Rattlesnake Hill

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With the bonus of two more days at home we have the freedom to do some explorations with Lou and Peg. They’ve done plenty during their time house sitting here but there’s still so much more to do and see. We headed into the national park and went to one of our favorite spots, Mingus Mill to check out the 127 year old grist mill and the millrace and penstock. From there we did a hike that we two had done but once before. We hiked the Mingus Creek trail to the old cemetery. By the way it’s all uphill, not severe, but all uphill. Along the way we saw two hikers who warned us of the rattlesnake at the edge of the cemetery. When we got there we approached very carefully. We found two rattlers, probably a mating pair. As they sensed our approach they began a retreat into the brush. We didn’t get close. Did get a photo from afar but didn’t care to try for a closer shot. We also didn’t care to linger long there. What is usually a peaceful place didn’t feel as inviting as usual. We turned and headed downhill. By the time we finished the five mile hike we decided we’d earned a cookie. We drove south to Franklin and stopped at a bakery and coffee shop for a little something to tide us over, poked around downtown a little, then joined Stan and Mary at Thai Paradise for a dinner of appetizers and dessert, a crochet lesson, transfer of some roving for spinning, and storytelling. Back at the house we lingered over libations around the firepit before finishing the day with a soak in the hot tub. Life is good.