Cupcakes, Camping, and a Rattlesnake

Just prior to our wedding, and in celebration of my 31st birthday, we went camping with John and Jennifer in southern Minnesota. We got a great campsite in Whitewater State Park, only a couple hours from the Twin Cities. Jennifer (an excellent baker) made us delicious mocha cupcakes. In true car-camping style, we spent the majority of our 'camping' time eating.

But we did get in a couple lovely hikes. As you can see, even in late July, it's still not too warm.



On one hike along the river, posted signs suggested we watch out for the "protected", and extremely rare, Timber Rattler. The last rattler had been seen in the park about seven years ago, but we were too lucky!

We weren't actually sure if it was a rattler, because part of the snake's tail had been damaged at some point. But oh, yes, it was!



Watch how the snake JUMPS BACK OUT OF THE BOX as the rangers catch him! (Try to ignore my terrified commentary.)





If you can't see the videos above, you can watch a video of the Whitewater State Park rangers catching the snake here.