MTmyndd

The Bike Tune Up Workshop At Escapades - a Success

2011-04-03T04:12:00.000-07:00

The one day Bike Tune Up Workshop at Escapades was a success, infact it turned into a BIKE OVERHAULING for Manoj. Manoj pedaled all the way from Corlim to Ponda covering a 20+ Kms one way. The workshop began at 10am with Donald, Jagdish, Raju, Hazrath, Anil and Me.

Fortunately (should I say unfortunately?) Donald’s bike had a flat in front tube, it was a first hands on experience for Donald in patching up the leak on the tube.

After the demo by me on Tuning of Deraillers (Front and Rea on Donald’s biker), Manoj’s Bike came on the workstand. Manoj eagerly set to work on his bike and managed to get grease on his hands, shorts, t-shirt and where not.

With all the mechanics around we stripped the bike naked; wheels, deraillers, bottom bracket, fork and all. After cleaning thoroughly, the bike was assembled chiefly by Manoj with helping hand from Raju.

Within the span of 3 working hours, we managed to tune up one bike and overhaul another.

After the lunch, Manoj test rode the KHS ALITE trail bike and then rolled off on his TREK 4300 all smooth and shiny!

Escapades plans to bring many more workshops on BIKES and BIKING!

Had a blast riding the black beauty - the KHS ALITE 1000!

2011-03-24T08:39:00.000-07:00

WANT A TEST RIDE? DROP A LINE AT - escapbikes@yahoo.in or ajd2k7@yahoo.co.in

Had a blast with this black beauty today, took her to the rocky uphill trail. This trail is a tough single track climb, off Ponda - Belgaum highway, passing through mixed vegetation of cashew and wild trees and shrubs. One of my favorite trails!.

The uphill trail breaks on a lateritic plateau and picks up again on the other side for another kilometer or so, terminating at a private property with a small farm house and coconut plantation.

This is my first ride with KHS ALITE 1000

Here are the brief first impression notes:

The frame

The 6061 aluminum frame feels solid and light, the double butted top tube, the square chain stays and seat stays are the strengths of this frame. The solid and light feel of the bike pumped up my confidence level, the bike actually coxed me into riding the tough and tricky patches and I managed to do it!

The downhill was real fun, managed to take corner the two sharp turns

Tires

The Kenda small block 8, 26 2.1 tires gripped the gravel and the rock equally well, the credit of riding uphill tricky patches with lose rocks goes to this rubber

Brakes

The BENGAL HELIX 3.0 HYDRAULIC DISC BRAKES worked just fine on the downhill, providing fantastic modulation and instant stops whenever demanded.

Shifters and Drive train

With Shimano Alivio shifters, Alivio front derailler and Shimano Deore rear derailler the shifting is crisp and smooth

Shocks

The RST Omega 100mm shocks with preload and lockout smoothed out the ride on the rocky terrain on the lateritic plateau.

Saddle

The WTB stock saddle felt comfortable, the ride was short, will have to wait for a longish ride to judge this one better.

The bike has a lot of promise. Detailed review coming up, but I need to do some trails!

Wonderful All round Bike KHS ALITE 150

2011-03-22T07:21:00.000-07:00

Be it tarmac or be it a trail, the KHS ALITE 150 will take you there. This is a nice entry level mountain bike or all terrain bike.

The 100m shocks will make trail riding a smooth experience and Bengal mechanical disc brakes has all the stopping power.

The frame is light weight Aluminum 6061. The KHS 26x1.95 tires with 14-34 mega range free wheel and 48/38/28 chainrings makes this an all round bike.

Comes in TEAM RED COLOR. Priced at Rs. 16000/- this is a real VFM bike

Available at Escapades bike shop - http://mtmyndd.blogspot.com/2011/03/escapades-bike-store.html

Escapades - the bike store

2011-03-15T04:22:00.000-07:00

Cycling is not only a means to move around but, also a fantastic way to experience a ‘high’, a great way to explore and stay fit, whether on ROAD or on the TRAIL. Do you remember your childhood bicycle escapades?, certainly you do!......, why not relive it !

‘Escapades’ is a small venture, operating from home. The shop intends not only to sell the bikes, but, provide quality service, popularize cycling, conduct workshops on maintenance of the bike, organize biking events……

Since the shop is part time venture, please call 09823905756 or email - escapbikes@yahoo.in/ajd2k7@yahoo.co.in to ensure the shop is kept open for you : - ))

The bikes presently available at the shop are KHS ALITE 150, ALITE 500 and ALITE 1000. All these are mountain bikes. KHS FLITE 300 and FLITE 500 road bikes are available against order.

KHS bikes website

KHS 150 specifications – price Rs. 16,000

KHS 500 specifications – price Rs. 23,000

KHS 1000 specifications – price Rs. 30,000

Escapades Address - H.No.23, Prabhunagar, Rajiv Kala Mandir Road, Behind Sapana Park, Ponda, Goa.

Escapades location map

Photos - KHS ALITE 150 and 500

Bicycle storage stand

2010-04-11T00:02:00.001-07:00

Here is a simple and cheap design for a bike storage stand. This stand can hold two bike. The material used is easily available. I used two test tube holder clamps (the one used in chemistry labs). A 2 inch thick wooden baton is fixed upright onto heavy wooded base. The baton is fixed with 4 aluminum brackets.

Hooks or peg fixed on the baton can hold helmet, gloves and other things…..

The total cost for the material Rs. 50 for clamps + Rs 160 for aluminum brackets = Rs. 210 that’s it, the baton and wooden base is recycled…..

The rods of the clamps are inserted into the holes (little undersized as compared to the diameter of the rods) drilled in the baton. The holes can be drilled 2cms apart either vertically or horizontally!

AWAY FROM THE BIKE FOR A WHILE....

2010-04-09T00:41:00.000-07:00

Its been a month now that my bum has not touched the saddle. The SACRO - ILIAC joint injury has kept me away from my bikes. Presently undergoing YOGA treatment. Do not know how long will it be till I get to push the pedals..........

The Century Ride

2010-02-12T04:05:00.001-08:00

Today did the long pending century ride on my road bike! Earlier I have knocked off 70+, 80+ and 90+ (97Kms) but never a full century!

I did not want 50Kms up and 50Kms down along the same route, so I chose a route which took me on the loop of 80kms plus 20Kms of the retrace.

The route was Ponda-Lotoulim-Cortalim-Chicalim-Airport-BITS campus-Casaulim-Utorda-Majrda-Nuvem-Aquem-Chandor(Via Quepem road)- Curtorim-Raia- Ponda. The Route Map Link: http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/india/-goa/914126578661296587

Near St.Jacinto Island

Once out of Ponda the roads were less rolling with very few climbs. The road from Cortalim to Chicalim and From BITS to Casaulim to Majorda is a fantastic bike riding route!

The BITS, Pilani Goa Campus

Lake side, Casaulim

On this stretch I maintained 25+KmPh average speed!

Did this century in 4hrs 37mins with average speed of 21.4KmPH, the total time of the tide was 5Hrs! Kept a good energy level through out the ride by hydrating and feeding myself with Bananas, Dates and almonds!

The route map:

<a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/ride/india/-goa/914126578661296587">almost century ride Ponda-Cortalim-Chicalim-casaulim-colva-margao-chandor-Ponda</a><br/><a href="http://www.mapmyride.com/find-ride/india/-goa">Find more Bike Rides in  Goa, India</a>

82Kms Tamdi Surla Ride

2010-01-30T23:52:00.000-08:00

The total distance covered - 82Kms, Ride Time - 4hrs 28mins

Today's ride began at 6:50am. I had not decided the route yet, at the Amigos Hotel Junction I had a choice to take a highway to Panaji or ride in opposite direction towards Bondla or Tamdi Surla! After riding for a kilometer towars Panaji I turned back and heade for Tamdi Surla!

Tamdi Surla is known for its 14th century Mahadev Temple. The Temple lies within Mollem sanctuary. The temple has high rise mountains for the back drop. 95% of the road is very good for road biking, with rolling topography and very light traffic!

Near to the temple the road skirts along a beautiful stream, this place is Birder's paradise. Black Headed Oriole, Malabar Grey Hornbill, Malabar Whistling Thrush, Blossom Headed Parakeet, Racket Tailed Drongo, Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul and many more rarieties are easily spotted here!

Couple of Good Cycling Routes Around Ponda

2010-01-16T07:12:00.000-08:00

One cannot ride a single kilometer in Ponda without hitting a climb. The roads here are cascade of ups and downs. There are many good routes around Ponda to ride your cycle,provided you do not mind sweating it out. Here are the route mas of couple of rides I do regularly

Route 1 Betoda to Engineering College Via Veling 22Kms loop
This route is a challenge, the 2Km stretch is real grueling climb, in just couple of kms you will be elevated to 150m with 5%,6% and 7% gradients
Prabhunaga-Mardol-Engg College
Find more Bike Rides in Ponda,goa, India

Route 2 Betoda - Kahndepar Road - Keri - Ponda - Betoda 24Kms loop
Loop Prabhugar-MIBK-Keri and Back
Find more Bike Rides in Ponda,goa, India

Riding Through Chandor

2009-12-20T06:26:00.000-08:00

The villages in this part of Goa have still retained their character in the face of rapidly changing Goan landscape. Riding through Curtorim, Maina and Chandor is a delightful expereince. The smooth and flat roads cut through fields and villages. Old houses with Portuguese Architecture give a special character to this region. At the age of 350 years, Goa's largest and India's 4th largest house , belonging to Menezes Braganza is the pride of Chandor.....

