A very positive last few days. Testing cameras just above and below 4000m in winter conditions taught several lessons. The middle finger on my right hand doesn't work that well right now. The need for thin gloves (or removal of gloves altogether) to work the switches on the cameras saw to that. But it's ok. It just means the cameras need bigger switches for bigger gloves. Lesson learnt.
The technology worked well, I'm really pleased. Still more testing to be done and some technical issues to sort out but progress is good. A fast trip down to 2500m yesterday and a set of cameras placed early this morning in a location which may yield the first images of forest leopard at this altitude means all tasks for now are complete. In a couple of days I'll drop further, will have a good signal and blog properly. I'll also be able to reply to messages, thank you so much for the support. For those who have ordered $5 Tigers, the images will be with you soon.
Some time spent with Ram Gurung at altitude confirmed the needles are well hidden in the haystack. Twenty-nine years living and working at 4000m and Ram has had just three brief sightings of the elusive mountain ghost. Snow leopards live here, we know that, there is plenty of evidence but no images. Many people say to me they hope I get a sighting but I explain that is not the goal. The goal is information so developing cameras that work efficiently in this area is the key.
This side of the mighty Annapurna mountains is an area of stunning beauty and amazing biodiversity but there are secrets, many secrets... the forest leopard, the snow leopard and maybe the mountain tiger are still to reveal theirs...
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