tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-224968422024-03-14T19:52:02.069+05:30A Woodcrawler's JournalIf only we could rewind and edit our lives ......
The jungle brings serenity. It recharges the batteries and it teaches you how uncomplicated life can be.
In my life's moments if there is something to cherish, it is the time I have spent woodcrawling. Try it and you'll know what I mean.Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.comBlogger162125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-14464928132283325252023-11-19T23:23:00.004+05:302023-11-19T23:23:34.525+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 13: Birds of Tso Kar & Tanglang La<p> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">21st July 2023, 6.00 Am to 10.30 AM</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After a rather restless night, I wasn't sure why; I was up at 5.30 AM. Since the world outside didn't seem very welcoming, I decided to snuggle under the quilt for a bit longer. The cook at the restaurant had provided us <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a large flask of hot water </span></b>with instructions to drink a little every time we woke up. The high altitude dehydrates you and I did take few sips at night. Despite that, the inside of my nose was dry and crusted up, though there wasn't any bleeding. How much the hot water helped, I don't know, but one thing I did learn about a flask of hot water was that it <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>came in handy</b></span> for <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">brushing my teeth, shaving and washing my face!</span></b> Bath was out anyway. It was too cold and I doubt, I'd have dared to bathe even if there was running hot water. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I had enquired about <b><span style="color: #38761d;">the whereabouts of the black necked crane</span></b> after dinner, the previous evening. The manager, who was the local birding expert wasn't available, but once again the cook came to my aid. He told us that the black necked cranes were usually found on the road side, at the edge of the lake, about two kilometres towards <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Puga</span></b>. Unfortunately, we hadn't seen them because we were driving in the rain the previous evening. It meant <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">we'd have to backtrack </span></b>along the road we came on the previous afternoon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">After tossing around for another half an hour, I decided to get up and take a look around. We had planned to leave after breakfast, and since our <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">destination was Leh</span></b>, we were in no hurry. Leh was around <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">150 kilometres from Thukje</span></b> and we'd hit the NH 3, the Manali - Leh highway, 15 kilometres from Tso Kar. It would take us a little over three hours to reach Leh as most of our drive would be on the highway. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our cook was on the road with<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b> a toothbrush in one hand and a jug of warm water in the other!</b></span> He had promised breakfast at 7.30 but there he was standing on an empty road in his night dress, at a quarter past six in the morning, probably planning the menu for breakfast. That was another lesson. <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">When in Ladakh, remove your watch and keep it at the bottom of your bag!</span></b> He had told us at dinner the previous night, that he'd have breakfast ready by half past seven, so we could eat and go to catch the cranes and any other birds that would be awake on that cold morning. Now, it seemed a good time to make some change in plans.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Anyway, I asked him what his plan for breakfast was. He told me that we could go to see the birds and return in an hour's time, by which time <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">he'd keep hot pooris and channa</span></b> ready for us. It sounded like a good idea as an early breakfast would make us hungry halfway to Leh. So while waiting for everyone to get ready, I trained my camera on some drab birds foraging in the waste dump.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoLR6KnpAUyT3Srd-ZuNRlj79CWJIL9LSzIRuMzZMDrPrWPCY6U5UF-JAuiLwJSqYSiYXUk8s2jPgTVL1gv0QLnXNk8X1UXSzh4GgZes05hhs9_ZNEVH48toBE3k5RXvWy_Uy7Io3BiIoE9rIQlXHMk7pr4zOxe3JP6gbRN5Y5qvSsrRvD1CF/s2500/P7213052.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCoLR6KnpAUyT3Srd-ZuNRlj79CWJIL9LSzIRuMzZMDrPrWPCY6U5UF-JAuiLwJSqYSiYXUk8s2jPgTVL1gv0QLnXNk8X1UXSzh4GgZes05hhs9_ZNEVH48toBE3k5RXvWy_Uy7Io3BiIoE9rIQlXHMk7pr4zOxe3JP6gbRN5Y5qvSsrRvD1CF/w400-h300/P7213052.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQt6XtmUtj8Vp_o7mvviHci2pzRv3zXWEdM84Boz2bCkIeAvKRvFKSNuvjDg08-Ez6MU_gX4mbb3wojjAhAXLKXRJBXvLQeWZgDMfJNtlOrhFJW4HrUGFo_4THH5o6mI4HPCuJ_hAtQ7QjeMZUS3hmHMZ-TwrLWG_Sc9xpmlDi9QnaJrxatUE/s2000/P7213057.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLQt6XtmUtj8Vp_o7mvviHci2pzRv3zXWEdM84Boz2bCkIeAvKRvFKSNuvjDg08-Ez6MU_gX4mbb3wojjAhAXLKXRJBXvLQeWZgDMfJNtlOrhFJW4HrUGFo_4THH5o6mI4HPCuJ_hAtQ7QjeMZUS3hmHMZ-TwrLWG_Sc9xpmlDi9QnaJrxatUE/w400-h300/P7213057.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoS48u2YpVBuXC4zLhkTvf9kC6E5-PnhioHGN4_wt1vNCZEHKrPn_AKeeB7bxrMaNhtPuZS9w6Qa3c26y2ZN77_MijxxHIBTyxMXVy6M_6oh7lFevGeM3tO9oCX0owcSUT2mdy1dGv3JpfG4IK4WcUEz22z3W06EljVAB9CpB1LCMGkt5kAoJ/s2500/P7213071.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQoS48u2YpVBuXC4zLhkTvf9kC6E5-PnhioHGN4_wt1vNCZEHKrPn_AKeeB7bxrMaNhtPuZS9w6Qa3c26y2ZN77_MijxxHIBTyxMXVy6M_6oh7lFevGeM3tO9oCX0owcSUT2mdy1dGv3JpfG4IK4WcUEz22z3W06EljVAB9CpB1LCMGkt5kAoJ/w400-h300/P7213071.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcnvZWPCa2PCoGEJRmKaXug_M7gGiMi79zbW0tlesmGikBdCbslHUMeDBHsEPiPngAeNl-8oT_TcH2QGZDZN3AKzXErd7F__o5WDpAtEHxrm5HMQYPb8iwhPi7oLQ4Ys4w_swM6j0dcRruzc7EVHlofwfCD8h-8GyHtUqTUQq8Y8wOue1VkWT/s2750/P7213103.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2062" data-original-width="2750" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcnvZWPCa2PCoGEJRmKaXug_M7gGiMi79zbW0tlesmGikBdCbslHUMeDBHsEPiPngAeNl-8oT_TcH2QGZDZN3AKzXErd7F__o5WDpAtEHxrm5HMQYPb8iwhPi7oLQ4Ys4w_swM6j0dcRruzc7EVHlofwfCD8h-8GyHtUqTUQq8Y8wOue1VkWT/w400-h300/P7213103.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We rolled out after seven, planning to be back in good time for a hot breakfast. The skies were relatively clear by now and it looked like a promising morning for some birding. About a kilometre from the Druk, off to our right was a sandbank. On it, were a large flock of brownish-orange coloured, geese like birds. They were <b><span style="color: #38761d;">ruddy shelducks, or brahminy ducks</span></b>, probably in the middle of their breeding season. It is considered a sacred bird by the Buddhists.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kd-TlK1FDq1jL_td4K309TyjdJp60lJIl6YM9cYR3OP7uc4hQP_T8jEGdJNEDsgc9qLUtwGDH7_9NYIgJ_gZBArP0N64nWqisCuh5E1xsJO4b0JaE3Ap-qFQk38cbqpbU-l9XYupkT2o2xVSngX6QAUGq_QPrg-THnv4FeAGypZODR_6XA5m/s3200/P7213108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1831" data-original-width="3200" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6kd-TlK1FDq1jL_td4K309TyjdJp60lJIl6YM9cYR3OP7uc4hQP_T8jEGdJNEDsgc9qLUtwGDH7_9NYIgJ_gZBArP0N64nWqisCuh5E1xsJO4b0JaE3Ap-qFQk38cbqpbU-l9XYupkT2o2xVSngX6QAUGq_QPrg-THnv4FeAGypZODR_6XA5m/w400-h229/P7213108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_7vd8vOIUgHQ6bGye7JaYhYt75JodkuCu06N-3RtgNQEmEZzXcLZMrK470zLSaNyrC6lAvIX5EUxfywcZ13DWVyvKBBL5lTXzyePelW07h4e8PYHQkrD0l5aeODHPZsTCn2NalF4_L6XoYuxFJfyo82-tZR41h2h7bTvO886V2DZGC2SPKSa/s2500/P7213111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp_7vd8vOIUgHQ6bGye7JaYhYt75JodkuCu06N-3RtgNQEmEZzXcLZMrK470zLSaNyrC6lAvIX5EUxfywcZ13DWVyvKBBL5lTXzyePelW07h4e8PYHQkrD0l5aeODHPZsTCn2NalF4_L6XoYuxFJfyo82-tZR41h2h7bTvO886V2DZGC2SPKSa/w400-h300/P7213111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUfGKPK11kPAwqZUOGWpp9ib0sYFoea1x9W0gZJG7wdw6fDC4YocKxAekKR7PsDk3QmV45uBhD2LDJ0vpb6ZTRAKnpFlEwVxhJyx-7rsMYHDc3fVf0ZcrjuO6GOBNwqrq_bHGr4UVlkyHiw9uR23sZbDeo9yNm7AcEYI7KL9S6N8jNlCJ-8be/s3200/P7213119.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1544" data-original-width="3200" height="193" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWUfGKPK11kPAwqZUOGWpp9ib0sYFoea1x9W0gZJG7wdw6fDC4YocKxAekKR7PsDk3QmV45uBhD2LDJ0vpb6ZTRAKnpFlEwVxhJyx-7rsMYHDc3fVf0ZcrjuO6GOBNwqrq_bHGr4UVlkyHiw9uR23sZbDeo9yNm7AcEYI7KL9S6N8jNlCJ-8be/w400-h193/P7213119.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A few minutes later, a little further down, we came across a solitary raptor sitting on a rock on the edge of the road. It seemed to be contemplating about breakfast like us. It was unmindful of our presence even though we passed it only a few feet away. It was in intense meditation, and probably didn't care about a couple of guys taking photographs! Another <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">lifer </span></b>for me, <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>in birding terminology</b></span>. It was the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">upland buzzard</span></b>, one of the raptors I had on my target list for Ladakh.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfcytlHl8VENLLPnschNMKnX2JvFodaUg8iMfjc4y3q_rzX051RjHjD6Ts38Z3SHJEfcl7KtXBgtsRM9XyamI74xiFrDCok3gkaL7XnJmTQwx2aGENGrTA19jEkkx1qWMNtVXhOUsaYQuaO59STrCOX6IlNCjnzQWFjk_MDSRUJJ6QpluLGn4/s2400/P7213135.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbfcytlHl8VENLLPnschNMKnX2JvFodaUg8iMfjc4y3q_rzX051RjHjD6Ts38Z3SHJEfcl7KtXBgtsRM9XyamI74xiFrDCok3gkaL7XnJmTQwx2aGENGrTA19jEkkx1qWMNtVXhOUsaYQuaO59STrCOX6IlNCjnzQWFjk_MDSRUJJ6QpluLGn4/w300-h400/P7213135.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicB0FcTC72Nx_zxwIBGoV2L8wDF5u6KH_pwseZKdIxGFL0IZXglIZaAswyaGgIrFlP4jJjhSxD8_g-2tWRN4StnKoc_WF6i7MaKXLgl5Co8sJmnZfvYVOBDVfPFqGJWgvpsw5bouSF_gRl7dDprl3CmWq3919xD303zPZX3ZkS1ukpvPpSLBD/s2500/P7213150.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjicB0FcTC72Nx_zxwIBGoV2L8wDF5u6KH_pwseZKdIxGFL0IZXglIZaAswyaGgIrFlP4jJjhSxD8_g-2tWRN4StnKoc_WF6i7MaKXLgl5Co8sJmnZfvYVOBDVfPFqGJWgvpsw5bouSF_gRl7dDprl3CmWq3919xD303zPZX3ZkS1ukpvPpSLBD/w400-h300/P7213150.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNa0qsO-H54C0OIx2aqqSxid71zQF-o9onLyibI0uD5gw4_T8BkYRqgx-Is4BREKfMjanwDD5HPNTRsxpI8v3EZz5n7Ey-C5p7Cr664h-4GThMYfkOBVfkOnSowg1rFRUnI2DBkfX4Aihrb51sl7hc3Qfr8ED5_O37fGnhTvtr7B95ae5HPNwF/s2750/P7213161.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2062" data-original-width="2750" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNa0qsO-H54C0OIx2aqqSxid71zQF-o9onLyibI0uD5gw4_T8BkYRqgx-Is4BREKfMjanwDD5HPNTRsxpI8v3EZz5n7Ey-C5p7Cr664h-4GThMYfkOBVfkOnSowg1rFRUnI2DBkfX4Aihrb51sl7hc3Qfr8ED5_O37fGnhTvtr7B95ae5HPNwF/w400-h300/P7213161.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>It decided that we were unlikely prey and decided to shift to a better vantage point, slightly away from the road's edge.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsFPN_3s2K0bJYQyzisC7mKv4ekvw4AMPHzQfs7FTuRug_pbVlsiHVTidUG-yrMemtwaKE25JW7czHtqcTs6PaFx0N_-tQplSPUSSxIgIW7uaCa_9sqyTrB2RD8yk0e6slrCB3q6_yVqz7aDaixlOmmI2AoPmRn-kYCjsT0FD133lAWhoGmBN/s2500/P7213166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimsFPN_3s2K0bJYQyzisC7mKv4ekvw4AMPHzQfs7FTuRug_pbVlsiHVTidUG-yrMemtwaKE25JW7czHtqcTs6PaFx0N_-tQplSPUSSxIgIW7uaCa_9sqyTrB2RD8yk0e6slrCB3q6_yVqz7aDaixlOmmI2AoPmRn-kYCjsT0FD133lAWhoGmBN/w400-h300/P7213166.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OZ0iZ9eeai2NeW348xbE7mrunbD7LR9j61FD6yuHw6xl9gxNTxw8Xv4PmLg537BmfHOaEWngkj5gbvUARZrQCZSbpRN5GblO80BdeZ3n9R3Vc72rKIQKdqNESbsMbad7L04na9eaCJ4eIwY3NCk17Lr5I0Awp0x1AFjmMp6YjiwyKvKSjaOG/s2500/P7213195.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6OZ0iZ9eeai2NeW348xbE7mrunbD7LR9j61FD6yuHw6xl9gxNTxw8Xv4PmLg537BmfHOaEWngkj5gbvUARZrQCZSbpRN5GblO80BdeZ3n9R3Vc72rKIQKdqNESbsMbad7L04na9eaCJ4eIwY3NCk17Lr5I0Awp0x1AFjmMp6YjiwyKvKSjaOG/w400-h300/P7213195.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p-_DRIrFLu2edD6-Hte1ZwopAyeViFpxSWYM-3yuitoUPGRPZQNN2YNpO2Jo-i-T2YuvZWB_vUJQdQyOrj347on6sOgsDct01pTua0Msy5A1GKck8LUCu392aun08my8qTzV6KXXiKGfIjzT0RFQcBKLXSy5ehMMCmiJF4jP74z5T00B-IUn/s2500/P7213198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p-_DRIrFLu2edD6-Hte1ZwopAyeViFpxSWYM-3yuitoUPGRPZQNN2YNpO2Jo-i-T2YuvZWB_vUJQdQyOrj347on6sOgsDct01pTua0Msy5A1GKck8LUCu392aun08my8qTzV6KXXiKGfIjzT0RFQcBKLXSy5ehMMCmiJF4jP74z5T00B-IUn/w400-h300/P7213198.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We left it to its meditation and decided to drive further down the road. We didn't have to go too far. The bird that I had travelled to Ladakh to see, was there in the grassy patch just off the road. I had the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">black necked cranes</span></b> in my sights! Unfortunately for me, there were no chicks. I was hoping that there would be a family in the grass, as this was the breeding season. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20tMzGMJClAtNILriygAcCzdFsaBw29zYJ8FW5D2uIMGNjbDB_sN1sJgBCDtsnrEQZDybAIAxOcczCO-ftOJPt3JLzqnKWK-ckGgaNY5X_vPUme-ipjgGqJWJ6AEPehd0ZY-ZH7LYvc-0U62VIkfFC03dxAz7be-O53XQ4x_mKbv3pUAaKKmU/s2500/P7213206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg20tMzGMJClAtNILriygAcCzdFsaBw29zYJ8FW5D2uIMGNjbDB_sN1sJgBCDtsnrEQZDybAIAxOcczCO-ftOJPt3JLzqnKWK-ckGgaNY5X_vPUme-ipjgGqJWJ6AEPehd0ZY-ZH7LYvc-0U62VIkfFC03dxAz7be-O53XQ4x_mKbv3pUAaKKmU/w400-h300/P7213206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRT0ir047U-yWmBrEOVcXej71JEeAmPD4-8wFVlQbe9AWz7y4LY4sbjdOXszOiOlTkI7Ql7HFjqXYDamqWU4Zi8GrJzK5tv4DB3QyI4vLeZJ2ZNGSX_xTwycfzkgkCIVw8ddsh7ttlK6eZsUvcIcjZJfff1hX-ZJ01GNbkmbpNOnkYWbxHy1v/s2500/P7213223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLRT0ir047U-yWmBrEOVcXej71JEeAmPD4-8wFVlQbe9AWz7y4LY4sbjdOXszOiOlTkI7Ql7HFjqXYDamqWU4Zi8GrJzK5tv4DB3QyI4vLeZJ2ZNGSX_xTwycfzkgkCIVw8ddsh7ttlK6eZsUvcIcjZJfff1hX-ZJ01GNbkmbpNOnkYWbxHy1v/w400-h300/P7213223.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYXcwhVDSt2cSLZQqlp9nR5GVLsST-qWF0OE9WqO9Cg2Je19YZu4ceMQymlp1rHPt1yctcOWtan_4JG7U_kAegy-R0_gsz_ytFV_0MzOhOk5iUwAoVZHb90uUAi2V2YrqktATH2vxNKF45LBxG_ZnsJSV5HmUn64Z0cp9dWx4O2G0u5OPyNuw/s2500/P7213256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvYXcwhVDSt2cSLZQqlp9nR5GVLsST-qWF0OE9WqO9Cg2Je19YZu4ceMQymlp1rHPt1yctcOWtan_4JG7U_kAegy-R0_gsz_ytFV_0MzOhOk5iUwAoVZHb90uUAi2V2YrqktATH2vxNKF45LBxG_ZnsJSV5HmUn64Z0cp9dWx4O2G0u5OPyNuw/w400-h300/P7213256.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxVGCPkS7ZvNt4_mLEL61JT0ihQDgK7ny8UlphdZ1cHwlIn-6MXpikE7Uwfyl56Kztk1xsljd_xDPDP0G53JAH6m0TxVSByxpmqzDIQmF2p1LMH0RlvEhHqSDPU4SMCfdrpuZAkG2Rg48tXYq1tDKZC5dUou8RRh4n5p7p2VHXqzRtUb6auF7/s2500/P7213283.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfxVGCPkS7ZvNt4_mLEL61JT0ihQDgK7ny8UlphdZ1cHwlIn-6MXpikE7Uwfyl56Kztk1xsljd_xDPDP0G53JAH6m0TxVSByxpmqzDIQmF2p1LMH0RlvEhHqSDPU4SMCfdrpuZAkG2Rg48tXYq1tDKZC5dUou8RRh4n5p7p2VHXqzRtUb6auF7/w400-h300/P7213283.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJecaSQ7v95xS-ApaBKLW28EEOdogvMt39jKrNlg-ilb7hJ7OWWOCjX3v5oPCjSuRI8dsQ0BWvYykBHU1CswmPI-zCoynuSoWVzRqF8kOFePL2nNXznZTtBiYsNG-9zAdE9RCS49QEKjU8-sVCZ4R7QIOVH1t2ixr-W45_lBKmsNdh5WZZaCn/s2500/P7213287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzJecaSQ7v95xS-ApaBKLW28EEOdogvMt39jKrNlg-ilb7hJ7OWWOCjX3v5oPCjSuRI8dsQ0BWvYykBHU1CswmPI-zCoynuSoWVzRqF8kOFePL2nNXznZTtBiYsNG-9zAdE9RCS49QEKjU8-sVCZ4R7QIOVH1t2ixr-W45_lBKmsNdh5WZZaCn/w400-h300/P7213287.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t5h8Udd0N3W5A1oVMmUVAxamhd_wV71gyMbrVQGcfBa162ARHv35qyQwd_2ILxZePNHVmhsXhPVX26H7V-NfA_Ac-2cFz7Gemrz0hZl9X7cPl0rNkoElOPAWeUayq23VXRHKr6LPWItujeygJ34Zj7bWiUenvI59h2kkIDWgPhPhA8T6ENFz/s2570/P7213317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1928" data-original-width="2570" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2t5h8Udd0N3W5A1oVMmUVAxamhd_wV71gyMbrVQGcfBa162ARHv35qyQwd_2ILxZePNHVmhsXhPVX26H7V-NfA_Ac-2cFz7Gemrz0hZl9X7cPl0rNkoElOPAWeUayq23VXRHKr6LPWItujeygJ34Zj7bWiUenvI59h2kkIDWgPhPhA8T6ENFz/w400-h300/P7213317.