2 days beach trek Honnavara to Gokarna - November 2013... part 1

Disclaimer - I do not know the names of all the beaches that we walked along. But there were aplenty. Please excuse my bad memories!

The year was 2013, it was my first trek with this group. I had got shortlisted and this trek was kind of unique, because it was a beach trek. It involved walking along the beaches or rather sea shores.

It was indeed fun. It also involved camping in the open, since it was a full moon day, there would be sufficient moonlight. The idea was awesome, Getting shortlisted was even more fun. What happened during the event was bit of up and down. But in the end, I need to digest it as another experience.

It all started on Friday, around 10 PM, when we had assembled at our pickup point. It was another routine pickup, but things did not look as usual.

Within 1 kilometer from the pickup, we discovered the vehicle had some problem with the clutch and the driver was finding it difficult to engage quickly.

Finally with things set, we started on NH4. Initial plan was to move to Haveri and then take a deviation towards Sirsi and then Gokarna. But due to some reason, we ended up going interior of Tumkur and stopped at Tumkur for over an hour.

In the end when we started from Tumkur we had come too much interior of Tumkur and as a result proceeded through the Shimoga road. It was getting cold, the month was November. Stopped somewhere near Arsikere for tea then proceeded.

I found some sleep and woke up in the morning when we had reached Sagara. Stopped in front of a hotel for breakfast. We brushed our teeth and then completed breakfast and started towards Jog Falls.

Then it was a slow descend to Honnavara, where we picked up groceries for preparation of evening dinner. We also got packed lunch from a hotel in Honnavara. The day was getting hotter as we got ready for the trek. It was almost 12 in the noon when we started the trek.

We started out at from Kumta beach. The sun was directly above us, but we were very happy to get rolling since we were travelling for the last 12 hours or so. The exercise was nice indeed. Then we passed the Vanamali beach.

It was over here, we could see lots of people who were engaged in fishing. There were boats too ferrying people, lots of eagles/hawks in the sky. One by one we made our way through the fishing village.

Cheers,

Few pics

Weekend

Been a pretty relaxing day today. Did not venture out of town, instead went to the nearby bank for some personal work, also sent across the income tax returns statement. Cleaned up some stuffs at home and above all had a good 3.5 hours sleep in the afternoon.

Now about to start reading a book, The Treasure Island on my newly acquired (used) kindle.

Cheers,

PS - Things to write about include.

my beach trek during the year 2013, Almost 1 year I need to recollect couple of stuffs and then write.
KP trek which I attempted 2 times this year.
Charmadi Ghats trek and Nishani Motte trek.

Purchasing a used kindle

I most likely will end up purchasing a used kindle by tomorrow. I am very excited. Its been quite a while I read a book to completion. Atleast and hopefully this will get me going.

Cheers,

Music during childhood days!

I have written in some previous posts about what music I used to listen to as a kid. I remember listening to Hindi songs from bollywood movies in the late 80's when I used to be a 3-4 year old kid. I remember QSQT, Tezaab and few other movies.

Apart from this, my father used to bring certain tapes which had english songs too. So here I could listen to U2, Madonna, Boney M, ACDC. I remember I never used to like ACDC, but now I enjoy them these days.

I loved Madonna back in that day and even today. Such awesome songs are hers. Then came the 90's. I still remember the year was 1994. One band re-appeared on the scene and they released a tape, the album was "Hell Freezes Over". And the band in picture was Eagles.

My father brought this tape and believe me, I too liked the songs a lot. New York Minute was my favorite and even to this date, it is still.

I never knew what was the story behind the Eagles. And after all these years of listening to their songs. Finally one day I thought let me read more about Eagles.

The year was 2010. It was never late. Apparently, The Eagles was an old band, which split up during 1980 and vowed never to re-unite again. And the saying goes. that the band would unite only if "Hell Freezes over" and so does the name come from. Someone please correct me if I am wrong.

When they re-united, they called themselves as a band which took a 14 year vacation. But how did my father know all about Eagles in 1994. The answer was pretty simple, he used to listen to them during 1970's too!

Same way, he knew about the Police too. I came to know about the Police only during 2007. I was aware of Sting, but never knew this 3 piece outfit existed.!

Then there was one more band which I grew up listening to, by that time satellite TV revolution had happened and I could get a hang of new songs in teh market. The band was MLTR. 2 albums and believe me, I used to listen to those songs again and again.

Even today at workplace, I listen to MLTR, The Eagles, and few others too. Years go by but the melodies remain!

So does Jagjit Singh! I shall write one more post about Jagjit Singh!

Cheers for today!

PS - Whilst this english music thing happened, we always had access to Bollywood movies, Phool Aur Kaante, Roja, Coolie No 1, Main Khiladi Tu Anari, Rangeela and many such Kishore Kumar, Mohd Rafi songs we got used to. Even to this date we still listen to those good old songs! Cheers once again.

Power cuts - during childhood!

This post is all about how I spent my time during power cuts during childhood.
It was a pre-internet era. Unlike most people in the west, we never had access to internet. I got a PC in 1996, but most of my friends could not afford one. Moreover there was no networking of sorts which we could make use of. Hence all of my childhood free time was spent on the streets, playing, speaking doing something with friends in the neighborhood.

So let me tell you couple of things which we did many times, once there was a power cut.

We used to sit on the street footpath and since the vehicles were not so common as of today, we used to sit there and tell out stories. especially ghost stories. Now after many years I realize all the ghost stories were cooked up, but believe me, at that age it was pure fun.

My friends were from all backgrounds, but the good part was, none of them were rich. they were poor, or moderate. All of them could not afford much of the richer things in life.

But being poor was a boon.
Life without internet was even more fun.
Without gadgets it was a bliss.. We could meet people everyday. There was no jealousy amongst our team.

Not sure where all of them have landedup. I hope they are earning sufficiently well. I moved out of Malleshwaram after 15 years, and been here for more than a decade at Uttarahalli.

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Kemmangundi to Tarikere, Sri Amrutheshwara temple

After Kemmangundi, we proceeded towards Tarikere, where we had our lunch and then to Sri Amrutheshwara temple. After which we drove straight to Bangalore. Thus one more road trip came to an end.

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Mullayangiri to Kemmangundi

After Mullayangiri we proceeded towards Kemmangundi. It was a hot day. But going through the Bhadra Wildlife sanctuary was like a breeze.

