Re: Took my first ever highway trip today.
Sounds like you had fun!
With regards to the tire swallowing snakes, roll on a bit more throttle, look up athe road ahead, and ride out of them.
It transfer weight to the rear, making the front lighter and less susceptible to railroading your front end, and looking further ahead gets you picking a clean line, your bike will do the rest and follow your eyes.
The real trick is looking past, through and over that stuff so your line never really let's your tire drop into it in the first place.
Don't forget, roll on throttle. It works.