Slithering and Sliding Snow Snakes at Highland State Recreation Area!

Beware of Snow Snakes! Click on the article title above to view the full-sized post and photos...

The sunny and cold weather was perfect for watching snow snake activity at Highland Recreation Area last Sunday, January 30, 2011.  The creatures were slithering and sliding over the ice behind the Edsel Ford Barn for hours in the bright sunshine. Some of the colorful creatures slid off the ice and headed into a nearby snow bank! Children young and old chased after them before they were lost in the powdery white stuff....

I'm talking or course about the adaptation of Native American snow snake racing by the Chief Pontiac Programs Committee for area children and adults... the sport has its roots in winter recreation of North American Indian tribes for hundreds of years. The sport involves sliding a carved and painted wooden "snake" down a man-made track to be measured for distance. Everyone had a great family time sliding there snakes for distances of over 140 feet!

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The days' event was organized by the Chief Pontiac Programs Committee.  The Committee is a volunteer group of scouters operating a hiking trail and other programs with outdoor experiences for all age groups. These programs are available for all school age groups and although primarily focused to groups related to the Boy Scouts of America (Tiger Cubs, Cubs, Webelos, Boy Scouts, Venturers and Explorers), all youth groups are welcome to participate. The Chief Pontiac Trail Program is administered through the Great Lakes Council of the Boy Scouts of America. located in Pontiac, Michigan.

Below can be seen a colorful example of one of this years' snakes. This one's decorated as a Coral King Snake.

The Friends of Highland Recreation Area helped to build and maintain the snow snake track, and supported the event day with staff, snacks, and supplies behind the Edsel Ford Barn. Make your plans for Snow Snaking next year!

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