Monday 14th April 2025

Thunderstorms and rain overnight changed conditions, in that it felt almost chilly this morning, at least before dawn as we gathered in reception before climbing on the jeeps.

We have no say on which of the three main routes there are in the park, so it was a tad disappointing to be sent onto route 1 for the third time,

After collecting our guide, we entered the park abut the 20th vehicle, and most of us made way to the lake again.

But there was no tiger action there.

After driving for twenty more minutes, we turned round, nd arrived at a spot about 1Km from the lake where a female had killed a deer and she and her three cubs were having a fest as a murder of crows looked on.

Sadly for us, the action was taking place in a gully, just about 100% out of sight.

We waited.

Hoping they would eat their fill and go for a watch rather than fall asleep.

We got a glimpse of the female's back as they moved, but they vanished from view never to return to sight again that morning.

After taking an hour to the site, having breakfast and driving back, and hour had passed. And down by the lake, a Changeable hawk-eagle was in a three nearest the track. We all got shots, found a place to turn round, then headed back to the gate, arriving back at twenty to eleven.

Delhi belly is going round, affecting about four of the 13 members of the tour. Although, so far, Jools and I are fine, living off a mostly vegetarian diet.

So, lunch was sparsely attended, and for a change I had pasta, which was OK.

We then had two hours to kill before the last safari here at Pench.

Little by little my aches and pains are getting easier, and we are also getting used to the heat, mostly. The cloud and rain of the morning was replaced by sunshine, which pushed the temperature and humidity right up.

Into the jeeps for the three KM run to the gate, then sit around in the sun until three, when we were all allowed to enter.

For a change we went on route 2 rather than 1, so something new, but the heat was keeping the mammals, especially the tigers laid up somewhere shady.

For two and a half hours we went round and round, up and down, but apart from the usuals, nothing seen.

So, sadly at half six we made our way to the gate, and then back to the resort for an hour's relaxation before our final dinner here.

And there will be beer.