Jen Rinaldi

Often, the sign of a healthy community is reflected in the art left behind by its people. When we think of early man, we think about cave paintings and petroglyphs. Now, we have urban art and graffiti, which, in some cases, although destructive, can be quite well done and impactful. As a rock painter, I heard about a curious phenomenon that coalesced right here on our mountain and needed to see for her for myself.

The rumors about the snake at Woodland Lake piqued my curiosity, so I decided to meet her for myself on this lovely fall day. Stretching about a quarter of the way around the 1.25-mile loop trail, the snake meanders along the path to the delight of both dog and human.

Bursting with fall color and inviting breeze scattered golden leaves along the path leading around Woodland Lake Park in Pinetop, AZ. Just as I stepped from the bridge in an inauspicious place, the smiling serpent's head was next to the pet cleaning station, complete with googly eyes. She looks up at the viewer with a smile, inviting you to add to her length. 

During my research, I met Cindy Fielding through NextDoor and Facebook, and Cindy told me the history of Sadie.

"We all became friends through AZ hiking sisters and through others Cindy Fielding says." Her friends. Gee Nana, Terry Burnette, Debbie Rippee, Debbie Anglemyer, Cheryl Brock, Mary Ellen, Stephanie and Martha Roberts, Leanne Andreasen, and Suzanne Perkins comprise Sadie's core group. They had seen similar snakes created across the US and Europe and decided to try building one here.

Sadie was born on June 29, 2023. Cindy says that their goal is to make the Guinness Book of World Records, and at 1027 feet in 4 months, averaging 30 rocks a week, we will keep an eye on her growth and keep our fingers crossed. 

Sadie is a perfect way to add our thoughts and inspiration to a lovely lake hike. With bad news swirling around us daily, having a positive outlet for expression is admirable. Children and adults can enjoy not only watching her grow but can also add to her. Personal thoughts, prayers, and devotional sayings help us all.

Stretching about a quarter of the way around the 1.25-mile loop trail, the snake meanders along the path to the delight of both dog and human. The messages range from hopeful messages, funny sayings, and cartoons to epitaphs dedicated to loved ones. 

Even the resident ducks seemed to have learned to coexist with their new stone guest. I look forward to revisiting Sadie often. I want to see her grow to a full mile and beyond. 

So why not spend a sunny afternoon? Grab a rock and some paint and add to this unique creature.

 Below are a few hints on painting rocks so that they will withstand the elements.

 Find flat stones with a smooth texture. Always wash your rock first and allow it to dry overnight. You can start with colored spray paint, or I use a clear gesso that helps fill in the holes and gives the paint a better surface to adhere to. Use enamel or acrylic paint and finish with a clear UV spray to help protect your art from the elements. Be kind and place your rock in a blank space or at the end. Take pictures of your favorites; do not take stones. Let's allow Sadie to grow with more messages of hope and love!. 

https://www.facebook.com/groups/816718156705710

Facebook link to Sadie's page.

Later this month, Sadie's keepers will be spraying her rocks to protect them for winter. If you would like to help, visit Sadie's Facebook page. In spring, stay tuned for a Sadie clean-up day when we will straighten her out after the winter and get her ready to grow.