Yup, and she DID say it looked like a baby (I'd like to know what makes her say that), but 10 inch garter snakes are basically functional adults in most cases. 24 inches is the usual limit, although there have been a few 3-footers.
Since I can't think of any other snakes with a brown belly with yellow stripes which break down towards the tail, I'd love to say garter snake, too... but she ID'ed the flat tan snake in post #178, and that's what is throwing me off of 'em.
I think the "transparency" description explains the IDing of that snake... however, when you look at a garter snake (unles it's the black and yellow ones) smetimes it DOES seem "transparent" in some areas, but it's not really transaprent, just the shadow and light effects of their markings... they are interesting snakes to look at from different angles... and those cute litle tounges darting about... :0)