Tortoises have traction control.

If ever a graphic demonstration of determination was needed I have the perfect example.
We are currently looking after a tortoise while the in laws are away. Although house trained and well used to padding around the carpetted floors at his permenant home, he is having to make do with the lino and laminated floors of our kitchen, utilty and dining room here, as the front room is being decorated.
Tortoises are of course normally four wheel drive, and getting a grip on the lino doesn't seem to present a problem. The laminate floor however is a different prosepct, particularly as he is temporarily redueced to three wheel drive due to an abcess on his right rear leg - toroises don't limp as such, they just sort of shuffle with less effect on the injured limb. Sheer determination and bloodymindedness keeps him in a straight line. But the effect is comical when he tries to cross the dining room on the slippery laminate - it's like watching a tortoise version of Chariots of Fire. It's a weight/grip/power transfer nightmare of logistics for a tortoise trying to progress across laminate. It's like watching a Land Rover with the traction control switched on, on an ice rink - the Traction Control detects the slip and decreases the power to the wheels - result? No motion. Switch off the traction control and you get power to the wheels, which then spin and you get no motion. Conclusion - tortoises have traction control.
Contrary to popular opinon tortoises are not all that slow. Admittedly they won't outrun a Ford Fiesta or even a Smart car, but they can have quite a turn of speed when they feel the need - except on laminates. His determined expression is matched only by the surprise at the lack of any actual progress. And when he crosses the threshold back onto the lino and regains grip it must feel to him like he's on the SS Enterprise going through the stargate.
One confused tortoise. No wonder he's glad to get out to the concrete floored greenhouse every morning.