Sitapur I

This is for the 30th of September. 

Given that data signals are crazy, need to make sure the diary stays a diary. 

Have started putting dates, so I do not get confused. As it is, have lost track of the day of the week.

Left Rudraprayag at 0610 odo at 7768

The road was very light on traffic. But in crap state. Total distance to travel was 62 kilometres. Took me 5 hours.

There is road widening being done all over the place. With all the mud being generated and the rains, the road is a sea of wet mud. With stone underneath. All that varies is the extent of tyre grip. Added to that you bounce along with the height of the stone. So, basically, you crawl.

Thankfully, have done this in Kodi during monsoons, with black mud filling the road to my place. Turn the wheel more than a bit, or hit the brakes hard, you just slide. So, stayed straight, slow and true. This is an experience when done for distances over a few kilometres. 

Apart from that beautiful drive. What an experience. The air, the terrain. There is nothing like driving the mountains early, watching the clouds come in.

Got first sight of the snow clad peaks.

Tea and bun for breakfast. So much better than aloo parotha. These guys make milk tea. Have to tell them to cut down the milk and add sugar.

Was into Sitapur by 10.30am. Huge hotel. Built like that one in Kodi which goes down and not up. The one that got our own Jayalalitha into trouble. My room is two floors down. No sun. Sure you can imagine what that is like. 

Sitapur is the last base camp for Kedarnath before Sonprayag. Much before Sitapur are the helipads that take people up to Kedarnath. People who have not got themselves registered to go up online, have to register themselves at Sonprayag. 

Checked in comfortably. Place was not what I had thought it would be. Saw no options for walking around, or just putting feet up. The crowds take care of that. Given that the next day was totally empty, allowed myself to be talked into going to Kedarnath. Leave at 5AM, back by 5PM. On a horse. Four hours up, three down. Am going to have a sore butt. Will walk as much as I can.

Has a massive board saying “ Andhra Bhojanalaya”. Immediate decision to try the meals for lunch. Broke my rule of core competence. Quality is in perspective. Gave me a change from standard roti dal taste. But, will have local stuff again, for sure.  Trust core competence. Never ever eat more than Dosai outside the south. They kill it.

Walked into Sonprayag, a kilo away, to do my registration. Place has a huge parking lot for cars and buses. Planned for season time when traffic piles up for kilometres. 

Then chased the horseman down with multiple phone calls. All is now set for the unplanned part. Have sweater, jacket and woollen headgear. Bought rain coat and gloves. A bit tight to go over my jacket. But, end of season. No stock. And all tell me, tomorrow is going to be a sunny day. The lords want me there.

Packed and loaded .

But, this post will get to you two days late. No signals in the room, of any sort. And, am too lazy to carry laptop to lobby.