I followed the chimps up the hill this morning as they made their way to the wooded area. Burrito followed Jody closely as they made their way through the gully and up along the fence line.
Foxie was not far behind.
Missy, of course, had made it to the top before anyone even noticed she was gone.
When we arrived at the top, Burrito appeared determined. He may not be ready to climb a tree just yet, but he was going to do something adventurous. He climbed past Missy and went to the roof of Carlene’s Tower.
From there, he took in the view of the Yakima River and the distant town of Cle Elum.
But then he was off to do other things, like climbing the log pile with Jamie.
The group returned to the greenhouse. Jody brought with her a piece of pine bark with scars form the Taylor Bridge Fire and what look like holes from a woodpecker.
Throughout the morning, the group (minus Negra, of course, who remained in her cozy nest) would continue to make trips up to the pines. Annie is still wearing her waist band, as you can see.
After lunch, Jamie brought her sweet potatoes for a picnic and took some time to inspect the insect and chainsaw markings on the logs.
On their fourth trip up, it was clear that Burrito was not slowing down. Missy chased him across the log bridges and nearly captured his toes.
Next time, Missy.
They stopped to rest together.
In the original side of the building, there’s a small interior room called Front Room 4 that has a view into the kitchen and foyer, where we work throughout the afternoon. Burrito has learned that if he tries hard enough to get our attention, the humans can’t concentrate and must abandon their attempts to write the blog.
And so long as you’re not doing anything, you might as well take a walk with Burrito, right? Great! He’ll meet you outside then.
He waits for you to arrive, and then he’s off to the top of the hill once more.
Linda C says
I wonder if the residents of Cle Elum ever spy aglimpse of a chimp on top of a structure….
Thanks, JB.
Linda C says
Oh, and can we hope that Annie’s reveal of summer styles during the winter for the first time ever is a harbinger of an early spring?
tomaustin says
they are raring to get the doors open all day….come and go…grab lunch…back to the free world…snooze in the sun…back for a snack…gone again…..
will be nice to see the other enclosure get completed….:laughing:
Judy says
Great blog and photos J.B. Thanks 🙂
Kathleen says
Oh J.B., how wonderful does it make you feel to see everyone enjoying your creative planning and hard work?! The expanded Young’s Hill calls to them all. Jody discovers prehistoric looking logs, Foxie brings her colorful friends, Missy climbs to heights and Burrito is inspired to climb even higher. Annie dresses up (a season early!) to patrol the grounds. And everyone has to be inspired by the spectacular view. It’s so exciting I can see why Burrito wants to head head out again and again.
Kim Harris says
Always love your posts, JB, whether they are insightful, educational, or full of love. And we all know that Bubba has you wrapped all arouund his fingers (and toes!) and that he doesn’t have to work too hard to get you to play or walk wih him. Life is always better when you have Burrito to share it with you.
Marya says
Thanks for this great post, JB! It’s certainly a harbinger of spring with everyone’s activities. One of my fave’s is Missy grabbing for Bubba’s toes — what an amazing shot! And of course, Annie and her waistband always gets me. Well, they all do, of course! It’s wonderful they can have outdoor adventures they clearly enjoy so much. I’m looking forward to Jamie chasing the Gator not too long from now.