Around the country in 15 days!!

mykal shoemaker · 13th November 2010, 10:37

Great start.Hope you will keep updating us on every break.

Couldn't find any details of your trip on news.But found something similar.

Quote:

Mumbai , September 22,2010 15:24 IST

To commemorate the 275th Anniversary of Naval Dockyard, Mumbai, a cycle expedition to INS Valsura, Jamnagar and back is being conducted from Sep 24 to October 10, 2010ct 10.

Vice Admiral Raman Prabhat, AVSM, VSM, DGNP (MB) will flagged off the expedition at the Lion Gate at 10 in the morning on Friday.

The expedition comprising of service personnel & civilian staff will cycle from Naval Dockyard, Mumbai to INS Valsura, Jamnagar covering a distance of approximately 1,600 kms both ways.

The expedition will reach INS Valsura, Jamnagar on October 4, 2010 and begin its return journey from Jamnagar on October 5 and culminate at Naval Civilian Housing Colony, Powai on October 14, 2010.

The expedition Cycling expedition will spread messages related to 275 years of glorious past of Naval Dockyard Mumbai, Coastal vigilance and Cycling as means of conveyance to save fuel as well as environment.

Sea Cruiser · 13th November 2010, 13:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykal shoemaker

Great start.Hope you will keep updating us on every break.

Couldn't find any details of your trip on news.But found something similar.

This is one of the last events and with it the 275th anniversary celebrations will culminate.

Sea Cruiser · 13th November 2010, 13:45

Day 2 ; Date : 08 Nov ; Venue: Ahemdabad ; Destination : Naliya ; Dist : 467 kms; Author's Vehicle : LC200

So after a nice rest in Ahmedabad we started day 2 with some chaos. The flag ship LC200 had some nagging brake issues before we started and it was decided to get professional opinion from a Toyota service center before we proceeded ahead. Some calls later a suitable place was found, but on reaching they seemed quite bewildered to receive us. It so happened that we had landed up at the dealership only minutes after its mahurat and they were not supposed to begin work till two days later.

But we persisted and with some help from Toyota headquarters, the dealer had to “sree ganesh” earlier than he would have liked to, albeit with the flagship Toyota product. Unfortunately despite his sincere efforts, the spares proved to be elusive and we had to make do with some reassuring words mixed with caution. Its ironic then, that the best and most exclusive vehicles can be the most troublesome to get on the road in case of breakdowns.

Nevertheless we got going and halted for food at one of those ubiquitous road side dhabas. But this particular one seemed to have chefs directly flown down from heaven and my gastronomic desires were quenched as they seldom are in the megalopolis Mumbai. The heavy paneer and roti should have led to a nice siesta in the supremely comfortable back seats of the LC200, but as luck would have it, I ended up on the front right seat. But then who was I to complain when offered a chance to chauffeur an absolute engineering marvel.

I again have to reiterate my praise for the roads in Gujrat. Mile after mile of tarmac perfection, it almost feels surreal. And just in case one does not get lost in dreams, they are infested with goons on 100cc bikes emulating (or probably exceeding) the shenanigans of M/s Rossi and Co.

Despite all the above we managed to reach Bhachau (which sure has nothing to do with Dachau am sure) safe and sound. But life always has surprises in store and knows all too well to keep itself interesting. So as we casually called up our Air force hosts, they were in complete suspense as to our arrival and more so with respect to our security clearance. Now this was a totally unexpected bombshell as most of us were looking forward to catching up with some MIGs (and almost all were hoping to meet a few old monks).

With this setback the best we could do was to look for some nice dinner and that too asking a bit too much as we were heading to Bhuj. But then to out pleasant surprise we found a swanky hotel complete with a multiplex and food court – in the outskirts of Bhuj!!! And even more surprising was the big crown in there, so much so that we had to wait for our turn to get a seat in the restaurant.

Just as we were making plans to stay put for the night in these comfy environs, we got a word that the Air Force had obtained security clearance for us. Now heavy with buttery the food, the 100kms of rough road drive in the night suddenly seemed quite taxing to all of us. But refusing was not an option, especially considering the efforts the station commander had put in to obtain clearance for us at such an short notice and late in the night.

