March 15

The alarm awoke me at 0600. Jeff was in the bathroom, not good. He decided to not go today, due to needing close proximity to the bathroom.😞 I got ready and got two more waters – one for Jeff and one for me. At 0625, I went to the Jeep, finding Mamalaeeq and Prakash. I explained that it would only be me. They understood and we loaded up, leaving at 0633. Safari #5 commences.🙌

Prakash pointed out the Blue Whistling bird. Jeff and I had just noticed it last night as we were coming in from our last safari. It was actually purplish reflecting in the sunlight. We stopped at “Crocodile spot,” but nothing of note. So we moved on. Prakash then saw and pointed out some scarlet minivets, like 5-6 pairs flying around a tall tree. That red of the male is a stark contrast to the bright yellow of the female. With them both being so brilliantly, yet differently colored – you would not associate them as a pairing. Also saw many spotted deer, a few barking deer, and a sambar deer. No tiger sightings.

We arrived at the other end of the park, Dhikala Zone. I went in for breakfast: poha; omelet; three toast; and porridge, with much needed Coffee! (Mamalaeeq was paying for me before I could.) Anyway, it was good. When I finished I went out and saw the elephants in the river, and Mamalaeeq was there. He motioned to the Jeep. We loaded up and took off.
We did not get very far and some jeeps were stopped. A small group of elephants – five total, with one being a a very small, young calf – were drinking water out of the river. The four were very protective of the little one. The group moved a bit further on the far bank then turned to cross, fording the river, to come where we were!!! All the Jeeps positioned themselves, building a corridor of sorts, but all vying for the best picture taking spots. Anyway, the herd of elephants gladly used the promenade made for them. They were majestic as they crossed the road. I think of elephants as lumbering, but they were quiet and just seemed to flow across, except the baby, he was running to keep up. Once across, one of the group maybe a teenage boy, trumpeted as if to 'say', “I dare you to try to follow.” Way cool! 🐘🐘 By now it was close to nine so we moved on, heading our way back to camp.

Along the way back, no tigers! I saw more deer, of course. They are very prolific in the park. Prakash and I talked some. I explained some about Jeff and I, retired and what we used to do for employment. He said he lost his dad due to COVID. Anyway, both he and Mamalaeeq are older (50's and 40's respectively). I noticed Prakash's binoculars harness is brand “safaribuff”. I was going to say something about them and thank him for letting us use them, but he an Mamalaeeq started talking. I just absorbed some of my last views of this forest. Being here has helped me rekindle some feelings for India. We did stop at another potential tiger sighting for the mom and cubs. No luck! I wanted to see more but was having mixed emotions, since Jeff could not experience it with me.

Anyway, we arrived back at the resort at 1030. Mamalaeeq said be ready by 1100 to leave so I went to get Jeff ready to go. Thankfully, he was outside enjoying the sunshine. He said that it was good he did not go out, still needing bathroom! We readied and went to pay, but Mamalaeeq was paying??? Jeff was sure that the meals were not included. We went to load up in the Jeep, but Mamalaeeq was fixing it again! Jeff gave Prakash a tip and we thanked him. We loaded up and left. Taking in some last views of the park, … and we saw tigers (still unreal, but doing a happy dance). Then arrived at the gate. Mamalaeeq took care of the exiting and got us back on the main road, with the traffic and horn blaring, that is more the India we know.

Mamalaeeq dropped us off at the Zostal Hostel. Jeff tipped him and we thanked him. Officially, now the safari is over😢😭!! We checked in to the hostel, were given the same room, and unloaded. Jeff went to get some food (he has not eaten yet today. He is still peaked, but able to eat is good. I washed our hats, then started on the blogs. This took up the rest of the day! Jeff laid down napping off and on.

We went to supper around five-ish. Jeff ordered pasta with cream sauce, but two bites in he had to leave! I had garlic noodles and french fries. I could not even finish mine – did not even try his. Back at our room, I blogged more. Jeff went to sleep by 2030. I went down by 2230.

So glad we did this safari!! So blessed to have seen so much at Jim Corbett National Park! But seeing tigers in the wild that is just impressive!!!🐯🐅