Although the Mississippi is on a fall, at 41.27′, the Phatwater on the Natchez gauge is still six feet above where it stood a year ago.  This made for a substantial head current as we paddled to Rifle Point yesterday on a rare, Sun-blazed afternoon of moderate temps.

As of this minute, we are again under leaden skies and the threat of more rain. So much rain has fallen in the South in recent months that Texas, I’m told, is above drought stage for the first time in decades, although I’m sure the folks down in Terlingua will offer some adjustment to this otherwise carelessly broad generalization.

Yesterday’s warm weather was welcomed by many bikers, cyclists (not sure of the distinction there at times), and strident power walkers all along the bluffs overlooking the Phatwater.  I was almost able during yesterday’s paddle to ignore the dull thud of fever from a second bout with a lingering sinus cold.

It was warm a week ago on the flooded waters of the Homochitto, south of Natchez; warm enough to produce a thick bodied cottonmouth well after sunset.  It may appear odd to witness a snake swimming across a Mississippi creek in February, although reports of others have lent credence to the fact that “Mr. No Shoulders” can be found abroad with every passing season at latitude 31Ëš+.  A good friend and fellow amateur herpetologist from Rhine, Georgia, Delton Hilliard, sent this photo to MississippiGreetingsâ„¢ back in January.  Delton is on the left. The fellow on the right is unknown to me, although not unknown to science. His clear dedication to the task at hand is revealed in the lack of a decent shine on the toes of his boots.

These are “Eastern Daimondbacks” (Crotalus adamenteus), found sunning on a bright January afternoon in Georgia. If so encountered, they will most definitely be on your mind.  Their reputation for “aggressiveness”, however, is, as with many things in nature, only marginally deserved.

Here is another diamondback, although his diamonds are poorly distinguished as compared to those of his kinsman above:

This diminutive fellow was unearthed at Magnolia Vale, on the bank of the Phatwater, about a mile above the Phatwater Phinish line, on January 22nd.  He is known to laymen as the “diamondback water snake” (Nerodia rhombifer), although his features are somewhat obscured in this hasty field photo.  The astute among you will note that the character trait best expressed by this specimen is its propensity to mimic its close cousin, the “Coughing Water Snake” (Nerodia robitussen).

The first annual “Battle On The Bayou”, a 12 mile kayak and canoe race, will be held in Ocean Springs, Mississippi, this coming Saturday.  For info and to register, see: http://www.battleonthebayou.com/

All for now-KB