We did decide to drive ahead, though of it I have no recollection as the back seas sof the LC200 are too cosy a place to be during late hours. The warm cocoon they made around, lulled me into one of the deepest sleep I've experienced on a road, beating even the Volvos (which I consider pampering comfort). I woke up then, bleary eyed inside a typical border military establishment with bare bones, yet warm accommodation.

All the old monks could then wait for a day as the only thing I pined for was a shower and warm blanket, but tomorrow promises much, including a drive till the westernmost point of mainland India and some scenic drives on border roads. So please keep commenting as before (that keeps my morale high) and till next time adios and drive safe

Sea Cruiser · 13th November 2010, 14:26

And here is the map for day 2:

hvkumar · 13th November 2010, 17:39

Where next - Narayan Sarovar & Koteshwar?

Sea Cruiser · 13th November 2010, 20:16

Quote:

Originally Posted by hvkumar

Where next - Narayan Sarovar & Koteshwar?

Absolutely correct

next halt Narayan Sarovar and Kot Lakhpat. Uploading the map for day 3 . Travelogue coming soon:::

Sea Cruiser · 13th November 2010, 20:18

Quote:

Originally Posted by sbraj

Sea Cruiser, I look forward to your narrations. Great going. This is one journey that many like me dream of.

Thanx for the encouragement. The journey should get better day by day (hoping so)..

Sea Cruiser · 13th November 2010, 22:17

D3 ; Date : 09 Nov ;

Day 3 began too soon. It felt as if we had no sleep and a 11am appointment with the station commander was the last thing on my mind. However service protocols don't listen to lazy bums and there we were at 1050hrs all dressed up and so were our Air Force hosts. But there was immense satisfaction when it dawned upon me that for once we could show off in front of fighter pilots, and these supremely proud people were hearing to us in awe.

Our vanity settled, we took the officers on a small joy ride, which turned into a thrill ride on the air strip. The immaculate tarmac is proud to be used for the cutting edge MIG-29s, but am sure it did not mind some wonderful land based machinery. A short interaction and exchanging of gifts later we started for the agenda of the day.

It was planned to visit Narayan Sarovar at Koteshwar and thereafter head west to Lakhpath. This would take us to pretty much the westernmost tip of mainland India and certainly to land's end. The border roads enjoyed a love hate relationships with the vehicles, being arrow straight and mirror smooth in stretches, while resembling the moon's surface in parts. But more concerning were the several causeways which often had surprises in store for the unfortunate driver.

However one causeway had water flowing across it, and to wade through it in the Landcruiser provided for some thrill and decent photographs. Koteshwar was not as much fun as expected and the BSF outpost there provided a grim reminder of the luxuries, people enjoy in the cities/ metros. The outpost's dining hall was so basic that even the most austere people would wish for more.

The onward drive to Lakhpath was much better, with water on both sides, just being split by a narrow road. We also passed through the walls of a once humongous fort. When built it would have been so huge that the walls protecting it seemed to go on forever. Sadly nothing is left of the actual structure except the sentinel walls which seemed to have failed in their job of protecting the castle, but didn't do bad for themselves.

The gurdwara at Lakhpath was an extremely humbling experience. It is a heritage site, being the holy place where his holiness Shri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib stayed on his way to and from Mecca. Despite the religious significance it has been fortunately kept off the clutches of the greedy clergy sect and instead is run purely by volunteers. The house in question is extremely beautiful, mainly as it has been allowed to retain its innocence and grace.

Gujrat government has carried out systematic restoration (of which work was in progress even while we visited the site) and the good work has ensured that the 1500s construction is displayed in all its glory. The head priest was extremely kind and showed us around with a history lesson – though being in Punjabi I could not get a few parts of it.

As we decided to leave, the priest would not have any of it till we enjoyed a bit of their hospitality. We wondered what was he doing till then if not being a gracious host, but what he meant was some food. After much insisting we settled for tea and trust me you can never find such unadulterated tea in any city. I can never forget that moment, true Punjabi hospitality at its best, but more so an example how we have commercialised our religious institutes to a state of almost hatred, while they can be so humbling and spell-bounding.

