North towards Sangram HQ

 Departure was an easy 0600.

We had decided to drive up towards Sangram HQ, also known as Ziro Point, till 1030 hours. Then turn back.

It was drizzling when we left the hotel. Not a very great omen.

The road took us towards Itanagar before we turned North off the highway, towards brilliance.

The clouds were in, covering mountain peaks, remnants of cloud formations were flowing thru sections of mountains. And, there were times we were driving in the clouds. It was still wet and drizzling.

Not being a poet, I will just leave you with the pictures. 



 



Hungry early, we decided to stop at the first spot we found after 0730. Came across this large clearing. The offering got us our eggs and maggi. I decided to be different and asked for a paratha instead of a maggi. It was good, but a mistake. For one, I was given a three egg omelette,  to add to it, the paratha was thick maida. The combination sat like a rock in my stomach for quite a while. But, enjoyed my breakfast and the lal chai that followed. As we were eating a biker and a gypsy drove in, both drivers locals. Noticed that they were positively rude to the people running the eatery. Found out why when the couple spoke to each other. They were Bangladeshis. Local frictions. Not my domain. Got taking to the gypsy driver. He was from Koloriang, another 140 kilometers away. He had gone to Itanagar for supplies. Started this morning at 0400 to get home. We asked about the road, he laughed. 

 

We drove gently on till 0945, when we reached the police checkpost at Palin. The clouds were still rolling along. The sun was fighting a loosing battle. The drizzle was increasing. Took a decision that going on made no sense, as the road was as it was and the visibility was getting worse. Spoke to the Police at the checkpost. They were sure it would get worse.

Turned back towards Ziro. 

 







Reached by 1230. On the way to the hotel stopped at the Forest office to see if we needed permissions to into the Talley Valley Reserve Forest. Got the details. Will be there tomorrow. Then picked up supplies for the trip - some chocolate, biscuits, juice. Thought I'd pick up a Dao. The quote was INR2500/=. Dropped the idea of buying it at that shop.

The locals eat a lot of boiled stuff. Meat is boiled, vegetables are boiled. eaten with local strain of rice. Had some vegetables and rice for lunch. Light weight on the stomach after breakfast.

Post lunch we went to see some caves that are supposed to be here. Earlier we had asked about the Meghna caves that are supposed to be in Ziro. Found out that they were between Daporoji and Ziro, nobody knew the exact location. Well, headed out gently to the local caves, driving thru local villages. The final stretch of the road was closed. Drove on, thru more villages. Walked around a local market that had been set up by the road side.  Back to the hotel by 1530.








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