This has been one wild winter so far. From below zero temperatures to nearly 40º back to below freezing in the span of a couple of days, it’s sometimes hard to tell what the weather is actually going to be from day-to-day. We check the weather constantly, sometimes multiple times a day, because what was being reported in the morning, can drastically change by the afternoon. Whatever the weather brings us, however, our jobs as caregivers is to be flexible to give the residents as many options as possible given the circumstances.
As Anna wrote last week, some pathways were cleared to allow Burrito’s group the option to go on the snow-covered Young’s Hill if they choose to. Today was one of those days where they chose to.
Burrito looking for the best spot of snow to snack on.
Missy went straight for the closest, tallest structure she could get to so she could take in her surroundings…
Which Burrito also wanted to see.
Jody was very calculated in her choice of snow to snack on.
Not just any snow would do!
Though Annie spent the most time outside, she always would look back at the door leading inside.
But once Missy headed back in, so did Annie.
With Burrito not far behind.
Though we may never know what they are exactly thinking, it did seem like they were taking in as much outside as they could today. We do have a forecast of wintry mixes coming up for the next couple of days. And before we know it, the snow will begin to melt and Spring will be here (at least that’s what I’m telling myself). So might as well grab as many snow snacks while you can!
Some bonus photos:
Negra grunting at me as I greeted her this morning.
Gordo eating last night’s dinner from the top of the firehose.
Betsy chowing down on some hay yesterday when it was bright and sunny.
Great photos and thoughts about the chimps’ relationship with snow! It looks like that “hair standing on end ‘cuz it’s coooold” was managed by all who chose to venture forth. It will be wonderful when the new group can also have outdoor access — soon-ish! Pics of Neggie in her nesting position always get me. That woman knows how to be warm and cozy. She reminds me that pulling the covers over the top of my head will result in less heat loss on cold winter nights in my nest, too! Thanks for being such a good role model, Neggie!
I enjoyed the snowy adventure photos — burrrr. And Betsy looks so happy chewing away on her hay. Cle Elum is not the only place having an odd winter. We had single digits with nights below zero and then, boom! We had days hitting 60?! Now we inbetween but no snow, it’s more like Spring Mud Season. Ugh.
I am happy to see Burrito, Missy, and Annie barving the snow and wintery mix. Why not enjoy that incredible view on a peaceful snowy day, right?! I bet the warm floor (and big nest!) felt fabulous once they came inside.
Be careful on your drive back to your cozy warm homes!
What no Jamie in the mix? Jamie …..I found two more Lucy books ….totally different books from the same author ! MORE….Lucy to love :)!!!!!!….I can’t believe it…….they’re heading your way…… I hope they make it with the snow and ice…..
Great photos Chad! All their faces are so clear. Missy& Burrito have the best view . Lucky they are warm & able to enjoy the snow. Annie amazes me with her keen sense of the door staying open, ready to run…
It is heartening to photographs of Burrito, Missy, Annie, Jody and Betsy enjoying themselves amidst the layers of snow. Moreover, it gives.those of us who revere our dear Negra to see her stir (however tentatively) from her cocoon of blankets to greet her friend Chad. I like to think that Neggie is doing what she can to hibernate and to maintain her homostasis through the winter, but I worry that perhaps there are more troubling reasons for her excessive fatigue.
I hope, at the least, that Negra is warm and comfortable. While she may be unable to comprehend how beloved she is by those of us who know of her only this website, I hope that she knows how much her human friends at the sanctuary love and care for her.
Sometimes, I worry about Neggie, too, Tobin. I hear you’re headed for a bit more–my friend in Afton managed to scoot out for Italy this pm.
We can’t forget that Negra turns 50 this year. I believe she is resting up for the big celebration. Neggie remembers that J.B. made a promise to her and she is dreaming of the outcome. If my memory serves me, rolls will rain from the sky.
That’s why Tobin and I are watching closely.
Better than rolls! REAL cake! I wanna hear those squeaks so badly. I want that day for her. And if the staff wants an almond cake recipe (almonds, eggs, butter, sugar, lemon or orange) just let me know. I’d bake it for her if I could
In East Texas, Conroe area, we had several nights of 16 degrees last week….back in 1961, I had the pleasure of several nights of minus 50 on the Colorado continental divide at Leadville …..good ole United States Army training….
I trust that you were supplied with a government-issued blankets and mittens while bravely standing watch over the Continental Divide.