But the joys of nature don't come without a price. Minutes before this photograph was made, they had killed what they said was a water moccasin just a few feet to the left of where this couple is seated. Another snake was also spotted but not killed, they added.

Meanwhile, a not-so-adventurous couple had retreated to a nearby spot above the water, deciding not to continue swimming so long as snakes inhabit these waters.

Scenes like these are repeated every weekend throughout Alabama, in small creeks and rivers tucked away from view by the abundant summertime foliage. Unfortunately, swimming hole traditions also sometimes include littering by some careless users that can spoil the natural beauty of such a place.