Thanks andrastia, I don't always react to things well, I'm human after all, but in this case I was pretty happy with the thought process and speed of it which ran through the possible actions and outcomes rapidly, and then I acted. It was not a good situation for me and didn't help my distaste for snakes. Bastards.
I'll hike again today and hope to see none...But first I'm off to the range to shoot.
Happy weekend to you. May you devour many Chomps.