Last week we had fun learning about monkeys while we rowed Caps for Sale. We’ve read this book at least a hundred times over the course of the last few years, but still had so much fun with it. We were lucky enough to live within a short drive of Austria’s Monkey Mountain.
The park is a protected area where approximately 160 Japanese macaque monkeys are able to run freely. They are so entertaining and I could’ve spent all day watching them (as long as they don’t get too close).
From the parking lot, we had to cross a large pond. We heard frogs and saw a few jumping amongst the lily pads. Poor Benjamin kneeled into some type of stinging plant and his leg hurt for a while. Luckily we found a water pump and the cold water relieved a bit of the pain.
I’m not sure what kind of stinging metal this was, but his leg was pretty inflamed for a bit.
It was a beautiful overcast day — perfect for watching mischievous mimicking monkeys gallivanting around their environment. The monkeys are free to run around and get so close that you could touch them. Of course they ask you not to… and who want to anyway? Monkeys are mean!
I’m glad he wasn’t begging at my leg. This was an employee, but I did spy a few monkeys doing this to visitors at different times.
Isn’t this mama and baby the cutest??? The way she doted on him was so sweet.
It was a joy to watch them frolicking around the forest.
We watched them dive for treats in the pond.
And do balancing acts on their “tight ropes”.
This monkey climbed the tree to use the bathroom. So glad we weren’t standing right under, though this proved to be the kids favorite moment of the entire experience! Ha! I suppose they do not take my “potty humor” lectures to heart.
Of course we couldn’t get out of there without a couple of pet monkeys.
Such a pretty spring day.
Next to monkey mountain was a castle and bird refuge. We started the hike and were greeted with glorious views of the Austrian countryside.
Now for the bummer… right when they got there the employees rattled off an announcement in german. We realized after the fact that they were announcing the last bird show of the day. We missed the bird show, but enjoyed these guys flying around overhead nonetheless.
We made up for missing the bird show by finding a horsey to ride — made Clara’s day! Yeehaw!
I guess this is the sign of a good day. Both kids were passed out within a few minutes of heading for home. So precious… I love these babies.
Next up… I’m finally getting around to our last week of school.
