So, it's another delightful day in MinneSNOWta, as we woke up to 5 inches and counting this morning. Spring, you're such a tease!
In any case, I have enough trail preparation to keep me busy, even in the most snowed in of conditions. Last night I spent the evening researching snakes in California. Informative, yes; a little scary, yes. Now I can add snake bite to my list of top fears. However, this has prompted me to invest in one of those SPOT gps systems, in which you can send an SOS signal by satellite, should any danger befall you. This eases my mind (as well as my mother's) A LOT.
Here's the website, in case you want to give yourself a shudder:
http://www.californiaherps.com/identification/socalherps.html#Snakes
There are lots of different snakes in California, but basically the only venomous snakes to humans are Rattlesnakes. So, at least there's that. :/
Here's what I've learned so far about avoiding/handling a snake bite:
1) NEVER SUCK OUT THE VENOM!
EVER. You might be tempted; that might have been what you heard you should do, but don't do it! You're just ingesting the venom again--and putting something sublingually (under the tongue) helps it get into the blood stream even faster.
2) AVOID GETTING BITTEN IN THE FIRST PLACE!
ALWAYS. Be vigilant. Don't stick your hand our foot into crevices. Don't put your face near a snake. No matter how cute it looks.
3) Trekking poles are your friend. Use them to distract a snake.
Then back away slowly, preferably not into another snake. (See #2)
4) If you get bit, don't panic. HAHAHAHA!
But seriously, keep your heart rate low. HAHAHAHA!
Compress the area above the bite (The venom flows through the lymph system, so you want to reduce the flow, but not cut off blood circulation completely)
Signal for help, ie get a SPOT gps system.
Feel safer? Yeah... me too...
Food prep of the day:
Spaghetti. And lots of it. I am up to 65 dinners, made by yours truly, packaged and ready to go. Only 50 more to go...Speaking of which, I should call this post done and start thinking of more meals to make!
Peace out, chickadees.
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