[PatchyBoy]

Prologue

Due to family health issues and work pressures, my photography equipment was gathering dust. I couldn't take Suzan out or couldn't leave her at home unattended. This was leading to increased levels of frustration and stress for me. My brother-in-law came down from Mangalore to spend a week with us. This was the oppurtunity I was waiting for. So, entrusted the responsibilty of caring for Suzan for a weekend with him and left home on Saturday afternoon. The plan was to go somewhere and get some much needed "me time". Packed the camera gear, change of clothes, a book, got in the car and drove off, without any destination in mind.

Day 1

Since I live in Goa, was not keen on going to the beaches and decided to head off into the mighty western ghats. Since it is monsoon, was sure that the ghats will be breathtakingly beautiful. Was willing to risk bad roads & road closures. So, got on NH 66 and started driving towards MH. First stop a restaurant at Pernem for a snack and a cuppa. Looked at maps and decided to go to Amba, MH. Identified "The Jungle Resort" to stay for the night. It was the fisrt one I could find with available accomodation. Just wanted to get there & chill. Tomorrow was the big day. So, did not stop for pictures.

Somewhere on NH 66 after crossing into MH from Goa

The drive was blissful & uneventful. No major road closures, till I hit NH166. That road is WIP and is very bad. Wasn't concerned as it was the last leg of my drive for the day. With 18 kms to go, in a place named Sakharpa, the TPMS alarm went off. Front left was losing air rapidly. Pulled over & tried to pump it up. But couldn't go beyond 20 psi, as it was losing air as fast as I could pump it in. Spotted a fuel station with parked trucks about 50 mts ahead. Slowly drove till there, hoping to get some help swapping the tyre out.

When I got there, found a tyre repair shop right next to the fuel station. Wasn't sure if I should think of it as too much of a conincidence or I should be thankful. The shop guy quickly took the wheel out, inspected and recommended that the tyre be taken off the alloy and patched from inside. I gave him the go ahead. After about an hour and two cups of tea, the car was ready. Drove the rest of the distance gingerly (did I mention bad roads?), checked in, ordered dinner and settled down to read "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini. That book had been on my wish list for a very long time.

The resort is very basic. No fancy stuff. Basic but clean rooms. I was alloted the family room which can sleep 4 people, all to myself. Since it was already dark and was also raining, did not explore the property. Food tasted nice and felt home made. Would rate it a 3.5 out of 5. Finished dinner and the book, tucked myself in and fell asleep. This was to be the most relaxing sleep i have had in ages.

Day 2

Woke up early, well rested and feeling full of energy. There was very light rain and a lot of fog. Had breakfast and a cup of coffee. Checked out and started the drive without a destination. Took the road to Manoli Dam. I was told that there was a waterfall nearby, but could not spot it. The guard at the forest gate wasn't able to help much, due to language barrier. So took some pictures and moved on. The forest road from there was a dream come true. From there, drove to Anusukra ghat. The ghat was picture perfect. Very good roads, very sparse traffic and lots of photo opportunities. Made best use of it and spent the next four hours clicking pictures to my heart's content. Finally, I was back on NH 66. I wanted more. So, decided to explore Gaganbawda. Those ghats were equally beautiful. Again stopped wherever I wanted and took lots of pictures. Reached NH 166, only to find it was closed. The only way was to drive back on the ghat road I just drove on. 34 kms. Gleefully did that. An hour later I was back on NH 66. I initially thought of driving to Ratnagiri or Devgad for another night. But did not want to overdo my "me time". Left that for another day and drove back home. I was tired, but grinning ear to ear & was feeling rejunivated.

Note to self - I must do this more often

Will let the pictures do the talking now.

[Aditya]

Thread moved out from the Assembly Line. Thanks for sharing!

[bijims]

Sometimes we just need to pack our bags and get on the road, following where the road takes us, you never know you might end up enjoying it more than a planned trip. Thanks a lot for narrating your experiences, it was a wonderful read and I love the pictures, the greenery is always a feast to the eyes.

[ghodlur]

Thanks for the post, lovely pics. MH is altogether different in monsoons, the green carpet is mesmerizing in the rains. I hope you had some lovely Maharashtrian food as well. I just wish the roads are not a dampener for any trip in MH.

[Gennex]

Great to see using your camera capturing wonderful landscapes. The experience given by unplanned trips are priceless.

[thirugata]

Awesome photographs, a proper monsoon drive. Thanks for sharing...

[akshayhonda]

Lovely post and pics to add to the drama of it. And what a vibrant looking VW as well

On that note. And sorry for opp-topic. As you stay in Goa. how do you find the VW service experience here?

[Kar_Om]

Inspiring travelogue and wonderful photographs. Unplanned trips always have element of surprise compared to planned trips.

[Capri89]

Awesome photos and nice write up.

What was unplanned for you is now planned for me. Can you share the actual route that you took and the stops you made in a map, if you can

[PatchyBoy]

Thanks everyone for the kind words.

Originally Posted by akshayhonda

As you stay in Goa. how do you find the VW service experience here?

First service was done in Kolkata. Next service is due in a few days (20 days or 1300 kms to go). Will let you know once I get the car serviced in Goa.

Originally Posted by Capri89

Can you share the actual route that you took and the stops you made in a map, if you can

Just plot a route for Anusukra ghat and Gaganbawda. Stops I made are countless

[TheCarLover]

The pics are awesome.

Monsoon is the best time to hit the roads, especially in the western ghats. Lush green all around, water streams, misty. Just the sight rejuvenates us. But we just have to take our precautions.

From my personal experience, I have had better times with unplanned trips than planned ones.

[Cloudwalker]

"You don't always need a plan, Just Go" as it says, Hope you enjoyed your much-needed Me Time. The pictures speak 1000 words, they are simply Wow

[deepak_misra]

I really loved the photos. Captures the spirit of the woods/forest so well

[Ranabegins]

I have always wished to start on a trip without an end date in mind and without a particular destination with a few friends as I am not a solo traveler but It isn't feasible for me due to various circumstances and most importantly work. I hope someday I do something like this.

[SimpleHPian]

Magical Shots, keep them rolling.