Cheers.

2 day road trip, Chickmaglur - Chickmaglur to Mullayangiri

The next morning started early towards Mullayangiri. Reached the parking lot and was all geared up for the climb along the steps.

Felt good visiting the temple, the climb. Everything went well.

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Balehonnur Sri Rambhapuri Mutt to Chickmaglur

After the Mutt visit, we headed back to Chickmaglur for the night's halt. Had not booked any lodge in particular. We found one and called it day!

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Chickmaglur - Yagachi dam to Balehonnur Sri Rambhapuri Mutt

After Yagachi dam, we proceeded towards Chickmaglur. Crossed Chickmaglur and proceeded towards BaleHonnur to visit Sri Rambhapuri Mutt.

The road was not that good, took quite some time to cover the 30 odd kilometers.

It was a nice place, really enjoyed the place, its calmness, tranquility.
Over here we could see a on a piece of stone, a 2 d stone carving, turning into a 3 dimensional one over there years. It is termed as a miracle. Not sure how to describe it in words nor provide more details on it. Worth a visit!

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Chickmaglur - Belur to Yagachi dam.

After lunch proceeded towards Chickmaglur, on the way stopped at Yagachi dam.

Need to post pics which reside on my other PC

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Chickmaglur - lunch at Belur

Since it was mid day prasadam was available at Belur temple. There is a huge premises diagonally opposite to the Belur temple parking lot, where people were calling out to come fast, saying last round of lunch was about to progress,

We hurriedly inside and completed lunch. Prasadam was really good. Felt nice.

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Chickmaglur - Halebidu to Belur

Next on our destination was Belur. It was well past noon and it was pretty hot. One more awesome place to visit with those fantastic temple our ancestors have left behind for us.

Just wondering what would it have been in its full glory.

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Chickmaglur - Bangalore to Halebidu

On this trip, we started from our home, took NICE road from Kengeri to Tumkur road. Our first place of interest was Halebidu. The ancient temples are simply awesome. I was lucky enough to visit them again.

Cheers,

2 day road trip, Chickmaglur & surrounding places. - Prologue

In the month of November 2013, my cousin from Pune had come over to Bangalore. As a result, me and my cousins decided to travel out of town on another road trip. This time, not by our vehicles, instead via a hired TT tempo traveller, 12 seater.

The place we finalized was Chickmaglur. I have been to this place many times, but still agreed as this was one of a kind experience.

Here is a list of places we covered.

1. Halebidu.
2. Belur.
3. Yagachi dam.
4. Balehonnur Sri Rambhapuri Mutt.
5. Mullayangiri peak.
6. Bhadra forest.
7. Kemmangundi.
8. Tarikere Sri Amrutheshwara temple.

It was an awesome trip. Worth the time spent in all ways. Now time to document it a bit.

Cheers,

3 days road trip -> Jog falls to Bangalore

After Jog falls visit, moved towards Sagar and Shimoga. Had evening snacks at Hotel Ashok in Shimoga and then started towards Bangalore by 6 30PM.

It was an all out drive towards Bangalore mostly through 2 lane roads. Reached Bangalore around 12 45 AM midnight and reached home around 1 40 AM.

This brought to a close an awesome 3 day trip. Partly planned rest all by instincts.

Cheers,

3 days road trip -> Apsara beach to Kamath Hotel to Jog falls

After playing football, taking pics and then spending loads of time on the beach. moved on to Kamath hotel in Honnavara. Incidentally, this happened to be the same hotel where I had breakfast when I did 10 Temples trip.

Found out that, the same waiter who served us, was still available, and served us this time too. Had south indian meals, skipped curd.

Most people ate icecreams after lunch. I did not. The after effect of which all of them fell asleep while climbing Jog Falls Ghat section.

These guys handed the responsibility to drive on me as all guys in the car dozed off. I drove on that road as slowly and carefully as possible!

Reached Jog falls around 4 20 PM, there was a huge crowd as Rajnikanth and Sonakshi Sinha were there shooting for a movie. Apart from that, there was a huge weekend crowd. Felt very hard to negotiate traffic, as I was driving petrol car. I am used to diesels, petrol seems like a new thing to me!

Cheers,

Installing whatsapp for blackberry.

Now I have a wireless router, I got whatsapp for blackberry installed. Now happy to use the same, until I buy a new phone.

Cheers,

Tips to write, for me!

I read quite a few blogs, on a not so regular basis. Each of the writer uses great words to describe stuffs they want. So in the end, apart from me there are many such readers who follow them.

My blog has been quite silent in the last 2-3 years, due to many reasons.

> I always was not in reach of a PC/laptop, so that I could sign in and just post.
> I spent one year away from home
> I have loads of topic to write, but always have wondered, how do I write or post them, in way similar to other bloggers or rather professional bloggers.
> Trying to chose topics, which interest other readers.

Due to the reason 3 and 4, I only have ended up on the losing side.
> I have not blogged much.
> Though loads of things happened around in me in the last 2 years, (By God's grace everything is fine, I am still doing good), I did not chose to write.
> Also I did not attend to my blog that much.

Now that I have got the power of wifi router & I no more am interested in what other people want to see on my blog nor I am bothered about my writing style, I am more interested in documenting things which I am into, so that I can atleast read them some day in future. I may end up making this blog private, not found on search engines as well, but till that day. cheers.

Yesterday was watching the movie Ghayal, today saw bits and pieces of the movie HUM. How thankful I should be to have watched these movies as a 6-7 year old kid. I never could soak into these two movies but as an adult. totally appreciate Amitabh Bachchan's acting in HUM and Sunny Deol's action sequences in Ghayal.

And these two movies are almost 25 years old. I guess these guys were 25 years ahead of their time, that is why they could produce, act contribute to such awesome movies!

Cheers

3 days road trip -> Mirzan fort to Apsara beach, Honnavara

After Mirzan fort, we had planned to go to Apsara beach in Honnavara. In the middle, we found a shop to inflate the football which we had brought along with us.

Within 30minutes we were at Apsara beach. The crowd was less almost nill. Played football, clicked pictures and had a nice time at Apsara beach for more than 2 hours.

Cheers,

PS - To post pics from other machine which has the pics

Today @ office & home

Not much to write about workplace today. Many people were on leave and few others were busy planning for the annual day event, thinking of what events to organize.

