Joshimath II

Diary for 3rd October

Just realised that I have no way to download what I have put into this diary. Have to research again. Tried to backup content, and all I got was gibberish. More of that later.

Stayed at the resort the whole day. Did catching up on washing - clothes and car.

Had eggs and toast for breakfast with local oorga.

The weather was glorious till late afternoon. First the clouds came in, cutting of the sun. And then, the rains. You can never have it all. Would have liked to see the entire range glow in the setting sun.

Took many many pictures of the mountains, and a couple of birds.

And, one worm. Stepped out of the tent this morning to find the place crawling with these wiggly worms. Looked very much like the leeches.So, quickly jumped over and called in local help. Who laughed, and showed me how harmless these guys were. Had them swept off.

Leave you with what I did the whole day, that is, apart from sitting with my feet in the sun.


Met people from two different backgrounds today

The first was a brit on a bike who claims he does India every year, and has been doing it for the last few years. He is heading out to a remote village towards a place called Niti. Later I got to know from the resort manager that the Inner Line Permit  foreigners need was going to be available only after 10.30 the next day. Well, the brit was told in the evening. He seemed to believe that all that was not necessary. Also realised that hotels in this area must necessarily register all foreigners with the police every day.

Met a local couple in the evening when I went in for dinner. The resort manager’s brother and his wife. Guess what, originally from Niti !!!!! After some time over a drink, they invited me to their village and to lunch. Accepted gracefully. They stay in Gopeswar most of the year as their kids go to secondary school, heading into college. They have farmland in Niti looked after by the guy’s father. Had dinner together. Showed them my granddaughter’s video received from my proud daughter.


Post dinner the Brit heard that I was also going up to Niti. He took the trouble of warning me that the army does not allow people up, to be careful. Earlier in conversation he had told me that he works as an occupational therapist !!! Now understand it means that he tries to play weak games with feeble minds !! 

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