Chandor Church

The Front View of Braganza House

The Braganza House

The Malabar Giant Squirrel

2009-12-03T06:27:00.000-08:00

The Malabar Giant Squirrel - this beauty is endemic to western ghats. Common, but rarely seen as it hops on the branches high up in the dense canopy.

On my recent visit to Bondla Zoo, I was in for surprise, this squirrel was feeding on the shoots of some creeper very close to the ground, oblivious to the OOhs and aaaahhhs of the visitors just few feet away.

Ride To Karmali Lake

2009-12-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

1.2 at the lake
Karmali Lake is birders delight. The lake is situated 10Kms from Goa's capital, Panaji. During the winter more than 20 water bird species land on the lake to feed.

On 29th November I rode to the lake on my 3 months old TREK 1.2 road bike, covering a distance of 23Kms one way from my home town Ponda.

The morning ride was fantastic, I reached the lake at 8.15am and spent an hour listening to the shrill whistles of Lesser Whistling Ducks. Gull Billed Terns swiftly flew in circles close to the water surface. A lone Marsh Harrier Cruised along attempting to catch its breakfast. More species will land by end of December.

I could only spot Purple Moorhens, Bronze Winged Jacana, Pheasant Tailed Jacana, Large Egret, Darter,

Details of the Birds found on the lake Put up by Forest Dept Goa

Purple Moorhen

Bronze Winged Jacana

Lesser Whistling Ducks

Buying Trek 1.2, the process and the maiden ride story

2009-09-21T00:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry for poor image quality!

Being on the forum like Bikeszone can be hazardous! ya…. I mean it…… reading all those posts by the bloxxx road bikers and all… I had to get a road bike for myself …… there is a huge 44K + hole in my pocket now….haaaa ha… (but its worth it………!).

After beating the trails and the tarmac (in equal proportion) for couple of years on TREK 3700 mountain bike, was it time for me to move on in a different direction? there was no real need to move in different direction! But hey I already mentioned the hazardous effect of being a member of the cycling forum ……I convinced myself that this was the right time to move on in …..

Digging the posts on Bikeszone and the likes for a couple of months, I had LA Urbano, Firefox 2200 and 0050, Merida 880 24 and 901,Trek 1.5 and 1.2, Bianchi C2C Via Nirone on my short list

How TREK 1.2 won…….

My Budget – 45K to 50K

What I wanted in a road bike?

1.Pretty low gear ratios, because the terrain where I ride is all hilly and low gears would be good for touring.

2. Provision for racks and panniers

3. Frame size -50cms

The Selection……

1. The LA URBANO

Pros-price 21,000

Cons –Spec details not available no compact or triple option, no reviews available about the material and ride quality, was locally available only against the order

2. FireFox 2200 and 0050

Pros – Price 24,000 and 15,000 respectively

Cons – No Triple or Compact option, lot of riveiws on poor quality material and components, I had a look at 2200 at LBS it does look good, however the quality and the weight (the weight is almost near to my MTB))held me back…

3. Merida 880 24 and 901

The 880 24

Pros – Price 38,000, Triple 52/42/30 and 11-24, looks good, Merida quality, very good review on Bike Radar

Cons – No provision for racks

The 901

Pros – price 45000, Merida quality, good reviews

Cons – No Triple or Compact option, No provision for racks

4. Bianchi C2C Via Nirone

55,000 beyond my budget!

5. TREK 1.2 and 1.5

Trek 1.5

Pros – Price 48,000, compact 50/34, TREK quality, Carbon forks, light weight (9.25Kg)

Cons – no provision for racks

Trek 1.2

Pros – Price 41,425, compact 50/34, TREK quality, Carbon forks, light weight (9.625Kg), Provision for racks

Cons – Sora group set ….. but hey the other things fit my bill

Discussed with others on the forum (special thanks to RNair) and finally decided to go for 1.2,

Contacted Rohan (Bums On the saddle) and placed the order for 1.2, My friend Tulbir who works in Bangalore picked the bike from BOTS and couriered through GATI to Goa. The courier charges roughly 2000/- and no scratches or other damage in the transit. Thanks Rohan and Tulbir!

The bike was delivered on 19^th september. Assembled the bike in 30minutes, only the front derailer needed little tuning, sadly could not go on test ride due to prior commitments. No ride on the following day (20^th) it rained the whole day.

The maiden ride

Finally today morning I went out test riding and did 16Kms loop.

This bike reminded the good ol’ college days, when I rode the Atlas concord (Blue color single speed). The bike felt good and comfy! Fits me really well.

After cruising along for a couple of kilometers, enjoying the feel of light weight frame, slim rubbers and the drop handle bars I picked up the speed……………………………………..only to slow down . . . . after a kilometer to go over the bumpy potholed section and again……………………………….

I have not installed the cyclo comp yet, so do not know what top speed I reached. The bike really aaccceeelerrratttteeesss man! Not only I could pick up the speed quickly, but also I could hold on constant high speeed for much longer time compared to the MTB.

I rode the two steep climbs with ease (I would struggle climbing these on 3700 with much lower gear ratio).

My only concern is the Braking Power of this bike, I was really scared to go full speed on the slopes. After expereincing the phenomenal power of V brakes, these ones come across as very weak (any suggestions on increasing the Braking Power?)

Over all a good ride. I am already planning for a century ride, coming weekend!

Am I a convert (MTB to Road bike)?

Hell no! not an absolute one! Mountain bike for the thrill on the trails And road bike for speed on tarmac, I am gonna enjoy best of both the worlds….

Arrival of my road bike TREK 1.2

2009-09-19T05:33:00.000-07:00

Today (19/09/09) At 12.15pm

10 minutes later

30minutes later

First ride impressions and review.... coming soon.......

Chorla

2009-07-29T03:12:00.000-07:00

Standing at the edge of the cliff and watching the water fall from great heights into the green valley is the experience I relive, year after year. Number of water falls come alive during the monsoons in the ghats may it be Anmod or Tilari or Chorla.............

Taming the Fire

2009-05-29T06:12:00.000-07:00

Firing is the crucial stage in the process of clay modeling and pottery. When I started off learning clay modeling I would often consult experienced potters regarding the firing process and I remember Valentino Gasper an experienced clay artist from Verna (Goa) who once told me that FIRING demands ‘sweat and blood’. Sweat part I could understand but not the blood part, at least not then!

The Kiln is sealed and temperature probe is place

Now, I do understand the blood part! This is experienced when the Kiln is opened the next day of firing, as I anxiously remove the bricks on my kiln and the fired pots and sculptures come into view my eyes dart from one pot to another and slowly the blood starts to curdle when I notice a lot of the pots have cracks on them. I loose at least 4 out of 10 pots per firing, and coincidentally the best pots are the ones that have lots of cracks, blood……..

Sweat only pots

The firing process takes anywhere between 8 hours to several days, depending on the type and size of the kiln. The kiln that I use is Fast Fire Wood Kiln and it can reach temperature of 1200^OC in 8 hours, increasing the temperature gradually is the skill that has to be mastered, else loose blood the next day!!!!!!!!

Sweat and Blood pots ha ha.....

I have fired my Kiln only four times in two years, controlling the gradual increase of temperature in this kiln is a tough task, as the name suggests it is meant for rapid increase in temperature and I think this is the cause of pots cracking! I am looking out for alternative designs of kilns……to save my blood…..

An Encounter With The Handsome Beast

2009-05-12T23:12:00.001-07:00

I am hooked to mountain biking! In the past year I have discovered some nice trails in the hills around my hometown Ponda (Goa). The Bondla sanctuary which is 18Kms and Mollem National park which is 30 Kms from Ponda are fantastic places to explore on your mountain bike. However it's not practical to ride to the sanctuaries every now and then. The trails in the surrounding hills is where I ride every alternate evening.

Now, am addicted to riding my mountain bike on the trail that I discovered recently. The trail passes through a thickly wooded valley and is approximately 5 to 6 Kms in length.

The forest here is rich in wildlife and the evidence in the form of droppings is ample along the trail. On this very trail I had two thrilling wild encounters.

Wild Encounter Episode 1
A week ago I started from home at 4.30pm and reached the trail entrance after riding 6kms on the tar road. The trail starts off perpendicular to the road at the top of a hill and then rolls down through the valley. After climbing a short but steep incline on the trail I stopped for a drink, as I put the water bottle to my mouth I saw a movement in the woods and heard heavy rustling of dried leaves, before I realized what was happening two huge Gaur (Indian Bison) Bulls jumped on the trail just 10meters away from where I was standing. I dropped the water bottle, laid the cycle on the ground and dropped myself to crouching position (I do not know why I did this). The bulls were really huge with heavy, fantastic curvy muscles that would put any Mr. universe to shame. The bulls stared intently for few seconds and then disappeared into the woods on the other side of the trail. As soon as the bulls disappeared a calf and a female jumped on the trail and without looking in either direction followed the bulls into the woods. I stayed in my position expecting more members of the herd to follow. But none came. After waiting for 3 to 4 minutes I got up and continued on the trail. I rode along gently and cautiously.