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Though my desire of seeing a family with chicks would have to wait for the next season, I wasn't disappointed. It was <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">another lifer</span></b> for me anyway. I was also happy that <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tso Kar</span></b> had lived up to its reputation as <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">one of the best birding destinations in Ladakh</span></b>. It gives me an excuse to plan a trip to Ladakh again. Next time, it would be an exclusively birding and astrophotography trip.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It was 7.45 AM. We'd have time to return to the hotel, finish breakfast and check out. On the way back the upland buzzard was back on his old rock. We clicked a few pictures and left him to his contemplation. Like us, he would also be feeling hungry. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_Sx5DhIUkdvBvLzUpfkhYxVuVdPxoIT2iJiHbormWnilVTaMQt79pEGlWgX792vAW9Z18KgY4-8l-vQIKSiSoF3OD4-r94j8waP827cR13D8UzOAdEACSna2tNY7OLQszOYMzG0z-01csOLikB6rzkYQNBKz2f0qiG9d0Tn28_awR_Wkc_Bt/s2400/P7213350.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_Sx5DhIUkdvBvLzUpfkhYxVuVdPxoIT2iJiHbormWnilVTaMQt79pEGlWgX792vAW9Z18KgY4-8l-vQIKSiSoF3OD4-r94j8waP827cR13D8UzOAdEACSna2tNY7OLQszOYMzG0z-01csOLikB6rzkYQNBKz2f0qiG9d0Tn28_awR_Wkc_Bt/w300-h400/P7213350.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72alx6nsfuh8X_INx3cY6-Gci9ZZ0kBokkDMBYqlwKS5gRNCgQVzyfjQLmcejKvoybrWz9_uqM2aYpjfbwI4uhWDI4NB2JK0HtATawERP3Dzb24667dgtqSaP9sJNhF3NkMeS1raKk95Qhf4zIRPd2KQGA4AbPE9qvd6uyJiZC0uwhgOf1qt9/s3200/P7213359.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="3200" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi72alx6nsfuh8X_INx3cY6-Gci9ZZ0kBokkDMBYqlwKS5gRNCgQVzyfjQLmcejKvoybrWz9_uqM2aYpjfbwI4uhWDI4NB2JK0HtATawERP3Dzb24667dgtqSaP9sJNhF3NkMeS1raKk95Qhf4zIRPd2KQGA4AbPE9qvd6uyJiZC0uwhgOf1qt9/w400-h300/P7213359.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaScYUX3Hv9l-CcG1RpFjlbp3-L0jtSdozqYN2E0xofwFz3NFxET04-1J83AJ9ZoDM289ohzkRs5WDWtyvOWBpioIrOvNmuVfG4kHVNojnRlT4EjponBidkLXuBTg0aAfX72tmH8zORG_IRlzRErFRnBKf7dPiDGm-pRDZbB-EFhB52J4UCz-n/s2400/P7213409.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaScYUX3Hv9l-CcG1RpFjlbp3-L0jtSdozqYN2E0xofwFz3NFxET04-1J83AJ9ZoDM289ohzkRs5WDWtyvOWBpioIrOvNmuVfG4kHVNojnRlT4EjponBidkLXuBTg0aAfX72tmH8zORG_IRlzRErFRnBKf7dPiDGm-pRDZbB-EFhB52J4UCz-n/w300-h400/P7213409.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We left at a quarter past eight, driving through some beautifully desolate landscapes. No villages or signs of habitation except for what Tsewangji pointed out was some sort of kraals for goats, circular walls of stone with a hut like structure in one corner, that would be occupied by wandering nomads who bring their flocks for grazing. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6taMRO7wzvKba2F5qjP80PPXM39FnZwZ9UWJ_fgJfxUQpRbmxDPyZ4eDuEGjozOyvRsk9svgS9iq6KBlfmPI1d8r5CsZxLfPo3ec19YcgnIx2z0EJPMc0hgdcHsrxTogfO8i97xWpEhlrOL-MDVS-B4cm8OR_cyEQl8SPZVtqC0HoUAr37Th/s3264/20230721_082654.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik6taMRO7wzvKba2F5qjP80PPXM39FnZwZ9UWJ_fgJfxUQpRbmxDPyZ4eDuEGjozOyvRsk9svgS9iq6KBlfmPI1d8r5CsZxLfPo3ec19YcgnIx2z0EJPMc0hgdcHsrxTogfO8i97xWpEhlrOL-MDVS-B4cm8OR_cyEQl8SPZVtqC0HoUAr37Th/w400-h225/20230721_082654.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavwdcoNWHB1IaaANxLNeRnENGpBTv8nA4gLHm70P3Xk5euiAElgz69Bn5dbYCcf6LEvtj0gpxFSrDZ566vKSV0Lvx1H0UqqVcVRCWdJagZkwxl783CLFZgw2BmTUUMEkyyo-vEcKFN2p22AJZcXh7Tfuqxy59WWlyci910VwAZLbgVyfjns6S/s4624/20230721_083108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhavwdcoNWHB1IaaANxLNeRnENGpBTv8nA4gLHm70P3Xk5euiAElgz69Bn5dbYCcf6LEvtj0gpxFSrDZ566vKSV0Lvx1H0UqqVcVRCWdJagZkwxl783CLFZgw2BmTUUMEkyyo-vEcKFN2p22AJZcXh7Tfuqxy59WWlyci910VwAZLbgVyfjns6S/w400-h225/20230721_083108.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfY5la3FKGXPfvpzI1Xgph3YOCmvSkp1RuULG_PXyNj-jCrhr9zZIesPCa2dxghKo-2WwNKF3R8HLo2w1xoIbDC6jRcgaS2Q7QM6u2ntjzB9boxC6FLw8qpxYmefusqsd7ZUs2u7QO1kYeA3N4ThmpATgOVZJZBuNXUO3hEJHRx2LfeyEKFoL/s4624/20230721_083111.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwfY5la3FKGXPfvpzI1Xgph3YOCmvSkp1RuULG_PXyNj-jCrhr9zZIesPCa2dxghKo-2WwNKF3R8HLo2w1xoIbDC6jRcgaS2Q7QM6u2ntjzB9boxC6FLw8qpxYmefusqsd7ZUs2u7QO1kYeA3N4ThmpATgOVZJZBuNXUO3hEJHRx2LfeyEKFoL/w400-h225/20230721_083111.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> We'd be crossing one more high pass on our way to Leh. Only one solitary <b><span style="color: #38761d;">raven </span></b>indicated that life is possible even in such areas. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9AXnz3L2HEqYhlOmOw0S_cBD8b-oH3jFkgKACZO8OnYMLTEb7zMKLtNVOoPqvm0r_nfoQSFBV5mIApzNkwmEGguPJ-iJNJ4ga47bwDr4fcuUyOiU6A1sDSeE0Sue-PZUWCbGmnd3UnncvMkOcxDPICM94mhNEixP1yjvmHvjp-Xxq61-YeE2/s2500/P7213417.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN9AXnz3L2HEqYhlOmOw0S_cBD8b-oH3jFkgKACZO8OnYMLTEb7zMKLtNVOoPqvm0r_nfoQSFBV5mIApzNkwmEGguPJ-iJNJ4ga47bwDr4fcuUyOiU6A1sDSeE0Sue-PZUWCbGmnd3UnncvMkOcxDPICM94mhNEixP1yjvmHvjp-Xxq61-YeE2/w400-h300/P7213417.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzByxTujNiDVdDIwYJ4nJlB5e_xQbt1SXlkFrdQ8CMctTHub5wwl29hzUgbubw1sXNfz7g_Jncwg76k334xa0dWC4qLe9FLba4U86sqYUBj4kP_56glw3yz1Dz77droJ98zRq-g7v2Le6ZA2xNtRr46_qTExggeUOo-vaa2dKE58k7HY87MWzb/s2500/P7213422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzByxTujNiDVdDIwYJ4nJlB5e_xQbt1SXlkFrdQ8CMctTHub5wwl29hzUgbubw1sXNfz7g_Jncwg76k334xa0dWC4qLe9FLba4U86sqYUBj4kP_56glw3yz1Dz77droJ98zRq-g7v2Le6ZA2xNtRr46_qTExggeUOo-vaa2dKE58k7HY87MWzb/w400-h300/P7213422.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuRcuR5kr_MMbfpae31WahPLD8MI7ToFpjUdB7O3_TXwUo5hdEkB2n1h4_fmhXcCI0e3joJooG79WxIC3oQWDlvmu6VUk4jMlI9pnvgXBHwnb2P7SavuVPX-nd8bYz5-e7O65r24y0Pe3tFXvFnnKeuBUfAA_9d0D7QlIOahWIT5FoR3pr8M8/s2500/P7213429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuRcuR5kr_MMbfpae31WahPLD8MI7ToFpjUdB7O3_TXwUo5hdEkB2n1h4_fmhXcCI0e3joJooG79WxIC3oQWDlvmu6VUk4jMlI9pnvgXBHwnb2P7SavuVPX-nd8bYz5-e7O65r24y0Pe3tFXvFnnKeuBUfAA_9d0D7QlIOahWIT5FoR3pr8M8/w400-h300/P7213429.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifU-PA_krUDhthM5E-YVzcWQ3WPstMZjjadY7eoxWNMNd7UpJ7YU5x8DR0lHg0HUXiJ41QkbL8uS0oMVwQQrL4nFnxtcST49IuXmMn9QxEpTqZ3gq1EdUk-LIMjXHDs9WUDiGessXPRqU3-pKCq2vz49BCDa75aWcWjr36SXp3_GB4C5QG-Fd/s4624/20230721_085045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiifU-PA_krUDhthM5E-YVzcWQ3WPstMZjjadY7eoxWNMNd7UpJ7YU5x8DR0lHg0HUXiJ41QkbL8uS0oMVwQQrL4nFnxtcST49IuXmMn9QxEpTqZ3gq1EdUk-LIMjXHDs9WUDiGessXPRqU3-pKCq2vz49BCDa75aWcWjr36SXp3_GB4C5QG-Fd/w400-h225/20230721_085045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tanglang La at 5328 metres (17480 feet) </span></b>is just slightly lower than <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Khardung La (5359 metres)</span></b>. It is the<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> sixth highest pass in India and 12th in the world</span></b>. Tsewangji had told me that one of the birds in my list was usually found just across the pass. As we approached the pass the landscape was becoming increasingly surreal with the rain clouds skimming the mountain tops. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U915QdQCqspd6dqbDz6jED0hq9eiqQuCA8Du4ExWKfFAIo2L9pjjxyqyj0CAAMCuV_hTZYk9l0hDmGhIeBGoBX6dyft9n6L1WJLd9Q0pwOFz9l8ztnc8EdpBYTlQXq1uE-1fKWx2dgB_nnwxsxc5Kz94JmsOI53FbNTVdsEu5DTWHULSSXrK/s4624/20230721_090423.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4U915QdQCqspd6dqbDz6jED0hq9eiqQuCA8Du4ExWKfFAIo2L9pjjxyqyj0CAAMCuV_hTZYk9l0hDmGhIeBGoBX6dyft9n6L1WJLd9Q0pwOFz9l8ztnc8EdpBYTlQXq1uE-1fKWx2dgB_nnwxsxc5Kz94JmsOI53FbNTVdsEu5DTWHULSSXrK/w400-h225/20230721_090423.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIi-Aeihn5tU8Xbbi_P2xvUGBff2L8tE5E8BCtYRUv9w4jlT-vUhslB1rejHe8Y963lSNezR0ww-hHInkpQVu132hKES_hdp2f6g2TJGMEcpqwBs0zEsS59vHFBdRfbsI2wg2j_ZSj7A7oR3itwt7PiE7sO6iDCL7X_wfzcyQOZLsyM-gqe6lD/s4624/20230721_091509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIi-Aeihn5tU8Xbbi_P2xvUGBff2L8tE5E8BCtYRUv9w4jlT-vUhslB1rejHe8Y963lSNezR0ww-hHInkpQVu132hKES_hdp2f6g2TJGMEcpqwBs0zEsS59vHFBdRfbsI2wg2j_ZSj7A7oR3itwt7PiE7sO6iDCL7X_wfzcyQOZLsyM-gqe6lD/w400-h225/20230721_091509.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We eventually crossed Tanglang La and as we were descending there were a couple of vehicles with some birders scanning the slopes below the for the birds. They hadn't had any luck at the particular place they had halted.</div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA7COBnr2faJFoUhWS7WDQEGSf0bydygEYkLv3bj3-iLBlqWfncEi2RGeMCtL_WzJKXj1Iud70QfgmDSOgfJxxRNdG14XU0GK0sr0TrPpk5IVgTCTiJWSe1i4UNjKwcis0zwoUF6ssFJZdrju4PNXK_FVF2xJ9hNJ2v2vT41TktySHs5Fjmyr/s4624/20230721_091705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfA7COBnr2faJFoUhWS7WDQEGSf0bydygEYkLv3bj3-iLBlqWfncEi2RGeMCtL_WzJKXj1Iud70QfgmDSOgfJxxRNdG14XU0GK0sr0TrPpk5IVgTCTiJWSe1i4UNjKwcis0zwoUF6ssFJZdrju4PNXK_FVF2xJ9hNJ2v2vT41TktySHs5Fjmyr/w400-h225/20230721_091705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie05dV7aJhPYGBbfthpnObUnE_2eUkP9umG5h3fZdUaYqt0rT8qgXuPAuiyCvYZFN7vbkKPLmAo8v8_e5oYySlrRjbwBkHLYwuq16bsKjpwrWBbXFjBxH_UwE8bjIyKvQT6yIU9eXuNnn_iSLru_2wgKu0J2lVuKhW6ur_2lbxAcO3_QAoaqyw/s4624/20230721_092534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie05dV7aJhPYGBbfthpnObUnE_2eUkP9umG5h3fZdUaYqt0rT8qgXuPAuiyCvYZFN7vbkKPLmAo8v8_e5oYySlrRjbwBkHLYwuq16bsKjpwrWBbXFjBxH_UwE8bjIyKvQT6yIU9eXuNnn_iSLru_2wgKu0J2lVuKhW6ur_2lbxAcO3_QAoaqyw/w400-h225/20230721_092534.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Since they had not had any luck, it seemed better to push on down the mountain, hoping that we'd have better luck. As the car rolled slowly down I was scanning the slopes below us. I thought <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I spied some movement</span></b> and told Tsewangji to stop. Jumping out of the car, I cautiously approached the edge of the road where I had seen the movement but despite my stealthy approach the birds seemed to have got wind of the danger. As soon as my head popped over the edge, four birds took of protesting loudly. I had seen my next lifer, the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Tibetan snowcock</span></b>. I managed to squeeze of a few shots of the flying birds.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H60cNCnZQww95dYnq82M0EFB9QkgEdGWxlFicJEHgXfTloOH9S9F65VERmUGnD3zeAvZ1-0iJjnkjPX42C66yZdVTrmFWcka97XQJKMibJV-dgHADlRf3rS63H1BqRgbzxENtoe4-VvZ9rG0UK8lrLztaJgUrRsOgmEOBAjo5_COowDcSqEb/s2500/P7213440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6H60cNCnZQww95dYnq82M0EFB9QkgEdGWxlFicJEHgXfTloOH9S9F65VERmUGnD3zeAvZ1-0iJjnkjPX42C66yZdVTrmFWcka97XQJKMibJV-dgHADlRf3rS63H1BqRgbzxENtoe4-VvZ9rG0UK8lrLztaJgUrRsOgmEOBAjo5_COowDcSqEb/w400-h300/P7213440.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q3FrJ7Cpv1i0QQKy3hMsUcwa5GnfUaNk09UOzeAnsZ5ya4kpX5trWSmllv53-PEc6rzgU1Nmb16RAp3LCaBnCgS8bmOI0i-tLi__lNIoHbnQxVwmH_x1o9cuJXXvUdNkZN1m6Xew5ByLUnBFu6o5U0hT3e-yQWkINLcqBGLgL957fXMk2qYn/s2000/P7213454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Q3FrJ7Cpv1i0QQKy3hMsUcwa5GnfUaNk09UOzeAnsZ5ya4kpX5trWSmllv53-PEc6rzgU1Nmb16RAp3LCaBnCgS8bmOI0i-tLi__lNIoHbnQxVwmH_x1o9cuJXXvUdNkZN1m6Xew5ByLUnBFu6o5U0hT3e-yQWkINLcqBGLgL957fXMk2qYn/w400-h300/P7213454.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It seemed that the morning was turning out to be a great one. I had already had so many new species to add to my life list. I was having <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a birding high</span></b>. Every bird in <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ladakh</span></b> was new to me but some species were special. I had made a list of target species and like the Big Five of Africa, my list too had a few 'Big' ones. I had ticked off a few but few big ones were still eluding me. A birding friend from Coimbatore had told me that <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hanle was a good place for one of them </span></b>but we weren't going there this trip. I had sort of decided that I'd need another trip for that. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That was when Tsewangji looked out of his side of the car and told me there was <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a large bird in the sky</span></b> over the mountain top. I told him to stop and got out and when I saw, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">not one but two birds</span></b> circling overhead, I nearly swooned. I wouldn't have to go to Hanle after all, the birds had come looking for me. Flying overhead in lazy circles were <b><span style="color: #38761d;">two bearded vultures or Lammergeiers</span></b>! A bird that I had decided, would not be on my list on this trip.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa939RJeSe-Eij2NQPL18WDeFeU1JhrOCvU0Y-ydftjxAiYWXJdoSoIJy60TRSZb5ftKMYy34puJuG5VMXa6AhvQeK_3xB0n4YcOMe9COhEsdX1ijy93O9i31lRoeIp9tx7H0fdVzRb5nFGQktnYtUuqNdHtTz5Khi6lnwrkyahil-alLoxZ9/s2000/P7213474.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfa939RJeSe-Eij2NQPL18WDeFeU1JhrOCvU0Y-ydftjxAiYWXJdoSoIJy60TRSZb5ftKMYy34puJuG5VMXa6AhvQeK_3xB0n4YcOMe9COhEsdX1ijy93O9i31lRoeIp9tx7H0fdVzRb5nFGQktnYtUuqNdHtTz5Khi6lnwrkyahil-alLoxZ9/w400-h300/P7213474.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNitiSWZSy6jDGUBZox38Kz0TBD57e-AtpM_upndxbIh_8vjj-1bE_jO09rWRwpmsJoNsoLbdVwJ81YyhfoCH4ZAIo3V2jwI7Db8Wl6vK4OdStEqVjEF6kgxqsLeRUsaxGFqxqhXk-2pg83-glB63ZM4GeabdiaKQTEJEtrTJAP8txGIV9kpVt/s2000/P7213486.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNitiSWZSy6jDGUBZox38Kz0TBD57e-AtpM_upndxbIh_8vjj-1bE_jO09rWRwpmsJoNsoLbdVwJ81YyhfoCH4ZAIo3V2jwI7Db8Wl6vK4OdStEqVjEF6kgxqsLeRUsaxGFqxqhXk-2pg83-glB63ZM4GeabdiaKQTEJEtrTJAP8txGIV9kpVt/w400-h300/P7213486.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFTO_WqA0fR8oWXNORlw0Fuhtj2Ikk5_C-3x_eHhNdr8gyGwxS_mQ3Q-UtqazDqymmHal9Gdp8x8hzgEg2-maKgeJpa5SQlVtkUxzfGj1mc6h2NwwwiI9a85YWcaNklKOu9rwBqK6txiLqLG9YaYr5W4JNK4UMtG7tGOZZheo4sEfanTArLZu/s1500/P7213556.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFTO_WqA0fR8oWXNORlw0Fuhtj2Ikk5_C-3x_eHhNdr8gyGwxS_mQ3Q-UtqazDqymmHal9Gdp8x8hzgEg2-maKgeJpa5SQlVtkUxzfGj1mc6h2NwwwiI9a85YWcaNklKOu9rwBqK6txiLqLG9YaYr5W4JNK4UMtG7tGOZZheo4sEfanTArLZu/w400-h300/P7213556.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhJL71SwzXOhFYTKDCvuUHK79jNv_yVS55dJkRjc1fxSe7Shlk9JLwOI_m1TRM-KXSgpeochKlDGjHcJtkF9_QHoanzL-FDjNa9HE5zaDHV0O61XxOycyOvz8FhjsprQ_4YPu6NtKoZOXK7evEUDFl1KBTkDoixQNj8B1WjvJ-KvqCSfFDJDA/s1500/P7213618.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1125" data-original-width="1500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkhJL71SwzXOhFYTKDCvuUHK79jNv_yVS55dJkRjc1fxSe7Shlk9JLwOI_m1TRM-KXSgpeochKlDGjHcJtkF9_QHoanzL-FDjNa9HE5zaDHV0O61XxOycyOvz8FhjsprQ_4YPu6NtKoZOXK7evEUDFl1KBTkDoixQNj8B1WjvJ-KvqCSfFDJDA/w400-h300/P7213618.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1ukfJJCiQFP2vM-kzt87RLAQYok2BOjGfHC27e9WqD2ZPpLMAjysIKqtiq3aFYCj5p07hHrA0wp2-L0XIherFtOfZfbXkcxtkiWaBqIXfNR1ln-iAW2A9DKeBIR70aI8fBnxmJLCOXCCRKRCizhLQyfUW-eAdPApV9o8Rw6M7ZaxGaPLj8Gr/s2000/P7213702.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV1ukfJJCiQFP2vM-kzt87RLAQYok2BOjGfHC27e9WqD2ZPpLMAjysIKqtiq3aFYCj5p07hHrA0wp2-L0XIherFtOfZfbXkcxtkiWaBqIXfNR1ln-iAW2A9DKeBIR70aI8fBnxmJLCOXCCRKRCizhLQyfUW-eAdPApV9o8Rw6M7ZaxGaPLj8Gr/w400-h300/P7213702.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">It was turning out to be a morning full of surprises at every turn. Weather notwithstanding, I was winning a birding treasure hunt. I could go back feeling very satisfied. I seemed that nature was compensating for the compromise I had to make when undertaking this trip. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">In a few hours we'd be In Leh getting ready to say good bye. I was already wishing that I had a few extra days in Ladakh! </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/11/ladakh-life-lessons-part-13-tso-kar.html" target="_blank">Link to the previous post is here.