Hi kathy, Sounds like a lovely idea, a stroll along the beach and if Tassies wheather is similar to Victoria today ! Then, I can imagine the sun is shinning bright for that walk, untill that change tomorrow ! Pine needles are not my cup of tea either, and I guess if the snail dont like them, then it may well work. Im not the best as to my Botany knowlegde, but be aware that pine needle may give off that poison that may leach, think thats why nothing seems to grow under the pine trees but mushrooms ! I miss the sea air as well, as I used to live in Darwin for 5years, with the ocean at my back door, yeah those where the days. Still Im not complaining living in the Hills of Melbourne, my back door these days is Olinda National park, currently trying to keep it that way with the mortgage hiting default, and I have to find another job soon that I can physically cope with, double Mastectomy for me and axillary clearance of 24nodes, nerve pain never seems to end ! But trying new strategies with yoga now. Have a great day.Bye for now, Catherine