All in all a relaxing day. Since I could not get shortlisted for either of the two trekking events oen being my reasons given and the other being not available on whatsapp, I have two days to write much wanted posts on this blog.

Also thinking of buying Xiaomi Red Me phone this Tuesday. For tomorrow planning to go in search of Forclaz 500 shoes. Seems like there is a 1200Rs waiver at selected stores in Rajajinagar. But even before that, need to check on the price in Decathlon. Will do that.

Watched a part of, one of my favorite movie Ghayal. I simply love the movie Ghayal. They dont make movies like that anymore. What background music. What a plot, what action. Believe me, even if I watch it 100 times I will never get bored of it. The only not so interesting part is the first half where some unexpected events turn up, which really are not that enjoyable. But all in all, I simply love the movie GHAYAL.

Its a true source of inspiration for me atleast, to work my ass of in reaching a well deserved goal.

Cheers,

Handling rejections - 2 day trek

After my last post on handling rejections, here is one more. Here is all how it unfolded.

I presently go for treks with one group in Bangalore. I do not want to name the group. I also am involved in some not so important voluntary activity of the group and also participated in a social event organized by the group.

So there was this so called 2 day trek organized by this group and the organizer being XXX.

About organizer XXX I had got some feedback, saying there shall be ragging sessions at the end of the day, where a person is literally asked to do something which he is not interested in. This feedback was same across 3 different sets of people who had participated with this organizer.

As a result, in the registration form, I mentioned that, I wish not to be ragged or asked anything to do which I am not interested in. And can you guess what happened after that, I got rejected.

As per the group's policy person taking part in social event gets the first priority callup. Now out of nowhere I had to deal with another rejection. I could have escalated this. But since the group is a free service provider anyone can act as per their fancies. So I had to swallow the bitter pill.

Never mind, I still remember the two construction worker kids on an early morning, who were very satisfied with their packet of buiscuits unaware of what is happening in Kudremukh!

I have a long term goal in mind. So I need to work on that.

As I complete this post, found this nice article on DLM!

http://www.dumblittleman.com/2014/09/let-go-little-things.html

Cheers,

PS - This has got nothing to do with me expressing hatred towards someone. Its just about a point where everything we expect just does not happen. We have to deal with rejections. 

3 days road trip, Mirzan fort Kumta Day 3

After good night's sleep, woke up early got freshened up and first thing was to visit Mirzan fort in Kumta. I simply love the highway starting from Udupi till Goa. Its too good.

Last time I had the previlege of driving on this road, in the afternoon, early morning. Thoroughly enjoyed my drive on this road. This time too the case was same.

Once we reached Mirzan fort, came to know it was not yet opened. Hence proceeded to a nearby hotel in the main road.

Breakfast was Misal Bhaaji. What a lovely food. I had 2 full plates of a low calorie one and my friends made fun of me as if there was no tomorrow. When I came back and searched internet, found out its a specialty of Kumta. How proud I feel that I ate two plates.

Its nothing but Avalakki, on top of that, boiled vegetables, lentils, masala and salt, topped up with Sev. I tried the low calorie one with no Sev top ups and left out the potatoes.

Within the avalakki there were lots of fried items too,which I left out, like Chakkuli, Nippat etc.

All in all the shop was a go-down of fried items. What a nice breakfast I thought, next time, definitely will take my parents over there too!

Cheers to Misal Bhaji.

Cheers,

Topics to write...

There are actually loads of topic to write, which I am thinking of. It can be categorized into

1. Childhood.
2. School.
3. College.
4. Work.
5. Cab.
6. Travelling.
7. Trekking.

I remember many such happenings which I would like to write about. I always wonder, how would it have been if I had maintained a journal writing account of each day. It would have been fabulous. On top of that, writing with pen and paper in days without internet would have been even more fantastic. I can only wish.

But I still got a chance to go into rewind, remember as much as possible and put it up over here.

So hoping to write as much as possible, so that, in future, I could read them and not miss the current happenings.

Lets see how it goes.

Cheers,

At office today

Usual day @ office. Today we had no much work as, we had a sprint release yesterday and today was more of a cleanup day. Infact since last 2 weeks we had only minute modifications, nothing major though. Hence it was bit relaxing for the last 1.5 weeks after hectic schedule for the last 5 months.

Was looking at pluralsight today looking at some tutorials, as well as read some javascript stuff. Thing which have eluded me since many years. Hope I can become proficient in web technologies as well.

By evening, we had a major discussion for the next sprint and that guaranteed more work for coming days. In one way its better, but again, cannot read much at office!

Cheers,

At office today

I still have some excitement left for posting today making use of the new router. At office my neighbor got a new Xaomi Redme phone. It looks cool, just the worrying factor being amount of free RAM.

Never mind, another preparatory mail on a topic has put me to caution. Also looks like my expenditure shall go up, because of that. As of now kinda concerned.

Cheers,

Favorite eat out spots on the way back 2012 - 2013

The year being 2012- 2013. I worked as contractor for one of the companies in Mahadevapura, whitefield. It would take us lot of time to come from all the way to Mahadevapura to Uttarahalli. As a result there were many such occasions when we stopped and had snacks on the way back.

There were a bunch of fully enthusiastic guys in the office shuttle. We had a list of favorite spots to chose to eat.

1. Iyengars bakery - JP Nagar 3rd phase.
2. One more bakery in JP Nagar on the road to Indira Gandhi Circle,
3. Kaggi's Chikkalsandra.
4. Dominos pizza JP Nagar 3rd phase.
5. Goli , vada pav - Chikkalsandra.

The entire crew of the cab was just fantastic. I badly miss the company we had over there. After I left the organization, few others too went onsite. Few people still ply via the same route, but the unity was somehow broken!

Cheers,

PS - If someone from that cab Route # 19 reads this post, holla to you guys!

Office cab today

As usual came by office today, people were hungry and stopped on JP Nagar 3rd phase, in order to have some snacks at Iyengar Bakery opp to FedEx.

It was already late, I mean 9 15PM, but people were still insisting, so had to stop.

All in all people were happy.

The last time, we ever stopped at the same Iyengar's bakery opp to Fedex was sometime early in the year 2013, whilst I was working with ABB. Our cab used to come by the same route and we once stopped over there and gobbled up Nipattu, Palya bun and puffs I guess. That time it was sponsored by our cfo. I was still not that calorie concious and had eaten pretty nicely.

This time I controlled myself and did not eat anything, which is kinda achievement.