</a></b></div>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-2693820946678969392023-11-13T22:40:00.001+05:302023-11-13T22:40:42.900+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 13: Tso Kar - Mesmerising Isolation<p> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">20th July 2023, 7.00 AM to 7.00 PM</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Spangmik - Maan - Merak - Chushul - Kaksang La top - Mahe - Sumdo - Puga - Tso Kar</span></b></p><p><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIAOY8UnjjpY2YkwsdY1rs47HIcvTxVe2xM2Jf_FFO5A3STguOgjcD25KCayxxVhjuGqn_S1c0imkDRmCPPKafu88V-lD8L9buhMkjj1YaGhYxOPKorf5uqq_vDSHlSmXTwSGAxz0oPId-0z9gnPQkJOQkjS6Qn5Q7Zh49Cq6e6HRq8gyvw_6/s4624/20230720_074050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXIAOY8UnjjpY2YkwsdY1rs47HIcvTxVe2xM2Jf_FFO5A3STguOgjcD25KCayxxVhjuGqn_S1c0imkDRmCPPKafu88V-lD8L9buhMkjj1YaGhYxOPKorf5uqq_vDSHlSmXTwSGAxz0oPId-0z9gnPQkJOQkjS6Qn5Q7Zh49Cq6e6HRq8gyvw_6/w640-h360/20230720_074050.jpg" width="640" /></a></b></div><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso was a little underwhelming </span></b><span style="text-align: justify;">for me. Perhaps the weather was to blame but another reason for that could be the limited time we had for exploring the place. Most of our time had been spent on the road, with only the afternoon available at any place for exploration. Though darkness set in late in these places, the heat in the afternoons was a put-off. The next morning we were usually on the road early, even before breakfast. Since it was our first trip to Ladakh, we were in a 'tourist' mentality. Next time, with the experience gained on this trip, we'd have a base to plan things better.</span><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_EnPBZTljJKCdMUK7Uxf2Ab47Ujl5ImTzWQn06VyFWBcifil6iV7vnqhIxQG0sAaN4dp8zpWi7ezTFXKuGtAGc0e098Adtu_GDZ2KsM-T897768N4YjAOu5_BMtsaXeQpKiY6qFxVE8yWVmJ2QXUxlpZYjmmSz74r_qhROOR3HZLhBvP58mu/s4624/20230720_070724.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2274" data-original-width="4624" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgT_EnPBZTljJKCdMUK7Uxf2Ab47Ujl5ImTzWQn06VyFWBcifil6iV7vnqhIxQG0sAaN4dp8zpWi7ezTFXKuGtAGc0e098Adtu_GDZ2KsM-T897768N4YjAOu5_BMtsaXeQpKiY6qFxVE8yWVmJ2QXUxlpZYjmmSz74r_qhROOR3HZLhBvP58mu/w400-h196/20230720_070724.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCNeRMLmR95cWduLdfUrDyLf4UhB6lSkwu6MgZA6kIMj-6s0NALtbaHEzAYQYdUD3SwwIx_cNKOob6cwlXJi2zvk_DGe-XLPFzotnCG5z9uOkqCjUJ4CAS7yxkshcS6grcP5wZxNX7jGlWlRqb_OefsyiKkbUVwKGJt1tKgsOi-n5NNrchVWw/s4624/20230720_065705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCNeRMLmR95cWduLdfUrDyLf4UhB6lSkwu6MgZA6kIMj-6s0NALtbaHEzAYQYdUD3SwwIx_cNKOob6cwlXJi2zvk_DGe-XLPFzotnCG5z9uOkqCjUJ4CAS7yxkshcS6grcP5wZxNX7jGlWlRqb_OefsyiKkbUVwKGJt1tKgsOi-n5NNrchVWw/w400-h225/20230720_065705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, we started the day without breakfast and got on the road by 7.00 AM. It would be half a day's drive not counting the stops we'd invariably make along the way. With such awesome, landscape a few stops could be forgiven! For me, it was the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">beginning of my real adventure</span></b>. In the first leg, my intention was to pay my respects to <b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/10/ladakh-life-lessons-part-10-maitreya.html" target="_blank">Maitreya Buddha</a></b>. The part of the trip that had attracted me to Ladakh began in Pangong Tso. The truly wild side of this high altitude desert was in the few places we'd cover over the next two days. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xOWjia1AR_Vtfzv43S_JIw_aizSPI6eUym-l2sESd3tAL86yP1qe-XjwvEovtRquYaFmCc1NkmxO7O_xhITcspI-tA2_BYlgGshUqVFkhQR6oEyX3nNUwZj36oovgtS-Vuzsuwvhck3rRXccEpPOOw-eeCyM0k58hSwz5nGowIrgTVzHjZ8e/s4624/20230720_071025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_xOWjia1AR_Vtfzv43S_JIw_aizSPI6eUym-l2sESd3tAL86yP1qe-XjwvEovtRquYaFmCc1NkmxO7O_xhITcspI-tA2_BYlgGshUqVFkhQR6oEyX3nNUwZj36oovgtS-Vuzsuwvhck3rRXccEpPOOw-eeCyM0k58hSwz5nGowIrgTVzHjZ8e/w400-h225/20230720_071025.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHwcwFyl5l3V3_bXVz-q98Spxc6MfpK43iXhd6h64RBO9_1LpONKJTGNO5STr2YcuHa9uk8jaXjoZRcZeqRXRVJ1THh3MTtvbNDyVw6OYUHsj3Tr5sOkcbQlSnBp6W5dX5S-dRGVi4_9is3eQZT8thaloysnXcyrsoR-o6S12dkjqN3LLSgdW/s4624/20230720_071123.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrHwcwFyl5l3V3_bXVz-q98Spxc6MfpK43iXhd6h64RBO9_1LpONKJTGNO5STr2YcuHa9uk8jaXjoZRcZeqRXRVJ1THh3MTtvbNDyVw6OYUHsj3Tr5sOkcbQlSnBp6W5dX5S-dRGVi4_9is3eQZT8thaloysnXcyrsoR-o6S12dkjqN3LLSgdW/w400-h225/20230720_071123.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliqSwv_pl9stfjzirq8MXo5juCugSV_hHwIj6ZRpZMuBKrE83wL3sU2LKVUR02XQ6c6QL038i93d5hqXB8PEDNqTT17kWmUxcb7sbkg4Q7FT6zZFLO-lM9WzAH9vYRIjJiPzvJwkHCWZZqM_tsKO-QkMBwzqQIiiQ7ZFFasNwrczgL4LoRpNy/s2931/20230720_071919.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1711" data-original-width="2931" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjliqSwv_pl9stfjzirq8MXo5juCugSV_hHwIj6ZRpZMuBKrE83wL3sU2LKVUR02XQ6c6QL038i93d5hqXB8PEDNqTT17kWmUxcb7sbkg4Q7FT6zZFLO-lM9WzAH9vYRIjJiPzvJwkHCWZZqM_tsKO-QkMBwzqQIiiQ7ZFFasNwrczgL4LoRpNy/w400-h234/20230720_071919.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuRxmB4By8Zh_BK0Fv348Jj1RD8s3zU3BSYtbVjHqAjU0ZToMEf4S1HFWcgjb465ODrBspcU3Emok2ThyHpgpn9iHWgtzafB7WeWxJqK0l72Wwu1eHgssD3xE9TklNZiEnW1ZV7OtMmnqiEK4i_IKGTLQxM3EFTuOD2gLpfNaph6u9Qt8z460/s4624/20230720_072206.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuRxmB4By8Zh_BK0Fv348Jj1RD8s3zU3BSYtbVjHqAjU0ZToMEf4S1HFWcgjb465ODrBspcU3Emok2ThyHpgpn9iHWgtzafB7WeWxJqK0l72Wwu1eHgssD3xE9TklNZiEnW1ZV7OtMmnqiEK4i_IKGTLQxM3EFTuOD2gLpfNaph6u9Qt8z460/w400-h225/20230720_072206.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHPyjTnQMnBIJt9JRsnixL0v3HtsmrRYr-1dlLJ8cZXd9qpziWQKCm_zcAS5-2xWVncNrJ84gFDKU_6llOp8l_aBGe8RN4_Ll-4qNnOm__at-HyendQjQY4QyQKCZQAyEW1OO3veAXEObbhK4EuDWj_C3I7iwPBfG_oWw1DbRXKu-ERJvtdID/s4624/20230720_072212.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuHPyjTnQMnBIJt9JRsnixL0v3HtsmrRYr-1dlLJ8cZXd9qpziWQKCm_zcAS5-2xWVncNrJ84gFDKU_6llOp8l_aBGe8RN4_Ll-4qNnOm__at-HyendQjQY4QyQKCZQAyEW1OO3veAXEObbhK4EuDWj_C3I7iwPBfG_oWw1DbRXKu-ERJvtdID/w400-h225/20230720_072212.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">The Route</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now, if you ask any tour operator about<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> travelling to Tso Kar or Tso Moriri from Pangong</span></b>, they will unhesitatingly suggest that you take the route over the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chang La Pass</span></b> towards Leh. Then, about 30 kilometres from Leh, at <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Karu</span></b>, turn left on the Manali highway towards <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Upshi</span></b>. After Upshi, the highway goes through <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Rumtse</span></b>, crosses <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Taglang La </span></b>and reaches <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Debring</span></b>. A few kilometres from Debring the NH 3; the right fork is the road to Manali and the left goes on to Tso Kar and Tso Moriri. It is close to 250 kilometres and will take you about six hours to cover not counting the stoppages. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXv0ilUlEGhlEQZH0qoBDeyKKUP-34wzVHTsgu0uAbVuQ5x23WotVFCfMRWb6nu5eCo1-uHtvRngCZqKfkJWRqK4A2IKAeEsH-Kk1laiqiQYvJaelfB12a4nMYSs0EZjJw7mgv1Eurkn83bwO7_H7KTevzwDj2Dw4GQRelzDuDUWsEjn4qvaZ/s1500/Route%201.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1282" data-original-width="1500" height="341" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimXv0ilUlEGhlEQZH0qoBDeyKKUP-34wzVHTsgu0uAbVuQ5x23WotVFCfMRWb6nu5eCo1-uHtvRngCZqKfkJWRqK4A2IKAeEsH-Kk1laiqiQYvJaelfB12a4nMYSs0EZjJw7mgv1Eurkn83bwO7_H7KTevzwDj2Dw4GQRelzDuDUWsEjn4qvaZ/w400-h341/Route%201.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The alternate route, which I had selected, (and was also favoured by Tsewangji, but not suggested by our travel operators despite many requests), is shorter by almost 75 kilometres. It goes east <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">from Spangmik through Maan, Merak, Chushul, Kaksang La, Mahe and Sumdo</span></b>. The official line is that the road is not good an not more than a dirt track but on our journey <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">almost 85-90% was asphalted</span></b>. The last bit from <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sumdo till Puga</span></b> was undergoing expansion. We took this route and passed through some incredibly desolate landscape. I could only think of three reasons why tour operators avoid suggesting this route. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pzQ80XaxvRsDUunIVcMTVVEvtHklgOcGqyOYS9OIquyr2U2nnRASzWGnAgB1f8xoxN56ghI4kldEbtMv-WimX_48NM9giLAlddiuUx3xGXg9teHW_eaZPlL7dinzagMGhR-fBbyyB9QFZwCZRwVCetgtmE9loEfznvxM7kYAWf9HM63f4lP7/s1444/Route%202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1385" data-original-width="1444" height="384" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3pzQ80XaxvRsDUunIVcMTVVEvtHklgOcGqyOYS9OIquyr2U2nnRASzWGnAgB1f8xoxN56ghI4kldEbtMv-WimX_48NM9giLAlddiuUx3xGXg9teHW_eaZPlL7dinzagMGhR-fBbyyB9QFZwCZRwVCetgtmE9loEfznvxM7kYAWf9HM63f4lP7/w400-h384/Route%202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">1) First of all, there are <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">no significant food stops along the way</span></b>. We had planned to stop at Chushul for breakfast and nearly didn't get any as there was only one place open. Likewise, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">fuel for the cars is a problem</span></b>. The last <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">petroleum outlet is in Tangtse</span></b>, on the route towards Leh. Once you cross that, the<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> next one is in Karu</span></b>, about 85 kilometres away across the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chang La</span></b> pass. There are no outlets anywhere on this route. Unless your driver has <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">filled up at Tangtse or is carrying extra fuel,</span></b> in jerry cans like Tsewangji, he will be unwilling to risk the drive through Chushul. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">2) The second reason is probably due to the fact that there is a <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">very low traffic flow</span></b> along this road the and the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">mobile network </span><span style="color: #cc0000;">is patchy</span></b> or non-existent. While staying in Spangmik, the Jio tower was next to our resort but we couldn't get through because we fell inside the 'shadow' area of the tower! In the event that your car breaks down or runs out of fuel (unlikely), help will not come very quickly! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">3) Another reason that comes to mind is that the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">tour operator would</span></b> <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">prefer a longer route</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> as the taxi charges will be higher</span></b>. Tsewangji, being the owner and driver, was more concerned about the wear and tear that his car would have to suffer. At the time we were in Ladakh, the route through <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chang La</span></b> was being widened and considerable delays were there on that road. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tsewangji concurred with me and we were off along the road through <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chushul</span></b>. It <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">turned out to be a great route to drive on</span></b> and I would have regretted it if we had to go through <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tangtse and Karu</span></b>. As if to compensate for the previous day, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso</span></b> showed us flashes of its beauty as we drove along the road that skirted its southern edge.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjms5cnDJ-0d0Jrn18WhwqeXw1L_hpTrdueGqPajSYc28OBhRKiiImuonEFj_YXUMDqRdUdMi8bix-xippYhTL35Pg440dqv0qhpHlSJMNRq0vpQqgulwWproEpVEni-994RgIlv1NWQZjpXXRCYg_2IypMhi5IHrgyIjvAHdGE3PQ560sc09n/s3264/20230720_072732.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjms5cnDJ-0d0Jrn18WhwqeXw1L_hpTrdueGqPajSYc28OBhRKiiImuonEFj_YXUMDqRdUdMi8bix-xippYhTL35Pg440dqv0qhpHlSJMNRq0vpQqgulwWproEpVEni-994RgIlv1NWQZjpXXRCYg_2IypMhi5IHrgyIjvAHdGE3PQ560sc09n/w400-h225/20230720_072732.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpBlGh4Eryu3KX6fPQ_gHS64sYFA3gH8n0Rjklxl15y9ep6iInK0pDjoWiV1QSGu7q0tA3_1DomY6qo80yK8QVoGAOf-Z-vW3t7cSgyYUg1UgNJByXM75uTgwQZHOxUSrs05T7Z6VO7rsjgtdVAMVpUgW8czyMO0QD3m7aXtcHWFFme5bVY5W/s4624/20230720_072744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjpBlGh4Eryu3KX6fPQ_gHS64sYFA3gH8n0Rjklxl15y9ep6iInK0pDjoWiV1QSGu7q0tA3_1DomY6qo80yK8QVoGAOf-Z-vW3t7cSgyYUg1UgNJByXM75uTgwQZHOxUSrs05T7Z6VO7rsjgtdVAMVpUgW8czyMO0QD3m7aXtcHWFFme5bVY5W/w400-h225/20230720_072744.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_ME0wGB-IiUPY1l5Pcnxm8VrKVhKdEbfGuC0DhgAIvS0lim4YgCuyH9nfXmCYu7YzKt1d1HfYUI3Sg4vle8kqif686ALPOjsfy3RKW0HGR_asLj53UOEV8pYAgxKbkD_CBI7NHFJZNpRpLcW-vWzogCd8vlya5B-mh0D77x66uEbvlk_GjbN/s3264/20230720_073354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE_ME0wGB-IiUPY1l5Pcnxm8VrKVhKdEbfGuC0DhgAIvS0lim4YgCuyH9nfXmCYu7YzKt1d1HfYUI3Sg4vle8kqif686ALPOjsfy3RKW0HGR_asLj53UOEV8pYAgxKbkD_CBI7NHFJZNpRpLcW-vWzogCd8vlya5B-mh0D77x66uEbvlk_GjbN/w400-h225/20230720_073354.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaLYS4XT9siY5YA_SdRbX0ySE2Q5YEpGzP9Td0aQgwflG7XmtcqIWZVVZn-vRJuhxagPteT4iPT80WRdY0D-aQV-0XVEgcEzpRWRqk5L9x1cvSPInY7mh38OukkP4qMMW_qEKiPXPJZOr5MdPcLl6OfkuAszp8Rx1M9B_-y9n0PX-uM-eWxQt/s4624/20230720_073436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuaLYS4XT9siY5YA_SdRbX0ySE2Q5YEpGzP9Td0aQgwflG7XmtcqIWZVVZn-vRJuhxagPteT4iPT80WRdY0D-aQV-0XVEgcEzpRWRqk5L9x1cvSPInY7mh38OukkP4qMMW_qEKiPXPJZOr5MdPcLl6OfkuAszp8Rx1M9B_-y9n0PX-uM-eWxQt/w400-h225/20230720_073436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rBsrycaxElPylQ83e9tXhoJU-Sg1wAPdjue2zvnxanMAqHATxhNfGtyhjsMGtczus-I7UL2SlUNBrmNKDEJgtVjuF9XFrQYYmYq8IlgtxiM0Oc601JFBSQ6Ypr9eyqSnZhOZ8qvmJHz66spegK-ecPJs44G2m5kQKqJUWPyt5nE-FsYvdOwp/s4624/20230720_073601.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2rBsrycaxElPylQ83e9tXhoJU-Sg1wAPdjue2zvnxanMAqHATxhNfGtyhjsMGtczus-I7UL2SlUNBrmNKDEJgtVjuF9XFrQYYmYq8IlgtxiM0Oc601JFBSQ6Ypr9eyqSnZhOZ8qvmJHz66spegK-ecPJs44G2m5kQKqJUWPyt5nE-FsYvdOwp/w400-h225/20230720_073601.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUm7i3qhskiUNv8bIGfh4hAKmQIFjrDq8qWJFjXKibL2EgdSlh5Xz93ESXm-BN2gzNBT4I87-WhQIfE5zgGuvmltLUjkjN_byjjF8z41WlN2HW82pu6Onma64Oa9hDVElDTWQcOq2TbFzfQ0R1LnbaeICzrOgE4lKBoOmiJwYMm8O8zfmuzLT/s3029/20230720_073921.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1748" data-original-width="3029" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxUm7i3qhskiUNv8bIGfh4hAKmQIFjrDq8qWJFjXKibL2EgdSlh5Xz93ESXm-BN2gzNBT4I87-WhQIfE5zgGuvmltLUjkjN_byjjF8z41WlN2HW82pu6Onma64Oa9hDVElDTWQcOq2TbFzfQ0R1LnbaeICzrOgE4lKBoOmiJwYMm8O8zfmuzLT/w400-h231/20230720_073921.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem63YmrZhHISvOdhsYZvZJL1mwAt0MqzGivYwKRyauuZyCRD43RcRO2b71BGJe94VC6JAVRBYsew3YNbSpDDoIt7HJ-89cXQFxPScIRClS8tHrWRdoB0yuj78gKeeG6wkOEaxDtccIPzfK9onTGXumDvdzJfJF9Bqpswr3zJcwzG1JNCHnwju/s4624/20230720_073938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiem63YmrZhHISvOdhsYZvZJL1mwAt0MqzGivYwKRyauuZyCRD43RcRO2b71BGJe94VC6JAVRBYsew3YNbSpDDoIt7HJ-89cXQFxPScIRClS8tHrWRdoB0yuj78gKeeG6wkOEaxDtccIPzfK9onTGXumDvdzJfJF9Bqpswr3zJcwzG1JNCHnwju/w400-h225/20230720_073938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The old road, or rather, the dirt track, could be seen from the new road, along the water's edge. Soon we left the lake behind us and were going along at a comfortable speed on a well maintained road. So much for dirt tracks! