Temperature was pretty low during the night and that ensured, no sunrise captures! (I am pretty lazy in colder conditions
). Just one picture, captured from the room.
By 8 am, Sun was out and shinning bright, allowing us to enjoy the beautiful vistas around. We lingered around the lawn area soaking in the 'warm' sunlight. Bliss!
Breakfast area, The Wilderness
Main block, The Wilderness. The open door takes you to the dining area. It is well stocked with books if you want to laze around reading.
The block on the other end. One floor has one room/suite.
Pretty hefty crows there
That's Tyson - keeping The Wilderness safe.
Fresh snow!
Hatu Peak is the only major attraction in Narkanda. We asked the boys at the hotel to check for cabs, for a round trip. Bad news! Road was blocked near midway and it would take a 4-5km trek to reach to the top. This fact was later confirmed by a cabbie we spoke to, while frolicking near the Lake. So, Hatu Peak was a no-go this time. I wasn't much disappointed as I had been to the top in my last trip here in April 2014.
With the day's agenda cut short, breakfast was the next thing on our minds. It was served around 9:30 am. Some lovely parathas, sandwiches, omlets, toasts, fresh fruits later, we ventured down till the Lake.
There was fresh snow around the banks, due to the shade of the tall trees. There is an ancient temple at one corner of this lake. It used to be an unguarded lake earlier but due to the frequent disappearances of the cattle, it was later fenced. Hmmm. So we were told.
Anyway, it was looking wonderful in the warm glow of the sun. The water had already frozen near the shore, while the middle portion was still putting up a strong defence.
Maybe in a few weeks, it will be completely frozen solid.
Fresh snow near the shady areas of the lake
Nag Devta temple at a corner
We spent quite some time around the lake, then trekked up a path which was going up from The Wilderness. It led to an open playground, guarded. It seemed like a primary school.
Walk in the woods
The playground
The school building
The gang!
From the playground, we could see some snow filled paths on the opposite hill. Tempted, we thought of finding a way. Thankfully, it wasn't too far and we managed to find it with relative ease. Snow was all around here, and much more than what we found at the lake.
Slippery slope
The moon appeared out of nowhere
Once satisfied with the photos, we came back to the hotel. Afternoon was spent playing carrom in the sun! Ah the pleasures of board games! In this smartphone age, we have forgotten about the simple pleasures of board games. Couple that with Maggie, it was an afternoon truly well spent.
By the time sun went down, our bon-fire was ready and rest of the evening was spent around the fire, chit chatting. Called it a day little early to start early the next day.
Got up, had breakfast and left by 10 am. The snow patches we encountered during the onward journey were all but gone. At places, the local authorities had put some mud to help with traction. Lunch break was again Apple Cart Inn around 1 PM. Did not encounter any major jams on the route (shockingly even within Delhi!) and was home before 9 pm. Try that on a long weekend.
Heap of snow? Actually snow on a heap of stones.
Last pic of the steed!
That's all folks! Thanks for reading.