I once was driving east out of San Diego going to the Borago Desert area, and stopped at the overlook to reflect on that beautiful scene. The mountains jut from the floor of the desert to a point of over 1200 feet, with the sand stretching out flat for as far as the eye can see. On the top of the cliff there is a small pull-out for folks to park and rest themselves while they look out across that vast expanse.

I had parked my truck and started for the viewing area, when I spotted a very dangerous situation. There, standing right on the edge of the bluff were two little old ladies, talking between themselves and looking at the desert. Right behind them, just a half step away, was a huge rattle snake, coiled and ready to strike.

I thought of what great peril those ladies were in. They could fall over the edge and be killed, or they could step back and be bitten by the snake. I tried to think just what I should do. If they discovered the snake, they may fall to the desert floor 1200 feet below. If they stepped back, they would surely be bitten, and could still fall over the edge.

I was afraid to say anything for fear the ladies would step back on the snake. Even if I was perfectly calm and ask them to stand still, as soon as they heard my voice, it would be natural for them to step back. This would certainly cause the snake to strike. My God, what could I do to save them!

I had a shovel in my truck, and thought that perhaps I could use it to throw the snake out of the area and thus remove the danger. But I was afraid that the ladies would become aware of me behind them with a shovel, and fall to their death. In the stress of the situation I must have aged several years.

Finally I felt that I had to do something, so with great effort and determination, I took a deep breath and said, "SNAAAAAAKEE!!!"

Every 39 minutes there are two satellites that cross the heavens. They are those two little old ladies!