Snake
Written by: adekun on 16 October, 2007 9:21 pm - Filed under: blog ?
Over the past week, the nights have been noticeably cooler. So much so, I seem to have disappeared deep under the covers, in lieu of concluding anything (except beer).
Today was hot. In the morning, I checked on the brassicas and found that the tender centre of one of the hakusai had been devoured. The glum feeling was soon vanquished as I spotted the first shoot of garlic to have speared through the soil.
The garlic is adjacent to the herb garden and a presently unkempt corner of the garden. Prior to lunch, I went out again to see if there were any more developments. I counted a further two and heard something rustling between my feet. I looked down to find an incoming snake, rather like that scene with Roger Moore in Live and Let Die. Without a cigar and aftershave, I could only hop to the side as it raised its head and call to my wife. It scuttled back from where it had come, which was rather good of it, giving me a decent look of it. It might have been a Shimahebi or Hibakari?
Most lunchtimes, my wife’s aunty takes her break at the house. She said she has seen a few Aodaishō (Japanese Rat Snake) in the front garden, they reach a length of between one a two metres. Still, it was somewhat unexpected.
farmingfriends
17 October, 2007 #
An interesting story. Was the snake dangerous in any way?
Sara from farmingfriends
adekun
20 October, 2007 #
I read in a travel guide there weren’t any poisonous snakes in Japan. I did know there are on the islands of Okinawa. There is however, the Japanese mamushi a venomous pit viper, which can be found anywhere. It’s about the same size as the one I saw, although I’m glad looked totally different.
I think the only danger it posed, was to one’s cool.
Meg Wolff
21 October, 2007 #
Adrien, I was going to ask the same question as Sara, so I’m glad that you answered it! Glad you were cool. But, it is a surprise to come upon a snake, isn’t it?…it’s been awhile, but I can remember my last encounter clear as the day…it was between me and my back door. I’m from the Northern US so all of our snakes are non-poisonous, but still gave me a jolt of adrenaline to come upon it!
Chris
30 October, 2007 #
My wife, who hails from deepest, darkest Chichibu, tells the tale of how her younger sister caught a snake in their garden when she was 3 years old. Apparently she grabbed it by the tail, whirled it round her head and knocked it clean out. She then dragged it into the kitchen and gently inquired of my mother-in-law “Can we eat this?”.
They’re made of stern stuff in Chichibu..