the timber rattler I saw yesterday

1. I submit for your consideration one timber rattler, approximate age 14 years old, who was cooperative enough to let me take these photos of it.



2. A good set of rattles... it acquires a new one each time it sheds. They shed every 1-2 years... 1.4 years on average (thus my age estimate).



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4. I'm glad it was mellow.



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6. The reason I was up there... to see the Pinnacle Mountain Fire Tower



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9. There was a combination of two reasons that stopped me from going to the top. First, the stairs were missing. You can see where the stairs should be there is still a handrail, and brackets for the steps. I was game to climb this, and began doing so. That's when the second factor kicked in... a nest full of very energetic hornets was being shaken with each step I took, and they began to swarm. I didn't want to get up there and get attacked while unable to make a quick (and safe) descent, so I decided discretion was the better part of valor.



10. The building at the base of the tower.



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14. In addition to venomous snakes, there was an abundant variety of mushrooms in the area.



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