Kaza I

 27th September 2022

Forgot to say that Mudh has no telephone signals. They want something, they send word down. Or drive 10 kilometers down the road. 

There has been no electricity for over a week, ever since they had a bad case of rainfall. But, did not see anyone affected.

They have a permanent water source piped to the middle of the village. All was clothes there. Else, take water home. Most houses have a huge vessel continuously heating water, over a wood fire.

The 200 inhabitants are all connected. In another 10 days, most will lock up and move down to less cold locations.

Froze this morning. Like stated, 3800 meters is not low. As the wind picks up, the chill factor increases. As the sun sets, well, you get reminded that winter is coming.

The pleasure of lying in bed and seeing the snow clad mountains was cleansed for those few minutes as I did what I had to when I got out of bed.

Went down to the road as the sun had reached some parts. 

The home stay opposite was open to serving tea. And, they had a sit out which was bathed in sunlight. My hotel guys were still sleeping. Went across and got a glass full.

Two of the four from the previous evening were there. The man and wife grinned at me. We had a nice chat. They were from Israel. Obviously they had been too polite to shut the clown up. 

Departed post breakfast. My hotel staff finally woke up.

Stopped innumerable number of times on the way.

To those of you who notice, changed mode of taking pictures as I drive. Earlier was using maps on my android and taking pictures with the iphone.

But, with the lack of telephone signals, the android sitting in prime position facing the road lost it's meaning as a guide. 

The iphone had Navi Maps, which was supposed to work offline. IT DOES, fantastically.

So, the android became the instrument of photography. Quality of pictures is not as good. And, you always get part of the bonnet.

But then, the story get recorded. For me as much for you.

The road is the same till the River Spiti. Then you turn on to the highway towards Kaza. 

The only difference at this point, apart from increasing traffic is telephone signals.

Made the most of it to set up my hotel for the day in Kaza. 

And, moved the android to please get charged position. And, the iphone to a multitasking guide me and take the pictures mode.

Got into Kaza. Filled up the tank. And, the spare. Had for the first time emptied the spare into the main tank. So much learning.

Then got sent on a road barely wide enough for the Thar. Fortunately, every time a vehicle came on the other side, space opened up.

Went in circles. 

Finally got out of the vehicle and went manual.

Got to Hotel Delek House and checked in.

The went about seeing why both android and navimaps screwed with me.

Realised that there were two Delek's. While driving and setting location, I had picked the wrong one.

That is the view from my room.

Here for the next 3 nights. Will keep you updated.