Sea Cruiser · 13th November 2010, 22:19

All this while we also established a technical fact. Vodafone network far surpasses all its rivals – well atleast on the Gujrat border areas. Right till land's end and locales where we could not even see fauna, we got close to full network for Vodafone. Reliance was abysmal and so to BSNL, both providing near NIL coverage except in populated areas. Yes I've been obsessed with Vodafone due to their wonderful ads, but this just proves what I've said all along

Post return to the base,we were delighted to find out that our hosts had made special provisions for us in the bar so that aching muscles (???) could be soothed by words of wisdom from some old monks. That definitely won our hearts and people soon got so happy as if life could not be better. Somehow my memory seems to fail me after that (I have no clue why) but I do remember a careless and unfortunate incident in the end. But by then it was already past 12am and so that technically comes in the Day 4 report.

Hope you enjoyed this day (report) as much as I enjoyed the day itself. So once again please keep commenting and adios for now AND DRIVE SAFE

himavanth_m · 14th November 2010, 00:24

First of all congrats on realizing and living your dream.I wish you a happy and safe journey through out.
Lastly, lovely narration and enjoying every bit of it. Every new post of yours reminds me of my dream of doing and all india trip.
Can I expect a travelogue with loads of photos one month down the line?

hvkumar · 14th November 2010, 08:09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sea Cruiser

All this while we also established a technical fact. Vodafone network far surpasses all its rivals – well atleast on the Gujrat border areas. Right till land's end and locales where we could not even see fauna, we got close to full network for Vodafone. Reliance was abysmal and so to BSNL, both providing near NIL coverage except in populated areas. Yes I've been obsessed with Vodafone due to their wonderful ads, but this just proves what I've said all along

Had you played the car radio, you would have got Radio Karachi loud and clear (you don;t get any Indian channels after Nakratana. Had you manually searched, maybe you would have got Paki mobile too. I have generally found Airtel to be the best in North & West India.

noopster · 14th November 2010, 08:24

This is a wonderful travelogue. The "real time" aspect makes it even more enjoyable. Your pride in your service really shines through. Please add pics- that would be icing on the cake!

ptushar · 14th November 2010, 11:22

Hey Sea_Cruiser in the Land Cruiser driving in the abodes of the Air Cruisers.

Okay, after that poor joke, a quick request. Do you have any pictures of these places and the overall journey. Your convoy sounds good, it will probably look better.

Overall, enjoying your writeups and looking forward to this regularly.

Sea Cruiser · 14th November 2010, 12:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by noopster

This is a wonderful travelogue. The "real time" aspect makes it even more enjoyable. Your pride in your service really shines through. Please add pics- that would be icing on the cake!

Quote:

Originally Posted by ptushar

Hey Sea_Cruiser in the Land Cruiser driving in the abodes of the Air Cruisers.

Okay, after that poor joke, a quick request. Do you have any pictures of these places and the overall journey. Your convoy sounds good, it will probably look better.

Overall, enjoying your writeups and looking forward to this regularly.

Quote:

Originally Posted by himavanth_m

First of all congrats on realizing and living your dream.I wish you a happy and safe journey through out.
Lastly, lovely narration and enjoying every bit of it. Every new post of yours reminds me of my dream of doing and all india trip.
Can I expect a travelogue with loads of photos one month down the line?

Pics are coming up shortly, after the delhi halt.

Sea Cruiser · 14th November 2010, 12:08

The day 4 destination was Barmer. Uploading the map.

