Snails and elephants

This had us laughing!  In the past, there have been times we have driven through the African bush and encountered an elephant crossing the road.  We've respectfully stopped and kept our distance to let the elephant pass and maybe taken a few photographs.  Exciting and a priviledge to see.  Here's a mighty elephant we saw when we were last back in Zimbabwe, just heading into the bush after crossing the road.

 Although, I must add, our insect loving Sol was far more interested in watching dung beetles doing their thing with elephant dung in the middle of the road, than watching elephants.

Anyway,.. this weekend, driving through the English countryside, Mark spotted a Roman snail crossing the road.   Now, these are not ordinary snails.  These are special, protected Roman snails.  Brought to England by the Romans all those years ago and still here long after the Romans have left.  Much smaller than an elephant but lovely to spot nevertheless!  Well, we quickly pulled over.  I jumped out the car, took a quick picture and moved the snail across the road so it wouldn't get squashed.  Here is that majestic snail.  They are the elephants of the snails in England.  Some can grow to be as big as the palm of your hand.  And they are  protected..Living fossils even!

And while we are on snails, look at this beautiful elephant of a snail.  A giant African snail.  I love how Noah and the snail are making eye contact.