This Where I Almost Bumped In To The Beast

Wild Encounter Episode 2
With great expectations I returned to the trail everyday, but I encountered only Grey Hare and Grey Jungle Fowl. I concluded that the Gaurs had trailed off from the Mollem Sanctuary (since the jungle in this area is connected with the sanctuary), and would never show up again. However, today I was in for a shock! As usual after doing the initial climb I started rolling down the trail, as the bike picked up the speed I concentrated on the surface a little ahead on the trail, a little ahead there is bend in the trail which I enjoy maneuvering as Just round the bend I almost bumped yessss…. bumped into a massive Gaur bull. The bull gave a loud, sharp hissing call and disappeared into the woods. In a fraction of second I had lifted the bike done 180 degrees about turn and ran up for my life. After running for about 20 meters I stopped and looked back, there was no sign of the bull. Leaving the bike behind I retraced the steps back to the spot and scanned the area where the bull had disappeared, there, deeper inside he was standing and staring at me, I tried capturing him on my mobile phone camera, but the woods here are thick and the handsome beast was perfectly camouflaged and too far way for the phone camera. I just stood there watching for a while, then the bull moved gently and disappeared in the forest.

In future I have to be really careful riding this trail! and also I have to take care that I do not interfere their transit across the trail. Now I know the approximate time when this herd passes by and will avoid being too close!

A Bird In A Bush.......

2009-04-25T21:57:00.000-07:00

"A BIRD IN A BUSH IS WORTH HUNDREDS IN A HAND"

Ahh…. Those Sunday mornings! Binoculars dangling on the chest, eager eyes scanning the dense canopy, ears tensed and receptive, walking in single profile we would trudge along the narrow wooded path. Each one of us from different walks of life coming together on such trips with a sole aim of searching the feathered rarities and hoping to add at least one new name to the ever growing checklist. These trips would last from day break till noon and on some days till sun down.
I wish I could spend every Sunday morning and more, exactly this way! But when I remember the old saying “if wishes were horses, beggars would ride them”, I remain satisfied with my share of such Sundays.

My interest in birds has a childhood connection. I remember my wanderings and explorations around home and school in Mumbai suburbs. The area where we lived was surrounded by wetlands. Banana and Jasmine plantations and paddy fields dotted the landscape.

I would often accompany Mahu – a son of local Warli (Warli is tribe from Thane district in Maharashtra) farmhand, on his crab hunting expeditions. He would walk skillfully through slushy mud, occasionally pouncing on an unsuspecting crab. Mahu was my age and he never attended school, however he had intimate knowledge of plants, birds, snakes and other “lesser” creatures. In his company I learnt a lot.

I vividly remember one afternoon! As we were walking along a narrow irrigation canal, lined with some short, broad leaved plants, Mahu abruptly halted and drew my attention to a particular plant deeper in the bush. Upon moving closer to the plant, I saw a neat leaf cone hanging from one of the branches and inside were two tiny eggs nestled in a straw cup. I stayed riveted to the spot, for, I had never seen anything like that before! Sensing my astonishment Mahu informed that there were many such nests along the canal. He added that “the nests were built by a bird called shimpi” (shimpi is Marathi word for tailor). A few days later he even showed me the bird in action; stitching the edges of the leaf to make a cone. I noticed that the bird used some kind of natural fiber. This was my first close encounter with the fascinating world of birds.

One incident here, I can never forget! Some mornings I would bypass the toilet facility at home and run to a near by stream to answer nature’s call. One morning as I settled on rocky a toilet seat, I heard a melodious whistling from just across the narrow stream. Thinking that there was some one across the stream and that I would be caught in the act, I got up, cleaned and ran back home. Later, when I recounted the incident to my cousin, he broke into feat of laughter. His laughter confused me, on pestering a lot, he told me that no villager ever came to that part of the stream and it was just a bird whistling away. I could not believe him because the whistle sounded like a tune of some popular song. It was years later that I actually saw Malabar whistling Thrush also aptly called ‘idle school boy’ for its carefree whistling song.

These incidents are finely etched into my memory. After I completed schooling, my family moved to Goa. During my college days in Goa, I often volunteered for WWF nature camps and had glimpses of wide variety of bird species of Goa. Birdwatching then, remained restricted to such occasions; it never became full blown interest. Through out college days and later years other ‘youthful’ interests took front seat pushing birdwatching behind.

It was some four years ago that, this interest resurfaced. This time I took it a little more seriously. I bought a pair of binoculars and a couple of field guide books. On weekends I started frequenting Bondla wildlife sanctuary, some 18Kms from my home. The credit for this revival of interest goes to Maruti Chitampalli, Venkatesh Madgulkar and Dr. Salim Ali. The writings of these authors gave a push to my dormant interest in birds. Within few months, my checklist sported 90+ birds’ species

My long time friend Jagdish also joined me on my trips. Together we explored the area around our home town – Ponda (Goa). We became sharply aware of the diversity of avian life in such a small area. We would often narrate our experiences to our friends and to anyone who would listen. As a result, Donald, Hazrat, Paresh, Amit and recently Manoj joined in.

All of us now eagerly wait for those ‘Sunday mornings’. These trips are fun; there is lot of enthusiasm and anticipation. Each one of us gets a ‘high’, every time a new specie is spotted. In short span of time everyone’s eyes have become trained to spot slightest flutter in the thickest of the foliage. Often we would break into arguments regarding the identification of particular specie. Most arguments would be settled after consulting our field guide books, some arguments would continue for a longer time and few for months.

My checklist now sports 200+ bird species; it is nothing to brag about! For Goa is home to more than 420 bird species. I haven’t even reached 50% mark. I do have a long way to go!

Together, we have explored Goa from foot hills of Western Ghats in the east to beaches in North and South and wetlands in between. Names like Southern Trogon, Asian fairy Blue bird, Paradise Flycatcher, Blue Capped Rock Thrush, White Bellied Sea Eagle, Crested Serpent Eagle….. now grace our checklist.

Karmali Lake near old Goa is a very special place for bird lovers. Every year as November approaches all of us get restless and eagerly wait for an opportunity to visit the lake. This lake becomes home to many feathered guests like Coot, Combed Duck, Northern Pintail, Cotton Teal, Garganey, Adjutant stork, Black Ibis, White Ibis and many more. The Purple Moorhen, Bronze Winged Jacana, Dabchick and Lesser Whistling Teal are permanent residents of this lake.

We also discovered similar lakes and marshes in South Goa. In the past few years we have noticed that the number of species and number of individuals on Karmali lake is dwindling and their number at these other lakes is on the rise. One reason for this shift could be increase in train traffic on Konkan railway line along the northern edge of the lake. The road traffic on the eastern edge is also on the rise.

Goa is an international tourist destination is well known fact. Every year thousands of foreign and domestic tourists flock to Goa, for six to eight months Goa’s beaches are full of these fun seekers. But, very few people know that every year hundreds of different kind of foreign tourists land in Goa, with a sole aim of Birding. These tourists spend 2 to 4 weeks, busy roaming the length and breadth of Goa in search of tropical bird sp

ecies. One look at their checklists published on internet puts me to shame. In short span of time these people mange to cover more that 50% of our species number. However, there is tremendous apathy and ignorance amongst our people regarding the local environment and wildlife. Industrialization and urbanization are taking its toll, the Goan landscape is changing at alarming rate.

Realizing all this we decided to take our interest and activities to next level, that is, to reach out to people with the aim of creating general interest and awareness regarding our natural wealth and importance of saving the same. In 2007 along with a group of 8 dedicated students I installed a nature club in the college where I teach. Right from the beginning our thrust was on field experience rather than on talks, seminars, slideshows and competitions, though these things do play an important role in larger scheme, nothing can match field experience. With support of college management we purchased 4 pairs of binoculars, a spotting scope and 12X zoom digital camera. The 8 students that I mentioned made a good use of these equipments. The number of photographs they clicked in a year’s time was simply amazing.

The result of this entire work was an exhibition of photographs called ‘Birds and More’. We had 320 photographs on display in the art gallery of Kala Academy, Panaji. The exhibition was a great success, more than 1500 viewers visited the gallery, and this number was far beyond our expectation of 100 viewers. The local news papers and FM radio stations covered the event with great enthusiasm. For those three days (24^th, 25^th and 26^th) of May 2008 we interacted with general public, majority admitted their ignorance regarding the variety of wildlife of Goa. Our photographs opened an entire new facet of Goa for them. We had included the photographs by other nature lovers from the state. Total of 15 photographers contributed to the exhibition. Later the same exhibition was held at various schools, colleges and clubs around Goa.

In near future we are planning to publish a book on Birds of Goa and later maybe a book on Snakes and Odonates too! With the aim of popularizing birdwatching I started a forum on internet called FEATHERTOUCHED (http/:feathertouched.freeforums.org/). The forum has 35 active members.

If not for birdwatching I would have never realized the real meaning of Biodiversity, a term I came across often in books and nature writings but never realized its deeper meaning!

We will have to put in greater and concerted efforts to create not only awareness but a deeper consciousness and build environment friendly culture. One way of doing this would be to encourage outdoor nature related activities like birding and nature study/appreciation.

I do birding, simply because birds fascinate me! However cliché it may sound, I would still say that “a bird is a symbol of freedom, joy and energy “.

Often we come across a sentence “……and I woke up to the chirping and singing of birds….”, used to describe and idyllic morning away from cacophony of city life. Without birds such mornings would be duller and gloomier than the city life.

Death of a Tiger

2009-04-17T23:23:00.000-07:00

The discovery of dead tiger in Sattari taluka has brought the pathetic state of Goa's Wildlife into sharp focus. A number of Tiger sightings were reported in this area recently, but the Forest Department like any other Government Department came to life only after this sad incident.

Read the detailed reports by

1. Kaustubh http://solewitness.blogspot.com/

2. Clinton http://klintvaz.blogspot.com/

Do not buy Tata Indica

2009-04-07T23:07:00.000-07:00

I repent buying the Tata car!!! http//donotbuytataindica.blogspot.com/ is my step by step account of the frustrating experience with the Car and the sub rate service at Auto Industries Goa Ltd.

