On Monday morning, the trio drove to the waterfront and shortly after arriving found Tim standing on the dock next to a ferry boat. "So wonderful to see you all! Now, just set your bags down and the crew will take them down to the luggage area. If you'll all just follow me, we'll be departing shortly."
Natalie looked out across the ocean glumly. "Well, I suppose now starts our new life together, huh, Stew?" Natalie asked nervously. "Hey, I know you're gonna miss San Diego, but just think of what we'll accomplish on that Island. We'll have each other, and that's all that matters now." Stew replied in a comforting voice. "Don't forget your Big Sister's going to be there with you!" Amy chimed in. "That's actually what I'm afraid of!" Natalie said with a laugh.
The three were interrupted when Tim walked in. He sat down across from them and pulled out a map. "Here's a map of the island that we're providing. As you can see, there's plenty of space for the animals to roam around." "Sorry to interrupt, sir, but where are all of our specimens, exactly?" Amy asked. "Don't worry, Amy, we're bringing them via boat and air lift after we've gotten you three safely on the island. Now, going on, here's the valley where you'll most likely want to set up your base. There's a lot of forest to work around, though, so hopefully you'll be able to work something out." Just then a crew member came down the steps. "Mr. Murphy, the board would like to speak with you briefly." "If you'll all excuse me; I must go meet with the board members."
Shortly after that, Natalie spoke up. "I think I have an idea as to how we could make a base." Natalie said. "Oh yeah, and what's that?" Amy asked. "We could build a treehouse." Natalie replied. "That's actually not a bad idea. That would help protect us from predators and also allow us to stay out of the animals' way." Stew said. The three then began to further discussed how the treehouse would be set up.
A few hours later, the captain's voice came over the speaker: "We are now docking on the island."
Tim and the crew then helped transport them to the far end of the valley. "Well", Tim said, "Here's the area where your base of operations should be set up. Will this fit your needs?" The group quickly surveyed the area around them. The part of the valley they were in was quite wide, and there was lots of trees and other foliage, along with a few small waterfalls which connected to one main river. The three then talked it over for a moment and quickly reached a verdict. "We think this would be just right for what we have in mind." Amy replied. "Splendid!" Tim said. "Just tell me your idea and I'll provide all the supplies needed."
Once all the supplies and animal specimens had been delivered, Tim wished the group best of luck with their new endeavor and then headed off with the crew back to the boat.
Over the next few weeks, the trio constructed their treehouse in the canopy of the treetops that were scattered among the valley. The Treehouse was comprised of four main sections. The first area included a kitchen/dining area for eating and resting. The second was used for working and experimenting. The third was a separate area that branched off from the main compartment which housed Amy's bedroom. The forth area was the highest section and contained Natalie & Stew's bedroom. There was also a walkway that went around the main section of the treehouse as well as a small balcony that connected to Natalie & Stew's bedroom. Stew soon proceeded to set up cameras all across the island so the different species could be tracked. The animal tracking was done on a computer in the main area. Tim and the rest of the board would check in once a week or so to receive a progress report, and everyone was very impressed with the results of the research.
So far, everything was going as planned. But this would not last long.