It was a bit of a surprise...

... to see this rather large plump caterpillar wiggling across the path we were walking on this afternoon.(Second shot in the extra)

About 7 or 8cm in length, what turned out to be the caterpillar of the  elephant hawk-moth was quite a sight, as we walked along the old railway line path. We'd spent quite some time dodging the discourteous bike riders and dog walkers, who seem to think everyone else should get out of their way. 

It was time to get our own back.

Since the caterpillar was rather slow moving (and fascinating) we decided it had the right to cross the path uncrushed. So we stood over the creature as it wended its way slowly across the path. When anyone looked like disagreeing with us, we pointed out that we were protecting the poor creature. It only took about 5 minutes to cross the path - a small inconvenience but well worth it.