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTplEPCb9CqGgBvxQ6RqPbujFyl3ZFfAuQ2nYER0oXiEJxw4q0GssuzssA5pgodEYXwVUyDiy93R4BjYQvMaT0QU3KYNkgdlOSGQJynVYaqn_mCRonr7E-HJzHJUnUGS_x1iOQ0Gb7W1sIdDG73iBtwo57wa3UYzUsC-wjfV1cv7z-T8FpPFD/s4624/20230720_083121.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVTplEPCb9CqGgBvxQ6RqPbujFyl3ZFfAuQ2nYER0oXiEJxw4q0GssuzssA5pgodEYXwVUyDiy93R4BjYQvMaT0QU3KYNkgdlOSGQJynVYaqn_mCRonr7E-HJzHJUnUGS_x1iOQ0Gb7W1sIdDG73iBtwo57wa3UYzUsC-wjfV1cv7z-T8FpPFD/w400-h225/20230720_083121.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Along the way a few brief stops were made. One at <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Merak</span></b> as I had spied some birds on the water's edge, that I was seeing for the first time. A family of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Crested grebes </span></b>were foraging in the water. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQhK4gCwtXWoirZZddPUbS9CmUbUcJpsmvSu3XkpO5y2cyZdwQvEAAMb4m5PiQN9v9u8hDX6Rp-BGuxUyY6byrBv5Oxbpvf2fjCdEOPXwCD8vckX-isn7eOJwcs9odUreKn1B6FA4jyTkRuc8eNTIu5hbvZUsR3rCQoMg2DSdV5b2A5egHRAy/s2000/P7202870.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQhK4gCwtXWoirZZddPUbS9CmUbUcJpsmvSu3XkpO5y2cyZdwQvEAAMb4m5PiQN9v9u8hDX6Rp-BGuxUyY6byrBv5Oxbpvf2fjCdEOPXwCD8vckX-isn7eOJwcs9odUreKn1B6FA4jyTkRuc8eNTIu5hbvZUsR3rCQoMg2DSdV5b2A5egHRAy/w400-h300/P7202870.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJxrSpNukYJtJnELKqurjO1oRFbyPlmZO-FCZxC-E8Ck3Nnukm7mfZv_sQ0b_AlOzd13fQNh2cadg9wHgPI6t98sFPvEWVsZpTQ3gF8yNuUxqbsIFg6OatLbhjsf5IZTMqqljyKLkMqUsOorlNW0ce2UdpzKSL15RMjSoQe9XXJUNmUpCOOfL/s2000/P7202872.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTJxrSpNukYJtJnELKqurjO1oRFbyPlmZO-FCZxC-E8Ck3Nnukm7mfZv_sQ0b_AlOzd13fQNh2cadg9wHgPI6t98sFPvEWVsZpTQ3gF8yNuUxqbsIFg6OatLbhjsf5IZTMqqljyKLkMqUsOorlNW0ce2UdpzKSL15RMjSoQe9XXJUNmUpCOOfL/w400-h300/P7202872.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>There were gulls and plovers on the sandy shores. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv_T4ZO9mVu0AokBOsNAXdhOPmeG-w4nogHjTKdLXeLXbtBWd-3UwpnWl4-QXP6jdWX8btdangtTvPhJuPHifiR44bTNn_Hd0WKOLKnnz2eCNilNrbaednOP4Q30B6wo3LW_SnvT8VX1hErlWoVI87YsKudf46W9mssiht-z7ls4_5k7sSRmv/s2000/P7202885.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMv_T4ZO9mVu0AokBOsNAXdhOPmeG-w4nogHjTKdLXeLXbtBWd-3UwpnWl4-QXP6jdWX8btdangtTvPhJuPHifiR44bTNn_Hd0WKOLKnnz2eCNilNrbaednOP4Q30B6wo3LW_SnvT8VX1hErlWoVI87YsKudf46W9mssiht-z7ls4_5k7sSRmv/w400-h300/P7202885.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgb0mt3JF2q5Y2_VB_FFZywDRbkJQfEcDkGCVC57a2Iurz716HY995QW2sQwkS1QRwNdm9XCwpok3orJZki8Dou9PfeAGQ7qX6dbp38EGuJ5tKGEVUZWn8TbAcY9-9SvnnDlTOYm3209Cd0FwTwZhwgwrpF8Bca-_xhyAYUELpKKrzNxuR4K9u/s2000/P7202892.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgb0mt3JF2q5Y2_VB_FFZywDRbkJQfEcDkGCVC57a2Iurz716HY995QW2sQwkS1QRwNdm9XCwpok3orJZki8Dou9PfeAGQ7qX6dbp38EGuJ5tKGEVUZWn8TbAcY9-9SvnnDlTOYm3209Cd0FwTwZhwgwrpF8Bca-_xhyAYUELpKKrzNxuR4K9u/w400-h300/P7202892.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxdNCI52xo7rJitzCd7ylCB_NGCyKXBKSAumJk6aehvP49dOqIDSlTVjprJx8ZGYRcWPWReiRTMYy8xpIafdYcGZmQck_-izLx3KtreSEeuY_BZBPg3FNziItHTsx777p4mWLjCam5yLVjBaZFFWt34Zo2hj3z_lydIfeafjY5dqvTfASDyD9/s2000/P7202909.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxdNCI52xo7rJitzCd7ylCB_NGCyKXBKSAumJk6aehvP49dOqIDSlTVjprJx8ZGYRcWPWReiRTMYy8xpIafdYcGZmQck_-izLx3KtreSEeuY_BZBPg3FNziItHTsx777p4mWLjCam5yLVjBaZFFWt34Zo2hj3z_lydIfeafjY5dqvTfASDyD9/w400-h300/P7202909.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtXxUWzSZJW25rtzYMmjIyuRKTbHQQsOU8oXpyDOKtI2oBsX9IicklxHz5AUVmB0LoggQXWnOZXhcOGrqk1wvCGmMi4956zrG20BXkkX0mxwfvFkUn_t-BT7rLytxHVQ_y1KdG3YA21yJYOtvyxoICbBI58wH2H8U_JGh1q2_B20N1nYmA2hb/s2500/P7202912.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKtXxUWzSZJW25rtzYMmjIyuRKTbHQQsOU8oXpyDOKtI2oBsX9IicklxHz5AUVmB0LoggQXWnOZXhcOGrqk1wvCGmMi4956zrG20BXkkX0mxwfvFkUn_t-BT7rLytxHVQ_y1KdG3YA21yJYOtvyxoICbBI58wH2H8U_JGh1q2_B20N1nYmA2hb/w400-h300/P7202912.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLfqYKBqbmjbiSuSc6BRFMMbySZ5JywY99gDQoAbxJG38uS4ZoI0-idCYUnIXO6HozVrFMfl_4ckg2URbfUGOJ5pI0HYtF8msBXfwAVvaThikgS8v1pQoizm8UaZwAlsyrjWoK9Q0T2Pt0M1iSOhthqn_AAAbHs9uSEdO4Tj3g5vFQ3WrHx8t/s2000/P7202914.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioLfqYKBqbmjbiSuSc6BRFMMbySZ5JywY99gDQoAbxJG38uS4ZoI0-idCYUnIXO6HozVrFMfl_4ckg2URbfUGOJ5pI0HYtF8msBXfwAVvaThikgS8v1pQoizm8UaZwAlsyrjWoK9Q0T2Pt0M1iSOhthqn_AAAbHs9uSEdO4Tj3g5vFQ3WrHx8t/w400-h300/P7202914.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Further on we encountered the ubiquitous <b><span style="color: #38761d;">kijangs</span></b>, the Tibetan wild ass. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlgar7d16Fyb97pAU6PdtjcFmq5duZqcegERorPmPTdDDv0x02sG-2azETe78WYgQCF_Jjv1xP8XRXbVGoEwOJmrHMuYNbBbl84FodMWpmLzFqN8xkOfjJQPUFyuJklFf_TDw9Zrfd9b-D2t_k4h1Gs8psYeveOaxjry-0_foQKV4LrG8wQzn/s2500/P7202927.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJlgar7d16Fyb97pAU6PdtjcFmq5duZqcegERorPmPTdDDv0x02sG-2azETe78WYgQCF_Jjv1xP8XRXbVGoEwOJmrHMuYNbBbl84FodMWpmLzFqN8xkOfjJQPUFyuJklFf_TDw9Zrfd9b-D2t_k4h1Gs8psYeveOaxjry-0_foQKV4LrG8wQzn/w400-h300/P7202927.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65yX6FpOd2lDvOlf4nWp18oiZ56M1O5OfbcisuAkf95hqptU9rBDNvS0ZSn6n7kfVTN4opD7Mz_iv8fV3IHvUBDDwIwx5gDdkhcKtN1c87516PT95uNyOsAyllU58b2778T45h50xaiDTeiCAT4Wb5VbN3dzE0pSImR2Z-ytJw79lOv7ZXSnZ/s2500/P7202939.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi65yX6FpOd2lDvOlf4nWp18oiZ56M1O5OfbcisuAkf95hqptU9rBDNvS0ZSn6n7kfVTN4opD7Mz_iv8fV3IHvUBDDwIwx5gDdkhcKtN1c87516PT95uNyOsAyllU58b2778T45h50xaiDTeiCAT4Wb5VbN3dzE0pSImR2Z-ytJw79lOv7ZXSnZ/w400-h300/P7202939.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfxNJHZj138p1wMZ0rTbITkmjR8DBSnx2ymSNWCjZK2P25Al-EDU1X8NwBxwSwOeA8wdHEr9ftI31iwpbDf6NqtiCvtEnqAX5brFiTMxKfHf1fpc4BEOCxTiPpMMvObq2WAygdlcz9GhTrUy8DVTkdd-5ZrYoiHLsdy6luoSOU24azReM3IhC/s2500/P7202953.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHfxNJHZj138p1wMZ0rTbITkmjR8DBSnx2ymSNWCjZK2P25Al-EDU1X8NwBxwSwOeA8wdHEr9ftI31iwpbDf6NqtiCvtEnqAX5brFiTMxKfHf1fpc4BEOCxTiPpMMvObq2WAygdlcz9GhTrUy8DVTkdd-5ZrYoiHLsdy6luoSOU24azReM3IhC/w400-h300/P7202953.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVNKX1-uUzZHAz6YEZgjHcDk7zRgw0mL9CFduYQI2PQrRdZNt5UMCfKhC93pSmWBi_r8-QZ_92siQfI9xII0y-cD7UaUQQMCqcN7jk3xDpZdoNFCnFo1PJO_D7ROlc7zhRilg5iooUaJTIHLfyuvhKuaBbEkpF9YjFtrn4PnHgn5k_DlC53ec/s3000/P7202977.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2095" data-original-width="3000" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaVNKX1-uUzZHAz6YEZgjHcDk7zRgw0mL9CFduYQI2PQrRdZNt5UMCfKhC93pSmWBi_r8-QZ_92siQfI9xII0y-cD7UaUQQMCqcN7jk3xDpZdoNFCnFo1PJO_D7ROlc7zhRilg5iooUaJTIHLfyuvhKuaBbEkpF9YjFtrn4PnHgn5k_DlC53ec/w400-h279/P7202977.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllZ5TcSjhMwew8I0-BvOr0LHTQXEG4ikTC_dxa3cih47tBhYvn040eXtCW4FMHSVlFFSAY0Uq1DE_1OLaDNP_q0Cc-MpR3zQk1Nh999SoWd0qh6Ksz8P-6H7bCBpqX_GTHf7iy693U3-U2KGfIAx3RvVJtpgC-QoI3dx969Cn86BYlWfX8ANy/s3000/P7202979.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhllZ5TcSjhMwew8I0-BvOr0LHTQXEG4ikTC_dxa3cih47tBhYvn040eXtCW4FMHSVlFFSAY0Uq1DE_1OLaDNP_q0Cc-MpR3zQk1Nh999SoWd0qh6Ksz8P-6H7bCBpqX_GTHf7iy693U3-U2KGfIAx3RvVJtpgC-QoI3dx969Cn86BYlWfX8ANy/w400-h300/P7202979.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvUfmV7M45RedILpZlY7iwBhszWaE-MFL0xlx-UEDzs945iQPZzUN30XJuP_CXT_D0IVPRHvTknxf3qvvv6UFQkUKQDobecnpXIaH96xK_A9Y5Dm2okXb0D-FGebUuhycn5o4z9bsKPt9mNelysWmixeytBMVw_Ltwrek65Vcd_rW9ddmazuW/s2500/P7202982.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyvUfmV7M45RedILpZlY7iwBhszWaE-MFL0xlx-UEDzs945iQPZzUN30XJuP_CXT_D0IVPRHvTknxf3qvvv6UFQkUKQDobecnpXIaH96xK_A9Y5Dm2okXb0D-FGebUuhycn5o4z9bsKPt9mNelysWmixeytBMVw_Ltwrek65Vcd_rW9ddmazuW/w400-h300/P7202982.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOImgYVbzQitjx0WjPKmS88iqFlUaWSxA42pjh7MIzAmMDLbTR4Ue1kx0EV3P7nqQBsYMGiZHg8NLt5SW8ixq4IvWPp8CjL02UUKJ-V2qgOhewvMVjD_ThmCq50jhnqMvEZ_nz7fzVNZQdLlC5Avom-QlCe8g_DuweneE3TXRXXgpEdcYyDKP_/s3000/P7202989.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOImgYVbzQitjx0WjPKmS88iqFlUaWSxA42pjh7MIzAmMDLbTR4Ue1kx0EV3P7nqQBsYMGiZHg8NLt5SW8ixq4IvWPp8CjL02UUKJ-V2qgOhewvMVjD_ThmCq50jhnqMvEZ_nz7fzVNZQdLlC5Avom-QlCe8g_DuweneE3TXRXXgpEdcYyDKP_/w400-h300/P7202989.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">An hour and a half later we were in <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chushul</span></b> searching for breakfast. It would be the only chance we'd get on this route. Lunch wasn't an issue as we would reach Tso Kar by then. As we drove in we couldn't find any open eateries. Luckily for us, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Lungta Restaurant</span></b> was serving bread and eggs. For four famished people, it was manna from heaven! Though we had biscuits, nuts and snacks in the car, we had not bothered to carry fresh fruits. A lesson learnt in Ladakh. Stock up on fruits and energy bars. You never know when they will come in handy.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next stage of our drive would take us through a high pass to<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> Mahe</span></b>, around 75 kilometres away. It would be another desolate stretch passing through some of the most beautiful landscapes. On this road are two passes. The first one, formerly known as <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Thato La or Nurpa La</span></b> at an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">altitude of around 4800 metres</span></b> is on top of the series of hairpin curves.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-_U8zQh3pEQCI2ApCR7MWH-wS7zG10foLON4Ax7hC-4S_cPiZ8-H-s6twh-eDTwVvJk-JmLbyIOQFob5K4wFHX8CRbX0zL9KZH8OTgTBTVB5Y-Mr22GPrF5JCJ56PNt9CFcCZzqn6vAx6RrkLsJ0ovP3g7GZ4K0XfV1HwwDdX7LV2p-q6O4y/s4624/20230720_100849.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga-_U8zQh3pEQCI2ApCR7MWH-wS7zG10foLON4Ax7hC-4S_cPiZ8-H-s6twh-eDTwVvJk-JmLbyIOQFob5K4wFHX8CRbX0zL9KZH8OTgTBTVB5Y-Mr22GPrF5JCJ56PNt9CFcCZzqn6vAx6RrkLsJ0ovP3g7GZ4K0XfV1HwwDdX7LV2p-q6O4y/w400-h225/20230720_100849.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD9dX6nyb12lMf8Cc6RaaERBFGfk6KNduuxgFs6TcqEW9qOOXduEP_TvdayP8YQEea6qjCfowwie_i5GX0gK6pFfAa9tFAFsAS6p4gDzyBoINMWeXpshjUfG-_CX3f5v7PCXnDD_RINKeAt_HrN39DE3mF-pIE4jS1DcPwui4kU2Sp0RV9fvP/s4624/20230720_101316.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSD9dX6nyb12lMf8Cc6RaaERBFGfk6KNduuxgFs6TcqEW9qOOXduEP_TvdayP8YQEea6qjCfowwie_i5GX0gK6pFfAa9tFAFsAS6p4gDzyBoINMWeXpshjUfG-_CX3f5v7PCXnDD_RINKeAt_HrN39DE3mF-pIE4jS1DcPwui4kU2Sp0RV9fvP/w400-h225/20230720_101316.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">However, after the new road was laid, is had lost its pre-eminence. There is (or was) another one named <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hor La pass (4966 metres)</span></b> further down the road near the next lake, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Yaya Tso</span></b>. Unfortunately I didn't see any marker for this one either. After the road reaches the top we pass along the side of another glacier fed lake, the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mirpal Tso</span></b>. Since it was quite far at the bottom of the hill the idea of exploring had to be given up.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1pNdW15ahYszCR3pnXFYoWmO98iHs96m1WZ5gNIO7Q8vnT6ymKBMiulb7o2KWtn59wdxQVrFQzQoTqIGGRp3roiyB4CcWapQvFHrlhVA3R3sldI9kQy7iuFMIHIkkhyphenhyphenjve4i0qXxRKM_TZ9LOzQh680_Ek78Fd6xMMXjwAQYfWcRIdd24Isy/s4624/20230720_101705.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1pNdW15ahYszCR3pnXFYoWmO98iHs96m1WZ5gNIO7Q8vnT6ymKBMiulb7o2KWtn59wdxQVrFQzQoTqIGGRp3roiyB4CcWapQvFHrlhVA3R3sldI9kQy7iuFMIHIkkhyphenhyphenjve4i0qXxRKM_TZ9LOzQh680_Ek78Fd6xMMXjwAQYfWcRIdd24Isy/w400-h225/20230720_101705.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEukXwctIB0N9ch8-QlH1HXcrr7vHpW0hkumUNVrSUT4rV6eQxfZrl8iceteFSXV0MLwQlGfsMd-q2IYqUohrskm-Nrt1N68Jaxl3AN_GKTfxkfavp7lOv9o8rGYdiIsL7wl82MakoIIEcgEV9wwlds6HzftsRWcrvNPCclV9Gp6hVKItT-8c/s4624/20230720_102245.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQEukXwctIB0N9ch8-QlH1HXcrr7vHpW0hkumUNVrSUT4rV6eQxfZrl8iceteFSXV0MLwQlGfsMd-q2IYqUohrskm-Nrt1N68Jaxl3AN_GKTfxkfavp7lOv9o8rGYdiIsL7wl82MakoIIEcgEV9wwlds6HzftsRWcrvNPCclV9Gp6hVKItT-8c/w400-h225/20230720_102245.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">As we left Mirpal Tso behind we saw another herd of Tibetan wild ass trotting towards the lake. Perhaps for drink after a heavy breakfast on the sparse vegetation on the slopes around the lake.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dymrV1Uq2gg3PUIUqblgDseBuICl_V_GZ56IdfiQj0JQDW9S5hhqJsDNo0a_d3y62jdRryaU-kNWD0' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN1Iv6brSBK1n-_Vq1VjN_bCcEbMk7Z0phgJtg2usPF4B7oA1bhDDFtP_ZADVWGFZQDe_cJZmvPWaR2GYR6brN1hrR7kggMJVkO13mNej3mmmyf-Ax8d9Jt5VKJD0SoUH_yF0t8GC4kzD6FxDI_0WMFTeCiG0i63yrU4jyiSI0xEv-pHphcFX/s4624/20230720_103639.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZN1Iv6brSBK1n-_Vq1VjN_bCcEbMk7Z0phgJtg2usPF4B7oA1bhDDFtP_ZADVWGFZQDe_cJZmvPWaR2GYR6brN1hrR7kggMJVkO13mNej3mmmyf-Ax8d9Jt5VKJD0SoUH_yF0t8GC4kzD6FxDI_0WMFTeCiG0i63yrU4jyiSI0xEv-pHphcFX/w400-h225/20230720_103639.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The road now goes over gentle slopes, climbing further, till we reach <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Kaksang La</span></b> the highest point on this road at <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">5436 metres</span></b>. There was a light drizzle as we reached Kaksang La Top. I got out there despite the weather as I spied a couple of birds that were new to me. It was already biting cold, the sun having disappeared behind the grey clouds.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPIJyjdcsvNMbJEP3-kZ6LouFbT5REnPfAweWbSrNEYpEfiHwqi2MwC_iH5qNwGVoFADf8wUGgZKlxkI1XEurw_TkorW5I6JCyp13NGVuJT4dS9OHE_Aou1pZp8rIe6YHSe-Euvn7jxUpz-gDGxvPkQZueflUTgA_7-iMxpABt5GgqKgxcwlm/s4624/20230720_105220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVPIJyjdcsvNMbJEP3-kZ6LouFbT5REnPfAweWbSrNEYpEfiHwqi2MwC_iH5qNwGVoFADf8wUGgZKlxkI1XEurw_TkorW5I6JCyp13NGVuJT4dS9OHE_Aou1pZp8rIe6YHSe-Euvn7jxUpz-gDGxvPkQZueflUTgA_7-iMxpABt5GgqKgxcwlm/w400-h225/20230720_105220.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvS4VPUvCrMPVfnF5xPQgqWKcaoK9qaSyh4ccHH8TkzwIJs7WCR44EvpuV2WPBtqauLMCkSHcdCnniyi85hJxCHWqp_zHO697-rzPziAbdrllrAj6QlQcMVQ_3ZCUFX4fqlq7zIRNtxvtHwvCr9VpRYKkZ8AJS-bzFbVSkr6S_wYZ9i7Xbf4G2/s4624/20230720_105242.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvS4VPUvCrMPVfnF5xPQgqWKcaoK9qaSyh4ccHH8TkzwIJs7WCR44EvpuV2WPBtqauLMCkSHcdCnniyi85hJxCHWqp_zHO697-rzPziAbdrllrAj6QlQcMVQ_3ZCUFX4fqlq7zIRNtxvtHwvCr9VpRYKkZ8AJS-bzFbVSkr6S_wYZ9i7Xbf4G2/w225-h400/20230720_105242.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvkuo-_7EmHhz8fWCFRljhWgbnGgrJHdUgR-NulMXjrBYKXvGoRWjwLNNPIlFvEOZ8aY5eTlS6bynejekjkVL-d7puX2ZEkQr0g9gzO16K5mzbEjAtO-0rmM1nz2wQ_qqsL_3mYxNEhtsrhsL1ZipzUJtuhoTrP44wlnNiHKFfNsmtQR1HQtH/s2000/P7202997.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXvkuo-_7EmHhz8fWCFRljhWgbnGgrJHdUgR-NulMXjrBYKXvGoRWjwLNNPIlFvEOZ8aY5eTlS6bynejekjkVL-d7puX2ZEkQr0g9gzO16K5mzbEjAtO-0rmM1nz2wQ_qqsL_3mYxNEhtsrhsL1ZipzUJtuhoTrP44wlnNiHKFfNsmtQR1HQtH/w400-h300/P7202997.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hor La pass</span></b>, there was <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">no signboard</span></b> or we missed it! <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Kakasang La</span></b> had usurped the honour of being the highest point on the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chushul- Mahe road</span></b>. On the slopes below the road onto our right, as we were descending, were some dirt tracks; perhaps the old road. We were probably above the old Hor La pass as we could see <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Yaya Tso lake</span></b> below us.