Just curious John, how did you get the snake out of that hole? I personally am very snake-phobic, so I would have had to post about the situation and hope someone responded to help. Even though I know it isn't harmful, I could not have touched it. It truly is beautiful.
I remember one, several years ago, that crossed our path coming down the trail to Dawson Saddle, after hiking to Baden-Powell. We were about 15 minutes from the highway, and a small one, maybe 12", crossed the trail in front of me. My friend, who was hiking behind me, thought I had seen a cougar or something, from my reaction. We still laugh about that.