I thought this time I knew what kind of adventures to expect while taking part as a volunteer in the Tiger / Panther Census 2001 at Corbett National Park. Even though I had the past experience of a similar involvement in the year 1999, I couldn't have been further from the truth ! The unexpected began raining on me from the very outset. All the other three, who were meant to be accompanying me, dropped out one by one. I was going alone this time!

An extremely important correction !!

I realised this would be my first trip alone to Corbett Tiger Reserve. I had been to other places alone, but it was the first solo trip to this area. I wondered what the feeling would be like - driving through the park, camera in lap, coming across all kinds of animals on your own. Suddenly a vision appeared before my eyes that shook me out of my trance. It was of a huge tusker tearing down at me! Corbett Park was my favourite place for elephants and even though I was going for the tiger census, I was most looking forward to the jumbos. There was a little bit of sweat that trickled down the brow as I tried to imagine my reactions on driving around a corner alone and coming face to face with an equally alarmed tusker. Would I scoot or would I shoot!? I tried convincing myself that I would definitely stay and shoot a couple of snaps while I gauged his actions. Finally, I gave up and left it to fate.

It was a trip absolutely packed with adventure, excitement, learning, happiness and also some tragedy. Read on as I try and take you along on my roller coaster ride, hoping to be able to make you experience exactly what I felt and exactly what I saw. Let your imagination soar as you move on.......