Snakes

Walking into the bush, after having read 'Down Under' by Bill Bryson, you feel surprised that you are still alive. Yes, sure there are a lot of animals in Australia that can kill you with one bite or sting but the chances of stepping on a deadly snake are extremely slim indeed. As we're piling along the road at about 95k's an hour in twilight I slammed on the anchors and Alex says yes, I saw it too. I reversed with care and look out the window to see what must be the stoutest looking snake I can imagine. It was still and Alex got out to approach it. I told him to get away, fearing that if he were to get bitten we were really, really far from any kind of help. 'Be careful', I shouted. Watching now ever more closely in my wing mirror Alex announces that Its ok as hes seen Steve Irwin do it. He lurched forward and grabbed it near the head. I screamed (like a girl) for him to put it down as he appeared to struggle to tame the brute. Bastard. He laughed as he threw it down. I honestly thought he'd broken its neck. It was then I realised that it wasnt a snake at all but a strip of exploded tyre. Bloody Germans, didnt think they had a sense of humour.