Cheers, 

New wireless router

Finally, I have it over here, posting from my faithful old laptop which I purchased in Singapore. Got a new WiFi router and now I am a happy man. Shall post more entries into this blog. Many of which correspond to the past events in my life over the years.

I wish to write more.

Cheers & Yay, I am a happy man.

PS - Without a wifi router something was surely amiss. I hope I can keep my excitement to write more, going for many days to come.

3 days road trip -> Magod falls to Kumta

After visiting Magod falls, we headed to Kumta, it was turning dark, the roads were curvy along with good amount of traffic. Coupled with that, there were heavy rains. It was difficult to drive, but we managed and reached Gokarna cross.

If we went straight, we could proceed to Gokarna, we took right it would lead us to Ankola and Karwar, left to Kumta. Refilled at the fuel station and took left turn towards Kumta.

Two of our guys on the bike had searched for rooms in Kumta. It was Hotel Vaibhav, so we stopped at Hotel Panduranga International for dinner. It was nearing 10 PM and the hotel was nearly closing. Completed dinner and headed right to our hotel for a good night's sleep.

Cheers,

3 days road trip -> Khanapur -> Yellapur -> Magod falls

After lunch, we decided to go to Kumta directly instead of Karwar, there seemed to be a way to reach Gokarna/Kumta instead of Karwar and we chose that.

So we proceeded towards Yellapura. Over here couple of stops for pics and then proceeded to Magod falls which was totally unexpected. On the way we saw a board to Magod falls and took a deviation. Thats it.

The falls was nice, since it was the first time of me visiting the same.!

Cheers,

3 days road trip -> Gokak -> Belgaum -> Khanapur

After completing Gokak falls, we headed back to Belgaum to proceed towards Karwar or Kumta. It was not yet decided. Where to have lunch too was not yet decided.

We started towards Khanapur, and I told the rest of the guys that, we shall have lunch at any Khanavali available in Khanapur. Back of my mind, I was not sure whether we would encounter any Khanavali over there or not.

I just told them convincingly that, there shall be one. And believe me, we could find one with ease. It was along the main road.

Cheers,

3 days road trip -> Gokak falls

Woke up early on Day 2, got ready and started towards Gokak falls by 7 AM. Tried to have breakfast in Belgaum, but none of the hotels were open that early, hence proceeded with an empty stomach.

We had to travel around 50 kilometers and a wrong choice of road costed us some time, as we had to negotiate potholes and gravel. At the end made it to Gokak by 9 AM with couple of breaks in between for some pictures.

Had breakfast at a local hotel in Gokak and then proceeded towards the falls.

Water was less at Gokak falls courtesy the dam. But none the less, first timers were quite impressed by the hanging bridge, old British style buildings. For me, it was 4th time since childhood days, last visit being in 2009, 4.5 years earlier.

Cheers

3 days road trip -> Night's halt @ Belgaum

As the day came to a close, we concluded that, we could not make it to Gokak falls and as a result, decided to halt at Belgaum. Approached the KSRTC bus stand and chose to have dinner. Found a Jain hotel opposite to the bus stand and finished dinner. Then started searching for lodges.

While couple of people went in search of rooms, me and few others went to buy, local sweets, Kunda/Ghate and Bhakarvada. I got 3/4 kilo of kunda and 1/2 kilo of bhakarvada. Handling them over the next two days became a challenge as we were running out of space in the car.

Found a lodge and slept for the day.

Cheers,

3 days Road trip -> Utsav Rock Garden, Gotgodi Park, Shiggaon

This was my second visit to Utsav Rock Garden in Shiggaon. It had been almost 2 years and lots of things had changed since then. Here are few more pics! Many things remained the same though!.

I thoroughly liked Utsav Rock Garden, but this time, people with whom I had gone there, liked this place even more than me!. They thought it was a visual treat!

Cheers,

3 days Road trip - Bangalore -> Timminakatti -> Utsav Rock Garden -> Hubli -> Belgaum.

It was 15 Aug 2014, the day started at 4 am, I had not prepared anything in terms of packing, I had to put together my clothes and all necessary stuffs. I had to reach Ring road at 5 30 AM, but in the end it got delayed and reached only at 6 15 AM.

So after my pickup, we proceeded to Nelamangala, to head right out of town. Its over here, we stopped for necessary fuel at Shell Petrol pump.

The day's plan was to stop at Kyathasandra for breakfast, then directly at Davangere for lunch. After lunch, a visit to the Ustav rock garden at Shiggaon.

Along with us, one more person, drove a bike. He infact thought Kyathasandra was after Tumkur and as a result, directly went to Tumkur instead of stopping at Kyathasandra. As a result, we decided to stop at Sira Kamath hotel for breakfast.

Reached Sira at around 9 40 AM, then had a good breakfast and proceeded towards Chitradurga. After Chitradurga on the way to Davangere, we encountered a major hurdle, there was an accident which had occured and the highway was blocked.

This took some time to clear and we reached Davangere after this. Over here, one of our group  member's friend was in Ranebennur, Timminakatti to be precise. His home was over here and it is he who invited the entire 11 members for lunch at his place.

Hence took a detour at Ranebennur and went towards Timminakatti. Had a great lunch. After which it was time to leave. Time was around 3 pm and next was Utsav Rock Garden, in Shiggaon.

Cheers for now.

Places covered, 3 day trip

There were few places which were enlisted to be covered during the 3 days, but in the end, we could not complete all of the enlisted places, instead chose few of them.
Visited places:
1. Utsav rock Garden, Gotgodi Park, Shiggaon, – Day 1
2. Timminakatti , Ranebennur, Day 1
3. Gokak Falls,  - Day 2,.
4. Karwar, Sadashivgad fort – Not covered.
5. Gokarna  - Not covered.
6. Murudeshwara – Not covered.
7. Mirzan fort Kumta – Day 3
8. Padukone. – Not covered.
9. Honnavara beach – Day 3
10. Idagunji Sri Ganesha temple. – Not covered.
11. Jog falls. – Day 3

Along with Utsav rock garden, we also chose to visit a friend’s place at Ranebennur. Timminakatti village it was, where we were treated to a nice meal.
Cheers,

3 days road trip, 1500 kilometers

August 15, 2014, was a Friday and with no trekking plans in sight, there was a chance for something different. It ended up being the amongst the best 3 days of 2014.

