The Prologue:
Folks its summer time! Come the scorching heat of upper 35s and we all have only one thing in mind - Escape to a hill station!
We had the same thing in mind too and that is how this MISSION BEAT the HEAT started! Since we will be based in Erode/Coimbatore for the whole summer, it would be a perfect positioning to make it to all hill stations of TamilNadu! My mind made some quick assessment of situations and my work schedule and I was similing BIG as I discovered that I can definitely make some good number of trips
![Big Grin](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.png)
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So the first one of Mission BEAT the HEAT was rather a surprise trip. We were at Erode last weekend and my In-Laws called and told us that they were planning to go to KODAI this weekend(May1,2,3) and invited us. Now why would I miss anything like that??!! But I did show some hesitation on the face of the idea just for the sake of it and then called them Monday to say that we will also join them! Obviously they were happy and I started to make plans!
The first one was the Dates. Since the objective of the whole trip is to escape the heat, we planned to stay there for atleast 4 days. So we decided to leave early Friday and return Monday. My FIL tried pushing to leave Thursday, but my MIL was not for it. Anyway, 4 days is a good time.
The second, Stay. As this was the plan of my In-laws they and their friend's family from Madurai were planning to stay at the house of their friend in Kodai. We too settled for the same as that would be an ideal environment for privacy and spending quality time together.
Next, the Mode of Travel. I had fortunately drove my Corolla to Erode from Chennai and hence had the option of choosing between Corolla and Swift. I was in two minds - Although the Corolla cant be questioned in its generous cabin room/boot capacity and comfort, the Swift was reigning in its driveability and fun! But I had to go with more room and comfort as we were four adults and with a kid of 10 months, her baby seat had to be accommodated. Now my Corolla was longing for it 60k service and hence I decided to get it to Coimbatore and get it serviced at Anamallais Toyota before the trip.
We reached Coimbatore yesterday(Apr 27th) at around 3pm. I called up Anamallais to check for service availability and the lady said that if I had to book an appointment it is available only on Friday. I explained her that I need the care before Friday positively and she said in that case you can drive-in(this should be the 'walk-in' equivalent for cars, right?!
![LOL](https://www.team-bhp.com/forum/images/smilies/LOL.png)
) the car to the Service center and they could take it in. I said I can do that and she reminded that they close at 4.30pm(Why so early?). I had to grab a quick lunch and left immediately. Now the service center was at Thudiyalur in Mettupalayam road, a good 16km from the city. I managed to reach there on time and the service advisor inspected my Corolla and booked it in as there wasnt any major issues/repairs, but just the regular 60k service. I stood there pondering my mode of return as it was a remote place and I could not arrange for alternate pickup as this happened too soon. The Service advisor courteously offered to book a 'Call Taxi' for me and I reached back home by 6.
He said he shall call me the next day and inform when I can take the delivery.
As I write it now, he just called and said I can take it today evening, but I told him I shall take it tomorrow as I have some plans today.
So thats it for now fellas, I'm keeping my fingers crossed and eagerly waiting for the trip! Although I would have been to Kodai for number of times that I have lost count of, the thrill of driving through the mountains and escaping the heat always brings the pleasure!