Sometimes being the early bird is a good thing, and today was no different. I was up with the sun and stepped outside to get a few shots of the Chiricahua Mountains in the morning light, and behind me came a very well known face planning to do the same thing. While I stayed barefoot on the slab of the lodge, Mark O'Shea walked with a purpose. He wanted to get a clear shot of the fire damage and trotted across the street.

I stood in my jammies taking a few shots and keeping half an eye on Mark as he crossed the street until I saw that well known white shirt drop down. Turning to look, I saw him coming toward me, camera over his shoulder and snake held very securely in both hands. At that point being barefoot really didn't matter; I had to see what he had. It was a Mojave Rattlesnake and the two of us ran up to the lodge and bagged it. Of course this resulted in everyone present being woken up, but hell -- it was a Mojave!

Needless to say, we then started walking a bit more of the grass, Mark, who caught the snake by almost stepping on it in sandals, switched to boots, and I put shoes on and walked the shoulder of the highway. Nothing else was found, but what a way to start a day!