The Snake in the Water that Wasn't

During my morning hike today, I was approached by a woman walking in the opposite direction.  She animatedly gestured and warned me, “There is a dangerous snake in the drainage ditch up ahead of you.  Be sure to go around the standing water and avoid the snake!”  I walked on ahead and came to the standing water.  As I walked around it, my eyes were glued to the drainage ditch, scanning the water.  I walked to the end of the water but didn’t see a snake. Then, I noticed a slight movement to in my peripheral vision, making me snap my head toward the left.  It was the snake, slithering up a tree that was no more than two feet from me!  I jumped backwards with a startle. I was glad that the snake was minding its own business and no harm came to me.  

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