Super Lemonade - The Unusual Pillion

2009-02-04T06:25:00.000-08:00

For most people, the sole purpose of riding a two wheeler is to get from point A to point B, for some it is a passion, and for few, their innovative approach turns it into means of earning a livelihood.
I spotted this 'SUPER LEMONADE' vendor at a very popular tourist spot - Asia's Largest Table Land in Panchagani, near Mahabaleshwar.

The whole setup looked intriguing to me and out of curiosity I struck up conversation with the vendor. He was delighted to know that his scooter had attracted the attention and readily parted with the information as to how he came up with this idea. He said, It is near impossible to push up the hand cart (generally used for this purpose in other parts) to the table land situated at higher altitude. After much thinking and debating with his friend who happens to be a skilled fabricator, they came up with this idea. It took good imagination and skill to put this machine on the place of pillion seat on the scooter. The sturdy wooden platform carries Ice Shaving machine, water bucket, Ice box and other stuff.

This was the sole lemonade vendor at the spot and he was making brisk business. His unique and innovative idea had payed off!

There are many innovative ideas floating around, such ideas pay off only when put to practice. But making your ideas work for you needs more than just thinking. Recently I stumbled upon this site etpowerofideas. The site showcases a collection of many such simple but unique ideas put to practice.

Cycling through swamps in south Goa

2009-02-02T05:09:00.000-08:00

The flatter surface in the west of Goa breaks into hills and then into mountains towards the East. On the western stretch is Sun, Sand, Surf, Fun and Feni and on eastern stretch is Slopes, Climbs, Forests and of course Sun, Fun and Feni.

Much of my cycling is done in the Mountains surrounding my town Ponda. Recently I started venturing towards the south west where the topography is flatter.

For most parts the roads connecting Ponda to Panaji, Margao, Curtorim, Verna and Vasco pass through Khazan land – in short, Khazan land is a swamp land created by flooding waters from the estuaries, Zuari in the south and Mandovi in the north. The water on these lands periodically rise and ebb with the tides.

The locals make a very good use of this rising and ebbing. They have constructed bunds cris - crossing the Khazans. The sluice gates installed at certain points control the flooding of the area. Local people catch prawns, crabs and other sea food here and also grow paddy.

This month I did a number of ride circuits, Ponda – Verna – Ponda and Ponda - Curtorim – Ponda in South Goa, averaging to 40Kms per ride. Flatter landscape means less climbs and hence longer distances covered with ease.

On Ponda - Verna - Ponda circuit I did a couple of rides on the bunds near Lotoulim village. It’s a unique experience to ride on the narrow bunds cutting through the swamps. At high tides the water rises almost to the bund height. On the northern edge of the swamps the bund runs parallel to Zuari River and is lined with Mangroves. One can constantly hear the popping of Mangrove pods. On the ride I spotted a nest of Black kite high up on the massive electric tower erected in the middle of the swamp. I also managed to startle a Couple of Purple Herons, Lone Grey Heron, Small Blue Kingfisher, White Breasted Kingfisher, and Common Sand piper who least expected me while patiently waiting to catch tiny creatures swarming in the shallow waters.

There are less of swamps on Ponda – Curtorim – Ponda route. The road passes through open country side dotted with ponds and lakes. Numbers of white washed chapels sit in the midst of paddy fields. The tiny water canals from Zuari River feed water to these lakes and ponds. Many migratory and resident birds can be seen feeding on the Curtorim Lake.

....

After exhausting but thrilling mountain rides, these rides proved delightful. There are similar rides awaiting in North goa.

Shots from Karmali/Carambolim Lake

2009-01-17T04:35:00.000-08:00

The G.V.M.'s B.Ed. college had organised a field trip to Carambolim Lake (Near Old Goa) on 11 January 2009. Paresh and Me played the roll of the guide. It was the first time visit for the 30+ teacher trainies to this lake. In between guiding the students I managed to click some of the water birds that settle here during winter (November to February). The images are from Canon 400D with Sigma 70-300mm lens.

Purple Moorhen (SwampHen)

Purple Moorhen (SwampHen)

Gull Billed Tern

Gull Billed Tern

Eastern Marsh Harrier

Purple Heron

Median Egret

Asian Open Billed Stork

92Kms in 71/2 hrs and unanticipated, unexpected pain

2008-12-25T20:26:00.000-08:00

Camera used - Nokia 6300 mobile phone camera

Being a teacher has many perks one of them being the vacations (Diwali, Christmas and summer holidays). This December 22^nd, 23^rd and 24^th were reserved for my long distance ride. As planned earlier I hit the NH 17 connecting Ponda (Goa) and Mumbai at 5.30am on 22^nd on my TREK 3700 mountain bike. The destination - Sawantwadi town, 92 Kms away.

Prawns Catch (Near Panaji)

The early morning start has advantages, you have the road all for yourself (no mad traffic) and sun is it’s cooler self. Within 10 minutes of the ride my body generated enough warmth to withstand early morning winter chill. The Konkan terrain is a challenge for any cyclist, there is hardly any level stretch, and the route is a continuous cascade of ups and downs. Some of the climbs are real steep.

At 7.30am I was riding past our capital city Panaji. Another hour and this city would come to life with office goers and tourists.

lone cyclist over The Mandovi Bridge

Barge carrying iron ore

After 60Kms and 3hrs 30 minutes of riding I halted for breakfast at road side eatery, while feasting on Bhaji-pav I felt dull pain in my ankle ligaments (both legs), I did not pay much attention and proceeded with the same enthusiasm and this was the big mistake! Further on, the pain became sharp, I had to slow down. I couldn’t understand the cause of this pain. I readjusted the saddle height but this did not help, the damage was done. Now the frequency of climbs seemed to increase and they seemed steeper too!

The pain Location

Breakfast Point

At 11.45am I reached Goa Maharashtra border, with 16kms and one challenge of Insuli Ghat on the outskirts of Sawantwadi to go. At the base of the ghat I dismounted wondering whether I should ride the ghat or push the bike all the way up. Finally I decided to ride the Ghat. The steep climb of 3Kms was painful, but I did it (I know this may seem full hardy, but this being my first long ride and I wanted to finish it on the bike).

I made entry into Sawantwadi at 12.45pm and at 1pm I reached my sister’s place, where I had planned to stay two nights. The plan for the next day (23^rd) was to do 50Kms of exploratory ride around Sawantwadi. But the pain and swelling of ligaments was discouraging. I thought an evenings rest would relax the ligaments and swelling and the pain would just disappear. But I was wrong again, next morning the swelling and the pain were very much there, so, instead of bypassing riding plan I rushed to a physician. As expected the physician prescribed a painkiller and anti inflammatory tablets with an ointment to apply on the affected area. In doctors opinion the problem was caused due to continuous uphill riding.

Moti Talav (Pride of Sawantwadi)

I spent that day (23^rd) lying on the couch, recuperating and watching TV at my sister’s place. The pain killer helped little, by evening the swelling had reduced but ligaments were still RAW. The next day (24^th) was to be my return journey retracing all the climbs and slopes.

Pancham Khemraj Sawant Bhosle - Maharaja of Sawantwadi during British Raj

Kadak Laxmi

The idea of giving up and returning on bus was unacceptable for me; I was determined to ride back. I had another doubt regarding the injury, I felt my shoes (simple liberty shoes without laces) also played some part causing the injury, so, I purchased a new pair of canvas shoes with slightly rigid sole and low ankle cover.

Third day the alarm went off at 5am. I sat wide awake in my bed probing the ankle, the swelling had reduced further but the pain persisted. Ignoring, I took bath, had hot cup of tea and some biscuits. Against my sisters suggestion that I should take rest for one more day and leave on 25^th, off I went to my bike. I had to be back home on 24^th, since I was to leave for Hyderabad on 26^th morning.

The return journey started at 6.15am. I rode in relaxed manner, not putting any strain on the injured part. The new shoes seemed better. I rode all the climbs using the lowest gears. The return journey took 8 hours and I reached home at 2.15pm

Before my next long distance ride, I need to educate myself regarding the anatomy and precautions to be taken to avoid such an injury!!!!!!

Ponda SAwantwadi
Find more Bike Rides in National Highway, India

The White Splendour (Cruising through South Goa)

2008-11-15T21:14:00.001-08:00

It was Anil's idea to cruise through South Goa, with the aim of photographing the early morning happenings, typifying life in Goan villages. Our cruise began at 6.30 am on 4th Sept. 2008, from Ponda, passing through Chinchinim, Betul, Balli, Chandor and back.

Earlier, on all the trips I would concentrate on photographing birds and other wildlife, this time in Anil's company I ventured into photographing people centric moments (which happens to be Anil's specialty) . I managed to frame some fisher women and a lone PILOT (motorcycle taxi operator) at a one of the bazaars on the way.

Later at Betul jetty, while Anil chatted with and photographed the fishing trawler crew, I trained my lens on the other creatures busy at the jetty. I watched a flock of Median Egrets in their brilliant white plumage, confusedly flying in circles over the water surface. I could not understand as to what the flock was up to. Each bird would circle down to the surface and then suddenly take off, a few meters away a Brahminy Kite in flight, elegantly scooped away a fish.

Were Egrets taking fishing lessons from the Kite? the flock progressively moved farther away, simultaneously circling and probing the water surface and finally landing into the shallow waters.Voila.....! I realized that all the time the flock was judging the depth of the water!!!!!!!!

Chilling out at tilari (Sachin we missed you and you missed this one!)

