A couple of weeks ago, my blog post was about the oldest Wych Elm in the UK and its demise (see here for post). I received a lot of feedback from many of you and it really lifts my spirits in these dark months of winter to hear from my wonderful readers. It seems as though the pictures from my research trip this past summer sparks many memories and conversations and I am so thrilled when you share with me.

So, I resolved to do more. More little musings about my travels or things that spark my interest. I hope that you will indulge me. But because it is January and I am finding it hard to motivate myself at times, it hasn’t happened as quickly as I had wished. That is why today’s ponderings are about snails.

Snails, Fiona, you say? How can snails possibly have much to do with Scotland? Because I am feeling rather like a snail and this summer I was reminded why taking time to appreciate the world at a snail’s pace is important. One of our stays was on the Isle of Skye just outside the tiny village of Stein on the Waternish peninsula. Each morning I would go for an early walk before anyone else had arisen, often in the scotch mist – not quite raining, but definitely not dry. I had the roads to myself. There was not a soul around and it was incredibly peaceful. On one of my journeys, I came across a snail crossing the road.

Now, we do not have snails that carry their houses on their backs where I live. We have garden slugs which apparently are gastropods and pond snails, but nothing so exotic as land snails. In the British Isles there are 99 different varieties of snails!

But back to my snail. He was working his way across the road and I feared that a car might come along and impede his progress or end his journey all together. I resolved to wait and watch. It was so peaceful. My attention was fully engaged with time essentially standing still. It reminded me that we need to take the time to appreciate the small things in life and celebrate victories, be they large or small. In the end, he made it and his risk was worth it.

I hope you take the time to welcome the stillness that January can bring after a hectic holiday season.