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42zxicuvgACrUyYKDuTwyVVtKYPuCV_tCG3tJ5m1st0_lBmrCjY0fWls5zmRmebSxxNJG1vc3QYYy6aFlPNPSsbKVVCl3SLAtmW5gJsvS9HSiieVVi2_k2yxgNepl2Eqmby490AAOrDZhXiaJSyGrBNi1rHfqZHml2cBbklQWyBO9xE1kN8zb/s4624/20230720_105738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh42zxicuvgACrUyYKDuTwyVVtKYPuCV_tCG3tJ5m1st0_lBmrCjY0fWls5zmRmebSxxNJG1vc3QYYy6aFlPNPSsbKVVCl3SLAtmW5gJsvS9HSiieVVi2_k2yxgNepl2Eqmby490AAOrDZhXiaJSyGrBNi1rHfqZHml2cBbklQWyBO9xE1kN8zb/w400-h225/20230720_105738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1niaGJeJDT8kMlqnmQWVqsfo4JeaBihv-Lt1EKaMB6V36IHBDcs4hX5yY_Jpc-QbxVlFSGJAKm3fDrE_ZOkkEVXvG4wNJQKMjKEwhV8EAlQ8P5XyGxgTxnRNGKD-5gizkzhQCuOmmyco6elgtDq1t6z5fJH3rTfRx5jJt1Pt4EO-wzJEIxiv/s4624/20230720_112746.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh1niaGJeJDT8kMlqnmQWVqsfo4JeaBihv-Lt1EKaMB6V36IHBDcs4hX5yY_Jpc-QbxVlFSGJAKm3fDrE_ZOkkEVXvG4wNJQKMjKEwhV8EAlQ8P5XyGxgTxnRNGKD-5gizkzhQCuOmmyco6elgtDq1t6z5fJH3rTfRx5jJt1Pt4EO-wzJEIxiv/w400-h225/20230720_112746.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23LYAi8CycTIoj8lDKt4ZzdxcHI760XCFpSqtJBzSiRPq545c-2jbDpF_jwfYvBCV1SwvXjA03xYG-8XEcxLer7MdvYIVWdttR8tfw_gJpDbaBMeJ-Vh_JVUVreRwuKM_tlkHyyn9mLfw3GY_bODcq8yZa2bbEo-g0ih3hyphenhyphen91YgxW-ZsPHKxx/s4624/20230720_113437.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23LYAi8CycTIoj8lDKt4ZzdxcHI760XCFpSqtJBzSiRPq545c-2jbDpF_jwfYvBCV1SwvXjA03xYG-8XEcxLer7MdvYIVWdttR8tfw_gJpDbaBMeJ-Vh_JVUVreRwuKM_tlkHyyn9mLfw3GY_bODcq8yZa2bbEo-g0ih3hyphenhyphen91YgxW-ZsPHKxx/w400-h225/20230720_113437.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"> At <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Mahe,</span></b> the road again reaches the banks of the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Indus river</span></b>. We crossed the river after about a two and a half kilometres to get on the road to Sumdo. The skies weren't looking very encouraging. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_6GBzlV__UncnbJaApL8WVROQN6WH3WZL4saopo3ZpM0HdNQQ9qzxjyzYIBL4Y0GoVsvdMmxIYJQHVnUPq7fc04HXbQMMkHIx5Wb2vcRTpAyNn1xfCMXgdKj8It3tBH31vZc-DqnT6TH1rUGEejt8sg_-Rf-PYy0ZjxGv7BD2cxpp_yxS2qn/s4624/20230720_114240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt_6GBzlV__UncnbJaApL8WVROQN6WH3WZL4saopo3ZpM0HdNQQ9qzxjyzYIBL4Y0GoVsvdMmxIYJQHVnUPq7fc04HXbQMMkHIx5Wb2vcRTpAyNn1xfCMXgdKj8It3tBH31vZc-DqnT6TH1rUGEejt8sg_-Rf-PYy0ZjxGv7BD2cxpp_yxS2qn/w400-h225/20230720_114240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhpIjDoVDda8HoAGoPmo5k1hDxkv-213TwWOYY49r3xZyuO8Eb3nmtrc_vHtvBFXvYqRVhgwADC9q7fV4LpQNS7d1LTjWQ1nT0887JAM3YmDk5ZhsdFRATU0TpqTBbbqBUcauoNJ8cudyy8jV39mTiN-_POT9Wc9nt29J8ZR_K6BwDX6ZtMmY/s4624/20230720_131850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNhpIjDoVDda8HoAGoPmo5k1hDxkv-213TwWOYY49r3xZyuO8Eb3nmtrc_vHtvBFXvYqRVhgwADC9q7fV4LpQNS7d1LTjWQ1nT0887JAM3YmDk5ZhsdFRATU0TpqTBbbqBUcauoNJ8cudyy8jV39mTiN-_POT9Wc9nt29J8ZR_K6BwDX6ZtMmY/w400-h225/20230720_131850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we reached <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sumdo </span></b>the drops of rain falling on the windshield became steadily heavier till we were literally driving through a deluge. Any idea of stopping along the way or exploring <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tso Kar</span></b> had to be abandoned.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Finally, little before 2.00 PM we reached <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Druk Resort in Thukje</span></b>, our place to stay in <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tso Kar</span></b>. There was no let up in the rain when we checked in. Lunch was ordered and while waiting for it to be ready, we retired to our room. A small affair with <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">little furniture and no running hot water</span></b>. In any case, the cold outside would discourage anyone considering even a hot shower!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">It would be too much to expect anything more in a tiny hamlet sitting at an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">altitude of 4530 metres</span></b> and far away from civilization! It was bitterly cold with the wind adding to our misery. Outside our window, the weather looked bleak. Nobody in their right senses would step out; not even the birds I had come looking for. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF0Vw2k2S2g342GYpI3aD5Tdz24Fqt-AaBXQUp7gf1UEr71z1WX7EMR2lyyOatKOwoyP4W_g87Ircdamdmfx5Q-QvZV9EGJ2Fa-WxQtW0WFK_7l7t_ZvP5NhzFlerV6ua7794qhnY5jAprV_udeIFdSYYm2tq5pnaPVN7wEI-ZqGgBbeCAeUS/s4624/20230720_135731.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUF0Vw2k2S2g342GYpI3aD5Tdz24Fqt-AaBXQUp7gf1UEr71z1WX7EMR2lyyOatKOwoyP4W_g87Ircdamdmfx5Q-QvZV9EGJ2Fa-WxQtW0WFK_7l7t_ZvP5NhzFlerV6ua7794qhnY5jAprV_udeIFdSYYm2tq5pnaPVN7wEI-ZqGgBbeCAeUS/w400-h225/20230720_135731.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNjXJf27PX9jwSd5e1gVvSziUBpHOtVidm82g7Hv703gwz4TvSQoKun4Yv0QiMiQZT0Xl4W9JZOre-LJ8_gFgA8cPuO2WpLyxF-o-evneHJhRpdea-r11C-Vu1Y3GOMBO5MVmS2WV5Ng8EiZTtPmYdnh3XMo3UNcTI0iB5Lvhk_VWBiolULjh/s3264/20230720_135756.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpNjXJf27PX9jwSd5e1gVvSziUBpHOtVidm82g7Hv703gwz4TvSQoKun4Yv0QiMiQZT0Xl4W9JZOre-LJ8_gFgA8cPuO2WpLyxF-o-evneHJhRpdea-r11C-Vu1Y3GOMBO5MVmS2WV5Ng8EiZTtPmYdnh3XMo3UNcTI0iB5Lvhk_VWBiolULjh/w400-h225/20230720_135756.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After a hot lunch, mercifully very edible, we decided to hit the bed. We told Tsewangji that we'd go exploring after 5.00 PM if the rain gave way to blue skies. He just smiled and nodded. He had probably been told something like this before. When we finally decided to get out from under the quilts, it was past 6.00 PM and very dark. There was a persistent light drizzle too. It seemed that <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the weather was going to foil all my plans of chasing my target species, </span><span style="color: #38761d;">the black necked crane</span></b>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After an early dinner we turned in, praying for better weather when we woke up in the morning. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Link to <a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/11/ladakh-life-lessons-part-12-night-at.html" target="_blank">the previous post </a>is here</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-27185558201393122842023-11-06T07:05:00.004+05:302023-11-06T15:46:13.209+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 12: Night at Pangong Tso<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">19th July 2023, 3.00 to 10.30 PM </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After a rather uninspiring lunch at one of the many eateries at <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong</span></b>, we made our way to <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Spangmik</b></span> where our resort was. It was past 3 PM when we checked in and by then <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">the heat was intolerable</span></b>. It would be another two hours before the sun dipped behind the mountain and the cloud cover wasn't sufficient to give us relief from the sun.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl09T_iyqcNn55aqYaGvJ7ayTiAHZOoF-VDxoEJU4i41RvZ4Dvd1AO9TWiYLc6_SnGacW2a9iyS3eoMPHy3CfoUlwFfEeyMBXQO6edo7yX09rKoMFiWDWnCKWrVeGSH6Z1r_oRkF0GRPD-i1gHKZyLJ52ssQl9Alri7N2QHUSRl01N0_L53KBz/s4000/20230719_175829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="4000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl09T_iyqcNn55aqYaGvJ7ayTiAHZOoF-VDxoEJU4i41RvZ4Dvd1AO9TWiYLc6_SnGacW2a9iyS3eoMPHy3CfoUlwFfEeyMBXQO6edo7yX09rKoMFiWDWnCKWrVeGSH6Z1r_oRkF0GRPD-i1gHKZyLJ52ssQl9Alri7N2QHUSRl01N0_L53KBz/w400-h225/20230719_175829.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We thought it would be a great relief to take a nap after the bumpy nine hours and eagerly moved into our cottage at <a href="https://www.mistyhillscabins.com/index.html" target="_blank"><b>Misty Hills Cabins</b></a>. Imagine our dismay when we discovered that <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">inside the cottage was a furnace</span></b> compared to the outside! To add to our woes, there was a transparent portion on the roof that let in the sunlight! Since we were at an <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">elevation of 4258 metres (almost 14,000 feet)</span></b> it would be foolish to expect an air conditioned cottage. Not only that, the resort ran on solar power during the day and on diesel generators late night. I chose to sit outside till the room cooled naturally. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85rR1ZJGpQ8OT8cC3IyHRSVSla_PY2RWOmBRz23n0G-BSb_cd_IMVmiG9-0hgS9L-Xi4FDyFRZ4JTfZa0AowIPaFcAjOBur674hB2XU85seBmq8DWCGPpncG3iU9y267nr5ZFhUc9t3wizQ51lulcP0xlMBvRHWxLEdqHnfFIGOKTBgl-slvv/s2448/20230719_151139.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="2448" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi85rR1ZJGpQ8OT8cC3IyHRSVSla_PY2RWOmBRz23n0G-BSb_cd_IMVmiG9-0hgS9L-Xi4FDyFRZ4JTfZa0AowIPaFcAjOBur674hB2XU85seBmq8DWCGPpncG3iU9y267nr5ZFhUc9t3wizQ51lulcP0xlMBvRHWxLEdqHnfFIGOKTBgl-slvv/w400-h300/20230719_151139.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I was left wondering about the scary tales told by others before our trip. We were told that Pangong Tso being at a <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">much higher altitude than Leh or Nubra valley</span></b>, would be very cold. Not just that; very vivid descriptions of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">cold winds sweeping across the lake and shaking the tents so badly</span></b> that it could fly off. It would be freezing in the tents, was what we were told, so we had made <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a wise choice</span></b> and booked the wooden cabin. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the end of it we were left wondering if a furnace like cabin was better than a cool tent! Mercifully for me, I was <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">kept busy by a few birds</span></b>, just outside our cabin. A pair of <b><span style="color: #38761d;">black redstarts </span></b>were busy gathering feed for a chick in their nest, hidden in a crevice, among the rocks that were used to build the wall. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjJZUPzbsDZ8rsX9ozyflW-U_wylJBQwmUUZOf0WZM-KVHbElFKBIo1xzFZvpYKW86Q9B1_C62FWRU_7jyT3tohfxqEX7ZIy3OBMNek4vE0cA8NMa51oNI7OdYjzX9bGaHKvj9rHglqD5hCMdp81WOHioVpixpGTJ6Le5aOPMHqgUoiWew2eo/s2500/P7192433.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUjJZUPzbsDZ8rsX9ozyflW-U_wylJBQwmUUZOf0WZM-KVHbElFKBIo1xzFZvpYKW86Q9B1_C62FWRU_7jyT3tohfxqEX7ZIy3OBMNek4vE0cA8NMa51oNI7OdYjzX9bGaHKvj9rHglqD5hCMdp81WOHioVpixpGTJ6Le5aOPMHqgUoiWew2eo/w400-h300/P7192433.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEQ8cbzAuwovLnN12Jc5V0v-42VWRZXUUdfAtAAX5uIK6NeqQwIIrqGifkKZkAUGJw-JlYc598mLpZXudRJR_MCDagS_1fCFMgx-sFwshVLAW8l-rGiFbLpLCAuKOZ5P4hzNZPoscrx3kI8-xG5WA5OHlXZpPBWMZTpx-obsfjsz-8RjNphi-/s2500/P7192438.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHEQ8cbzAuwovLnN12Jc5V0v-42VWRZXUUdfAtAAX5uIK6NeqQwIIrqGifkKZkAUGJw-JlYc598mLpZXudRJR_MCDagS_1fCFMgx-sFwshVLAW8l-rGiFbLpLCAuKOZ5P4hzNZPoscrx3kI8-xG5WA5OHlXZpPBWMZTpx-obsfjsz-8RjNphi-/w400-h300/P7192438.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eaOrp0hT39IgnxBpZUuNLTVu4S-EeZz3MgR1pYpRGyGoFZ3MgcVX43fCKqyxqREziEs7vcCdJyemf9KR06leSydaLb9aooPta3RNMg_55SZctnCqC5W7Rt9qfIVgUynZvnqLtbWdop1dzCmkZS9I8J8J4sbvLYKbNOHQxalOmgceiNmWEMhN/s2500/P7192449.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1eaOrp0hT39IgnxBpZUuNLTVu4S-EeZz3MgR1pYpRGyGoFZ3MgcVX43fCKqyxqREziEs7vcCdJyemf9KR06leSydaLb9aooPta3RNMg_55SZctnCqC5W7Rt9qfIVgUynZvnqLtbWdop1dzCmkZS9I8J8J4sbvLYKbNOHQxalOmgceiNmWEMhN/w400-h300/P7192449.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_jnJx1ivxu9ZPf05srGs7FK7q0lqL_4bQoAWrxFEBHNZINiuiWpUwDDI1iWZPPcEhpI8IVR8D7MlF1iaqbNnonbCPcYDWOzC9AO6tTgxQbevcda5ffG84x3osn6i0Hg72swoR83Y4SWRmMMRVRhbplH8b2ZrbNC2ZfmIX8zM64JIN1StgB4l/s2500/P7192485.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_jnJx1ivxu9ZPf05srGs7FK7q0lqL_4bQoAWrxFEBHNZINiuiWpUwDDI1iWZPPcEhpI8IVR8D7MlF1iaqbNnonbCPcYDWOzC9AO6tTgxQbevcda5ffG84x3osn6i0Hg72swoR83Y4SWRmMMRVRhbplH8b2ZrbNC2ZfmIX8zM64JIN1StgB4l/w400-h300/P7192485.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pIemeFqOh2LnANRIcwl9-ZQi9vMAsVFHUq-uS7r8hJBVgbEZ2I4noGYIF60rLKDf3ONxv3RVi4rAQOPPm-j0oNy3z0G6Ml6gJy9sCUF5fBuMOQSkeGjhsmLdFVz37KvMgHVLXxt1vwr0H-Se8KFAQe57aG5X4w4c3XC1LCU-S0nKPci0D9ba/s2500/P7192518.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pIemeFqOh2LnANRIcwl9-ZQi9vMAsVFHUq-uS7r8hJBVgbEZ2I4noGYIF60rLKDf3ONxv3RVi4rAQOPPm-j0oNy3z0G6Ml6gJy9sCUF5fBuMOQSkeGjhsmLdFVz37KvMgHVLXxt1vwr0H-Se8KFAQe57aG5X4w4c3XC1LCU-S0nKPci0D9ba/w400-h300/P7192518.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwQB3krtaGNFlb6_2TgSvjeIM8aLpOOO2tS_6BCPFsEb9jLwzphpTPfwOxQXKeiAcHeQOc2IAIFkRnVS009yOYVcx1gCD-y73e53emLTPUuKb5lRAysu0YPrg-0SvIrU9hzK_RM7Pqm2FCgKy02Sfw9GIcyDVRtOXSvlVWO4gqHzOGLqY3dYH/s2000/P7192522.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLwQB3krtaGNFlb6_2TgSvjeIM8aLpOOO2tS_6BCPFsEb9jLwzphpTPfwOxQXKeiAcHeQOc2IAIFkRnVS009yOYVcx1gCD-y73e53emLTPUuKb5lRAysu0YPrg-0SvIrU9hzK_RM7Pqm2FCgKy02Sfw9GIcyDVRtOXSvlVWO4gqHzOGLqY3dYH/w400-h300/P7192522.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Another <b><span style="color: #38761d;">wagtail juvenile</span></b> was calling for its food. It was the fag end of breeding season and the growing juvenile birds were keeping the parents very busy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimm4EPQgiuPSJcsZj4AJ6UIqTgeC_SRu3whdcbQS5ABjd2HVfGhHK3c9lFdRowvNcD3KbbA6NqQMK7EwtDlIS8z3dmZoLc5AeG0xX77nsge3-XxAydXQrM4L3tSm-6Xs4oE8TPH0FlF8SyWLWJYTHKAoaHo3UWaPJ-7SHMISSUWxhBXokqC5n/s2500/P7192502.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjimm4EPQgiuPSJcsZj4AJ6UIqTgeC_SRu3whdcbQS5ABjd2HVfGhHK3c9lFdRowvNcD3KbbA6NqQMK7EwtDlIS8z3dmZoLc5AeG0xX77nsge3-XxAydXQrM4L3tSm-6Xs4oE8TPH0FlF8SyWLWJYTHKAoaHo3UWaPJ-7SHMISSUWxhBXokqC5n/w400-h300/P7192502.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR72gltFej90mtkeyDuHYze5_loBrxnI0o6X4jiQjRnpWw9D13ZKPb_z1H4u1mdBaHVshz3VYR7pXiNdnmnXAWbaT9MXzjz6WS-MR5a07pQ24voMcm-v0gXtraHYvWwdODaXNpQoE0jWsKL1U2oM4K5Fma-8HuSXNhyfQ-wIMyNfi7Gb3IQrWA/s2500/P7192506.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR72gltFej90mtkeyDuHYze5_loBrxnI0o6X4jiQjRnpWw9D13ZKPb_z1H4u1mdBaHVshz3VYR7pXiNdnmnXAWbaT9MXzjz6WS-MR5a07pQ24voMcm-v0gXtraHYvWwdODaXNpQoE0jWsKL1U2oM4K5Fma-8HuSXNhyfQ-wIMyNfi7Gb3IQrWA/w400-h300/P7192506.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEU-JDOSgV6y0uAtH8jzF4_tX0ah7dhdGK4F_JD3tXAFXsLdjAEr3Gyiu6kcQ5aHUOoCYQVX3i1aqMk9w4-G5jIaKOGoKh6RQFM7EPnNNuKsu6rJnKdrBYxlKJhUln3YQNGKXNniimgWsuEev8z_QddenUzXnz8lllVAR0J2kUhO2XclnC_85H/s2500/P7192637.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEU-JDOSgV6y0uAtH8jzF4_tX0ah7dhdGK4F_JD3tXAFXsLdjAEr3Gyiu6kcQ5aHUOoCYQVX3i1aqMk9w4-G5jIaKOGoKh6RQFM7EPnNNuKsu6rJnKdrBYxlKJhUln3YQNGKXNniimgWsuEev8z_QddenUzXnz8lllVAR0J2kUhO2XclnC_85H/w400-h300/P7192637.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We caught up on sleep and while we slept the sun slipped behind the brooding clouds and allowed <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a quick drop in the temperature</span></b>. Though we knew that our desire for a colourful evening was going to be unfulfilled, we decided to walk down to the edge of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso</span></b>. After all, the highlight was the lake. I carried my photography gear, just in case. We didn't want to trouble Tsewangji. He had been at the wheel since dawn, so we walked down to the lake shore. It was down the slope from our cabins and the walk didn't require any effort. With the clouds gathering over the mountain tops on either side of the lake our <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">hopes for another Milky Way shoot was also fading</span></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcC7mLHPgFxHkfscvIygluszuTwbcED0dkikEqkYc5FYxiCu_t4d_cL-Qy_wJlt7QQ6GX8psyqB1_0oen08-iVsNiNryZDhKsfgR2lnShUYKqNuPHDacPi8bdtI4LcPLBTsFvWHmQqQv9AzeXxHIMWlEXly80A_h75kWMf4ELbX2kFGrS3Exb/s4110/20230719_175838.