Onward East to Tinsukia

 Departure at 0700

 Some background first.

I had picked up the new Thar. The how of that  is a different story, something to be shared at a bar. Felt that selling the Thar I had to some joker would be stupid, so asked Divya if she wanted it. She agreed, if I agreed to accept payment. We worked that out to mutual satisfaction. Got NOC from the RTO, and that process is yet another long story. Signed Sale papers, and all that.

Then the question of delivering the Thar to Divya came up. I am in Chennai. Her base of operations for the NE for work is Shillong. Looked at options. Figured out that I needed a drive. Plus, always had a plan to do a run to Arunachal via Darjeeling. Decision was taken and conveyed to family. They were happy that I was getting out, on the road.

Next was the territorial issues that run in my family. I cannot enter the North East without permission from my younger girl and her husband. Once my route was planned, the same was shared with the competent authorities. And, they simply piled on. It was "if you are going to take a road we have not done, we are coming".

 Dates were worked out in proper consultation. 

Unfortunately, Varun got called in for a Elephant Conservation meeting which includes some honchos from the MOEF and the State government. Includes all stakeholders including the Chief Wildlife Warden. Varun has to make a presentation on Elephant Human conflict, the first presentation after the central government finishes it's speech. No way he can refuse the call. 

Meant it was just Divya and me.

Not that she is a free bird. She has this course she teaches at Ashoka Univ, twice a week. So departure was worked out around class timings.

Yesterday was a halt day at Guwahati as it was a class day. We were to leave in the afternoon and halt the night at Kaziranga, where they have a permanent camp. 

But, plans attached to my kids are meant to be changed. One of their students called them for a cocktail party that was being given for his sister's wedding. Cannot refuse. So, departure was pushed to this morning. Nothing to affect the overall schedule, just a lot more alcohol consumed, and a much longer run for the day.

If you note the first line, it says departure at 0700. To me, this is criminal waste of daylight. But, there are times one bends. Actually, there were five of us in two Thars. Divya's and Varun's. Two of their Phd students were heading out for field work to Kaziranga.  Varun had a meeting at the Wildlife warden's office. So, departure was timed to that.

Stopped for breakfast at 0900, at a place known to these guys. This is a regular run. Over ate. Ordered Poori sabji and an egg. Normally, a plate of Poori means two pooris. A sabji means a bit of potatoe. Well, got three huge luchis, five vegetables ( table spoon of each - bhindi pottol cumdro potatoe beans ) and three dals. Decided to go with it, as we would not reach Tinsukia till 1600. This feast should hold out.

Reached Kaziranga by 1030. Decided to have a cup of tea, and a much needed pit halt. Saw a couple of Rhinos on the way in, but, this trip is not about them. They come later in the plan, as a separate section. 

Left for Tinsukia at 1100. The roads were a mix of good, bad and ugly. I grabbed the wheel of Divya while exiting Kaziranga. Handed it back after an hour. 

 

That's the last leg of the run. 

 Checked in at 1600. Hotel Ballerina, on the highway. 

Don't follow maps. It will take you for a spin.

Eastward, tomorrow.