When I think back to the highlights of California, I have to say that coming upon this snake was really amazing. He was laying stretched out across the road in the sun like he did most days, but this day, we happened upon him. We did not want to run over him and he seemed unfazed by our automobile, so Tim got out, grabbed a stick and thought he could scare him away. As soon as Tim came around the car, he coiled and started rattling. Tim returned to the car and he continued to rattle and show us that he was the boss of the road. Eventually he uncolied and returned to his hole in the side of the road. The entire time he didn't stop rattling and the last thing that disappeared down the hole was the rattle. Once in a life time experience.