Illustrator Type along object edge.

[Stacy]

HI, Im having an issue in illustrator and was hoping someone here might have the answer.
I'll explain exactly what i'm doing as I'm think I may be getting confused between paths and objects.

I downloaded a free vector image of a tree and have it set the way I would like, I'd now like to have some words 'sitting' on the branches. If I select the tree it becomes outlined in blue with the anchors ect. Now I assumed that was the 'path'. However if I try to type along the branch using the 'Type along a Path' tool it will not allow me to and gives me the message 'You must click on a non-compound, non-masking path to create text along a path."
I've read up on non-compound and non-masking paths and can't see a way to use these to write along but i'm not sure if I'm understanding correctly.
Currently I am drawing a path freehand along the branches to give me a path to type along but my freehand skills arn't up to much Does anyone have any suggestions as to another approach?
Thank you in advance
Stacy

 

[hawkeye]

As you found out you can't put text on a compound path. But if you duplicate the object and fill in the area that makes it compound, then you can type on the path. After that it's simply a matter of placing one object over the other.

 

[Stacy]

You Sir, are an Angel! Thank you so much!!

 

[hawkeye]

You can also use Object-Compound Path-Release.