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2312" data-original-width="4110" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcC7mLHPgFxHkfscvIygluszuTwbcED0dkikEqkYc5FYxiCu_t4d_cL-Qy_wJlt7QQ6GX8psyqB1_0oen08-iVsNiNryZDhKsfgR2lnShUYKqNuPHDacPi8bdtI4LcPLBTsFvWHmQqQv9AzeXxHIMWlEXly80A_h75kWMf4ELbX2kFGrS3Exb/w400-h225/20230719_175838.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k6HtgzX13lAvFXU3pDfVdvl5xkyRekJT4-HLAgqq4TP6XN4DMzIRcxpq8Z1fc9jCFBi_5sXk5Gzo9F2WddefMvDrGj_ybXV4YzBQYlCs4T2GlRhACoKH9hPc_6hu0Hulty6lyO6vaiNbQDysEts6JzOKFCcbIK3XoFzeS2SWg7NVx9N8G5Tx/s4624/20230719_183319.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1k6HtgzX13lAvFXU3pDfVdvl5xkyRekJT4-HLAgqq4TP6XN4DMzIRcxpq8Z1fc9jCFBi_5sXk5Gzo9F2WddefMvDrGj_ybXV4YzBQYlCs4T2GlRhACoKH9hPc_6hu0Hulty6lyO6vaiNbQDysEts6JzOKFCcbIK3XoFzeS2SWg7NVx9N8G5Tx/w400-h225/20230719_183319.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL8lUOTuXBi6fGqLe-rc_fcH6QiU1yqnWZ2TNYNOIDElTUzuoGeuiZo7Lmdg87qvTHc2oaC4NM8geOos7ZSzX-838vKCh18sYKh86a4hXElEWONfmG5vskgG86lNmM_UST1wA5szcI1_Mml6LY2rd0Ud4Vhm16SEQ4H1fg3P351WrlskljVgM/s4624/20230719_180050.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigL8lUOTuXBi6fGqLe-rc_fcH6QiU1yqnWZ2TNYNOIDElTUzuoGeuiZo7Lmdg87qvTHc2oaC4NM8geOos7ZSzX-838vKCh18sYKh86a4hXElEWONfmG5vskgG86lNmM_UST1wA5szcI1_Mml6LY2rd0Ud4Vhm16SEQ4H1fg3P351WrlskljVgM/w400-h225/20230719_180050.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBLDN9MN00AORDRsKCAWWYTIe6q21fyukpJ3qQH6kv51UnA0ff_lGBTYESbDlM-5-7gWpHIBdvyf5v0lZE7QbTrjvNnxDusqXihXaPQntcVJOWgWvqJgtLr_uwl8va0A_LpYt7_DhWnx4X23QSIy9hj5tGBw4ZdaO_nsuG7Ye_84S5H3E3Dqi/s4624/20230719_180129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirBLDN9MN00AORDRsKCAWWYTIe6q21fyukpJ3qQH6kv51UnA0ff_lGBTYESbDlM-5-7gWpHIBdvyf5v0lZE7QbTrjvNnxDusqXihXaPQntcVJOWgWvqJgtLr_uwl8va0A_LpYt7_DhWnx4X23QSIy9hj5tGBw4ZdaO_nsuG7Ye_84S5H3E3Dqi/w400-h225/20230719_180129.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTiIFiR08fti54VZ3E9ezCDbjzaLWh6l3Y_kpAamu3lr10vgbW9zVCYgAoCMzBYxxsunYJ0aDrdFj8faMwl5O5FOrJ9nlBKFfsTEk2jaijEfCO6td73koQTdoXWQZ9l89yHNGu1eEOXuhTlnpcjaP5O-3d0YHBh_AkKMiZQNSjnbkYoPwWHdC/s4624/20230719_183310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxTiIFiR08fti54VZ3E9ezCDbjzaLWh6l3Y_kpAamu3lr10vgbW9zVCYgAoCMzBYxxsunYJ0aDrdFj8faMwl5O5FOrJ9nlBKFfsTEk2jaijEfCO6td73koQTdoXWQZ9l89yHNGu1eEOXuhTlnpcjaP5O-3d0YHBh_AkKMiZQNSjnbkYoPwWHdC/w400-h225/20230719_183310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfCegxQ_OQDGktu1Vt9ue_EE-B8d0oJMfERtk_FI7dEIBYhEwZhcCLKrN_dyJU0eO4M3hDc6wLpSTydCJp4dPANhjq1el0g8oV5PLm9nb769Vm-_FhSSUtu-cxho-UH4kjefgkSk60MUjoCXFjEEi_UiS03xygf_2XH3he2TQalchYGTAY6gb/s4624/20230719_180417.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfCegxQ_OQDGktu1Vt9ue_EE-B8d0oJMfERtk_FI7dEIBYhEwZhcCLKrN_dyJU0eO4M3hDc6wLpSTydCJp4dPANhjq1el0g8oV5PLm9nb769Vm-_FhSSUtu-cxho-UH4kjefgkSk60MUjoCXFjEEi_UiS03xygf_2XH3he2TQalchYGTAY6gb/w400-h225/20230719_180417.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The only consolation was <b><span style="color: #38761d;">a horned lark</span></b>, so called because of the two tufts of feathers on its head that resembles two horns. Like its other feathered companions, it was also gathering food for some hungry chicks in its nest.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXrPt3ox2t72-ERGNIMPL_9idQDyf9s7efta2LV3ry-6O71_5qavwQ_6sV6Cnis-wnGjCvuVEDeT4EGyl5nySRzq7lUzqutIuQm5kf5qjH1fgeGNu8VMoUu-R-pH_8XKXjvQULnIM6cl5XfmKbLKmi8OOpcNm3OUWLhHDH3CKodeF1BYDrIK7/s2500/P7192691.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSXrPt3ox2t72-ERGNIMPL_9idQDyf9s7efta2LV3ry-6O71_5qavwQ_6sV6Cnis-wnGjCvuVEDeT4EGyl5nySRzq7lUzqutIuQm5kf5qjH1fgeGNu8VMoUu-R-pH_8XKXjvQULnIM6cl5XfmKbLKmi8OOpcNm3OUWLhHDH3CKodeF1BYDrIK7/w400-h300/P7192691.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkBoSanmWYQ6oYIx8OkrpaNFhx9Ih23SniKehAN-EpmwBp7NTn2W3nGgt4bTU2JMH4dfm-kPMxNCVrLBFYf05GbXI633J31xWzrJHjE6Fi3f0vHaSXDpgeUHlVNHfGV2_L9RjgrBJNSaOyTet-KnJGKHQUc8Tws26qd8pXUBoN4l-qRRNbMaE/s2500/P7192710.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWkBoSanmWYQ6oYIx8OkrpaNFhx9Ih23SniKehAN-EpmwBp7NTn2W3nGgt4bTU2JMH4dfm-kPMxNCVrLBFYf05GbXI633J31xWzrJHjE6Fi3f0vHaSXDpgeUHlVNHfGV2_L9RjgrBJNSaOyTet-KnJGKHQUc8Tws26qd8pXUBoN4l-qRRNbMaE/w400-h300/P7192710.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S7OW5bIcJ5VqHyWdFzJ0o2d5pbvEaR6dQ-YklFxqtAo6sIaOA9Sk-ykkKAo-QtezGn4mskpbAmYEutH56CgrPba0c71dHNztqIvGIZEdyb6Zlyd7ra93iv8u_l9Dpifp0mkKdqmRNey04Q6vNBBM776S1ad5VAib8oUsjVHd4vsfipeN5DDt/s2500/P7192713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8S7OW5bIcJ5VqHyWdFzJ0o2d5pbvEaR6dQ-YklFxqtAo6sIaOA9Sk-ykkKAo-QtezGn4mskpbAmYEutH56CgrPba0c71dHNztqIvGIZEdyb6Zlyd7ra93iv8u_l9Dpifp0mkKdqmRNey04Q6vNBBM776S1ad5VAib8oUsjVHd4vsfipeN5DDt/w400-h300/P7192713.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Kk9w34RLx3Snrlkk0qQ44Yk1VuQu7OjlFjHa5xBamgkjLLqIG6eH-MLg1M7_IlTkunIshE6jnabzHCW9AFiTODwH-Fh2Nmow8OG0ynw18uNv0HTCJ0k4RpQ2ViOO0jATZmieoWgIU5oHYAooGI68QqEunv-AxZ5894B2HGjqVHYU6TfcULtR/s2500/P7192722.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Kk9w34RLx3Snrlkk0qQ44Yk1VuQu7OjlFjHa5xBamgkjLLqIG6eH-MLg1M7_IlTkunIshE6jnabzHCW9AFiTODwH-Fh2Nmow8OG0ynw18uNv0HTCJ0k4RpQ2ViOO0jATZmieoWgIU5oHYAooGI68QqEunv-AxZ5894B2HGjqVHYU6TfcULtR/w400-h300/P7192722.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlEpbwjMtSWrAAVvt_i2DKKU-yXxTCUJ2-GVCjyMH5eDS9YgOg_9RuLkFvxYWd5aCaVxBMvxrwCr_Ef8zzNg-qyvTtWRcx6NEuTMTqK-54X7wTPNum4MNw-TDufODdsNPFX5LDFr8sP4ZjI-HA0j_wwsYORbJeuo0-_zMMP5dBiMSWE0qSU30/s2500/P7192738.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdlEpbwjMtSWrAAVvt_i2DKKU-yXxTCUJ2-GVCjyMH5eDS9YgOg_9RuLkFvxYWd5aCaVxBMvxrwCr_Ef8zzNg-qyvTtWRcx6NEuTMTqK-54X7wTPNum4MNw-TDufODdsNPFX5LDFr8sP4ZjI-HA0j_wwsYORbJeuo0-_zMMP5dBiMSWE0qSU30/w400-h300/P7192738.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;">Night falls quite late here but the wind was picking up over the lake and it was getting a bit nippy. Our expectation of a colourful sunset was ruined by the clouds. It was more of browns and greys, than blues and shades of orange or pink. Since there wasn't much to do on the lake's edge, we decided to return to our cabin. I wasn't sure if I could make it back on foot. I had my heavy camera bag and the route to the resort was a gentle upward slope. I decided to call for the car. It was almost 7.00 pm anyway, though the skies were still bright.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcgUG0FI5K2jsME1y3GYF4cOBK-fYiZSVi9yNOUoCIWv4LvFCVohRTrYiaha1-CZJk0-ymb1_t_u4SrlA0pG3mzej7DUeHLBkpB8c8E3muSvgFlXZoCke0SgrQBCBVu-NVQe8Q4dhuHnELQXIwxoGr_cXPU728P17OuIolbz68NMXTtXzGc0m/s4478/20230719_183938.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2522" data-original-width="4478" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgcgUG0FI5K2jsME1y3GYF4cOBK-fYiZSVi9yNOUoCIWv4LvFCVohRTrYiaha1-CZJk0-ymb1_t_u4SrlA0pG3mzej7DUeHLBkpB8c8E3muSvgFlXZoCke0SgrQBCBVu-NVQe8Q4dhuHnELQXIwxoGr_cXPU728P17OuIolbz68NMXTtXzGc0m/w400-h225/20230719_183938.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6BNsD6LRi5_6ZqumqDooeFOSR6Ya1tyzWwuYcU6zqBdWomDGdYHNQW5rfBJsqAmmKr-WjHXwqse8_TWcPnhI2LparvWyHCEce4OkOwo6yOMbV5QvmtNVAKAlA8uEpsG2Yxfq-1xi2bsHb2Dq_SGC2ncGb3Q9MoTYTzsg0tXsglUig4MPOW9u/s4624/20230719_185436.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii6BNsD6LRi5_6ZqumqDooeFOSR6Ya1tyzWwuYcU6zqBdWomDGdYHNQW5rfBJsqAmmKr-WjHXwqse8_TWcPnhI2LparvWyHCEce4OkOwo6yOMbV5QvmtNVAKAlA8uEpsG2Yxfq-1xi2bsHb2Dq_SGC2ncGb3Q9MoTYTzsg0tXsglUig4MPOW9u/w400-h225/20230719_185436.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bp5SGGZdItkWfIlPZ07tCC8i5lOARzfaS7XYqLcN2KPWeuftT4AP8gngPfVQVh9dQ3CG0efnjFevlmpZULG2X-89sd4czmpeCJwfSxkp0ICTalRytquTbbhOzR5gRLplhxvjd8siNsvh9e6bn2t4r8O50w0uK_bUg2Bf9bz_Y7zdUyGCVyWY/s4176/20230719_185445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2363" data-original-width="4176" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4bp5SGGZdItkWfIlPZ07tCC8i5lOARzfaS7XYqLcN2KPWeuftT4AP8gngPfVQVh9dQ3CG0efnjFevlmpZULG2X-89sd4czmpeCJwfSxkp0ICTalRytquTbbhOzR5gRLplhxvjd8siNsvh9e6bn2t4r8O50w0uK_bUg2Bf9bz_Y7zdUyGCVyWY/w400-h226/20230719_185445.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> At a half past seven it was still bright. The Milky Way would appear only a little after 9.00 PM. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz15Zc2L1CwGR3YGQ0CbQbWUPuWfAsiw7yx-U00VD-qVXiAJ39Y3IxvIFlB_T24Nk63YBL9KNhwc6SbQpFZaF3SAo8mZJOj6YudC46CMYzPAc0zXOypkLZKWJE4Te4S8e5jLX3_SKnPVJ1k7c9sVWOmedHcN3OMXMi2T7tSmwiUQqanzrgEMf/s4624/20230719_192947.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMz15Zc2L1CwGR3YGQ0CbQbWUPuWfAsiw7yx-U00VD-qVXiAJ39Y3IxvIFlB_T24Nk63YBL9KNhwc6SbQpFZaF3SAo8mZJOj6YudC46CMYzPAc0zXOypkLZKWJE4Te4S8e5jLX3_SKnPVJ1k7c9sVWOmedHcN3OMXMi2T7tSmwiUQqanzrgEMf/w400-h225/20230719_192947.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Finally it became sufficiently dark by 8.00 PM so we decided to go across to the dining area for dinner. We were all set for another round of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">astrophotography</span></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOmEOCV8mD-GQJAmRf_5zli91egewUnSmn7QdwucRWwqkyTUjGjSogAubPJuit04UztBznNRCO1V7-QJWxEgpv6NoTCMDcoAmynTmwJRbE5Lhmk2dEs9RmqEwUCrKgBbJvdGClbZrlRRVDLLhZDpLVP8Fc-r-kgA6vEyHpHDxawag-jctHvaR/s4624/20230719_200226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoOmEOCV8mD-GQJAmRf_5zli91egewUnSmn7QdwucRWwqkyTUjGjSogAubPJuit04UztBznNRCO1V7-QJWxEgpv6NoTCMDcoAmynTmwJRbE5Lhmk2dEs9RmqEwUCrKgBbJvdGClbZrlRRVDLLhZDpLVP8Fc-r-kgA6vEyHpHDxawag-jctHvaR/w400-h225/20230719_200226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx0WM32l5K-26Bkc9WRMHKkSFKeUwrumh5ypmpP749C2QsMCF_JU2pAsZbmglgvKcGNL6CHL2564DIsn3FONHd2wXsKMYsqyTC-QwVWuq0RzKzw_RT-5BA75stSvaQJBnWhgGNDdVbb7BQiOuJW64uZfFAxkDLco8pLzfCavtrzXI4MqKWL9O/s4624/20230719_211149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxx0WM32l5K-26Bkc9WRMHKkSFKeUwrumh5ypmpP749C2QsMCF_JU2pAsZbmglgvKcGNL6CHL2564DIsn3FONHd2wXsKMYsqyTC-QwVWuq0RzKzw_RT-5BA75stSvaQJBnWhgGNDdVbb7BQiOuJW64uZfFAxkDLco8pLzfCavtrzXI4MqKWL9O/w400-h225/20230719_211149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">By nine we realised the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">true meaning of teeth rattling cold</span></b>. Despite the clouds that was obscuring the sky partially, we managed to get some shots of the Milky Way again, though it wasn't as good as the ones from <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Terith</span></b>. Besides the clouds, the lights in the resort and surrounding buildings were causing <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">light pollution</span></b>. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAl-ijoOUeHkkAOVW106WS7yPvcDFv1HAL805AQWw8LcJvR4bbzWua21J9gB7NRBnvIuv8fnx5kWS_evdIMPkDkIw9-Jh-DUa-Rp-DRH1XQr8GtDcsHNmPQZY5v9ZvGvbGuE-8cIxFw52Fpk-jI9zBggmIkCh8Zq21BZVMU7RqreBTsLMjPwi/s3000/P7192799.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIAl-ijoOUeHkkAOVW106WS7yPvcDFv1HAL805AQWw8LcJvR4bbzWua21J9gB7NRBnvIuv8fnx5kWS_evdIMPkDkIw9-Jh-DUa-Rp-DRH1XQr8GtDcsHNmPQZY5v9ZvGvbGuE-8cIxFw52Fpk-jI9zBggmIkCh8Zq21BZVMU7RqreBTsLMjPwi/w400-h300/P7192799.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2uPdeINxk-EHCZkqAduP2KOkYz_NOVGVs2pPwsTBz2lU8vJKKDN6Dk2t8XhqOttjaJSFGbGQ2wGzH4PNnCXwxHPK7j8KAsX5IJlxm-oS6lJC_z9e_37LyT6Z-Hne8p87Gbubeo6f_xIWNJWdzSnQVXqCzNheFTjBIyTv8_J1SyvUaWcCESuZ/s2508/P7192801.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1881" data-original-width="2508" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG2uPdeINxk-EHCZkqAduP2KOkYz_NOVGVs2pPwsTBz2lU8vJKKDN6Dk2t8XhqOttjaJSFGbGQ2wGzH4PNnCXwxHPK7j8KAsX5IJlxm-oS6lJC_z9e_37LyT6Z-Hne8p87Gbubeo6f_xIWNJWdzSnQVXqCzNheFTjBIyTv8_J1SyvUaWcCESuZ/w400-h300/P7192801.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchah7nrR8d5ywhmI1P4DQKXTMn2s4UBqW1C5kzaa5Asn2dOlPnTnvByZYimJyLK3_wsJoy1kv_U5kWoI4pod2mgmVBSI7NgvZlu93Hlwz7N7d777MHdjp54qh2F92vI1cH23XCnF259RAOthUWeUF_RKHdMW2jgh-SFtcSyTiLaBqnC00x1Xi/s2400/P7192806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="1800" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchah7nrR8d5ywhmI1P4DQKXTMn2s4UBqW1C5kzaa5Asn2dOlPnTnvByZYimJyLK3_wsJoy1kv_U5kWoI4pod2mgmVBSI7NgvZlu93Hlwz7N7d777MHdjp54qh2F92vI1cH23XCnF259RAOthUWeUF_RKHdMW2jgh-SFtcSyTiLaBqnC00x1Xi/w300-h400/P7192806.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYgf0ZZJW0GPl2DRUMmng3T_Y5aBSuG5vgKpmuUDH0sstpaNqYsCyhkbccAea6FNfuXfxgj9HSaHK-bpb2BVdMylIaO4aloOx0LqbQShxPCqoc43WCf5MrG1WzsY72dc8YQwt-VBwhyh_RqU47wxHVsnQjnLZbf2FkaLI62Fc5gCwoFOTX4Pr/s2500/P7192810.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFYgf0ZZJW0GPl2DRUMmng3T_Y5aBSuG5vgKpmuUDH0sstpaNqYsCyhkbccAea6FNfuXfxgj9HSaHK-bpb2BVdMylIaO4aloOx0LqbQShxPCqoc43WCf5MrG1WzsY72dc8YQwt-VBwhyh_RqU47wxHVsnQjnLZbf2FkaLI62Fc5gCwoFOTX4Pr/w400-h300/P7192810.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vk10GLvyAUQgimE-ei47qIyInZgKPztgi541uhwGNjMLhpm0pEXwc7pOiC5yTBC6pJnYtJDr8c1mc_i__3RDHow9FsHu1i-asLJW9Cjd0_iPyRYRO11CmlqEUimvNd42trqQKWCpr5kPatPl_y1ucu4zqnLqFqfDcY3wnOoScsagSZEARhE9/s2500/P7192796.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7vk10GLvyAUQgimE-ei47qIyInZgKPztgi541uhwGNjMLhpm0pEXwc7pOiC5yTBC6pJnYtJDr8c1mc_i__3RDHow9FsHu1i-asLJW9Cjd0_iPyRYRO11CmlqEUimvNd42trqQKWCpr5kPatPl_y1ucu4zqnLqFqfDcY3wnOoScsagSZEARhE9/w400-h300/P7192796.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Milky Way over Pangong</span></b> wasn't so impressive because of the ambient light and the cloudy sky but we could take pride that <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">we had managed to shoot the galaxy from two of three locations in Ladakh</span></b>. It was a quarter past ten and the atmosphere outside the cabin was getting uncomfortably cold. It seemed a good idea to hit the bed. We had another drive the next day; to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tso Kar and the black necked cranes</span></b>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/10/ladakh-life-lessons-part-11-road-to.html" target="_blank">Link to the previous post</a></b> is here</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-21725797123132534712023-10-26T10:42:00.007+05:302023-10-26T11:17:17.269+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 11: Road to Pangong Tso<p> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">19th July 2023. 6.30 AM to 2.00 PM</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Terith - Agham - Durbuk - Tangtse - Chilam - Harong - Muglib - Spangmik</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">The next stop in a typical itinerary is the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso lake</span></b>. This high altitude lake, located at an altitude of around <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">14,000 feet (4250 metres)</span></b>, is a salt water lake that straddles the disputed territory between India and China. The lake is around 130 kilometres long, extending from Ladakh in the east to Tibet in the west. About a third of it is in India and the rest in Tibet. About 10% east of the LAC is the disputed territory. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>To reach this lake there are <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">two options</span></b>. You can <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">drive from Leh</span></b> (about 160 kms) on a day trip which is what most<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #274e13;">people who go to Nubra valley and return to Leh</span></b>, usually do on the next day. The downside of a day trip is that you'll be able to spend only a couple of hours at the lake, during the hottest part of the day. The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">best time at Pangong Tso is around sunrise and sunset</span></b>, when the lake goes through various shifting colours. To enjoy that, a night's stay is an absolute must. (I credit this idea to <b><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/CkVOYF9KxXu/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank">my friend Lijo</a></b>, who travelled through Ladakh on a scooter!) So, a better option, if you are driving from Leh, is to stay over and return the next day. In any case, a one way trip itself takes about 5 to 6 hours <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">over the Chang La pass,</span></b> so if you are doing a day trip, you will be on the road all day.