This morning we loaded onto a open backed truck for the ride to Chitwan National Park and our elephant safari. We were loaded up four onto one elephant, plus the driver. Since we were 9, I was the odd man out and I rode with a honeymooning couple from India. The safari last about one and a half hours, and we saw several deer, a peacock and a mother and baby Asian rhinoceros! That was unexpected and very cool.
When we got back to the hotel, there were four more elephants and their trainers waiting for us to take them to the nearby river and wash them! We spent an hour wading in the river washing them, rubbing them down with smooth stones, sitting on their backs and being hosed down by them and falling off into the river! A lot of fun! While there I also saw some children fishing and playing in the river.
Then we ordered lunch and we had time to sort photos. After lunch we board another truck for the ride back to the park and the river that separates the park from the farm land. Eleven of us, eight tourists, two guides and a paddler, went for a dugout canoe ride down the river, looking for wildlife. We saw a number of birds, including three types of kingfisher, black ibis, greater egrets, and a stork, and we also saw a crocodile.
Eventually we landed and we for a walk through the forest. We saw a few deer and a couple of termite mounds, but no sign of any large or dangerous animals. The path led us to the elephant breeding compound where there were about twenty elephants of varying ages.
The weather had started out sunny and very warm, but during the afternoon it had clouded over, gotten darker and we could hear thunder in the distance. Now, it started to rain. So we made a hasty exit and had to cross a wooden log bridge. There was a sudden flash and instantly a loud clap of thunder. I don't know what it hit, but it was really close! We ran to the truck, which was uncovered and they drove us as quickly as possible back to the lodge. We got quite wet.
After dinner we took a local bus, that came especially for us because of the rain, to a local community hall to see a demonstration of Thura cultural dancing. It was all men and they performed with one drummer and used sticks in a choreographed dance striking each other's stick.
Then we went back to the lodge again and as everyone was going to bed, Anil invited me to share a beer (or two). We sat with another Nepalese guide, who was travelling with another GAP tour and talked about travel and their lives. We were joined by a 21 year old Dutch traveller who is on a five month round the world trip. Good evening, bed by 11:00.
Hey Joe! Cool elephants!
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