Thursday, July 14, 2011

Jungle Safari

A 5:30 am wakeup call, tea and coffee with a view, and then at 6:00 am it was time for our adventure into the jungle.

The elephants crossed the river ahead of us.

While we were transported by canoe.

Chitwan National Park was declared a National Park in 1973 and designated as a World Heritage Site in November of 1984.

It is home of the last Nepalese population of endangered one-horned Asian rhinoceros which we were privileged to see.

We also saw deer ...

a beautiful butterfly ...

an owl ...

kingfisher ...

an eagle ...

and the footprint of a Bengal tiger but not the tiger itself.

There was nearly a constant drizzle the entire time we were on the jungle walk.

It was so enlightening to see how the elephants navigate their way through the forest and grassland.

Getting on and off the elephants was a feat in itself. Zack literally threw himself off both times we rode.



Our first outing with the elephants ended mid-morning.

Back at the lodge we were able to have a refreshment and then rest a bit before lunch and our next acvtivities which included an ox & cart ride to visit a Tharu village, canoe ride to a crocodile breeding center and a final jungle walk.

We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open. (Jawaharlal Nehru, Indian Prime Minister, 1889-1964)

Have a terrific Thursday! Friendship blessings, Tammy
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28 comments:

  1. Karen @ Pieces of ContentmentJuly 14, 2011 at 2:06 PM

    I have friends who have worked amongst the Tharu. How was your visit to the village?
    Hot monsoonal summer days I guess.

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  2. TannaJuly 14, 2011 at 2:34 PM

    Your life is exotic and exciting, Tammy!! Thank you for sharing it with those of us who live a much more mundane existence!! Wow! Just wow! That tiger's footprint was huge! blessings ~ tanna

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  3. AnonymousJuly 14, 2011 at 2:37 PM

    You have adventures that most of us only experience via the arm chair!! Thank you so much for bringing your world a little closer...
    Have a Great Day!
    Marilyn

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  4. RuthJuly 14, 2011 at 2:47 PM

    Brilliant photos! They make me want to go on lots of adventures!

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  5. PamJuly 14, 2011 at 4:56 PM

    Thanks for sharing these great photos of your jungle safari. You sure select great places for your vacations. You are creating great memories for the boys and your family.

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  6. SusanJuly 14, 2011 at 5:01 PM

    OMG! Wowsers, Tammy. That was quite an excursion. Looked fascinating. Was it hot? You are seeing so much of the world and so is the rest of your family. That is so awesome. Thanks for sharing. Susan

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  7. LibbieJuly 14, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    WOW!!! Make our shark attack look pretty lame ;) This is amazing Tammy! What a life you giving those boys!!! I am just smiling thinking of what an amazing adventure you have taken! You are so brave & such an amazing Momma!!! I can't even imagine my family on elephants...maybe someday :)

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  8. LibbieJuly 14, 2011 at 5:02 PM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  9. LindaJuly 14, 2011 at 5:29 PM

    I can't imagine doing any of this - riding on elephants! WOW :) Enjoying reading about your trip and seeing the awesome pictures.

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  10. Brandy MarieJuly 14, 2011 at 5:30 PM

    Wow! That is definetly a safari to remember. I love all animals. Especially the gorgeous butterfly. Thank you for sharing your incredible adventure with us. _B

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  11. Mariette's Back to BasicsJuly 14, 2011 at 6:03 PM

    Dearest Tammy,

    Wow, how much I would have loved to be there with all of you! Great safari and it paid off in many ways; rain or shine - for you, coming from the dessert even that was a treat!

    Lots of love,

    Mariette

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  12. Heather - The Good LifeJuly 14, 2011 at 6:19 PM

    Tammy what fun! And, think of the memories you are making for your sons. Days to look back on fondly and treasure.

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  13. elizabethJuly 14, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Totally incredible!

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  14. La Tea DahJuly 14, 2011 at 7:04 PM

    Wow, what an amazing adventure! I would love to ride on an elephant!

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  15. Barbara JeanJuly 14, 2011 at 7:49 PM

    Oh so fun Tammy!
    thanks for taking us with you

    blessings
    barbara jean

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  16. RizziJuly 14, 2011 at 7:54 PM

    WHAT A VACATION, IT IS FANTASTIC, ALL THE ACTIVITIES YOU DID, THEY WERE SO EXCITING....AND I THOUGHT GOING TO THE BEACH WAS A BIG DEAL. TAMMY, I HOPE YOU HAVE SCRAPBOOKS YOU ARE KEEPING OF ALL YOUR VACATIONS. TAKE CARE....
    RIZZI

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  17. GwendolynKayJuly 14, 2011 at 7:59 PM

    Hey chicky,
    What a day! Getting up that early .... I would have had to miss it all. You know I am not a morning person. Love the elephant rides. Zack does not look happy in that boat. I am wondering if he is having "bug" issues....
    Lots of love!

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  18. Ms.DaisyJuly 14, 2011 at 8:48 PM

    Wow Tammy! What an exciting trip into the jungle and riding on elephants no less. I love it and I'm sure you and your bogs enjoyed it very much!


    ~Jean

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  19. Serena LewisJuly 14, 2011 at 10:45 PM

    Tammy, I'm really enjoying the pics and details of your adventure. What a wonderful experience to look back on.

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  20. LuLu KelloggJuly 14, 2011 at 11:26 PM

    What a fabulous vacation Tammy and so wonderful that your boys get to see all this!!

    Love,
    LuLu~*xoxo

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  21. crochet ladyJuly 15, 2011 at 12:34 AM

    I am sure this is an outing your family will remember! I think I would be a tad bit uneasy about riding atop an elephant :)

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  22. DianeJuly 15, 2011 at 3:08 AM

    So far removed from our way of life here in Wyoming. The elephants are beautiful and wondrous animals. Thanks for sharing Tammy.

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  23. glorJuly 15, 2011 at 5:56 AM

    I am in awe! Not only do you experience things I can hardly imagine, but I think you are quite brave. Not sure I could ride on the elephant and yet was an opportunity. Again, thank you for sharing such a part of the world that I could only see through yours. Continued joy and blessings through your trip.

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  24. ★Carol★July 15, 2011 at 7:43 AM

    I can only imagine how exciting that adventure was! You know that most of us are never going to get to ride an elephant, so this is a real thrill. Thank you so much for sharing it all with us!

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  25. Simple HomeJuly 15, 2011 at 7:57 AM

    I'm still catching up on my blog reading, and have thoroughly enjoyed seeing all the photos from your last few posts about your visit to Nepal. I've heard there is extreme poverty there (as you mentioned) but your photos show extreme beauty too!
    Blessings,
    Marcia

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  26. VickiJuly 15, 2011 at 9:49 PM

    Wow, what an exciting life you guys have. That Bengal tiger paw print gave me chills.

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  27. the old white houseJuly 15, 2011 at 11:20 PM

    amazing! What a wonderful trip full of memories you all had. t.xooxoxoxoox

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  28. Sandi~A Cottage MuseJuly 16, 2011 at 3:44 PM

    What a wonderful adventure! I think I would be scared to ride an elephant!

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