The first snake was fascinating to watch.  It moved so gracefully across the lake water barely disturbing the surface.  When the sun shines on it is a beautiful rich brown pattern.

The second one was still pretty cool, it moved with large smooth curves out in open water and smaller barely visible curves as it tried to blend in among foliage and clutter.

The third snake even cooler, but more than a little creepy.  It transitioned from that streamline swimmer to an expert climber without a moment’s hesitation.  Once it intertwined with the branches it was nearly invisible.  Hmmmm.

Ok, not this is not cool.  We stopped to admire an orchid-like wildflower vine that climbs on lakeside bushes.  Surprise, at least two snakes were also using those bushes.  They were so well camouflaged that we didn’t see them at all until one retreated (thankfully) back the branch and another just plopped about 5 feet into the lake (not into the boat even more thankfully).  Those critters are everywhere along the lake shore.