2008-11-08T22:04:00.000-08:00

In the darkness of the evening of 25^th Oct, Raju, Donald (Don) and I pitched the tent near the edge of a cliff in Tilari ghat. The memories of two years ago came flooding, Sachin had come down from US of A then, and the same trio along with Sachin had spent the night with Dhangars at the very same spot. The dinner that night was dal prepared in goats milk, chicken curry, fried chicken and rice all in dhangar style. We slept in their tent and it had rained heavy later that night. http://mtmyndd.blogspot.com/2006/11/nightout-with-dhangars.html

This time the trip was a special one for us; we had driven 100Kms from Ponda (Goa) to put to test the tent that we had designed and Raju had built. It took us 45 minutes to erect the tent in heavy cold wind that blew across the plateau. The tent was yet another example of Raju’s excellent craftsmanship, 8 pieces of 2 inch PVC pipes with elbow joints forms the skeletal structure of the tent. The tent body is made from thin and tough plastic sheet (the type used to cover truck cargo).

As we stood there in the dark of the night admiring and scrutinizing the structure, we realized how cold and heavy the wind was. The tent looked robust enough to withstand the wind but we were ill prepared for the cold.

The vast open space around and crystal clear starry night transformed the mundane into special, For, Raju’s Kaju (Feni) tasted like premium malt whisky and Don’s beer like Champagne. Even the dinner of Bhaji and bread (Courtesy Don) was like a feast.

By now the chill had penetrated to our bones, after cleaning up and scanning the surrounding grass land with the LED torch (yet another of Raju’s avishkar) we hit the tent floor and called it a Good night.

The wind brought the tent to life, the plastic sheet made funny rustling sounds through out the night, a slightest of our movements added to the fluttering sounds and the whole tent seemed like a live creature that had engulfed us. We slept lightly, only entering deep sleep very early in the morning.

Don was first to wake up followed by Raju and then me, plastic bottle filled with water we went in search of a hide out to answer nature’s call. Freshened up we managed to dismantle the tent in flat 15 minutes. Our mission was a success!

Loading our belongings into the car we headed for Tilari-nagar village. The whole of village life seems to be concentrated at a junction on Tilari - Belgaum highway. The junction comes to life every time a bus or a truck takes a halt and driver and passengers rushing for quick bite at one of the two hotels. We broke our fast savoring the hot and spicy Usal pav, Upit and Sheera.

The rest of the day we spent walking around on the plateau. We had a mid day bath in cold and clear running water at the top of the water fall.

For lunch we were back at the junction, with full stomachs we headed for the dam where we had a power nap that energized us for our return drive.

Narkasur

2008-10-22T23:57:00.000-07:00

The evil faces are lined up for sale. Every year around Diwali, the youngsters all over Goa will busy themselves constructing the NARKASUR EFFIGIES. The effigies are then burnt on the night before Diwali. This is supposed to be a symbolic act of ending all the evil.

The colorful scary masks will be fitted on huge torsos constructed using metal rod skeleton filled with hay and covered with jute sheets.

Hundreds of such effigies will be set ablaze on the night of 27th this year.

A large number of youth clubs around Goa are busy making the effigies of this mythological demon, oblivious to the activities of the real demons who are on the rampage in the state.

In the capital city of Panaji an Advocate is brutally attacked for speaking up against a minister. In another place near Ponda a Village Sarpanch is bent on converting a pristine village into a garbage dump, not caring for the environment and peoples sentiment.

In Ponda a minor girl is lured, blackmailed and raped by a gang of young men.

The real demons are busy busy
We are happy burning the effigies
Ending the evil only symbolically.....

The Chorla Trek

2008-09-12T04:56:00.000-07:00

We could see Keri Dam partially lost amidst the fog in the valley below, as we snaked up the winding Chorla Ghat road. Half way up the Ghat Mandar, Utkarsh, Omkar, Kaustubh Rohan and Me poured out of the car. Standing at the edge of the road all of us took the in the refreshing air and the scene below. Omkar got busy clicking the tiny flying dragons. 15 minutes later we moved on climbing up higher.

KERI DAM LOST IN FOG Our second stop was past the Wilder Nest nature camp, from this point we had a good view of twin waterfalls. Exploring the surrounding area Rohan noticed some pug marks and concluded they belonged to a wild boar.

ASIAN FAIRY BLUE BIRD
At 9am we reached at the top and broke our fast at the only road side eatery. All of us feasted on Bhaji and Pav. After parking the car near the hotel we set out on the trail that would lead us to an old fort near a village called SADA.
The trail takes off from Goa – Belgaum highway, right at the entrance we were greeted by mixed bird calls, we had a fleeting glimpse of yellow browed bulbul . IT was hard to spot any bird as they were very well camouflaged by the thick canopy overhead.
We walked along taking the richness of the vegetation and the creepy crawlies wandering across our path. After about a couple of kilometers the terrain changed the tall trees gave way to open grass land and shrubbery. Small rivulets crossed our path. Omkar went berserk cliking the dragon flies and damsel flies. Rohan found some interesting toad which he carried on his palm, showing off.

The rising heavy clouds darkened the horizon as we reached the Volcanic Plateau ( called SADA in Konkani and Marathi). A lone pair of Malabar Crested Lark chased each other across flower dotted rocky terrain. We could see the thick curtain of rain on the adjacent hill top. None were carrying rain gear except me and Omkar. I had a rain jacket and Omkar an umbrella. We bundled three cameras and a binocular into my backpack and I wore the coat, at least the equipment would be safe now.

It started pouring and every one rushed in the nearby bush. It was quite a site to see Rohan, Omkar, Kaustubh, Utkarsh and Mandar huddled under single umbrella. The rain coat provided good cover for the equipment but the water trickled through the open zip wetting my front.

As there was no sign of rain receding we decide to walk back. By 1pm we reached the hotel, drenched to the core. After drying up a little bit we settled to feast on piping hot rice plate served at the hotel. While having the lunch I noticed a little dark lump between my first two toes . I dashed out and on closer scrutiny I noticed total of 6 tiny lumps on my legs and realized these were leeches gradually getting fatter on my blood. The sprinkling of salt did the trick, each leech crumpled and collapsed on the ground. Blood continued pouring from the wounds caused. Rohan and Omkar had a couple of leeches on there ankles. The rest of them were lucky.

Wounds cleaned and lunch bill paid we started our back journey. It rained all the way back home.

Feathered Bouquet from Sawantwadi

2008-09-05T07:08:00.000-07:00

Sawantwadi is a small town 60Kms from Goa's Capital - Panaji. I spent three days (2nd, 3rd and 4th Sept 2008) during Ganesh Chaturthi at my sisters place in this town. Amboli a popular Hill Station is just 28kms away from Sawantwadi. Here are some snaps of birds that I captured in my sisters backyard and en-route Amboli.

PURPLE RUMPED SUNBIRD (male)

PURPLE RUMPED SUNBIRD (female)

Pea Hen (Indian Peafowl)

MALABAR CRESTED LARK

PIED KINGFISHER

Ignored,Cornered,Wasted!

2008-08-31T05:11:00.001-07:00

A common site around our town. Ignored, Cornered, Wasted!!!!!!

Birding on the Move

2008-07-07T07:32:00.000-07:00

On the Sunday afternoon 6th of July Jagdish and I did a round about trip Betoda-Kodar-Dabal-Betoda, covering 25 Kms on the motorbike. We did birding while cruising along.

On the way we would stop at the slightest hint of a flutter in the tree, wait by the road side for the bird to show up, this method proved highly rewarding and we saw Malabar Pied Hornbill, Gold Mantled Leaf Bird, Scarlet Minivet, Chestnut Headed Bee Eater, Pied Crested Cuckoo, Common Hawk Cuckoo, Spotted Dove, Common Iora, Orange Headed Thrush, Eurasian Black Bird, Small Green Bee Eater, Yellow Wattled Lapwing.

We could capture a few of them in the digital trap. Capturing the Pied Crested Cuckoo, Common Hawk Cuckoo and Eurasian Black Bird was difficult. The cuckoos are more often heard than seen since they seldom come out in the open. the Eurasian Blackbird is a very sensitive and shy Bird making it difficult to photograph.

Scarlet Minivet Male

Scarlet Minivet Male

Pied Crested Cuckoo

Common Hawk Cuckoo

Common Hawk Cuckoo

Eurasian Black Bird (Race nigr0pileus of peninsular India)

Eurasian Black Bird (Race nigr0pileus of peninsular India)

Up the hill

2008-06-23T05:30:00.000-07:00

‘It is some kind of a Babbler, I think!’ shot Jagdish
‘Yes could be a Puff Throated babbler!’ replied Paresh.
Five of us Jagdish, Paresh, Hazrat, Donald and Me stood searching for the source of the song from the near by bush. There were 4 to 5 restless brownish birds in the bush, after much deliberation and without any conclusive identification of the bird our party moved on.

Paresh, Donald, Hazrat and Jagdish

We had walked up a trail, leading to a Plateau on top of the hill near Ponda (Goa). The green hill was greener now. The skies were relatively clear, though it had showered when we started to Hike. The red rocks on the wet path were covered with moss.

How the rains transform nature was evident from new tender shoots, the life force of sprouts and mushrooms split the earth, insects frantically hopped around in the search of mates, tender grass reeds painted the earth surface brilliant green.

Orange Pierrot

Beetles Mating

On the top cool breeze blew across the plateau. The plateau too was abuzz with new life, there were colonies of tiny mushrooms here a bright red crab there, tadpoles swam happily in the puddles and hundreds of airborne dragon flies circled around a bush and grasshopper mating pairs hopped on the ground.