There are other better days in 2014, but these 3 days, I enjoyed truly.
Went on a road trip with few of the guys who organize and accompany me for trekking.

So, it was 3 days, 1500 kilometers and loads of driving, visiting places and then repeat!.

It started out a couple of weeks before 15 Aug 2014, carefully planning the roadmap. In the end, the road map just got thrown out of the way and we went in a way that was totally unexpected.

Places covered.

1. Timminakatti, Ranebennur
2. Utsav RockGarden, Shiggaon.
3. Gokak falls.
4. Magod falls.
5. Mirzan fort.
6. Apsara beach
7. Jog falls.

Cheers,

Handling Rejections - Himalayan trek

Been bit busy for the last 4 weeks or so. Loads of work at office plus stuffs at home keeping me busy.
Finally saw a trekking event to the Himalayas. The team size was 8. It would have been my first trek to the Himalayas. I have been working hard for the last 8 months.

I had every reason to be hopeful for getting short-listed. But in the end, I got rejected because, there were more experienced people who had enrolled. More experienced in the sense, they had trekked Himalayas before.

As of today feeling very awful. Not able to digest the fact that, 8 months dedicated hard work and still one step behind. I  need to work harder. I dont know why people including me take rejections this seriously.

Saw a couple of kids of construction workers, this morning. They were so happy enjoying their packet of biscuits. They were so so happy with the basic amenities and here I am finding it very hard to even digest the fact that, I ve been rejected for Himalayan trek.

Why do we have such high hopes. Why cant we simply try and leave the rest to God. Why cant we simply be happy with smaller things in life.

I promise, I shall improve.

Cheers,

PS - due to a drop out in the shortlisted members, I got invited for this trek again. By God's grace, this thing has happened, on 5 September 2014. As of today, 6 September 2014, still deciding on how to proceed. Keeping fingers crossed whether I can make it!
Cheers

10 Temples trip, Epilogue

Finally at around 3 20PM started from Sirsi to Bangalore. Asked a local about directions to Haveri and then to Bangalore. He was surprised that I chose Haveri instead of Shimoga and Sirsi. I was more interested in joining NH4, instead of driving through Sagar and Shimoga.

The toll would cost money, but NH4 was 4 lane road with ample space to drive. Finally I got a clue on how to proceed to Haveri. Meanwhile, we stopped at the Haveri Market where my parents brought 1 kilogram of mangoes. I asked an auto rickshaw driver about the directions to Haveri and asked him about the Sagar road. He told me distance is same via both roads. I chose to come by Haveri only.

While driving to Haveri encountered loads of confusing roads, with no signboards. Had to stop and ask locals on how to proceed. Also there was lot of road work going in multiple places with bad stretches of roads. Luckily with no punctures and continuous driving made it to NH4 around 5 30PM.

From then on roads got better, so did darkness and the rain. Made it to Sira around 8PM, not before encountering heavy rainfall at Chitradurga. Had to stop at couple of places on NH4 for around 10-20 minutes as there was no visibility at all. Vipers were at full swing but rain was more, and could not see at all.

From Sira, rain subsided and could make it to Bangalore by around 12 15 in the midnight. This brought to an end an awesome road trip and the good part is I drove alone all along the way, with no GPS relying on locals and signboards. And thats what is called God's grace.

Cheers,

Sri Marikamba Temple, 10 Temples trip - Temple 10 Day 3

Started from Gokarna and came back to Kumta, where there is a deviation towards Sirsi. We had to climb a ghats section. It was fun driving through ghats section, Devimane ghats. Traffic was less. But it was pretty hot.

The distance to Sirsi was around 80 kilometers, covered it in around 1 hour 40 minutes approx.

Reached Sirsi and parked the vehicle around 2 PM in the afternoon. The temple was open and there were many devotees. Completed darshan of Sri Marikamba and we were back around 2 40PM.

Then it was time to have lunch. Instead of opting for heavy lunch we just ate idli's at a hotel opposite to the temple.

Now I told my parents, we covered 10 temples over the last 2.5 days and now it was through drive to Bangalore. They felt happy and at the same time worried, because I had to drive in the night to make it to Bangalore. I had not hidden that fact from them and as 3 PM approached this night driving thing became more clearer.

What happened during the return journey, shall write about in the epilogue.

Cheers,

Sri Mahashiva Temple, Gokarna, 10 Temples trip - Temple 9, Day 3

After visiting the Mhatobar Sri Vinayaka Devaru temple, we headed right towards Gokarna, not before passing Honnavar and Kumta.

I wanted to continue till Gokarna on empty stomachs, but my parents were scolding me to stop for breakfast. Stopped at a hotel in Kumta. Then proceeded towards Gokarna. Also saw deviations to Kollur Mookambika temple. My parents once again started insisting to return to Bangalore instead of visiting Gokarna. But I wanted to visit Gokarna and Sri Mahashiva temple hence proceeded right straight.

It was around 11 AM when we reached Gokarna. Once again crowd was less, we could get nice Darshan of Sri MahaShiva. Gokarna fascinates me. Somewhat laid back kind of town. Every time I go there, I somehow end up wondering, when will I return again.

After darshan came back around 12 15 PM. This time, did not have prasadam. Not sure why, but my parents were consistently asking me to start the return journey to Bangalore that, I forgot to even think about prasadam.

So started the return journey at around 12 40 PM.

Cheers,

Mhatobar Shri Vinayaka Devaru temple, 10 Temples trip - Temple 8, Day 3.

Woke up around 6 30 AM. Got all ready and prepared to leave by 7 25 AM. Plan was to leave towards Idagunji, then towards Gokarna and then towards Bangalore but not before stopping at Sirsi.
I somehow was able to convince my parents, by telling them, we could reach home by midnight. Did I reach by midnight, well, will tell you about that in coming posts. But first about Idagunji Mhatobar Sri Vinayaka temple.

It is around 20-25 kilometers from Murudeshwara. There is a deviation towards the right, as we move towards Gokarna with a big visible deviation and entrance. Reached the temple at around 8 10 AM. There was no crowd. Felt really good, as we were again on empty stomach. All 3 days, on empty stomachs, first thing to visit was the temple. Prayed to God and then we started towards the next point.

