Sensory explosion

Yesterday,  I was exploring a rocky ridge in the Red Cliffs Reserve area when I came across a Mojave Rattlesnake ... I froze.  He was large and long with beautiful coloring of yellow, brown, and several hues of green that formed a distinct pattern.  He seemed to be looking at me, through me and for a second we stayed in that posture studying each other.  Once the black and white  ringed- tail vibrated his warning signal, I could not hold my ground.  Looking back at him as I fled the area, I noticed he was fleeing too.