13th November 2010, 13:45	#18
Sea Cruiser BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 80 Thanked: 8 Times	Day 2 ; Date : 08 Nov ; Venue: Ahemdabad ; Destination : Naliya ; Dist : 467 kms; Author's Vehicle : LC200 So after a nice rest in Ahmedabad we started day 2 with some chaos. The flag ship LC200 had some nagging brake issues before we started and it was decided to get professional opinion from a Toyota service center before we proceeded ahead. Some calls later a suitable place was found, but on reaching they seemed quite bewildered to receive us. It so happened that we had landed up at the dealership only minutes after its mahurat and they were not supposed to begin work till two days later. But we persisted and with some help from Toyota headquarters, the dealer had to “sree ganesh” earlier than he would have liked to, albeit with the flagship Toyota product. Unfortunately despite his sincere efforts, the spares proved to be elusive and we had to make do with some reassuring words mixed with caution. Its ironic then, that the best and most exclusive vehicles can be the most troublesome to get on the road in case of breakdowns. Nevertheless we got going and halted for food at one of those ubiquitous road side dhabas. But this particular one seemed to have chefs directly flown down from heaven and my gastronomic desires were quenched as they seldom are in the megalopolis Mumbai. The heavy paneer and roti should have led to a nice siesta in the supremely comfortable back seats of the LC200, but as luck would have it, I ended up on the front right seat. But then who was I to complain when offered a chance to chauffeur an absolute engineering marvel. I again have to reiterate my praise for the roads in Gujrat. Mile after mile of tarmac perfection, it almost feels surreal. And just in case one does not get lost in dreams, they are infested with goons on 100cc bikes emulating (or probably exceeding) the shenanigans of M/s Rossi and Co. Despite all the above we managed to reach Bhachau (which sure has nothing to do with Dachau am sure) safe and sound. But life always has surprises in store and knows all too well to keep itself interesting. So as we casually called up our Air force hosts, they were in complete suspense as to our arrival and more so with respect to our security clearance. Now this was a totally unexpected bombshell as most of us were looking forward to catching up with some MIGs (and almost all were hoping to meet a few old monks). With this setback the best we could do was to look for some nice dinner and that too asking a bit too much as we were heading to Bhuj. But then to out pleasant surprise we found a swanky hotel complete with a multiplex and food court – in the outskirts of Bhuj!!! And even more surprising was the big crown in there, so much so that we had to wait for our turn to get a seat in the restaurant. Just as we were making plans to stay put for the night in these comfy environs, we got a word that the Air Force had obtained security clearance for us. Now heavy with buttery the food, the 100kms of rough road drive in the night suddenly seemed quite taxing to all of us. But refusing was not an option, especially considering the efforts the station commander had put in to obtain clearance for us at such an short notice and late in the night. We did decide to drive ahead, though of it I have no recollection as the back seas sof the LC200 are too cosy a place to be during late hours. The warm cocoon they made around, lulled me into one of the deepest sleep I've experienced on a road, beating even the Volvos (which I consider pampering comfort). I woke up then, bleary eyed inside a typical border military establishment with bare bones, yet warm accommodation. All the old monks could then wait for a day as the only thing I pined for was a shower and warm blanket, but tomorrow promises much, including a drive till the westernmost point of mainland India and some scenic drives on border roads. So please keep commenting as before (that keeps my morale high) and till next time adios and drive safe
	() Thanks

13th November 2010, 14:26	#19
Sea Cruiser BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 80 Thanked: 8 Times	And here is the map for day 2: Attached Thumbnails
	() Thanks

13th November 2010, 17:39	#20
hvkumar Senior - BHPian Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Mumbai Posts: 7,369 Thanked: 3,454 Times	Where next - Narayan Sarovar & Koteshwar?
	() Thanks

