I wrote recently about an incident in which I (reluctantly) helped a gentleman catch a rattlesnake on 108 between Tryon and Columbus. I didn’t get the man’s name or intentions at the time which I regretted later. I put a post including a picture on Facebook about it for fun and the incident took on a life of its own -- Polk County’s version of viral.
For those unfamiliar with Facebook, I had 21 “likes” which means that 18 people read it, enjoyed it but had no comment. Those who did comment provided a wealth of information.
The post:
“Off to the grocery store last night to buy kibbles. Came across a car stopped on the road in my lane. A man in front of the car was chasing something. I got out to play good Samaritan. He was trying to pin down a snake with a ski pole. He seemed to know what he was doing. I asked what kind of snake. Rattlesnake, he replies calmly. I begin to rethink my samaritanship. He tosses me a plastic bag and asks if I could hold it open. I do so. He pins the snake and grabbed it just behind the head and deposits the creature in the bag. Then he grabs the bag from my hand (which is good because I really don’t want to be holding a rattlesnake) and puts in in the back seat of his car. He thanks me. I thank him. I wish I had had the presence of mind to ask his name. I’d love to find out what he did with the snake. But instead I bought kibbles.”
The comments:
Bonnie Joy Bardos - It's the snake whisperer! He's either got himself a new pet named "Rattler" or he's having fried snake tenders for dinner. (and a new belt).
Wally Hughes - Did it look like a rattlesnake to you?
Elvin Clark - He was only a couple of feet long but he did have a rattleish tail.
Bonnie Joy Bardos - He might be *even* shorter now: those tenders are bite-size. Couple of feet: ON the feet. New boots. (can you tell I have a vivid imagination)
Lauren Field Halbkat - Dangerfield Ashton. I would bet money on it. He is the only guy I know that has a rattlesnake habit and carries ski poles for hiking. :)
Anne Foster Day - Elvin, his name is Daingerfield Ashton. I'm friends with him on FB. Known him forever. He taught Art at Spartanburg Day School for years. He posted about the snake on his page last night.
*(At this point, I contact my daughter who went to school at SDS and she remembers that he taught her and her friend Dana there.)
Susan Dore Kocher - What an awesome stage name!
Dana Orchoff Gencarelli - Yep, it definitely looks like Mr. Ashton from SDS! Too funny!
Elvin Clark - Dangerfield Ashton. I want to change my name.
Anne Foster Day - His personality matches his name. You need to have the chance to really talk with him.
Elvin Clark - I am now totally convinced of the power of Facebook.
Dana Orchoff Gencarelli - Dangerfield Ashton is not a man to be trifled with, in my experience! Once in 7th grade he actually managed to convince me that my purple LA Gear tennis shoes might actually be green when no one was looking.
Susan Dore Kocher - I think when Dangerfield gets introduced to his adoring audience in this made for TV movie he should have an Australian accent
Elvin Clark - and a hat.
Jacquie Ziller - That was across the street from my house!! Roy was there and told me. I am glad someone caught it before it crossed the road! So why did the rattlesnake cross the road? :) almost
Steve Carlisle - About 45 minutes later he Green River BarBQue was robbed by a man with a rattlesnake. Police are still looking for his accomplice
*(The instigator joins the fray.)
Daingerfield Ashton - dayum! I am soooo busted!
Daingerfield Ashton - but all I got was a BBQ plate and some ribs .....
Daingerfield Ashton - they said they didn't BBQ rattlers so I let him go .....
Rebecca Davis - Too funny. Where else but here would you post this story and less than an hour later have his name, work history and a new friend with a cool name and hobby.
Wally Hughes - Had to look.....people who inspire Daingerfield are Charles Manson and Osama Bin Laden. Under Activities and Interests-BACON! One interesting person.
Susan Dore Kocher - ...as he dug into the BBQ with his ski pole... no that doesn't work.
Daingerfield Ashton - I am also inspired by Dick Cheney!
Anne Foster Day - Don't know many people who don't love Daingerfield Ashton!!
Wendy Reid O'Neal Mr Ashton, your legacy continues from one generation to the next! I have known you since I was 3.5 yrs and your crazy stories! Now, my children are glued to the Mac Computer as I read your FB stories to them!! My 2 year old is in speech therapy right now but said "rattlesnake: this morning.
I heard from Mr. Ashton the next day. The snake was released in the mountains unharmed.