Cheers,

Nisarga residency - 10 Temples trip, Evening Day 2

Not sure which lodge we stayed, I guess it was Nisarga residency. That evening, I had difficulty getting sleep. It was way too humid in Murudeshwara. I did not get proper sleep till 12 in the midnight. Also the thoughts of driving tomorrow, the whole day was driving me crazy.

My parents were scolding me, to start towards Bangalore, right in the morning, but I was of the opinion to visit Idagunji Mhatobar Sri Vinayaka temple, then Sri Mahashiva temple in Gokarna then return to Bangalore.

With these thoughts in the mind, I finally set to sleep at around 1 AM in the night.

Cheers,

Sri Shiva Temple, Murudeshwara, 10 Temples trip - Temple 7, Day 2

After Marvante, I wanted to reach Murudeshwara quickly and look for room over there and then visit the Sri Shiva temple today itself. Also after yesterday's shower in the evening, I was even more worried, on what would happen if it would rain.

Luckily it did not rain. I reached Murudeshwara around 4 15 PM, found out a lodge which was around 1 kilometer from the temple, and had ample car parking. This time, it was ordinary room instead of AC room. Parked the car inside the compound and set out towards the temple.

We did have Darshan, also there are many temples over there. Prayed to God and then clicked some pics and it was 7PM and we were back. Had dinner at Kamat restaurant over there. Crowd was a bit more infact. Humidity was even more.

Cheers,

Sri Varaha Anjaneya Temple, Marvante, 10 Temples trip - Temple 6, Day 2.

Once we started from Udupi, I had plans to stop at Marvante. Opposite to the beach is Sri Varaha Anjaneya Temple. After going through various places on the road, we finally reached Marvante around 3 00 PM.

The temple was closed, but I was contented with still visiting and praying to God. We could see the idols.
Also took couple of minutes to see the marvellous Marvante beach. There was beach, beach all along the way as we reached Kundapura and made our way out. Felt great riding next to the sea.

Now it was turn to reach Murudeshwara.

Cheers,

Sri Krishna Temple, Udupi - 10 Temples trip - Temple 5, Day 2

After packing from the lodge in Ujire, we headed out straight to Udupi. The distance was around 100 kilometers and the went through all kinds of roads. Big, narrow, small. But it was fun. Most of it was on 2 lane roads and could see in couple of places there were marriages organized too.

At only place near Karkala, one car was in front of us, fully decorated with flowers, ready to ferry the bride and the groom. The day was getting more hotter and I had to reach Udupi and get prasadam there too.

Especially after what Vikas Khanna told about Sambar in Udupi (Twist of taste season 3, fox life), I was quite keen on going there having lunch prasadam.

Reached around 11 40 AM I guess. Took 20 minutes to figure out the parking lot. Then there was slow moving queue. It was huge, but not as huge as yesterday's.

Finally after an hour, we had a good Darshan of Lord Sri Krishna, and proceeded to have lunch. Rasam was excellant as told by Vikas Khanna. Felt really good after lunch, felt lazy too. My parents yet again wanted to sit in shade and relax for sometime.

But I insisted to start the journey towards Murudeshwara, because distance was more, and yet again, I had booked no rooms. So had to look out for lodges yet again!.

All about that in the next post.
Cheers,

Sri Janardhana Swamy Temple - 10 Temples Trip - Temple 4, Day 2

On the way back from Sri Sadashiva Rudra temple, we found out there was another temple. Sri Janardhana Swamy temple. Went to this temple, had darshan. I felt really good. There was a wedding about to happen at that temple too!

So now headed back to our lodge. On the way thought of having breakfast, but then, returned to our lodge. Had breakfast at Disha hotel.

Now it was time to leave for Udupi. It was getting hot as the day progressed. What happened next, in another post.

Cheers,

Sri Sadashiva Rudra Temple - 10 Temples Trip - Temple 3, Day 2

Had a pretty decent sleep, woke up around 6 30 AM. Today had plans to drive to Udupi. But before that, I had to visit couple of temples at Ujire.

Started at around 7 10 AM to Sri Sadashiva Rudra temple at Ujire. Reached around 7 40AM. There was very less crowd. Harike Vana was almost empty. Prayed for almost 5 minutes, asking God for loads of things.

I always feel good, when I visit a temple on empty stomach early morning, Yesterday's Kukke Sri Subrahmanya temple too, had been on a cup of tea and nothing else. Today too totally empty stomach. Cannot ask for more.

And it was time to leave around 8 30 PM. My mother collected prasadam and then we returned to Ujire. On the way visited one more temple.

Cheers,

Sri Aripady Mutt Lodge - 10 Temples Trip - Evening Day 1

After Sri Manjunatha Swamy Darshana at Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, I decided to proceed to Ujire, and look for lodges over there. Ujire was just a mere 9kilometers from Dharmasthala. My parents were very happy on seeing Ujire come so quick.

Checked at a lodge at the beginning of the town. It had all the rooms booked.  Then enquired at Sri Aripady Mutt lodge.  Luckily rooms were available. Rooms were exactly the same depicted in the pic. Clean neat and excellent. AC room was made default I guess.

Settled in the room around 4 15 PM and within 15 minutes, it started to rain. Rain was pretty heavy. I should thank God for ensuring we are not travelling in the rain or even searching for rooms. Enjoyed a rainy evening all indoors watching TV and eating junk food like chips, cream biscuits.

Evening had dinner at the below hotel called Disha. And thats it an eventful day came to an end.

Cheers,

Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha Swamy Temple - 10 Temples trip - Temple 2, Day 1

After completing Darshan at Kukke Sri Subrahmanya temple, started towards Dharmasthala. Luckily Dharmasthala was approximately 36 kilometers from Kukke/Gundya cross. I was overhelmed. I thought I could get Prasadam at the temple.

We need to proceed towards, in the same road, which leads to Mangalore and after some distance, there is a turn to the right, with indication saying, Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala. From the deviation, its around 7-10 kilometers.

Reached Dharmasthala, and parked my car over there, at certain distance from the temple. Incidentally, on May 2nd there was a mass marriage was organized. Preparations where on at the place, where I had parked my car. There was huge crowd at Dharmasthala too. On top of that, it was so much hot.

We decided to go for special Darshan costing Rs 250 per person I guess. We could cut the queue and move some distance ahead. After an hour of waiting in the queue, we finally had Darshan. It felt really good. My parents too felt good. They thought, finally their wish had turned into reality.

