Re: [Paddlewise] ... Cotton Mouth's

Fred,
Thanks for the word up.  It  definitely crossed my mind as I was performing
my antics in the swampy water, whether or not I was going to attract the
attention of a poisonous snake.  However, I would imagine that, like
rattlers, they seldom actually go after humans and attack them(?).  The
biggest threat would likely be stepping on one or disturbing it while it was
napping.

I was wondering what other creatures/bugs were lurking in the weeds, but
none bothered me.

Perversely, I remember swimming in sparkling, (freezing cold) crystal clear
mountain lakes in Washington state in my youth and contracting "swimmers
itch" parasites.  go figure.

Texas Tommy


----- Original Message -----
From: "Fred T, CA Kayaker" <cakayak_at_mindspring.com>
To: "Tom Meagher" <tmeagher_at_netropolis.net>; <PaddleWise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Saturday, August 19, 2000 8:15 AM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Cretins and Sad Mutations...& Cotton Mouth's


> >I spent a long time trying to get back into the boat.  (I wish I had a
movie
> >of my zany escapades for one of those funniest home video shows).
> >I know there's got to be a better way.  Any advice?
> >Thanks!
> >Tom Meagher
> >Katy TX (deep in the heart of Texas (parenthetically and pedantically
> >speaking (so sorry!)))
>
> Tom:
> Cotton Mouth's are very common poisonous snakes in Texas waters and I
would
> imagine give you more than ample and here to fore unimaginable ways of
> getting out of that murky water and "ONTO" if not into your boat.
>
> In all seriousness, there are better folks on the list to tell you how to
> do a paddle float rescue or re-enter and roll, etc.  Get some lessons,
pick
> up one of the many good books available on sea kayaking and practice.
>
> And remember:  Never ask anyone where they are from.  If they are from
> Texas they will tell you.  Otherwise, you don't want to embarrass them.
>
> Fred
> California Kayaker
> (Raised in the country in N. Central Texas.  Closest water - Wind
> Mill.   Please don't tell anyone - they don't know I'm from Texas. I don't
> want Yall to shun me.)
>


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