Today was our chimp tracking day. We were too many to do our trips together so we went out in early a.m. and noontime teams. Both groups met with wild success (get it?)! Many of us were shadowed by baboons immediately as we got off the bus. Heading into the forest, guides typically would halt us to listen for the chimp families calling to each other. All of us eventually found families who noticed us but were otherwise disinterested - sort of like us when a squirrel skitters by. At one point, all noise and hell broke loose as chimps began jumping up and down, flying up trees, all pointing in the same direction; "They've spotted a monkey and are now on the hunt," our guide said. Some chimps sprinted right past us on all sides towards the quarry, others leapt from tree to tree faster than any of us could have run through the forest. In the end, they failed to corner their target, thankfully, as our guide described the 3 ways they typically kill their prey, and none of us was in the mood to witness any of those choices. Things fell silent, as the chimps were ready for their mid-morning nap. Some were still in the trees above us, and as a couple of us crept by, one decided it was time to descend. He slid down, making a racket all the while, then courteously waited while two of us got out of his landing spot. Kate Brewer, one of the two, turned and snapped a picture which we shall post soon. It is of a fully matured male from about 4 feet! This was an experience we will never forget.
In the evening, we were guests at Professor John Kassenene and his wife Lydia's home. Once again we were surprised when we entered the compound to see rows of chairs for local dignitaries. A dance troupe entertained for most of the evening, the food was good, and the local guests and our hosts were so gracious. Do not be surprised if we return to you on 7/12 with swelled heads. We recommend that you continue to treat us like royalty for several days, only gradually weaning us of adoration. Take your spouse out to dinner until at least 7/15, as we are now accustomed to having meals prepared for us. Forget about our doing the dishes for a bit longer. Do not ask us to do any errands or chores either until then. Children, we have become habituated to your kneeling before us (seriously, many do do this), so try this once or twice, at the airport even, to ease our re-entry.
On a more serious note, as we go further now into our second week, we are wistful for all of our loved ones. Here's to you for letting us go for such an experience, three cheers again for WEEFC, and we look forward to seeing you a week from Saturday.
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