The Long Path

  Low tide on the Bayou is such an interesting time.  Things that are normally hidden beneath the murky waters become exposed.  So many things float in on the tide then become stuck in the mud or marsh. Sometimes, these things are a nuisance.  Irresponsible boaters toss garbage in the waters and invariably that trash winds up at my pier.  I often ponder how those same folks would feel if I threw my garbage in their front yard.  Something to think about, now isn't it.  But not all things brought in sight are ugly!  An old algae covered log can be intriguing while shells can be down right beautiful.  

  This afternoon, the tide was far out from the shoreline.  While the usual driftwood and clam shells could be seen, several "paths" are what caught my eye.  Resembling the otter slides but only tiny, these paths were made by snails.  Olive Nerites were making their way from the waterless shore to the waves lapping on the soft mud. Each snail left a smooth trail as they slowly trekked toward the water.  Each long path (well, at least long for a tiny snail) was about a half inch wide and maybe ten feet in length.  

  I watched one snail for quite a while.  The poor little guy only moved about six inches in that time.  It occurred to me that by the time the snail reached the water's edge, the tide would be shifting.  The rising tide would make his hard work a moot point.  Just about the time he made it safely to the water, the incoming tide would put the snail right back where he started.  A least, he made the effort to better his situation.   Sometimes, it seems to be best to sit back and wait when things seem out of whack but that is not always the case.  I guess I figure that it never hurts to try to improve things when you can.  You will never know what you can do unless you try!