Happy Tadpoles in the puddle

Grasshopper Mating

Crab

Paresh, Jagdish and Hazrat

The sun was setting and clouds gathered in the sky above. Nearby, the top of green canopy came alive as the flock of Pompadour green pigeons settled to take rest on their way home. A Malabar Grey Hornbill called from the valley below. We silently settled on the rocks soaking in the serenity, as it got darker reluctantly we started our downhill walk back to the highway where we had parked our bikes.

On the Trail Of Collared Kingfisher

2008-06-17T03:47:00.000-07:00

I made a trip to KARNZALE-Marcaim 'Khazan' (marsh land created by tidal backwaters from estuaries) land On the afternoon of 16th June 2008. Accompanying me was all exited Jagdish. Jagdish had promised to show me a COLLARED KINGFISHER and LITTLE GREEN HERON; both uncommon, he had spotted 8 of these beautiful kingfishers at the same spot, day before.

As we started walking along the Bandh (manmade embankment to control the tidal waters) we spotted Large egrets, Lesser Whistling Teals and Cormorants. Brahminy Kites rode the thermals. Further along the bandh Jagdish pointed at a smallish bird on the rocks, it resembled the pond heron but on closer scrutiny it turned out to be LITTLE GREEN HERON . Jagdish was pleased to have fulfilled 50% of his promise.

The Bandh

Little Green Heron

The bandh is almost a kilometer in length and is lined with thick Mangrove plantation. As we walked to the other end of the bandh we spotted Honey Buzzard being chased by CROW, White Breasted Kingfisher, Small Blue Kingfisher, Pied Kingfisher and Stork billed Kingfisher but no sign of COLLARED KINGFISHER.

We lingered at the spot where Jagdish had seen the kingfisher, however today some locals were repairing the bandh at the very spot. So we walked along.

The Repair Work

Towards the end point the bandh runs parallel to ZUARI estuary. On this stretch we heard the call of the Kingfisher we were so eagerly looking for. We waited in vain for a while and started our return walk. Half way through the walk Jagdish halted abruptly pointing in the mangrove thicket, right there in front was a pair of COLLARED KINGFISHER. The sky was cloudy and the pair perched in the thicket, not good enough light for photo, however I managed to click a decent snap.

With 100% promise fulfilled Jagdish was all smiles.

Collared Kingfisher

Brahminy Kite

Flies on Fish Carcass

Flies

Dragon Fly

Mongoose

Cycling and Birding

2008-05-31T21:55:00.000-07:00

May 22 2008
The Betoda - Borim Bypass highway, cuts through a range of hillocks. The vegetation here is home to lots of bird specie. I often do off road cycling on the dirt trail off this highway. The trail is just over a kilometer. The forest department Aforestation program has brought two hills under thick vegetation. The area is fenced and protected.

An early morning ride to this place is especially rewarding. One can easily spot, White Rumped Shama, Jungle Bush Quails, Black Bulbul, Orange Headed Thrush, Rose Ringed Parakeets and more.

On this particular trip on May 22 2008, I could capture a few of them on my Canon 400D with Sigma 70-300mm lens.

CRESTED HAWK EAGLE

LESSER FLAME BACKED WOODPECKER MALE

LESSER FLAME BACKED WOODPECKER FEMALE

JUNGLE BUSH QUAIL

ORANGE HEADED THRUSH

Birds and More

2008-05-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

A poster for our upcoming photo exhibition at KALA ACADEMY, Panaji, Goa.Over 300 photographs will be on display, showcasing, Birds, Snakes, insects of GOA and More....

My First MTB Video

2008-05-15T00:43:00.001-07:00

Here is an amateurish attempt at both, video shooting and mountain biking. The camera used is Canon S5 IS still digital camera in video mode. It was real fun doing this shoot, since I doubled as camera man and the biker. I had to set the camera on the rock in the middle of the track, then run back to the bike and start pedaling towards the camera. This video is 5 clips combined together

Back on Wheel after a long break

2008-04-29T22:59:00.000-07:00

Sat on potters wheel after a long break and churned out this 2 footer he he he.....

SCOOCLE

2008-04-25T08:13:00.000-07:00

What to call this? a SCOOCLE?

Barbet Chick

2008-04-14T03:44:00.000-07:00

For past 5 days we at home are busy tending to this White Cheeked Barbet Chick, that fell from it's nest. It's learning to fly, we are waiting to witness the real flight of freedom!!!!

It's Feni and Hurrak Time in Goa

2008-04-13T03:36:00.000-07:00

It's hot and sultry in Goa. On the mountain trails the warm breeze loaded with subtle smells of wild flowers also carries strong fruity smell of ripened cashews
Often while cycling through the mountains I come across Villagers busy collecting ripe yellow, red and orange cashew fruits. The nuts would go to cashew factory and the fruit will end up getting crushed in the backyards, the juice will then be fermented and distilled in the small homemade breweries. the product of first distillation is moderately spirited clear liquid -'HURAK' the second distillation produces STRONGLY spirited clear liquid, the famous- 'Kaju FENI'.

HURAK is seasonal and would be available only till mid June. FENI would go a long way and would last till next summer. These spirits add color to local summer harvest festival of SHIGMO.

Taking the roads less traveled

2008-03-29T21:20:00.000-07:00

Cycling has made it possible for me to take the roads less traveled. In recent time while exploring the area around Ponda (Goa) I happen to discover dirt trails criss-crossing the hills connecting villages. It rained heavy in the third week of March, when I cycled to the Farmagudi (Ponda-Goa) plateau. The ground was wet and fresh green grass shoots doted the surface. The whole atmosphere was monsoon like!!!

Cycling Facity at Cotigao wildlife Sanctuary

2008-03-24T09:09:00.000-07:00

My friend Donald and I spent three days (21^st , 22^nd , 23^rd March 2008) at Cotigao wildlife sanctuary, situated in South Goa. Our best laid plans for photographing wildlife were ruined by unexpected down pour.

It rained (all three days) like it does in rainy season (effect of global warming??), we managed to take longish walks as it drizzled.

The Range Forest Officer Mr. Paresh Parab who happens to be a friend has managed to acquire four cycles, 2 Octane DTB2s and 2 Hero thunders (single speed). We learnt about this when Paresh came to the office late evening, the second day of our stay.

The next morning we did some riding on specially designed cycling trail some 2 Kms in length, passing in a loop through wooded area. On this ride we spotted the Spotted Deer and variety of birds.

Me and Don

Don and Me on the trail

Hero Thunder MTB

Don

Paresh has set an example for other sanctuaries to follow! Providing the cycles would reduce the number of motorbikes and four wheelers entering into the sanctuary.

The visitors can rent these bikes; the casual visitors will have to stick to riding on the special cycling trail, while residing visitors would be free to cycle anywhere within the sanctuary. The official announcement and inauguration (by some politician/higher official) of this facility is scheduled for sometime next week.

Mountain Biking In Goa

2008-03-20T23:06:00.000-07:00

After purchasing entry level mountain bike (TREK 3700), I was in search of off road trails and r I discovered this 1Km. rough, tough, winding trail uphill near home (Ponda - Goa). This trail calls for good mountain biking skills of balancing, braking and maintaining the cadence while going up.

During my initial rides up the trail I would get off my bike at 4 different spots along the trail, with practice I now manage to bike up the trail, getting off only at one tough spot. The down hill is really thrilling.

At the top the trail opens up to a plateau having typical Konkan topography, the volcanic rock covers the ground and is home to, Grey Hare, Indian Pea Fowl, Jackal, Porcupine, Grey Jungle Fowl and Scorpions.

Early morning rides are rewarded with sightings of Black Headed Oriole, Asian Fairy Blue Bird, Malabar Pied Hornbill, Malabar Grey Hornbill and many other winged wonders!!

Soaring High

2008-02-18T08:40:00.000-08:00

Brahmini Kite, commonly sited through out Goa. I captured this beautiful bird circling high up, monitoring the surface of water, it circled for sometime and with amazing speed descended and caught a fish in it's talons.
It flew and settled on a near by palm tree, where it was joined by it's mate, the two shared the meal.

Maiden Shoot With Canon D 400 and Sigma 170-500mm

2008-02-04T04:20:00.001-08:00

These are some of the shots taken on the maiden shoot with Canon D 400 fitted with Sigma 170-500mm lens.

My brother Anil and me cruised along Ponda-Margao highway "shooting" these unsuspecting subjects

Brahmini Kite

Brahmini Kite

Blue Rock Pigeon

Purple Heron

Small Blue Kingfisher

Red Pods

Black in Black! Indica

Budding Snakemen

2008-01-10T09:11:00.001-08:00

How often does one come across teenagers more at home with Sandboas, Chekered Keelbacks and Russel's Vipers (ooopppsss!!!!!) than, mobiles, computers and the net.

I consider myself fortunate to have met one such band of teenagers and at the same time feel proud to have them as my students.

Meet Saish, Omkar, Utkarsh, Aniket, Rohan, Amey, Kustubh and Shounak the energetic green octet.

Saish and Omkar are ever eager to rush to rescue the snake, lost in the not so friendly neighbourhood concrete jungle. Both hold the record for rescuing 8 baby Russel's Vipers in a single day.

Recently the boys rescued a Checkered Keelback and baby Sand Boa from a neighbor's house.

The enthusiasm of these boys is also a matter of concern to me when it comes to handling venomous snakes like Russel's Viper and Cobra. I have to keep repeating the words of CAUTION.

Guys like these face great danger from the system (education system in particular), as there is no recognition and encouragement for any non academic activity.

Hoping others catch the spirit!!!