The heat was right on. We proceeded right towards the lunch hall. My parents took 3 seats while I went ahead to fill up my water bottles. Incidentally I had to jump the barricade/partition kind of thing to fill up water bottles, as water was accessible to people only who had completed lunch and I was in the part where people were about to start lunch.

While going out of the hall, one person serving food, asked me, if I had completed lunch to which I said, no, and told him I was about to fill water before having lunch. The gesture made me really happy, because, over there in Dharmasthala, people were so much interested to serve, and wanted to know if the devotees had lunch or not. I was a total stranger to that person, still that person enquired. I felt really good, really really good.

Finally at around 3:30 PM+, we were done with the Sri Manjunatha Swamy Darshan as well as had Prasadam. So it was time for next destination. My parents wanted to sit for sometime after lunch, but I was bit reluctant, as we had to search for rooms to halt.

I had booked no rooms, I was new to the place and knew nothing about surroundings of Dharmasthala. By the way Dharmasthala was crowded, I decided not to make a halt over there. Instead thought of Ujire, else was planning to drive all the way to Udupi.

What happened next was yet again, by God's grace.

Cheers,

Kukke Sri Subrahmanya Temple, 10 temples trip - Temple 1, Day 1.

Started the day, at 4 30 AM. When I was about to look for the vehicle documents, I found the insurance papers missing, I told my father, to drop the plans for the trip. Instead my father told me, nothing would happen without insurance papers and just to get on with the drive.

I was the only person driving, along with me, my father and mother. I was totally scared at the thought of driving without insurance papers in hand. Luckily after thorough searching I could locate the insurance papers and our trip was back on track.

We started around 5:50 AM in the morning and at 6:35 AM, I could manage to reach Nelamangala Toll, stopped for tea break. But no breakfast. My parents were constantly scolding me to stop for breakfast. I was in no mood to stop. I wanted to reach Kukke as soon as possible and after driving non stop I could make it to Kukke around 10:30 AM.

On reaching Kukke, instead of having breakfast, went to Darshan instead. The crowd was more and it took around 1 hour to get Darshan and come outside. Later it was time for food. We finally had breakfast at 11 45 AM at Hotel Kumarakrupa.

I was telling my parents to hurry. We had to make it to Dharmasthala. The heat was terrific. The road had heated up. I was sweating like mad. I had started to wonder, if whatever my parents told about humidity was turning to be true.

I had plans to reach Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala, before 2 30 PM, and hoping to be on time for Prasadam.
I had no idea, how far Dharmasthala was from Kukke, but what happened next, was yet again pure bliss, by God's grace.

Cheers,

10 temples trip, 2014 - Prologue

My parents were always wondering, when they would get to visit Sri Dharmasthala Manjunatha temple. I too wanted to visit Sri Kshetra Dharmasthala. I also wanted to visit Sri Suryagrama temple in Ujire. I thought I could combine many such temples along the way, and sketch a map for a well deserved long drive.

For the last 3-4 months, I had travelled atleast 3-4 times on the same highway which leads to Kukke Subrahmanya. Twice to Kumaraparvata. Each time, I wondered, the condition of the road was decent enough, for me to drive to Kukke. I waited and waited and time finally came. I told my parents, well in advance, May 1st shall be the day, I would prefer to drive to Kukke and visit around 10 temples around that stretch.

My parents were scolding me badly, for my choice.
One it was holiday on that day,
Two being summer, which would make us sweat like crazy.
But I was firm on going. I decided to travel on May 1. Even before month of may, I had sketched a rough road map to travel.

And what happened next is nothing less than pure bliss, by God's grace, I was able to complete 10 temples trip in 3 days covering 1200 kilometers and loads of places.
I shall write about it more in the next post.

Cheers for now.

Break from blogging.

Back to blogging after long time. Loads to write up. Each time I make up my mind to write something, I never end up making it. One thing I ensured I did right through 2013 and till now in 2014, is to travel on a regular basis.

Starting from Nov 2013, to sum it up, I have to write about loads of travel which I did. Every now and then I am thinking to buy a tablet, but really wondering, is that comfortable, can I type on a touch screen. Can I work on such a small monitor, considering, I am used to working with 2 monitors each of 17 inches.

This whole feeling makes me not to buy a tablet. But also I end up not blogging much as each day, I find lesser and lesser time, to switch on the PC and sit to write about stuffs. I find blogging from office totally unethical, though its accessible, I never intend to post anything from office network.

Here are my trips starting from Nov 2013.
1. Belur, Halebidu, Chickmaglur, Balehonnur, Kemmangundi trip with relatives from Pune.
2. Beach trek - Kumta to Gokarna with BASC.
3. Gingee fort trek and exploration with BASC.
4. Kumaraparvata trek with BMC.
5. Kottebetta trek with BTC.
6. Kumaraparvata cleanup with BASC.
7. Charmadi Monsoon trek with BASC.
8. Nishani Motte Monsoon trek with BASC.
9. 10 temples trip across Dakshina Karnataka.
10. Kashmir trip which span across 10 days.
11. Hampi photography event with BASC.

All in all I did more travel than I can imagine and write during the last 6 months. Hopefully I can travel bit more in the coming days.

So, shall blog as I find time.
Until then, Cheers,

Kumaraparvata trek - Some key points

Some key points which I thought might come in handy while doing Kumaraparvata trek.

1. Attempt KP trek, after training for atleast 2-3 weeks. These weeks should include running some cardio and breathing exercises. What I did, well, will share some other day.
2. Breath using nose always, both breath in and breath out. Never breath using mouth. I think this is one of the key point. Even in running if we breath through mouth, we end up being thirsty also more tired.
3. If one is sweating more (like me) drink more water and use Electral. I carried a 2.25 LT water bottle and even when the co-ordinator told me that it was heavy, I still stuck to my bottle. I had one more 1 LT bottle which was spare and empty most time.
4. Use a stick. I did not have a stick and while descending I was the last member, almost slow by 5 mins than the rest of them.
5. If you find going bit difficult, just chant the name of God and proceed. I think its as simple as that.
6. Always have the goal of reaching the temple at the top and praying over there.
7. There is no need to reach the peak from Kukke on day 1 itself. You can halt at Bhattaramane on day 1 and start on day 2. or you can halt at Kallu Mantap.
8. Carrying more load from Kukke side, will definitely take a toll on the body especially during summer. So choice of where to halt is important.

