When I was flying slope gliders, I had another encounter of the slithery kind. I was carrying a foam core fiberglass plane. Flew from an inland hill (30 minute climb). For ease of carrying everything I had the wings on the bird (thank God). I was carrying the the glider with the wings parallel to me in front of me. WHAM!! A 4 or 5 foot rattler struck the wing. I almost jumped out of my skin, Buddy did the same thing. I ended up hill of the snake and buddy down hill. We chucked rocks at it then where it went for a bit.
I flew with wet pants that day!
No cell phones as they where not yet widespread. Every year there were 2 or 3 rattle snake bites there.

I HATE SNAKES!!!!

Ken