We also have snaily weather, but snails still sleep under the ground, waiting to be much warmer than these days (Croatia).
You made me smile telling how you take them a little further away, not to be crashed, and then wondering is that the way he&she-in-one want to be on, does he-she curses you... :) I'm doing exactly the same thing.
This is so sweet story, and that illustration you made after, sharing the beauty you have find. In snails! :)
Wonderful.