Well I am not an expert on trekking or giving key points. I am an overweight guy and the post written above is for myself, just to remind me the next time, I visit KP.

Till then,

Cheers, 

Kumaraparvata trek - Feb 15-16, 2014 - Part 3

After starting at Bhattaramane at 10 55 AM, we reached couple of view points on our way. The sun was at its best. It was getting hot, we started towards Kallu Mantapa. I never realized we were covering good ground even in bright sunshine.

We reached Kallu Mantap at around 12 10 PM. It was yet another record time. 1 hour 10 minutes was absolutely fantastic. I would like to thank the people in the front who were pulling like, nothing less than an A-Train. We took a 15 minutes break at Kallu Mantap. I was really in luck this time. I felt so happy and so emotional just to know, I will be able to complete KP trek and visit the temple at the top.

Then was the stretch of the journey which comprised of inclined climbing. We covered around 2.5 kilometers and reached at the false peak. We were there around 1 45 PM odd. Another record of sorts. From here it was 1 kilometer to Kumaraparvata. The feeling was awesome.

We made it to KP at around 2 20 PM. 7 hours after starting, with 1 hour break at Bhattaramane. Roughly 6+ hours to KP that too during summer(beginning of summer rather).

One thing I can say is, it happened only because of God's grace. Would love to thank God for each step I took during this epic trek. I proved myself wrong. I followed my heart and completed this trek. And four days later I am writing this post. Feels great.

Cheers,

Kumaraparvata trek - Feb 15-16, 2014 - Part 2

We reached Kukke, on 15 Feb 2014, around 5 45 AM. It was still dark. We freshened up in pretty quick time. This time, I was very much careful on what I carried. I shall mention about what all stuffs I carried this time around. But thats later.

Once everyone was ready, we headed out to Neo Mysore Cafe for breakfast. After a quickbreakfast, we were ready to start the Kumaraparvata trek at around 7 10 AM. I called home one more time, telling them that I was ready to start the trek and seeked blessings from my mother, hoping I would complete the trek.

The trek starts at a distance of 1.2 kilometers from the main Kukke temple road, so we walked this distance on asphalt road. Soon we were at the entrance where the trek starts. The briefing starts over here. We were 12 guys and our itenary was as follows.

Day 1 - Start from Kukke - Reach Bhattaramane - Break for lunch - Start to Mantap  and then to Peak.
             Return to Bhattaramane for dinner.

Day 2 - Start from Bhattaramane descend, reach KP and start to Bangalore.

This itenary was a bit tough one, I admit, on hearing this my friend had told me not to attempt this one as the summer had already kicked in. But I had taken it on and now it was do it or embarrass myself.

I had a lighter backpack this time around, one which weighed 0.75 kilos or even lesser. I had a 2.25 litres water bottle + one 1 Litre bottle spare which was empty. Since we were planning to stay at Bhattaramane we had to carry only 1 sleeping bag.

Before entering the forest, I just touched the ground and moved my fingers on the soil and prayed to God not to have a second time embarrassment. I wanted to complete this trek badly, and reach the temple at the top.
Believe me praying to mother earth before starting the trek helped, helped a lot infact.

Initial trek is through forest cover. There is good shade available and also since it was early morning we could do this stretch. We reached Bhimana Bande in around 50 minutes. This was quite a record time. The team was really good and 12 guys were really powerful. Initially I was in the front. Later I stopped in order to add electral to my water and stayed back till the forest cover ended.

Once the forest cover ended, people took few minutes break and I got a chance to sneak ahead. We made it to Bhattara mane at around 9 25 AM. We started at 7 20 AM and at Bhattaramane at 9 25 AM.  2 hours 10 minutes all it took..

What a feat it was, it was unbelievable. I felt blessed, I somehow got a feeling, I was in luck this time. My confidence just got a big boost.

Mr Bhatt agreed to serve an early lunch at 10 30 AM. We had loads of time. I started stretching hoping to cheat cramps. It felt better, relaxing. Soon we finished lunch and 10 55 AM we were ready to start again.

More on that in the next part.

Cheers,

Kumaraparvata trek - Feb 15-16, 2014 Prologue (events before the trek)

I completed Kumaraparvata trek this time around, and believe me the feeling is just awesome.

It was around 10th Feb 2014, I felt the need to trek. It had been 7 months since I had been to Mullayanagiri. After that, I did few trips but none of them can be categorized as serious trek. Those included.

1. Kumta to Gokarna Beach trek.
2. Photography cum exploration at Gingee Fort.
3. Trip to Hampi
4. Hubli Dharwad, Yellamanagudda Trip.
5. Chickmaglur trip.
6. KokkareBellur trip.

So I was keeping an eye on the BMC page for KP Trek. There were couple of treks to Kumaraparvata during January, but I could not be a part of it, due to some reasons. But when I came to know there was a KP trek on 14 Feb 2014, I did not hesitate to register.

Compared to last year I was feeling better, but couple of people still told me, that, it would be very hot and considering my personality, it would be very very difficult to complete the trek. Since my itenary was a serious one, a friend of mine told me that, if I could make it to Kallu mantap, and come back it would be great. He even told me not to register for the trek and only attempt it post monsoons. But not having trekked for sometime was making me go crazy. I had no option, hence I registered.

Prior to registering for KP Trek, I had registered for BASC trek to Nagala, but since I had no recent trek experience, the organizer rejected my entry. I nothing to prove that I could trek for 15 kilometers in two days. Also me being overweight casts a big shadow on my selection. I weigh 79 kilos for my 5  ft 7 inches height.  The organizer for Nagala trek told me, I would be slow and make the entire team wait since I had no recent experience. When I told him, I could do it, he told me to start off with one day treks.

It was more like a slap on my face and confidence. I felt bad, I feel bad whenever I get rejected. Its difficult to face rejections, but I had to swallow it and move ahead (as always and as with many of my interviews). Hence my only option left was to keep on checking BMC India page for the current week's trek events.

I think, whatever was bound to happen was all by God's grace. The turn of events were simply superb. Somewhere I know its because of God.

1. 14Feb 2014 BMC event was originally to Mullayanagiri.
2. But it got replaced with KP Trek.
3. I registered for KP trek.
4. There were only 12 guys for KP Trek.
5. Despite multiple people telling about the humidity  / summer season, I registered for KP trek.
6. I listened to my heart and hoped I will be able to make it....

Whatever happened next was all by God's grace.

Cheers,