Nearly hidden among the lush jungle oasis, a female Bengal tiger passes the morning with a cooling dip. Water holes are the lifeblood of the jungle, especially in the season preceding the monsoon, when scorching heat takes over much of the Indian subcontinent. Chital, langhur monkeys, and even peacocks visit the water hole throughout the day, hoping not to encounter a lone tiger languishing in this cool, dark place. Journal April 30, 1998: "After bushwacking through the bamboo on elephant back, we realized Sita's female cub was headed toward the pond at the base of the mountain. We crossed to the far side and waited. Five minutes later she appeared at the water's edge. With her right paw, she gingerly tapped the surface as if to test the temperature then slowly waded into the dark water."