The train gave a lot of opportunity to get some slow shutter photos. The next morning, we got in to the bus and headed towards Kolad. We headed straight to the rafting spot – and soon we were listening to the safety instructions. I’d say that was the scariest part of it all! Example: If you get under the boat, kick with all your might! Ouch! It looked quite precarious to sit on the side and not in the raft – but once we were in, I realised it was a lot bigger than the average bench you’d find at a roadside tea shop!

A practice session and a splashing match was going on while we waited for all the rafts to get in to the water! The guides were definitely better at throwing water – and our guide threw water on us as much as he threw on the others. Soon, we were out in the river – it was sunny and someone wanted rain. Soon, it didn’t just rain – it poured cats and dogs. Got to say, being on a raft in the middle of a river, next to rapids – is one of the best places to enjoy the rain. The only thing I missed was my camera – couldn’t risk taking it along

Once we were on the much calmer side of the river, they encouraged us to get off the raft and into the river! Not exactly something you’d want to do if you didn’t know to swim. But then, they pretty much dumped you off the boat – so, yes, for the first time in my life, I was in the water – floating, thanks to the life jacket. I’ve got to thank Pranav, the helping hand, who went out of his way to help me feel comfortable in the water – nice to have such people around you.

Soon we were out and were heading towards our resort – our bus stopped at the end of a road and we had to travel the rest of the distance in a jeep. It was indeed one of the most memorable transport (not the most comfortable, mind you!). A rusty, rickety jeep with seats coming apart – and, on top of it you go racing on a bumpy mud path with another jeep in equally bad shape! Weren’t we happy to be out of it!

A quick wash, lunch – and I wanted to get out. So, off we went – me, Sandeep, and Kiran – walking down a path to the river. Kiran was the one spotting all those little things – me dutifully following him to the subjects That reminds me of another – Satish – the ever helpful friend of Ram & Sandeep. He’d always find subjects for our cameras!

We were back soon and it was tea-time. While we were waiting for the rest of the group to gather for another walk, we had tea and took more pictures. I got one of my favorites from the trip – a macro of a flower.

Soon, we set off for another walk – a much larger group this time.

Other than the river and the rafting – nothing much out there. On the whole, a good place for a relaxed weekend. This trip was more about people than about photography

Quick notes:

Walk around the place – you can get close to the river too. A word of caution there – always one foot at a time! The river looks much shallower on the surface.
Be prepared to get drenched – quick-dry clothes, footwear that dry easily, and a dry bag for your electronics.
Get your directions before you leave – the places aren’t marked really well and mobile networks aren’t perfect out there. You’ll have to rely on the directions you have and the locals

It reminds me a lot of things… the little things of the trip. It was a place where you could never predict the rain – it pours, it stops, its quiet… and it starts all over again! In spite of it, we sat there outside sipping tea, watching people play volley ball and shoot at the lone basket. There was this brown doggie around the place – nuzzling everyone in hope of some food. Chit chat. Chase the dog. Watch the sky. Observe.

Me, my camera – “what’s your camera?” they ask. Wow for the SLR. I walk around with my jacket over my camera bag – I’d rather get wet and keep my camera dry! It is a crazy world!

The sky darkens. The terrace beckons – we leave the drops on the flower and go to the river. We didn’t really leave them behind, did we?