Three Misses and a Homerun

I have just returned from Jim Corbett National Reserve today and returned ecstatic.My experience there was unforgettable.I set out on a jeep with the guides to track a tiger.After only 5 odd kilometres,we witnessed several other jeeps in a group.On enquiring,we got to know that there was a tiger hiding in the thick bushes a few metres away.Even with the most eager eyes binoculars and cameras,nobody could spot it.After spending half an hour or so there we decided to move on.We had only managed to move baout a kilometre when there was another clutter of jeeps,there we were told that we had just missed another tiger by only 5 seconds.We decided to drive further along and heard a roar from the north direction,we drove a few hundred meters ahead and parked the jeep.We started to scan the bushes for another half an hour or so but to no avail.At that point,I seriously thought that the guide was playing us fools.We were standing at a spot all alone and there were no jeeps closeby.There was a clutter of jeeps and one of my friends suggested we move there.But the guide was adamant.I felt that the safari was over there and then.But just then,I heard the words 'Woh dekho tiger !'. Instinctively,I stared in the direction and my eyes simply got stuck at that magnificent beast.We drove to about 20 metres from it.The camouflage was simply spectacular.I managed to get hold of it again after few seconds.We managed to stay there for about 30 minutes in the company of the tiger.The guide made sure that we were fully satiated and left the park without remorse,so he extended the time duration till the tiger was there.The tiger vanished after into the woods and we decide to move back.The ride back was very quiet,I think we were all overwhelmed.We bid farewell to the guide and proceeded to move back to the resort.The ride was exhilirating,nothing like driving full throttle in an open jeep on an empty road surrounded by pines.Back at the resort,I decided to get myself a momento to remind me of the place.But I soon realised that I didn't need any, that experience would remain with me always.....