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>The other option, for people who travel to Nubra valley from Leh, is to <b><span style="color: #274e13;"><span>drive directly from Diskit or Terith,</span> to Pangong</span></b>. It is about the same distance and will also take about 6 hours. When you drive directly from Nubra valley, you save on taxi fare as the extra distance traveling back to Leh and then going to Pangong Tso next day, is avoided. Also an additional night stay at Leh can be reserved for a stay in Pangong. The only problem was that the usual road from Diskit was undergoing up-gradation, so we had to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">drive over a non-existent road </span></b></i><i>literally.</i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since this was our option, Tsewangji had told us that we'd have to leave early. Other drivers had told him about the road going underwater as the heat melted the snow faster as the day progressed. We knew then, that we were in for an exciting drive so we got breakfast packed and left our resort at 6.30 AM. A few kilometres after our resort, we got onto a track than ran on the opposite bank, parallel to the river. Instead of crossing the Shyok towards Khalsar, we took the road that ran along the northern bank of the river, towards <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Rongdu</span></b>.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoWDTrFAUYm21mc_K-jMcuEBDmlRHfVsqTs5n8YIhQ8VeqBfFQNnq6DpMvIuA-zkHPEseGTEu0PVNFKf44vtlO9mQZUc8N39rGmYveXisGhqYRnc9nq7pyDataALtLQbOuf1YtpYFEMNroV51EQSlgBcUwrnBKzRMNvpjUmngV7HdGJPYuxN3/s4624/20230719_071321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPoWDTrFAUYm21mc_K-jMcuEBDmlRHfVsqTs5n8YIhQ8VeqBfFQNnq6DpMvIuA-zkHPEseGTEu0PVNFKf44vtlO9mQZUc8N39rGmYveXisGhqYRnc9nq7pyDataALtLQbOuf1YtpYFEMNroV51EQSlgBcUwrnBKzRMNvpjUmngV7HdGJPYuxN3/w400-h225/20230719_071321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2RFsBM9f8IJjq4P_-baDX-LBvt-EqkB39l33RAEX5HA5XDpW9f94zNF0agJ7fg_JHZq8s0CUu-yJEvynxgH1_JV8VPq5Jq6UnXgln4pX6OK1YLfPsLl-YDtZ3ekBM41FRJ-KJ0510QHI39xS1OqQ57A1O_V1TJmu71RSlazTLAzgnHqH13KB/s4624/20230719_071324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE2RFsBM9f8IJjq4P_-baDX-LBvt-EqkB39l33RAEX5HA5XDpW9f94zNF0agJ7fg_JHZq8s0CUu-yJEvynxgH1_JV8VPq5Jq6UnXgln4pX6OK1YLfPsLl-YDtZ3ekBM41FRJ-KJ0510QHI39xS1OqQ57A1O_V1TJmu71RSlazTLAzgnHqH13KB/w400-h225/20230719_071324.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzRku94Ol8hk9RP8qKVi_8lTRA_zJpyZvuTzKe8AxmEILOWkM38oszdjXRmvv6oJgVs2wpXIXdxvEG2try_MxhchtRM3gn3xvVIYPTVA7KiiyxVZHasj4uvC4II04fcymJ8Y7LwM2Qp6kizkLcvqGgzwgy4SlPlJvuW4cJa_wcChPpuJOqWwa/s4624/20230719_071345.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOzRku94Ol8hk9RP8qKVi_8lTRA_zJpyZvuTzKe8AxmEILOWkM38oszdjXRmvv6oJgVs2wpXIXdxvEG2try_MxhchtRM3gn3xvVIYPTVA7KiiyxVZHasj4uvC4II04fcymJ8Y7LwM2Qp6kizkLcvqGgzwgy4SlPlJvuW4cJa_wcChPpuJOqWwa/w400-h225/20230719_071345.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><span style="text-align: justify;">The day we were travelling, the rain seemed to be holding back. The only problem was that it would get really hot as we neared Pangong Tso. There were patches of exposed asphalt but in most places the road was covered in sand. We were in for a surprise though. Our experience at the Hunder dunes had been a tad disappointing. A little after, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tsati village</span></b>, we found more dunes on the road edges! This time, they were totally </span>undisturbed. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CgUa9wXJGP-JPN2r3vr_li8BASrNTqcipPYXqFLbF0N3JP9yo60XXMrH7pvdONh623IeqMM-eXD7DgQAtZXYLz95XnMP4-6qOlEHE_XWpmGOwVgN4qnIcmVz3BqMQ_5lUICAHkEMKuekWUXtrsE13aVeAloCB0WiKHic330QzwyE3lm3nf4b/s4624/20230719_074048.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2CgUa9wXJGP-JPN2r3vr_li8BASrNTqcipPYXqFLbF0N3JP9yo60XXMrH7pvdONh623IeqMM-eXD7DgQAtZXYLz95XnMP4-6qOlEHE_XWpmGOwVgN4qnIcmVz3BqMQ_5lUICAHkEMKuekWUXtrsE13aVeAloCB0WiKHic330QzwyE3lm3nf4b/w400-h225/20230719_074048.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp31dZHZh2cwaFuHVn3sdeTwm68FbWCtsKyH-LBqPAzW9lHkH9vMtnZBcHDPXqDVwDojNSq1ui_ONcpLblh5OnjqHjkyVRxwA9k1AFD4voKp1wC1-1BnneG4niT6YMtWrHGyNmYKaC2g-Mn1TAVxftVYXsOUmAT6yW-BLs6ctj_jpykRrlWol/s3264/20230719_074114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzp31dZHZh2cwaFuHVn3sdeTwm68FbWCtsKyH-LBqPAzW9lHkH9vMtnZBcHDPXqDVwDojNSq1ui_ONcpLblh5OnjqHjkyVRxwA9k1AFD4voKp1wC1-1BnneG4niT6YMtWrHGyNmYKaC2g-Mn1TAVxftVYXsOUmAT6yW-BLs6ctj_jpykRrlWol/w400-h225/20230719_074114.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD69DEcvjlYK8gkm7ch0Ptm9Q7B7GMUbrNnBfIF7C6wqf5NUFbFlzO-JF9URC8nbD1VVn46EIJBAYjrtdXq3CHNJ6yfmJSi38SwnZlmpgO7mXD15sRdmt0ogX6G1R21kWWXR6JM85tR9lJ2LTVg0eKwK5aMHMBJhPFyfNTbSRJjvI3nxnzFVH6/s3264/20230719_074124.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD69DEcvjlYK8gkm7ch0Ptm9Q7B7GMUbrNnBfIF7C6wqf5NUFbFlzO-JF9URC8nbD1VVn46EIJBAYjrtdXq3CHNJ6yfmJSi38SwnZlmpgO7mXD15sRdmt0ogX6G1R21kWWXR6JM85tR9lJ2LTVg0eKwK5aMHMBJhPFyfNTbSRJjvI3nxnzFVH6/w400-h225/20230719_074124.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwPAY1g1MBzjgfhOBlT2HBMGycC1haDdV-yOSGBGJTRtchJ7ZTkLORGnPMuC6V8C215it-Te9o3HJDMkqj-Zr6RCAQfV1v9ozukkpHYzCodcCLAZ43mi76fbjqO_hP7FhyphenhyphenBCg0fSo4-YEXjmOmZ-sWk5tE3GSQT-DNrrRYlIgj3R9XElO72Qu/s3264/20230719_074141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFwPAY1g1MBzjgfhOBlT2HBMGycC1haDdV-yOSGBGJTRtchJ7ZTkLORGnPMuC6V8C215it-Te9o3HJDMkqj-Zr6RCAQfV1v9ozukkpHYzCodcCLAZ43mi76fbjqO_hP7FhyphenhyphenBCg0fSo4-YEXjmOmZ-sWk5tE3GSQT-DNrrRYlIgj3R9XElO72Qu/w400-h225/20230719_074141.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjyGLPJTcVxcTsoFH4xt7brB-pLmC8cuueYYZvNv48gtipbyALarhxRs-GMQu_VvoRdaxHg2klxAfGwYlotRnay5-cJVswH70mz7icPc0mKRDCufi-IUHUajnu45kRbBapB-Tb46pj7r5fW46cD2CRVzE6lTogSKJFJmP8OpXrpW2gT2PfqCd/s4624/20230719_074148.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjyGLPJTcVxcTsoFH4xt7brB-pLmC8cuueYYZvNv48gtipbyALarhxRs-GMQu_VvoRdaxHg2klxAfGwYlotRnay5-cJVswH70mz7icPc0mKRDCufi-IUHUajnu45kRbBapB-Tb46pj7r5fW46cD2CRVzE6lTogSKJFJmP8OpXrpW2gT2PfqCd/w400-h225/20230719_074148.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Progress, on the road that was playing hide-and-seek with us, was relatively slow. The clouds were still hovering above us but the absence of rain was a relief. For now, the fear of being held up by the rising waters of the river was dissipating.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5M64Z76_2N3VyhRFDQku85__OdNA2BNQriB3SHbBUoUVPpmbX6yRfxqqwv5ZUMqe9-3OhmB4gvPx0xbOpTq99NkOk8gGlQBKs7JKr-ijC9iVZutSK7AxDYF94Bs1uwH3D37f1VCJXrrfxFJgcqzGBzyrxF7Q_PvgmU1zpq8s4-8_JLLHLZSA/s4624/20230719_074159.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk5M64Z76_2N3VyhRFDQku85__OdNA2BNQriB3SHbBUoUVPpmbX6yRfxqqwv5ZUMqe9-3OhmB4gvPx0xbOpTq99NkOk8gGlQBKs7JKr-ijC9iVZutSK7AxDYF94Bs1uwH3D37f1VCJXrrfxFJgcqzGBzyrxF7Q_PvgmU1zpq8s4-8_JLLHLZSA/w400-h225/20230719_074159.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-btJGlL5m5mJIoAgEyYhBzKFQBrZJINZwPsDjlPCzu3rJ6_Ezt61vJPEEgE9W7d4cJ2cycuHaEwq48dRX37xWvZJ7IOoECSrNNkHDWHqyYoavVHw8nP_KDfN8WnA0hQf03LLPK7dCrCGBijV6j59TKF078TPK4y82YkmRd9caCHv9aE1Q6cM/s4624/20230719_074213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6-btJGlL5m5mJIoAgEyYhBzKFQBrZJINZwPsDjlPCzu3rJ6_Ezt61vJPEEgE9W7d4cJ2cycuHaEwq48dRX37xWvZJ7IOoECSrNNkHDWHqyYoavVHw8nP_KDfN8WnA0hQf03LLPK7dCrCGBijV6j59TKF078TPK4y82YkmRd9caCHv9aE1Q6cM/w400-h225/20230719_074213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXC1mzDQesHcwGbEAUIEkOCwRWDGD5xdnpaATzF7Aw9RuQXcS4LA_s1Al-Yd9Wgc6-bpNbg9mzUzYo33AQnajqhqhg_ETHQkEV2x4SUfHv9c5ySb-RN4rL9o3p0Ev66cX993z0olOojrtGwJc23J00-GGnHiai2xnffpBQAsUp-xvymA9II6s/s4624/20230719_075823.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdXC1mzDQesHcwGbEAUIEkOCwRWDGD5xdnpaATzF7Aw9RuQXcS4LA_s1Al-Yd9Wgc6-bpNbg9mzUzYo33AQnajqhqhg_ETHQkEV2x4SUfHv9c5ySb-RN4rL9o3p0Ev66cX993z0olOojrtGwJc23J00-GGnHiai2xnffpBQAsUp-xvymA9II6s/w400-h225/20230719_075823.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The landscape was awesome, reminding me of the Wild West in Clint Eastwood movies but without the Stetson clad cowboys. It was a real contrast to the greenery that we were used to at home. No trees were visible for miles. The only greenery being the short thorny shrubs, herbs and grass. It was only along the river banks, around small villages and hamlets that trees were seen growing. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTL6jstHM73HWic580y0JMNrNr15_wQJlvW0BYO51T2c0QopIAev-UgpLCGl5dWeadz4JVftjZvhNQoO9_7MkckeKdnK6LIBoylcIlc7DoebGOdtLxk5mJfTTecj83K42y2r6fBXKBGIKSFSBTmmEIcb0T9_iwin3LJt2xRV667Bvfv0OZ9Pa/s4624/20230719_080238.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTL6jstHM73HWic580y0JMNrNr15_wQJlvW0BYO51T2c0QopIAev-UgpLCGl5dWeadz4JVftjZvhNQoO9_7MkckeKdnK6LIBoylcIlc7DoebGOdtLxk5mJfTTecj83K42y2r6fBXKBGIKSFSBTmmEIcb0T9_iwin3LJt2xRV667Bvfv0OZ9Pa/w400-h225/20230719_080238.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2KMV_dp2aZXYL7hJTUApBHtFPLZKlqojyy5vBnG2fssGlmGEkaX665HxQhaRRm1Jt93FvVzEAHLqrf1JJKxEJP2eOYCV05Vb1RL7Gd1TUTAZ3Szr2f2JCyftFMJhr9MPqHUZ5YCvKOctcDRHrEicHJVxw_Rph2N-7t4l_c24AuzQS3kczInl/s4624/20230719_080529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS2KMV_dp2aZXYL7hJTUApBHtFPLZKlqojyy5vBnG2fssGlmGEkaX665HxQhaRRm1Jt93FvVzEAHLqrf1JJKxEJP2eOYCV05Vb1RL7Gd1TUTAZ3Szr2f2JCyftFMJhr9MPqHUZ5YCvKOctcDRHrEicHJVxw_Rph2N-7t4l_c24AuzQS3kczInl/w400-h225/20230719_080529.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-oP5OItId6EscSgjxf9bkeL69i7zCtQOYoXxM2aunWFQu5Dc8id3tncft8JQlSR9e2WROvraqdDnHfxT65ZmEWBxfJYdGPsPUVJWZ8o8aB8pCFnFJqqamOmTGzyUA_uyNmhLcVM3qTQPN4U7wkaN_S9Krs4gTd67hZKm9YjE25L3ozLmMEfE/s4624/20230719_081031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-oP5OItId6EscSgjxf9bkeL69i7zCtQOYoXxM2aunWFQu5Dc8id3tncft8JQlSR9e2WROvraqdDnHfxT65ZmEWBxfJYdGPsPUVJWZ8o8aB8pCFnFJqqamOmTGzyUA_uyNmhLcVM3qTQPN4U7wkaN_S9Krs4gTd67hZKm9YjE25L3ozLmMEfE/w400-h225/20230719_081031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Eventually, just <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">before Rongdu</span></b>, the road split. The one going straight goes to Rongdu and the one going right, over the Shyok would reach Agham. Luckily there was a bridge across the Shyok so the crossing was easy. We had planned to stop near Agham for breakfast as a tea would be welcome after a long bumpy drive. The guys at the hotel were kind enough to let us use their furniture to eat breakfast. It was getting warm so we also got some cold drinks to carry on the rest of the journey.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After Agham the road disappeared altogether. It was only rubble. The work on the new road didn't spare the old one. It was dug up and in the process of being freshly laid. Luckily traffic wasn't heavy so while we were raising dust behind us, we were not made to eat other's dust!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKGAdg9mxQD1JAsgKjNhdAEkyRpPQLClnQmE1EYWeVkZ-lrjBXj8ZVAXVESYQ5LMbRNCHwxfgUuEInCq6rnEkqJVycXMNtTbZ_Z-G2qsfK2lBRHdKt00Kf5zxwtnsaMmCpePXxYK05OBA0T78GCrLEyK1JQCRA2gnn_CTlIEu6cKd2Jr_i8bR/s4624/20230719_090243.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivKGAdg9mxQD1JAsgKjNhdAEkyRpPQLClnQmE1EYWeVkZ-lrjBXj8ZVAXVESYQ5LMbRNCHwxfgUuEInCq6rnEkqJVycXMNtTbZ_Z-G2qsfK2lBRHdKt00Kf5zxwtnsaMmCpePXxYK05OBA0T78GCrLEyK1JQCRA2gnn_CTlIEu6cKd2Jr_i8bR/w400-h225/20230719_090243.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx_WEClJoVYQeLRYv1HW0ESuNH3oHcMhgp67sa8lxB3poOd6OrhQ5v6iHp_pJmV97kPNcWw9iwkDrkGuSVc6u1xaxEKWtLImE0GGPZGKlm2BFRZO1L8UC9FRxuXhyDPTjQo_Lg1Vw4uppwQ3H1YLbku-Sc_Yj3k4YGe6K3qChtmJZywW-BVE9/s4624/20230719_090555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAx_WEClJoVYQeLRYv1HW0ESuNH3oHcMhgp67sa8lxB3poOd6OrhQ5v6iHp_pJmV97kPNcWw9iwkDrkGuSVc6u1xaxEKWtLImE0GGPZGKlm2BFRZO1L8UC9FRxuXhyDPTjQo_Lg1Vw4uppwQ3H1YLbku-Sc_Yj3k4YGe6K3qChtmJZywW-BVE9/w400-h225/20230719_090555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGnUiXA4_Qk_OELe6LyuKH2HtkTsJPG6ECgYt5R5-glNvlRN7OsaLXgUpZoVFsrDgY53IqDmfIvaFTcLlMeCBwRNVHeVeTfB0pAn5_HPo1vHrNkdCKdFsUSacfRx46gFyW-rJ81rOwZ83IGm_3RDHVWWR5NeNW_-Xk2cGFLll1edR3t8z0yDy/s4624/20230719_090605.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisGnUiXA4_Qk_OELe6LyuKH2HtkTsJPG6ECgYt5R5-glNvlRN7OsaLXgUpZoVFsrDgY53IqDmfIvaFTcLlMeCBwRNVHeVeTfB0pAn5_HPo1vHrNkdCKdFsUSacfRx46gFyW-rJ81rOwZ83IGm_3RDHVWWR5NeNW_-Xk2cGFLll1edR3t8z0yDy/w400-h225/20230719_090605.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"> </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRpAyxiGQwjykagGERWuBfiLPTAVhpege5qU-JYvCXCjlEkisd7leFHLsh1vqlR5rxi7SOe1lu-K9hjR6T5kCAOQLZp1JXQ-Kg-R-hMinKksaM2vVVSHw68ShILckaourerpZC-4sJxWqz99Ux-GdRaFjNlCvzedcrS1mzs0-y1x9I4th716x/s4624/20230719_091555.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwRpAyxiGQwjykagGERWuBfiLPTAVhpege5qU-JYvCXCjlEkisd7leFHLsh1vqlR5rxi7SOe1lu-K9hjR6T5kCAOQLZp1JXQ-Kg-R-hMinKksaM2vVVSHw68ShILckaourerpZC-4sJxWqz99Ux-GdRaFjNlCvzedcrS1mzs0-y1x9I4th716x/w400-h225/20230719_091555.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /> The muddy water's of the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Shyok</span></b> was flowing alongside of us towards the Nubra Valley. It <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">was looking menacing</span></b> and we didn't want to be stuck somewhere unable to cross it. As the sun warmed up the landscape, our imagination was also running wild. The waters of the Shyok seemed to be rising each passing minute!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_X5ftB8Nxi0ejvEqln-uYlhGaB45uKPD3dDdcjsX6DJGmoByt_K1cs59yYGS1LTzqZ8SL9X4a8VW47vOdmF1FizVTeyf6JkBg2tJZwT9wN0KguQGB1BVt3wFff6DYr_v543zPg8iupgoSDoIV-jOzEEgvOr_Noz32vTRCgSoFR-F-kcN4JJa/s4624/20230719_091033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF_X5ftB8Nxi0ejvEqln-uYlhGaB45uKPD3dDdcjsX6DJGmoByt_K1cs59yYGS1LTzqZ8SL9X4a8VW47vOdmF1FizVTeyf6JkBg2tJZwT9wN0KguQGB1BVt3wFff6DYr_v543zPg8iupgoSDoIV-jOzEEgvOr_Noz32vTRCgSoFR-F-kcN4JJa/w400-h225/20230719_091033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yqT76Tal2uR_SR2uKKQo-GuAhFEF8NmPy97i7zN09j0tZjk4svyyx3ypl7N1C-dYcnRLYvT6__riUhpINGQrJMjxAj69voNV0aNW-9tSrgRO4TooyqGjSZwI_SqbOjBwpIkUf-goe3kwqdkM_6odHK7-FOUfXrkJBbaamez8Zfd5GSnaWAvb/s4624/20230719_091844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8yqT76Tal2uR_SR2uKKQo-GuAhFEF8NmPy97i7zN09j0tZjk4svyyx3ypl7N1C-dYcnRLYvT6__riUhpINGQrJMjxAj69voNV0aNW-9tSrgRO4TooyqGjSZwI_SqbOjBwpIkUf-goe3kwqdkM_6odHK7-FOUfXrkJBbaamez8Zfd5GSnaWAvb/w400-h225/20230719_091844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pJdE7fW5wi4Cny8oWOVZ0VSupk-WyR3z62wS9akO_Ag4CZe6WXZUGT5fMO2_jQpGmqu4Q_8jcZpTvHMnGf_712XIgYZ5xaxUIod7I6DloAN3xHq2LCe5R3tV_V_uIMn95Ku-jAwPS3YmaUFEn63R39XNfTG4TerIqd31JQYQQOIEFIk8BoxY/s4624/20230719_092648.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3pJdE7fW5wi4Cny8oWOVZ0VSupk-WyR3z62wS9akO_Ag4CZe6WXZUGT5fMO2_jQpGmqu4Q_8jcZpTvHMnGf_712XIgYZ5xaxUIod7I6DloAN3xHq2LCe5R3tV_V_uIMn95Ku-jAwPS3YmaUFEn63R39XNfTG4TerIqd31JQYQQOIEFIk8BoxY/w400-h225/20230719_092648.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The road was still winding along the river, matching its twists and turns till we reached an area where the two ranges of the mountains closed in around us. It was not the most comfortable experience with boulders strewn on either side. On our left, the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">walls of loose rock and sand threatened to come down</span></b> any minute. This feeling was reinforced after we crossed the road gang of the <span style="color: #38761d;"><b>Border Roads Organisation (BRO)</b></span> clearing up recently fallen rocks! </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxOqv-kBnOMrTn3xx_5xU1DRlc03pWv9G8tm1a9MSRBXvjMazRm_vWnFYPiElibqKtvl2gyKRQX4cE' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Eventually, the road again crossed the river and moved to the opposite side. Here it was almost in the middle of the river so the threat of falling rock was not there anymore.