Rescued Russel's Viper

Saish with rescued Checkered Keelback

Aniket and Saish, Releasing the Keelback

Baby Sand Boa

Utkarsh admiring the baby Sandboa

Rohan with Green Vine Snake

Saish, Shaunak and Omkar with snake skin

Winged Wonders

2008-01-08T09:43:00.000-08:00

Malabar Grey Hornbill (male) photo- Omkar Dharwadkar

Malabar Grey Hornbill (female) photo- Omkar Dharwadkar

Most birds seem to go unnoticed, unless you look for them consciously. It was only after the College Nature Study Centre purchased cannon S5 IS digital camera, that my students and me could capture these winged wonders in the digital trap. People viewing these images did not believe that such birds frequent the town.

The Female and Male Malabar Grey Hornbill captured by my student Omkar Dharwadkar, are regular visitors on Bread Fruit tree in the heart of Ponda town (GOA).

This species of Hornbill is ENDEMIC to Western Ghats

Pedaling into the New Year

2008-01-06T23:19:00.000-08:00

For Donald (Don) it was first long ride on bike. Don rode Octane DTB2 and I pedaled on TREK 3700. After riding for 2hrs 20mins and covering 28Kms we broke our fast feasting on 'Malabari parotas' and sabzi at the roadside eatery near Mollem check post. We had started at 6am from Ponda, the plan was to pedal right up the Anmod Ghat (16 odd Kms of continuous climb), check into Dudh Sagar Nature Resort at Anmod and then explore the ghats, giving a send - off to 2007 and the next day to welcome 2008 cycling on dirt track to Dudh Sagar water falls.

On second thoughts and considering it was last day of 2007 we felt it right to check in at Mollem itself(we doubted that the resort at Anmod might be booked for New Year celebrations) and then go on our explorations.

We spent 2 and half hours and pedaled 20Kms in search of accommodation and finally at 12noon we managed to check in at "ARANYAK' a nature camp run by Goa Forest Department, the camp is set at the border of Mollem National Park (Bhagvan Mahavir Wildlife Sanctuary).

ARANYAK has 8 tents in two categories 1) Rs.200 and 2) Rs.300 the later has attached latrine and bathroom and a small veranda. We opted for the later which is designed in Swiss Cottage style. The lunch at 1.30 was a decent dal, rice, sabzi, pickle, papad package, the dinner and the lunch next day would be the same with dal as a variant.

After resting for an hour we hit the dirt trail taking us into the sanctuary, the trail passed through thick woods and we had good share of ups and downs all through 7Kms. I realized that it took double the efforts on such dirt tracks as compared to tarred road. Half way through the trail I had disheartening revelation that, one cannot watch the birds and photograph them while cycling on the trail, the cycle tires made high decibel chattering sound on the track and by the time one braked and came to a stop after spotting a bird the bird would be gone. The best way for birdwatching is, I feel, walking! On the whole we managed to shoot one Hawk Eagle.

We returned to the camp at 6.30pm, washed and hung around the camp till dinner time at 8.30. After dinner we sat under the sky on the lawn near the tent wondering what other people might be doing, probably they were drinking to their glory while listening the blaring music! At 10 we decide to go to bed, for the next day was going to be tough pedaling 12Kms one way to Dudh Sagar water fall on dirt track and later pedaling 38 Kms back to Ponda.

Day2

After early morning breakfast of upit and chai we hit the dirt trail once more, just outside the camp we were greeted by a mixed party of birds, there, right in front of us was a beautiful Paradise Flycatcher, gracefully making sallies after the flies and bees. By the time I could get off my bike and aim the camera, the bird had gone deeper into the woods. However further up the trail I managed to catch one in the digital trap.

As we cycled trough the woods we spotted Asian fairy Blue Bird, southern Trogon Female, Heart Spotted Wood Pecker, Pompadour Green Pigeon, Golden Oriole and many others zipping through the dense canopy.

The trail again had many ups and downs, sometimes running parallel to the stream; we had to cross the stream twice. We were eager to reach the falls before the Jeeps ferrying the tourists began to ply on the dirt track. Every day at least 25 Jeeps pass through this National Park. I do not understand why this is allowed, already there's a south central railway track passing through. The Jeep business certainly provides the employment to the locals, but there could be other better options, like trekking, hiking or cycling, the locals can be trained to be ‘Nature Guides' .

We reached near the falls at 9.15, with one break for a quick snack of pav, butter and banana. After parking the bikes we walked through the rocky boulders to the falls, two guys at the parking lot were their snack stalls ready. We spent half an hour at the falls; the forest guards present at the falls informed us that, last night (31st) a boy drowned in the reservoir there. At least 3 to 4 deaths occur per year by drowning at the falls.

As we returned to the parking lot, two jeep loads of tourists had arrived. A chat with the jeep drivers revealed that, the charges for the trip were Rs. 350 per head with 6 passengers per vehicle, which means the operator earned Rs.2100 per trip and some drivers managed two trips per day.

On our way back we counted 8 more jeeps going towards the falls and it was just 11am, the vehicles are allowed in till 5pm. The forest department charge Rs. 20 per head as entry fee, Rs. 40 if you are carrying still camera and Rs. 150 for the video camera.

At 12 noon we were back at the camp, the lunch was served at 1pm. After resting for while, we started on our return journey at 3pm. riding for 8Kms we hit the Belgaum-Panaji highway. For the next 2 hours we had to face the rude, rash mine trucks. We reached Ponda, sweaty and covered in red dust. We had pedaled 120 Kms of which 36Kms was dirt track with lots of climbs. The whole experience was worth it, giving us confidence to do more challenging rides in the future.

Days - 2

Distance covered on Tarmac road - 84Kms

Dirt track distance covered - 36Kms

Total distance - 120Kms

Birds we spotted - Hawk Eagle, Heart Spotted Wood Pecker, Shama, treepie, Paradise Flycatcher, Pompadour Green Pegion, Golden Oriole, Great Indian Black Woodpecker, Female Malabar Trogon

Lizard Basking in morning sun

Donald Crossing the stream

Me (right) and Don

Don cleaning the bikes

Me going down hill

TREK 3700 MTB

2007-04-19T04:10:00.000-07:00

Last month I switched from Hero Octane DTB1 to TREK 3700 Mountain Bike. TREK 3700
Specifications
Price - 13500/-
Frame size - 18"
Wheel Diameter - 26"
Suspension - Front RST 191 63mm travel
Gears - 21 speed Shimano Aera
Shifters - Easy fire

The feel of the bike is great. The gears shift much quicker as compared to Octane. The gear ratios are real good, can take climbs at great ease.

Navrang

2007-04-10T22:20:00.000-07:00

During 2005 winter a beautiful little bird called Indian Pitta frequented my backyard every afternoon. The green upper part, light brown underparts with bright orange at the vent and streaks of at least 5 other colors under the wing gives it it's Hindi and Marathi Name 'NavRang' (nine colors). The Pitta seemed very fond of grapes that we fed it everyday. We waited all through the 2006 winter but the bird did not show up. May be it discovered sweeter grapes somewhere else.

BUG........err

2007-04-10T10:32:00.000-07:00

Me and Raju transformed old Yamaha motorbike tank into a giant bug at Raju's workshop

The giant bug changed it's color and found it's way to a garden in a housing colony at Margao-Goa.

TREKKING on TREK

2007-04-10T10:04:00.000-07:00

TREKKING on TREK

I stopped pedaling and dismounted the cycle, had a sip of water from the bottle and stood listening to the whistling of Idle School Boy (Malabar Whistling Thrush). I was at the entry point to the Bondla Wildlife Sanctuary and the time was 6.50am. I had cycled some 14Kms distance from my home town Ponda.

It was warm April Sunday morning and I had mounted my new TREK 3700 Mountain Bike 50 mins ago. Water bottle strapped to the seat post of the cycle and the pair of binoculars strapped to my waist I pushed on the pedals heading towards the sanctuary

Bondla wildlife sanctuary is a small forest reserve some18Kms from Ponda (town where I reside). I have frequented this sanctuary since my college days. The sanctuary is great place for birding. Within the
sanctuary there is a ZOO for injured and orphaned animals maintained by the forest department of Goa. Bison, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, Porcupine, Leopard, Malabar giant Squirrel are some of the mammals roaming free in this reserve.

Near to the Entry point of the sanctuary is a sparsely wooded place, which apparently is a play ground for birds, for, on number of occasions I have noticed a party of Black headed Orioles (6 to 7, never seen so many Orioles together), Drongos, Bulbuls, Magpie Robins playing the chasing game and this morning was no different, the usual members were joined in by two energetic juvenile Blossom Headed Parakeets.

I pedaled along with ease in the low gear, a 4Kms winding road with two sharp bends and steep climbs lay in front of me. A little distance further I spotted Shama twittering away at the usual spot. I put in little effort climbing up the steep slope arriving at a spot where 3 months ago I had spotted 4 Asian Fairy Blue birds and today there was a lonely fellow calling softly from the tree top.

This 4Kms of winding road runs parallel to a stream which gushes down with great energy during the monsoon but goes dry in summer, along the stream I could hear Grey Jungle Fowl and Malabar Grey Hornbill, with little patient wait at the bend in the road I spotted both these birds.

Further up I saw a Ruby Throated Yellow Bulbul (state bird of Goa) chasing away its cousin - the Red Vented Bulbul. It had rained last night, I could smell the scent of earth. On a Near by tree were the Paper Wasps buzzing around their big nest.

One hour of slow pedaling brought me to the top of the hill near the forest cottages when a Lesser Flame back (woodpecker) flew just above me and settled vertically clinging to the bark of a tree.

