Chimp 5K-ish Weekend

The dread was for nothing. Great weekend. Great group of ladies. Lots of fun.

I got there last (by my design) so I got last pick of beds. I ended up on a cot in a loft area of an apartment over a garage. Very perfect for me. I was able to get up early, have tea, sit quietly ... all without disturbing anyone. I had enough privacy to settle any nerves about anything "embarrassing" stomach-wise (no problems on that end anyway).

The hike was amazing. Incredible views. Steep climbs (it was a workout). Lots of laughs and fun. Rain pulled out early so we had much better weather (still lots of mud).

Halfway to summit.

Steep!!

The start.

Views at the water stop

Everywhere is a rock garden

100 year old original cabin

Of course I got 2 books
from the LFL

VIP room in the cabin

Inspiration

Stopped in the local town for a drive-through and a drink.

Water for me. Didn't matter at all.

The private chef was a bust though. The food wasn't good and it was hella expensive, but it was still a fun night. I also "taught" the rock painting class.

Teacher mode lol

Some were happy.
Some were "forced."
HAHA

Chef dinner

A local country dog stopped by -- named Cowboy. He's a stray a local took in but he needs a vet visit for his eyes. He's the sweetest big boy.

That poor eye

Belly rubs

Joining the fun

Cowboy

The VIP Chimp sanctuary tour was incredible. Pictures are hard because of the metal window bars, but we had a great experience with them. One little fellow snuck up on us and banged the window so hard we screamed. He "laughed" and walked off. Another little one had a blanket and stayed at the window hand signaling us until she got bored. Chimps have the problem solving skills of an 8th grader and the emotional skills of a toddler. Smart and goofy.

One of the family houses.
All the chimps are retired from
research labs.

She had her blanket

A walk-by

Playing

95 chimps live here. Blank spaces
are for the 100+ waiting for the new
houses to finish.

Of course I'm super glad I said yes to the sleepover experience. I'm learning how to stretch myself each time I do something like this. It's okay to be "different" and be myself in a group. I can enjoy experiences that aren't only inside my box. 

Came home, planted the spring greens, unpacked, did wash and went to bed early. Car appointment is canceled today because I got a flat tire. Costco this morning for the fix (thanks hubby). I have a bunch of volunteer work today, grocery shopping and packing for an early start tomorrow. My aunt will drive over first thing and we'll be on the road by 8 o'clock. Rain forecasted -- dang. Hopefully, it'll clear up a little as the days go on.

Day 4 today. Next up is the Asheville trip -- switching gears hard today as I'm now a host, not a guest. I'm excited (and still a bit tired, but hopefully tonight will give me enough recovery).

Have a good Monday. Later gators.