The Road More Traveled
November 5, 2021 by J.B. -
Young’s Hill is not a very densely vegetated enclosure. Nevertheless, the chimps have developed a network of trails throughout its two acres.
You’d hardly think it necessary in such a wide open space. Perhaps it’s the dampness of the grass in spring or the potential dangers that lurk beneath in late summer. Leaving the trail often means walking bipedally, which is not a comfortable mode of long-distance travel for chimpanzees.
Most of the trails are single tracks, which is partly why you often see the chimps traveling in a long line.
Every once and a while, a trail veers around an “obstacle” such as this alfalfa plant, which had the gall to establish itself along one of the chimps well-traveled routes. In this case, the chimps follow two different detours. I can almost guarantee you that while some chimps go left and others go right, each individual chooses the same left or right detour every time. Creatures of habit, these chimps.
Jamie follows the trails religiously. In fact, she probably established most of the trails long ago through her disciplined daily patrols.
The chimps aren’t the only ones who prefer a well worn path. We humans do, obviously, but so do cows. This trail winds down a slope from just above Young’s Hill and the cows rarely stray from it when crossing between pastures. Switchbacks like this do serve a purpose, in that they reduce a trail’s grade. I often wonder if this particular squiggle was the most efficient way down the slope or if it began somewhat randomly and took on a life of its own.
The deer have created their own network of trails throughout the sanctuary’s 90 acres. One of their paths follows an old irrigation canal along the sanctuary’s western boundary.
Our dogs also like to follow these paths. It could be due to the scents left behind by the deer, but I think there’s more to it than that.
These trails begin for practical reasons – they are safer and less strenuous routes for cows traversing a slope, shortcuts for deer when leaving the relative safety of the woods to feast on pears from the sanctuary’s orchard, and territorial boundaries for chimpanzees. But eventually the trails themselves become the reason for traveling the route. They practically beg to be followed. Robert Frost notwithstanding, we tend to take the road more traveled.
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love what you have done with the place……………..
Very interesting, J.B.
Stunning photo of the deer family, JB!
May I ask who the “lefties” are? I’m guessing the HCIC is one
Linda, the lefties are the only ones in their right mind!! : ) lol
I always enjoy seeing the seven marching along the hard worn paths. I remember when you used to shovel snow paths, and I believe you mowed paths at one time too…correct? Jamie will have to blaze new trails once their new yard is created, perhaps you could share the blueprints with her so she can work on a plan over the winter.
As far as that little alfalfa plant goes, how is it Jody didn’t break it down, piece by piece, to snack on in the chimphouse? Seems it would make a yummy snack.
What a beautiful land you have. Pines and prairie and rivers and skies. Sanctuary.
Sitting behind my grandparent’s barn always felt like my own sanctuary. Although the land was flat you could look out at a field of corn or soybeans with a stand of trees in the distance. You felt like the only person in the world, which can be a wonderful feeling at times! Sadly, there were no cows around but boy do I miss those days.
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:heart_eyes:
I love the fact that each group blazes and follows their own trails. The safest and most efficient route – it’s ingenious.
I love the insight and yes i too love trails; they make the journey a much smoother one! Thanks for continuing to make our journey with your sanctuary a road most lovingly travelled!
Most Sincerely,
C
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Very thoughtful post, thank you!
This is so poetic and beautiful
Articlate, thoughtful, explanation about trails used by your Sanctuary’s, different, species. Very informative. Interesting topic. Glad that you made reference to Robert Frost’s, famous, line.
i enjoy all the blogs. i do. for whatever reason, JB has such a wonderful way with words. i wonder; often-if you studied creative writing as maybe a minor to your major i am assuming in Primatology? Youre very good with words and helping us lay people to understand the chimpanzee people. you give great insight as to what makes these sensient [sic] beings tic. thank you….
It seems to me that Diana and JB are big readers. Readers make good writers
JB what a great blog! It was such a different view of the Hill and surrounding area. it must have taken patience to take those pictures at just the right moment, or a lot of erasing. lol. i really enjoyed thd read too. Thank you.