!
DeleteEEEccckkk! A snake. Good Lord, Mike! Reading the story of the snake made me push back into the cushion of the couch. Get on the other end of the business next time, will you?!?! The pic of the ranch looked heavenly. It must be pretty nice to wake up to that every morning, I would imagine.
ReplyDeleteAre you using your GoPro? It would have been awesome to see the Roos in a full on run on your GoPro.
As a friend told me... never expect a snake anywhere in Australia to be dead. Or you might be the one ending up that way. 😳
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