Thanks to Sreebha for introducing me to it. Had her mom; Deepa and her daughter also join us for the ride with Jaysree who was always a great rider and driver and with whom we had discussed about doing this long before.
We were 6 Women linked to our company with two mother-daughter combination.
Coordinated by Niveditha Nithya to amazing sacred caves we set off under the leadership of a woman of substance a true leader who kept her smile and spirit inspite of all hardship. All this had full backing from Shanavas Ekka and team.
Riders- Co -riders of the trip where:
Sayoojya- Aksa (The tails; who had a tough time on the onward journey as I was slow, and they could not overtake me)
Jayasree -Sreebha's Mom
Sreebha-Anju (Tall and strong Anju; Great to know you from Thrissur; Tough Time never last but Tough people do. All will be well)
Meera- Anagha K.S (Young; budding solo traveller - way to go my girl : - will always remember you when I see a puddle - 'Kuzhi'
Deepa-Deppa's Daughter
Niveditha-Jessy (They had to finally come in car as they did not get their two wheeler right and ready)
So here we met 6 New people and it was great to know them and helped us make our trip a memorable one.
We had fun on the go...✌😊 Starting with breakfast from Aryas at 9.30; team pic near Mariane Drive at 11.30; lunch at Ravipuram around 1.30; fight at Sarafa memorial hospital for parking the two wheelers there; Nithya and Jessie running around for their two wheelers; we having ice creams Fruit Exotica; Coffee craze; Nut overload; Malai Craze; French Vanella; French Strawberry...to beat the heat...from Cream & Stone.
Finally at around 3.30 pm the real ride began with flag off from the Mayor of Kochi and we halting at every 30 kms. Though hot in the beginning it was pleasant by the time we reached Kothamangalam; had beautiful sunset view; fuel tea break at Adimali and by the time we reached Kallar it was dead dark. From there Munnar 15kms. towards left Mankunnu 16 kms. As some riders looked tired and kept asking have we reached stopped the car to ask if anyone need break. Alas Nithya and Jessie fell off the scooter and her leg was bleeding. Jeans had to be torn off below the left knee. Still she was determined to ride. Road with holes; with twists and turns; ups and downs, slow but steady we reached the destination by 8 pm. We could see forest fire on a hill nearby - scary it was. Did we really reach the destination or did we not? Lo and Behold there was an uphill task ahead of us. Our stay was little high from the main road with no proper roads. It appeared miles away as we had to climb after a long day and it was literally impossible for Nithya. Three others from Umbatto lifted her and took her upstairs. She had to be taken to the hospital for dressing.
Great place; Great people; Great ambience you would just love it if you are a nature lover; though we could not admire the beauty at night. Campfire under open sky on rock top; stay in a cave house resort is all that we could cherish that night with amazing homely good and guitar by Rithique. We missed Nitya' s presence initially but she joined us soon. As I close my eyes a week after, I can still see the star studded sky above, feel the music and campfire. But we got into rooms to sleep at night. Oops Sreeba and Aish - The two daughters could not sleep even there because of spider and ants; and finally there was the tent inside the room - Another first.
Woke up by 4 am, Thanks to the Ants I did not have to break my yoga routine and by 6 am could be back to the amazing place where we had our campfire this time getting on to climbing the tree catching and getting onto through roots. Did Shambavi Mudra and meditated in a cave underneath a bit cautious if there were snakes crawling around. Did not see any, but there were red ants. Returned by 7.30 had Kappa and Chicken for breakfast and off we went for next walk.Caves, trees, rocks; but no waterfall as it was hot, amazing walk but we were split into two teams...what more would you want to refresh your mind? Great job Junais with 40+ names including Shiva/Eashu and Great guide full of energy Johny Chettan with great homely food with Molly Chechi. All the best to the team behind. Peace. There was much more to see; but we had to start our return trip. Before we got down few shared their thoughts and it was interesting to hear that even Napolian was afraid of Cats and when strong people come together men/women team would be stronger and we can accomplish greater task. Half heartedly we had to start our ride back home to reality.
Great effort and job. Thank you guys for the amazing job and Great memory. It was interesting to know work colleagues better and to know about others around, a little more insight into life via a ride.
All through I missed and wished you were around Acha. On reaching Adimaly we had our break for tea and it was good to know that there were well wishers and friends worried as I was unavailable for around 18 hours as there was no data and range uphill.
"If you have at least one person genuinely supporting You, you're blessed!" So I am. Jisha even tried and got Sreebas number to enquire.
It was saddening and shocking to know that the forest fire had taken lives of more than 10 people and therefore trekking was stopped at Munnar.
Wishing you all the very best in all your future endeavours my dear co-riders and one and all behind the show who helped make these two days memorable.
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