13th November 2010, 22:17	#23
Sea Cruiser BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 80 Thanked: 8 Times	D3 ; Date : 09 Nov ; Day 3 began too soon. It felt as if we had no sleep and a 11am appointment with the station commander was the last thing on my mind. However service protocols don't listen to lazy bums and there we were at 1050hrs all dressed up and so were our Air Force hosts. But there was immense satisfaction when it dawned upon me that for once we could show off in front of fighter pilots, and these supremely proud people were hearing to us in awe. Our vanity settled, we took the officers on a small joy ride, which turned into a thrill ride on the air strip. The immaculate tarmac is proud to be used for the cutting edge MIG-29s, but am sure it did not mind some wonderful land based machinery. A short interaction and exchanging of gifts later we started for the agenda of the day. It was planned to visit Narayan Sarovar at Koteshwar and thereafter head west to Lakhpath. This would take us to pretty much the westernmost tip of mainland India and certainly to land's end. The border roads enjoyed a love hate relationships with the vehicles, being arrow straight and mirror smooth in stretches, while resembling the moon's surface in parts. But more concerning were the several causeways which often had surprises in store for the unfortunate driver. However one causeway had water flowing across it, and to wade through it in the Landcruiser provided for some thrill and decent photographs. Koteshwar was not as much fun as expected and the BSF outpost there provided a grim reminder of the luxuries, people enjoy in the cities/ metros. The outpost's dining hall was so basic that even the most austere people would wish for more. The onward drive to Lakhpath was much better, with water on both sides, just being split by a narrow road. We also passed through the walls of a once humongous fort. When built it would have been so huge that the walls protecting it seemed to go on forever. Sadly nothing is left of the actual structure except the sentinel walls which seemed to have failed in their job of protecting the castle, but didn't do bad for themselves. The gurdwara at Lakhpath was an extremely humbling experience. It is a heritage site, being the holy place where his holiness Shri Guru Gobind Singh Sahib stayed on his way to and from Mecca. Despite the religious significance it has been fortunately kept off the clutches of the greedy clergy sect and instead is run purely by volunteers. The house in question is extremely beautiful, mainly as it has been allowed to retain its innocence and grace. Gujrat government has carried out systematic restoration (of which work was in progress even while we visited the site) and the good work has ensured that the 1500s construction is displayed in all its glory. The head priest was extremely kind and showed us around with a history lesson – though being in Punjabi I could not get a few parts of it. As we decided to leave, the priest would not have any of it till we enjoyed a bit of their hospitality. We wondered what was he doing till then if not being a gracious host, but what he meant was some food. After much insisting we settled for tea and trust me you can never find such unadulterated tea in any city. I can never forget that moment, true Punjabi hospitality at its best, but more so an example how we have commercialised our religious institutes to a state of almost hatred, while they can be so humbling and spell-bounding.
	() Thanks

13th November 2010, 22:19	#24
Sea Cruiser BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 80 Thanked: 8 Times	All this while we also established a technical fact. Vodafone network far surpasses all its rivals – well atleast on the Gujrat border areas. Right till land's end and locales where we could not even see fauna, we got close to full network for Vodafone. Reliance was abysmal and so to BSNL, both providing near NIL coverage except in populated areas. Yes I've been obsessed with Vodafone due to their wonderful ads, but this just proves what I've said all along Post return to the base,we were delighted to find out that our hosts had made special provisions for us in the bar so that aching muscles (???) could be soothed by words of wisdom from some old monks. That definitely won our hearts and people soon got so happy as if life could not be better. Somehow my memory seems to fail me after that (I have no clue why) but I do remember a careless and unfortunate incident in the end. But by then it was already past 12am and so that technically comes in the Day 4 report. Hope you enjoyed this day (report) as much as I enjoyed the day itself. So once again please keep commenting and adios for now AND DRIVE SAFE
	() Thanks

14th November 2010, 00:24	#25
himavanth_m BHPian Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Hyderabad/Pune/Chennai Posts: 586 Thanked: 297 Times View My Garage	First of all congrats on realizing and living your dream.I wish you a happy and safe journey through out. Lastly, lovely narration and enjoying every bit of it. Every new post of yours reminds me of my dream of doing and all india trip. Can I expect a travelogue with loads of photos one month down the line?
	() Thanks

14th November 2010, 08:24	#27
noopster Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Pune Posts: 9,238 Thanked: 12,904 Times View My Garage	This is a wonderful travelogue. The "real time" aspect makes it even more enjoyable. Your pride in your service really shines through. Please add pics- that would be icing on the cake!
	() Thanks

14th November 2010, 11:22	#28
ptushar BHPian Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Pune Posts: 348 Thanked: 267 Times	Hey Sea_Cruiser in the Land Cruiser driving in the abodes of the Air Cruisers. Okay, after that poor joke, a quick request. Do you have any pictures of these places and the overall journey. Your convoy sounds good, it will probably look better. Overall, enjoying your writeups and looking forward to this regularly.
	() Thanks

14th November 2010, 12:08	#30
Sea Cruiser BHPian Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Mumbai Posts: 80 Thanked: 8 Times	The day 4 destination was Barmer. Uploading the map. Attached Images
	() Thanks