On Saturday the 11th of June 2011 I updated my facebook status speaking of a small get together with lots of food n wine with my group. Perhaps the Old Monk's philosophy, the Shark tooth's aggression and Kingfisher's hoverings gave me a smoothy kick which made my sleep a blank one. I did'nt see any dream, and possibly I did'nt twist or turn in my bed since I found myself in the same precise position I fell on bed the last night.
The monsoons just got kick-started and the rains are lovely and as usual unpredictable. I had already planned for a long bike ride to the nearby city of Karwar, which happened to be my second home for a long time since I joined service. But early morning when my alarm scrambled my frequencies the first question shot through my mind was "should I sleep here or start moving?". Laziness do take precedence over my actions ( I think its the same for many!), but not this Sunday morning. I could hear the rain blasting off the roof sheets reminding of a hard-core metal band's performance. So, the 'Rules-of-Engagement' in the morning were clearly followed, that to engage your body for an action you need to snooze your alarm for another 30 minutes.
So by around 7 o'clock I got ready, with the most humble looking wear, which could clearly merge into the crowd rather than stand out. Grabbed my raincoat, revved my bike and started. It was still raining, but did'nt care to stop and had no plans to stop either. I had a few motives behind this trip, the first one is to visit a temple at Karwar, then meet my buddies , deliver a painting to my senior at his home (surprise), meet an old ship-mate's baby and kiss his feet, get a carton of cigs and above all photography of the Eucalyptus forest in the NH-17 between Madgaon and Canacona.
From the beginning I was doubtful about clicking , as the rain was not at all in a mood to stop. I am confident with my bike and clear about my navigation, the only fear factor was the worn out rear tyre. So the thought of the rear tyre ( or a possible worst cast scenario) was enough to shake my nervous highway to full action. So the mandate for the journey was set -"ride slow, safe and patience".
After crossing the first set of hills, south of madgaon, which stood with a miniature majestic look with rain clouds brushing off (reminded my kitty rubbing against me with her tail!) and refusing to move off was a lovely scene. Since one has to freedom to talk anything -inside the helmet- I shot the words "Oh yeahhhh!!" . I dont know why, but (I'm making it a point that) I guess the monsoon season is something which creats a "suicidal tendency" to those simple creatures; since I came across at least a couple of dogs, cats, frogs and snakes--charred on the road. " Poor things...R.I.P" was a soliloquy for them.
The rains are still on, and due to some 'technical' problem my rain coat was leaking. I never came to know till I found that my lower part has gone partially numb, since the seepage has soaked my lowers and yes my inners. A mere feeling when you press the "pause" button, but your surroundings are moving at a good speed and not you! I crossed the Eucaluptus forest, but could'nt take out my camera due to heavy downpour. The best I could do was to slow down a bit and enjoy the view, and wished the rains stopped for a few minutes. The scene was awesome....the mist is still floating, the sunlight filtered by the clouds, gave an excellent leap in space. The semi naked barks of the trees were making an impression like some kids wearing t-shirts with fluorescent writings.
One good thing I noticed through out the ride was, a serene sense of freedom as there were very less vehicles I encountered. Over-riding the numbness down below(!!) and the occasional shivers and sharp chills I kept moving forward. I reached Karwar by around 9, had a humble breakfast of 2-feet paper roast and large strong coffee from my favourite restaurant.
By around 4 I completed my check off list and headed back, this time I had a company of two of my sweeties, Muthu and Mithun. They'd been my company, and partners in crime for the last two years and escorted me upto Canacona as they'd plans for Palolem. So my photo sessions were on the return leg and yes I joined them at Palolem. I had to break my vow of carrying out a "Detox-Sunday" and mugged some fried fish, beer and some smoke! Nevertheless...its for my henchmen...so ..anything for them. Started my journey back, reached Vasco by around 9, freshened up and back to bed. The mere thought that flashed through my mind before I called it a day, was travelling, it might be a short one ; is not about sight seeing...... it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. ....... Amen!
The monsoons just got kick-started and the rains are lovely and as usual unpredictable. I had already planned for a long bike ride to the nearby city of Karwar, which happened to be my second home for a long time since I joined service. But early morning when my alarm scrambled my frequencies the first question shot through my mind was "should I sleep here or start moving?". Laziness do take precedence over my actions ( I think its the same for many!), but not this Sunday morning. I could hear the rain blasting off the roof sheets reminding of a hard-core metal band's performance. So, the 'Rules-of-Engagement' in the morning were clearly followed, that to engage your body for an action you need to snooze your alarm for another 30 minutes.
So by around 7 o'clock I got ready, with the most humble looking wear, which could clearly merge into the crowd rather than stand out. Grabbed my raincoat, revved my bike and started. It was still raining, but did'nt care to stop and had no plans to stop either. I had a few motives behind this trip, the first one is to visit a temple at Karwar, then meet my buddies , deliver a painting to my senior at his home (surprise), meet an old ship-mate's baby and kiss his feet, get a carton of cigs and above all photography of the Eucalyptus forest in the NH-17 between Madgaon and Canacona.
After crossing the first set of hills, south of madgaon, which stood with a miniature majestic look with rain clouds brushing off (reminded my kitty rubbing against me with her tail!) and refusing to move off was a lovely scene. Since one has to freedom to talk anything -inside the helmet- I shot the words "Oh yeahhhh!!" . I dont know why, but (I'm making it a point that) I guess the monsoon season is something which creats a "suicidal tendency" to those simple creatures; since I came across at least a couple of dogs, cats, frogs and snakes--charred on the road. " Poor things...R.I.P" was a soliloquy for them.
The rains are still on, and due to some 'technical' problem my rain coat was leaking. I never came to know till I found that my lower part has gone partially numb, since the seepage has soaked my lowers and yes my inners. A mere feeling when you press the "pause" button, but your surroundings are moving at a good speed and not you! I crossed the Eucaluptus forest, but could'nt take out my camera due to heavy downpour. The best I could do was to slow down a bit and enjoy the view, and wished the rains stopped for a few minutes. The scene was awesome....the mist is still floating, the sunlight filtered by the clouds, gave an excellent leap in space. The semi naked barks of the trees were making an impression like some kids wearing t-shirts with fluorescent writings.
One good thing I noticed through out the ride was, a serene sense of freedom as there were very less vehicles I encountered. Over-riding the numbness down below(!!) and the occasional shivers and sharp chills I kept moving forward. I reached Karwar by around 9, had a humble breakfast of 2-feet paper roast and large strong coffee from my favourite restaurant.
By around 4 I completed my check off list and headed back, this time I had a company of two of my sweeties, Muthu and Mithun. They'd been my company, and partners in crime for the last two years and escorted me upto Canacona as they'd plans for Palolem. So my photo sessions were on the return leg and yes I joined them at Palolem. I had to break my vow of carrying out a "Detox-Sunday" and mugged some fried fish, beer and some smoke! Nevertheless...its for my henchmen...so ..anything for them. Started my journey back, reached Vasco by around 9, freshened up and back to bed. The mere thought that flashed through my mind before I called it a day, was travelling, it might be a short one ; is not about sight seeing...... it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living. ....... Amen!