Going along this stretch has always been rewarding, the number of bird specie one encounters along this road is really amazing. At one spot high up in thick canopy I could hear hooting of an owl but could not spot it.

After relaxing a bit I started off on my return downhill journey. It was thrilling to just hurtle down the steep slope. It was a great test for the bicycle brakes. On my way back an Indian civet ran across the road disappearing into the bush on the other side.

It was nearing 9 O clock and I was 2Kms away from
home, the traffic had thickened and trucks were roaring past me on the Goa-Belgaum highway. The final kilometer I speeded up making 30 to 40Kms/hr. The trip left me energized despite the physical effort of pushing the pedals for 36Kms.

On High Octane

2007-03-01T01:25:00.000-08:00

After toying with the idea of purchasing a bicycle for sometime, I started looking around for a good mountain terrain bike (MTB). The many visits to local cycle shops were disappointing. Most cycles in this segment were ill designed. The graphics were horrible. The web search for MTB manufacturers in India lead me to Hero cycles, who have brought 4 MTB models (Thunder, Octane 26T, Octane DTB1 and Octane DTB 2) in the market. All 4 are Aluminium frame bikes, which means they are light weight and the price range is 5500/- to 8000/-.
The Thunder is good bike for the price of 6000/- but I settled for Octane DTB 1 (5500/-) which looked appealing as it came without any frills (carrier, mudguards etc.).
DTB 1 also sports central suspension and is equipped with 21 gears (Shimano) . The graphics were poor (I have partly redone the graphics).
So here I am pedaling away in the Mountains (around Ponda-Goa) .I am back on the little saddle after a break of almost 8 years.
It’s been three months now and I am still hooked on. I go cycling thrice a week and cover on an average 15 Kms every trip. It’s a real joy to be out there on the simplest vehicle ever designed.
Recently I had a look at Fire Fox MTBs in Panaji (Goa) . The bikes look damned good and I am tempted to switch to one of fire Fox , however the prices are holding me back ( minimum price is15000/-)

Entropy Trap

2006-11-25T01:05:00.000-08:00

Industrialization, Population explosion, Advanced technology, Computerization, Information boom, Life in the fast lane, popping the pills, genetic engineering, globalization, human genome project, nuclear reactors, nuclear weapons, Pesticides, Fertilizers, Deforestation, Urbanization, Global warming …………………………………The list can go on.

What’s all this got to do with second law of thermodynamics?
Did I say thermodynamics?
O! Yes, to be more precise, I said second law of thermodynamics, which naturally comes after first law of thermodynamics.
And what’s this first law?
well! The FIRST LAW says that Energy can neither be created nor can it be destroyed, however one form of energy can be converted into another form, like burning of coal into electricity or nuclear energy into electricity.
But that’s cool! One would say,
Ya! that’s cool till one stops and ponders on the second law of thermodynamics.

The SECOND LAW states that whenever one form of energy is converted into another form, some of the energy is always lost in the form of unusable heat energy during the transformation, Physicist use the term ENTROPY to describe this phenomenon. That’s still cool man! , Wait there’s more
Faster the rate of transformation higher is the loss
Complex systems transform large amount of energy at faster rate and hence loose a lot of available energy in the process
More exacting the process higher is the loss
High end technology aims at faster processing and it ‘s complexity is of highest order and hence ultimately it looses lot of energy
Blah blah blah ………………………………….
.
Do you get my point?

uummm … mmm no not exactly!

OK! Then you must really think HARDER ……………… think FASTER ………………………. think DEEPER ……………… come on think!!! use all the power of your grey matter.

Ohhhhh….h stop! I am feeling exhausted!

Ahhhhh ……. Ha Reallllly!

One Up on the Rainbow

2006-11-15T07:14:00.000-08:00

En-route Bangalore, early afternoon we took a halt at Jog falls, Chitta was already hungry and, I wanted to proceed and continue driving - to Bangalore, Neena was confused. Finally I gave in to Chitta’s wish, Neena was still confused.
We all rushed with the Tiffin, water bottles and all, in search of a ‘shady’ place.
The minute Chitta discovered a place under the tree; he spread out the mat and served Curd-Rice in three plates. Chitta and I began eating, Neena was still confused.
In ten minutes flat we finished eating and dish washing. I strolled near to the point where the water takes a plunge hundreds of feet down; exactly opposite to where I stood I could see the main water fall. The fall was quite thick even though it was mid-may. What struck me was almost half way down the water fall, there, seven brilliant colors were spread out in the space around the water fall. This belt of colors is created due to double refraction of the light from the sun, by the spray of water droplets.
Chitta and Neena rushed to the spot, Chitta was thrilled to be 'One up on the Rainbow' and Neena was still confused.

Stork Mela

2006-11-15T06:21:00.000-08:00

In the scorching heat of May, Chitta and me were chilling out at Ranganthittu bird sanctuary [Neena was fighting away the chill(cold) in mysore], both of us were overwhelmed by the scene - Painted storks, Asian open billed storks, White Ibis, Large egrets, Median egrets ,adults and young ones … literally in hundreds perching on trees and flying around.
This was a great feast for any nature lover and birding enthusiast.
The birds were nesting on the trees all over the place; this small reservoir in the Kaveri River provides home and food for not only the birds but crocodiles and the bats as well.
Cruising in a small boat (service provided by Karnataka Tourism) we could approach very close to the island and the edge of the river where birds were nesting.
Unfortunately the boat ride lasts only for 20mins or so, for another ride we would have to stand in the queue once more.

We were very reluctant to leave this Mela (fun-fair, large gathering) of a different kind. However we left, only to return the next day and this time with Neena minus the chill (cold that she had). Though for Chitta and Me this was second trip in two days, it was still refreshing to be back in the company of the birds that are suppose to courier the babies to expecting mothers.
In the near future I am planning to specially visit this palce and spend atleast 2 days amidst these featherd creatures.

A Nightout with the Dhangars

2006-11-14T03:07:00.000-08:00

In the last weak of september this year, Sachin, Raju, Donald and Me , set out on an adventure in the Tilari Hills - a part of Western Ghats on Goa- Maharashtra border. Sachin was down from US of A on his annual vacation.
We reached the ‘top of the world’ Tilari plateau at 9 in the morning after driving 100Kms from Ponda.
We had a plan to stay at the PWD rest house in the village, but it was under repairs and besides we did not have the recommendation letter from concerned authority to use the facility. With the lowered spirits we decided to hike in the hills of Tilari till sundown and then head for Belgaum some 50Kms away and return the next morning to continue exploring.
But Raju had something else on his mind; he had noticed a small tent and a lonely figure, guarding herd of sheep on the open flat at the point where the ghat ends and Tilari plateau begins, Raju proposed that he would chat up the Dhangar (Marathi term for the shepherd) to allow us to spend the night in his tent, all of us quickly agreed and approached the dhangar, who unhesitatingly offered to be the host, provided we did not mind sharing the space with his brother in-law , three kids and of course his dogs and the lambs, cuddled up in the far corner of the tent.
Damu Majgaokar our host also offered to cook the food Dhangar style but he had only raw dal and rice so, We had to go back to Tilari village to purchase chicken (For Raju And Sachin) and some veggies (For Donald and Me). The setting sun had painted the sky deep red when we returned to our ‘base camp’.
The fire was already on and our host was busy preparing to cook the meal, now he was joined by his brother in-law and the kids.
The sun had set, and we were drowned in the thick mist, Raju eagerly opened his Kaju Feni bottle and prepared the drink for himself and the hosts, Sachin and Donald popped the beer bottles and me, I was happy just watching the spirits soar high.
The aroma from the pot on the fire was hanging around us in that thick mist. After the initial chat the dhangars got talking about their tribe and their life style.
They told us about their encounters with the Bison, leopards and Tigers. Their experience says that these wild beasts are quite harmless provided one leaves them alone.
On quizzing about the ghosts our hosts instantly denied the existence of such ‘free spirits’ as they had not encountered any such entity during their wanderings.
By now the food was ready and so were we, our host served us in whatever available containers. For Me and Donald it was dal and rice. Sachin and Raju pounced on the chicken. The dal to our surprise was cooked in sheep’s milk and tasted quite fantastic. Sachin could not stop his Ahh….s and uuu…mmms as he downed the chicken soup and gobbled chicken masala (dhangar style).
The dhangars were pleased when they heard Contended burps from Raju.
By the time we finished our dinner the kids were fast asleep.
After cleaning up we also stretched on a single blanket laid on the ground inside the tent.
Before long we were also out and gone. It rained early morning and we woke up to fresh air and beautiful landscape. Each one rushed to the near by rivulet of water to freshen up and to answer the natures call. Piping hot black tea was waiting for us at the camp when we came back.

In a short while we had to take leave of our warm hearted hosts, keeping with their tradition Damu offered us beetle leaves as a token of friendship, chewing on the beetle leaves we took off on our HIKE to the near by hill.

Raju was alredy thinking of spending another night at the spot, but Sachin had to return home and procced to Mumbai to keep the appointment with the visa authority.

On our way out we noticed a horse and colt tied to a tree near the tent (we had missed this last evening), the horse carries all the belongings when the dhangars are on the move.

We must return to the same spot , same time next year to honor the Invitation Of the Dhangar.

Face It

2006-11-13T03:03:00.000-08:00

No two faces are the same, but the reflection of inner turbulence is the same on all the faces, I created a series of faces when I began clay modeling some four years ago, all the faces have different physical features but they reflect the feelings with which a lot of visitors to my studio have identified with.
I was quite surprised with the reaction of these people and how they could identify with the exact state of mind the face represented. I created some ten odd faces and then moved on to create some abstracted animal forms