Last story from camp.

This was our last camp on the base, and as we set up the mangers, Judy warned us that we were in rattlesnake country and to keep an eye out for them. He had seen this camp many years ago and remembered that fact. Well, we were working in thick grass that was at least 3’ tall; it was difficult to see our own boots, let alone a snake!

But sure enough, one was found. Judy quickly trapped it under his boot and removed its head. Now we were doubly nervous. How many cousins did that snake have? We began to move slowly; very slowly. And one of my tasks was to crawl under the hay truck with a logging chain to wrap around the axle as we made the heavy truck a ‘deadman’ for the long line of mangers. I wasn’t happy about that! I grabbed a pole and beat the grass thoroughly before getting down on my hands and knees.

While we finished up, Judy skinned the snake and took the meat down to the cook’s. We were having appetizers tonight! Quite a few as the snake was about 5’ long.

Pretty soon the riders showed up and we no longer worried about snakes; the vibration caused by 150 horses milling about is guaranteed to send any and all snakes to a deep hole in the ground. Or to the next county.

Once the bar was set up, we grabbed our drinks and the plate filled with breaded and fried rattlesnake. Very good. Tastes just like chicken…but you knew that, right?

And then a real treat. Once dinner was over and the horses were all watered and settled in, we got permission from Judy to walk down the road about a mile to a neighboring camp; the barracks of a howitzer battalion. We brought along our soap and towels and begged for a chance to use their showers. They were most gracious and invited us in. What bliss!