In the Jungle for Breakfast

Today started with the alarm at 4:45 A.M. With a splash of cold water on the face I was instantly wide awake. The moon was bright in the sky and the stars were bright, also. The group of 12 men pulled out at 5:00 A.M. to go down to the jungle for breakfast. The "jungle" is more like a forest area which is also a wildlife preserve.


As we drove down the mountain, The Western Ghats, we did 36 hair-pin bends and lost about 1000 meters elevation. We watched dawn break over the mountains as the color crept across the sky. Taking pictures was out of the question as we bounced our way along.


At a pre-chosen location we pulled off the road and into the bush "jungle". A short walk with our food and water containers and we were walking through elephant droppings. Those who knew what to do felt the droppings which were cool to the touch - less than 48 hours old. As we walked through the bamboo underbrush we could see 5 - 7 cm diameter branches which had been snapped like kindling wood. Arriving at the rivers edge we set up the 2 burners and proceeded to cook breakfast of scrambled eggs and sausages with bread and butter. The tea was made in the pot of boiling water. With monkeys jumping in the trees over our heads we enjoyed breakfast. Following breakfast we had a short Bible study and then a walk through the bush.


In addition to the monkeys we saw peacocks and some buffalo.


The trip back was up the 36 hair-pin bends. The two-lane road looked more like a country road rather than part of the National Highway. This time we were able to really enjoy the view as the sun was up and the temperature had risen. It was at least 10 degrees warmer down in the jungle. A wonderful experience even if no elephants were seen.