part XI SAFARI Day 1 Ranthambore

We had three safaris booked - twice on Sunday, morning and evening, then Monday morning. We were pretty excited for the chance to see tigers in their natural habitat. I had read in the paper that Ranthambore was not really the best place to see a tiger, but the travel agent had assured us the odds were not too bad. We waited outside the gate of our hotel complex to be picked up in a cantor vehicle. We sat right at the back which seemed like a good idea until we realized how incredibly ROUGH the ride was! We were bounced around like crazy! And by the time we wanted to move, the seats were full and we were stuck.


We rode around, picking up other riders at a variety of different hotels and resorts, then entered the National Park.

Right away we saw deer - lots of deer.

And then we saw monkeys, lots of monkeys.


Monkeys on the ground, monkeys in the trees. Monkeys with babies, and some with knobby knees. OK not really but I wax Seussian for a second.
A little bit farther (bump, bump, bump) and we came to the "walking tree". These trees put new roots down and shift around. I read how far and how fast but now I can't find my source. They sure look weird.

We had a great time, but unfortunately did NOT see a tiger.

The cantor ride was like a roller coaster and it was fun. The best part was when we got to an area with some tents and jeeps - I think the ranger station - and they asked if anyone needed to go to the bathroom. We looked around - no bathrooms and I realize what they really mean is you can find a tree to use, and now is your chance. A couple men got off, but no women. Surprise. While we waited here, under a tree, the birds started coming around. I am not sure who started it but pretty soon everybody was feeding them anything we could find. It was so cool! They would land right on your hand.

This crazy tree was way up on the side of the hill but had sent its roots waaaay down. Thirsty, I guess.

On the way home, dropping off some people at a really swanky place in the middle of nowhere.

We had a bit of fun with the Steve Irwin impersonation thing - we were all doing it! I had intended of course to have several installments of the show, but alas, it was not to be.