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwt_0Lo_cFVaCrQ3BXTwR1nHJJnRJYY5mfJdLbhTWg2spA0iEx8-0BtI-yP9yZJtq1bYdS6ZguJMSY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">The joy, however, was short lived! The flowing water had done its worst. We had to make our own road because <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the asphalted road was nowhere to be seen</span></b>. It was covered with tons of rock and flowing water!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxhejCkEJLRq5LKWjDSNl9uFopKKGieq_rgK_um08otR8S1IWfO3b_vxX-u4fHeegP-btMvcaVL2-M' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyrIbtFmJwel3fVL_UFOO8FvY3flvAA5jNypnquO3TRVMtrNGl5jRTo7qaleyjqTU5b3lQtI8HWxUw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">wasn't an easy drive</span></b> but it certainly was one hell of an experience. We were glad that we had the fortune to hire <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tsewangji's</span></b> taxi. He was a <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">really cool and unruffled character</span></b>. He wouldn't go scrambling across the rocks hastily. He got off the car to inspect the track ahead before his tyres crossed that stretch. We realized the value of having a driver like him when <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">we ran across a stranded car</span></b>. It seemed that the driver, in an adventurous mood, decided to go over some submerged rocks without first checking if it was possible! His rear tyres were now floating without touching the ground as his car had dug its rear wheels among the slippery rocks, and had bottomed out.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOcQCdQe8ulw3tEKAAiTTxoqLY5OJzqphwChs0fsCCZ-C5lrnSrUPSzXsdcdB4-D3wN7dkMspk34gbjeEfUrRA-4oaSOB4tKkcTBePFxJnw4xXrJDkcSkmTyarxBjylpoPU6c_yf3xTB1BdtNhLR6UQZan1BmpHIcrAPPuXAGtpJn-PdYUzuy/s4624/20230719_102653.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEOcQCdQe8ulw3tEKAAiTTxoqLY5OJzqphwChs0fsCCZ-C5lrnSrUPSzXsdcdB4-D3wN7dkMspk34gbjeEfUrRA-4oaSOB4tKkcTBePFxJnw4xXrJDkcSkmTyarxBjylpoPU6c_yf3xTB1BdtNhLR6UQZan1BmpHIcrAPPuXAGtpJn-PdYUzuy/w400-h225/20230719_102653.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Our car had a tow rope but we didn't have a 4 wheel drive so it was unlikely that we could get him out of his predicament. Unfortunately, the couple inside seemed to think it was a part of their package! While a few strangers were trying to help them in the blistering heat, they were cosily sitting inside. Only after they realized that their weight was adding to the problem, did they get out. Their stars, it seemed, were aligned perfectly. A group of motorcycle riders we crossed a little earlier, had a back up vehicle following them. It was a pick-up truck with 4 wheel drive. The stranded car was tied to the truck and it was happily dragged out. Tsewangji allowed him to hang on to the tow rope, just in case. He would collect it later.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EnM2nHbWZu4b_Ln5wrDTwmut_9t_KDLJ5-1dZ_Ek2bY-2oOhG0JVAEuO257HbKjSLsZzB0sXDbRH222xT296_VWOoaNd7FxFMn2hRyZ__9YeuwoNr-hcGkbPDdzKB3irkKZlBmj-pRjU2rc9bQGi0XrMgascRtWOZ17nS8VniOWItsY4ZwQV/s4624/20230719_102610.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4EnM2nHbWZu4b_Ln5wrDTwmut_9t_KDLJ5-1dZ_Ek2bY-2oOhG0JVAEuO257HbKjSLsZzB0sXDbRH222xT296_VWOoaNd7FxFMn2hRyZ__9YeuwoNr-hcGkbPDdzKB3irkKZlBmj-pRjU2rc9bQGi0XrMgascRtWOZ17nS8VniOWItsY4ZwQV/w400-h225/20230719_102610.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We made it to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tangtse </span></b>without further adventures, where we filled up on fuel for the car at what is claimed to be the highest petrol station in the world. Then, since we weren't hungry yet, we decided to take a short diversion to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Harong</span></b> through <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Chilam</span></b>. I was hoping to land a few birds. It wasn't my day. The weather was not getting any better. It was<b><span style="color: #990000;"> too hot inside and outside the car</span></b> and probably the birds agreed too. They weren't active even along the banks of the stream that was flowing towards the Shyok.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVaObev1AlZQxOF22zVD_fsi8RaAWTm5Ns3QMAFrImU96PqvKJz1Ugq8tMi2SypsWoxjcwDXhZXtXC6-uafyxO3P6cXBjy0NtoChEJmQ7CSCe7sAUmbd3d6chQzZ8qwLl_4CPIIpZdyBTYPnRo3uocR66yX9xTPCkWQwJGfyM_xQV-BWJNZgw/s4624/20230719_114743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDVaObev1AlZQxOF22zVD_fsi8RaAWTm5Ns3QMAFrImU96PqvKJz1Ugq8tMi2SypsWoxjcwDXhZXtXC6-uafyxO3P6cXBjy0NtoChEJmQ7CSCe7sAUmbd3d6chQzZ8qwLl_4CPIIpZdyBTYPnRo3uocR66yX9xTPCkWQwJGfyM_xQV-BWJNZgw/w400-h225/20230719_114743.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJXzCjnTZURKtGCVzd-5Fah7KDqlivcMRthvR5Atbyktl1fGEenNjcHQYRlF61sEKmZHB-dNllf34Zzx5n6CT014oBfSQwCjmQ4SnNy4kgXj5JUYEXF0Xp4UTTMO0KPuXOxIy0w6wsAxAZInJL6Wr5_igaa1yTWJ5w8BSVHzbUN4Ft9Ps-P1t/s4624/20230719_122603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjJXzCjnTZURKtGCVzd-5Fah7KDqlivcMRthvR5Atbyktl1fGEenNjcHQYRlF61sEKmZHB-dNllf34Zzx5n6CT014oBfSQwCjmQ4SnNy4kgXj5JUYEXF0Xp4UTTMO0KPuXOxIy0w6wsAxAZInJL6Wr5_igaa1yTWJ5w8BSVHzbUN4Ft9Ps-P1t/w400-h225/20230719_122603.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBb6PEUknou3zZYemzLNcUi2pIzbbtgc7gl-gSu8NiBP1m9oMaxy8rMt1UzFcP4GxYygWwvpi6nsd0arwA6d8HAyvuBCYAxT_ji6PuunWCCWXmGwGq4sNUTvKgyqXzlNOBoL8G5yijXX6oz4PV0wtkkpBM4_S3crkEcltpx8ggKGvHUsdYAx5/s4624/20230719_122743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFBb6PEUknou3zZYemzLNcUi2pIzbbtgc7gl-gSu8NiBP1m9oMaxy8rMt1UzFcP4GxYygWwvpi6nsd0arwA6d8HAyvuBCYAxT_ji6PuunWCCWXmGwGq4sNUTvKgyqXzlNOBoL8G5yijXX6oz4PV0wtkkpBM4_S3crkEcltpx8ggKGvHUsdYAx5/w400-h225/20230719_122743.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">It was half past twelve so we decided to go towards <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso</span></b> and lunch. We had to return to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tangtse</span></b> and take the Pangong road that would pass through <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Muglib</span></b>.The road on this final stretch to Pangong Tso is also undergoing widening. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dylp6pAtn6HGGbuFwvPWYA9B30gqOYxKIvV2L5WFHMhN8njd8pzAo7hAJmkZjtdvRYjKHtiDhQLQ-U' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAwK2zSpHABTVvDI8PgWV0COHiCy1tTvUxvnmxxXozfJXpYjf7lATJwUVR9PbY2xubQm2LKlwms_PuVzO2rr9XoXvLh500MMUkMKzF1ODTDQBROtEyO8vhe6UWZADE0hGXUxXmlj1fLoazTyyX7vphqORx-HxGnErc-vUweUQg3J-qp3RSGSJ/s4624/20230719_133434.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWAwK2zSpHABTVvDI8PgWV0COHiCy1tTvUxvnmxxXozfJXpYjf7lATJwUVR9PbY2xubQm2LKlwms_PuVzO2rr9XoXvLh500MMUkMKzF1ODTDQBROtEyO8vhe6UWZADE0hGXUxXmlj1fLoazTyyX7vphqORx-HxGnErc-vUweUQg3J-qp3RSGSJ/s320/20230719_133434.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>The river here had much less water than the Shyok. Along the way, grazing on the patches of green grass on the edges of a tributary of the Shyok were herds of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Changthangi goats</span></b>, the source of the wool used to make the highly prized <b><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pashmina_(material)" target="_blank">Pashmina (Cashmere) </a></b>fabric. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxEnTgcFR24y5pLsbDKHOuAQMKWQpLJO_7CHlLdVfe3fIFcm8lolhxvf2-XrOPARMZpN56i07Ywi3WWEaN_eEFpTZlrvi6XzQi5b3B02lnd8PotS9LK7dAKRLTFEbcSqSauCLhjT3KgBzSoIgdDPCbpbUrOB7X7NswvLl689Uls_tqOBF-fIb/s4624/20230719_124616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggxEnTgcFR24y5pLsbDKHOuAQMKWQpLJO_7CHlLdVfe3fIFcm8lolhxvf2-XrOPARMZpN56i07Ywi3WWEaN_eEFpTZlrvi6XzQi5b3B02lnd8PotS9LK7dAKRLTFEbcSqSauCLhjT3KgBzSoIgdDPCbpbUrOB7X7NswvLl689Uls_tqOBF-fIb/w400-h225/20230719_124616.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">We finally arrived at the western end of the lake around half past one and since our lunch wasn't arranged at our resort, decided to stop in Pangong for a meal. It appeared that our luck was running out. It was very hot by then but there were clouds that heralded rain. Our plans for a second round of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Milky Way</span></b> shooting seemed at risk. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hUlAFgyB4pTOB-eHhoQUs8ZdGZcd0LWn2bO7gYEKjfTs2VPhL-7JZym0p5dTgiYNGCcPRYQF-_0tRD4K2eG5OWKu1_uFV-TXSM_hyWhSnEbiZm7c__Cv9EqCzf7i91KUjWI1N3yBf-GTHtY7vMiIoDVJ9E6f_jRXvX4hnke9ABeLiQV8CFmi/s4155/20230719_134731.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2577" data-original-width="4155" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4hUlAFgyB4pTOB-eHhoQUs8ZdGZcd0LWn2bO7gYEKjfTs2VPhL-7JZym0p5dTgiYNGCcPRYQF-_0tRD4K2eG5OWKu1_uFV-TXSM_hyWhSnEbiZm7c__Cv9EqCzf7i91KUjWI1N3yBf-GTHtY7vMiIoDVJ9E6f_jRXvX4hnke9ABeLiQV8CFmi/w400-h248/20230719_134731.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXqVA8sN_jANVE8ziyW-I3qNA-JUmHMZs3EDe5_hZvrrVRqGdyzh0rq7z018mIqxxMKFIYzy0pc3N3Y5JlSby7lyXOtfV5Vl3h24_h6HF6GjwOyxwht1nek3XnJHpP-26gxp4654bqRwV8wg6BB_IvwQa21jgq67G-mxv5oXSMsA9hBUY1M17/s4478/20230719_134741.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2522" data-original-width="4478" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvXqVA8sN_jANVE8ziyW-I3qNA-JUmHMZs3EDe5_hZvrrVRqGdyzh0rq7z018mIqxxMKFIYzy0pc3N3Y5JlSby7lyXOtfV5Vl3h24_h6HF6GjwOyxwht1nek3XnJHpP-26gxp4654bqRwV8wg6BB_IvwQa21jgq67G-mxv5oXSMsA9hBUY1M17/w400-h225/20230719_134741.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLpC8YDJt6-hxea35NR7otug2CiCyJtDBXVwiiOsaUXq4im-Ex5nAVFyO5XNfB1gShGqTQIKAk5ENEG_nNTvV82E2g4I-T02VCDtufv3drVic3hCAWwRe4vkjFn5QI_hn8Kajzhb6aYHUnzWvjQLUv4cFvKLqGxnUSs3EEwaAUyUlliblH_XF/s4464/20230719_143611.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1984" data-original-width="4464" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHLpC8YDJt6-hxea35NR7otug2CiCyJtDBXVwiiOsaUXq4im-Ex5nAVFyO5XNfB1gShGqTQIKAk5ENEG_nNTvV82E2g4I-T02VCDtufv3drVic3hCAWwRe4vkjFn5QI_hn8Kajzhb6aYHUnzWvjQLUv4cFvKLqGxnUSs3EEwaAUyUlliblH_XF/w400-h178/20230719_143611.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawXj04Umxk0OILoiDK4BW_cQg44n3KC_RNiVfH9o4lSmtvxM74LPs2vqwHn9kMznODBxVQZh2kCmseeVp-Pe_IXmF-dO9Hy5QPzQgEKwsl9OU1YlhlbuN_-ZFtf2T0MnHbcRhdbgCGTRvL_QP_G4_fTeKjmBp0yU7WshRS32MEwh-SiDmJ61H/s4521/20230719_143620.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2546" data-original-width="4521" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhawXj04Umxk0OILoiDK4BW_cQg44n3KC_RNiVfH9o4lSmtvxM74LPs2vqwHn9kMznODBxVQZh2kCmseeVp-Pe_IXmF-dO9Hy5QPzQgEKwsl9OU1YlhlbuN_-ZFtf2T0MnHbcRhdbgCGTRvL_QP_G4_fTeKjmBp0yU7WshRS32MEwh-SiDmJ61H/w400-h225/20230719_143620.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">As we drove towards <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Spangmik</span></b>, where we were supposed to halt for the night, the first of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the hundreds of tents and cabins </span></b>on the lake's shores came into view. There are a few hundred (or maybe even thousands) of such tented accommodation all along the lake road. I was told that a little bit of bargaining would bring the room rates down significantly; especially in the beginning and towards the end of the tourist season. We had booked into a place that had wooden cottages because someone had told us that <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the nights would be freezing cold </span></b>due to the sub-zero temperatures and the windy nature of Pangong's shores. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGy-tju9u_-iuh23P3Rb4YT-G8UgmFRoEOee9iPUmmTq2h4UNT-jeHN7wTGU7LZBukeei8-9rloadY8cPgkxYcfdMektsvIwypT12bJZkfliYoZJnnd9DOcBWV8ClEykSO3ThlxFI5ruzu2zIurnU__x7zk17Fge-zxoWpebHjo3Vi8cJbVbv/s4466/20230719_144002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2345" data-original-width="4466" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbGy-tju9u_-iuh23P3Rb4YT-G8UgmFRoEOee9iPUmmTq2h4UNT-jeHN7wTGU7LZBukeei8-9rloadY8cPgkxYcfdMektsvIwypT12bJZkfliYoZJnnd9DOcBWV8ClEykSO3ThlxFI5ruzu2zIurnU__x7zk17Fge-zxoWpebHjo3Vi8cJbVbv/w400-h210/20230719_144002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">For a place located 14,000 feet above sea level, it was disappointingly warm. We hoped that Spangmik would be different. More of our Spangmik experience in the next post.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/10/ladakh-life-lessons-part-10-maitreya.html" target="_blank"><br /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/10/ladakh-life-lessons-part-10-maitreya.html" target="_blank">Link to the previous post is here</a></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"> </div><br /><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><br />Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-54640129616911648342023-10-11T22:04:00.001+05:302023-10-12T21:43:22.573+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 10: Maitreya and Milky Way<p> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">18th July 2023, Afternoon and Night</span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Khalsar - Diskit - Hunder - Terith</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuB8bX6IRmHYFH6M8TtnB4tZAXZ7FlyciiQxz-f0lE1yZBHf0LTcQRVk_dXPYAGpuQtRn722Zk3EftS5hFm92tiGAipp4y9cTYZzJta5MExj2JynlozuSI8cxItfgswGaLS-Zy3Lv-KaAScYwvfgHvircImYTjkuyft9WsgGifTMD1cZ4NVliU/s4624/20230718_140009.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuB8bX6IRmHYFH6M8TtnB4tZAXZ7FlyciiQxz-f0lE1yZBHf0LTcQRVk_dXPYAGpuQtRn722Zk3EftS5hFm92tiGAipp4y9cTYZzJta5MExj2JynlozuSI8cxItfgswGaLS-Zy3Lv-KaAScYwvfgHvircImYTjkuyft9WsgGifTMD1cZ4NVliU/w400-h225/20230718_140009.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After the early lunch, our plan was to go to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Diskit and Hunder, in the Nubra valley.</span></b> We'd have to backtrack towards <span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Khalsar,</b></span> cross the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Shyok</span></b> onto the road to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Sumur </span></b>and <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Siachen glacier,</span></b> to reach <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Terith </span></b>where our resort was. We were on our way to Diskit a little after 1.15 pm. The sun was beating down so mercilessly that it was hard to imagine that we were in a valley between the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Himalayas</span></b> and the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Karakoram</span></b> ranges. These are the two highest mountain ranges in the world but at that moment we felt like we were in Thar desert!</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6BeuLOlARyG_WIayhybYoZ9QDDe1jgwDHtFxelKSzdxEMQT7evPFUS_ZUWsUI4zQsdFhdJt3zWp1a241eFqdfTbQzpj3rAkW7y5HX0gdKqWvoYKAFjJonvpE0NtbT9SaBDDN-L7rTMeWHozpD1Xx6FDzHFflZ6Glb3NBB4nTgBNtinw2sbyB/s4624/20230718_131042.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR6BeuLOlARyG_WIayhybYoZ9QDDe1jgwDHtFxelKSzdxEMQT7evPFUS_ZUWsUI4zQsdFhdJt3zWp1a241eFqdfTbQzpj3rAkW7y5HX0gdKqWvoYKAFjJonvpE0NtbT9SaBDDN-L7rTMeWHozpD1Xx6FDzHFflZ6Glb3NBB4nTgBNtinw2sbyB/w400-h225/20230718_131042.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgDdamcx8VX3d64Rnby2nn9OKxIgqW8F4qbGqwN0GUwTvAln7984LCB2Dpvvk_vwJ0x5kM_fQztVqekxHWHZV_tBqg5FhgVfPgCGTEsWuRnWr-R2BEYYcv-MIzh5Vd5CL7LVu10nvv4MpYCwK1Q0nlCZAqH5avsMaR_m8dKc1vSqPBPEHc18U/s4624/20230718_131441.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQgDdamcx8VX3d64Rnby2nn9OKxIgqW8F4qbGqwN0GUwTvAln7984LCB2Dpvvk_vwJ0x5kM_fQztVqekxHWHZV_tBqg5FhgVfPgCGTEsWuRnWr-R2BEYYcv-MIzh5Vd5CL7LVu10nvv4MpYCwK1Q0nlCZAqH5avsMaR_m8dKc1vSqPBPEHc18U/w225-h400/20230718_131441.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YMMpnexBc1KC7VFyep09OMfYkra0lQ68Ohitv1j5GvoVvCMemgqqZhuBwhSmn-nDofl5KDO048ihDiolmbndFTuGYIBnjkiMPRtDb5MXNuklUfRIpUocuXWTZXFkbWoQDdlnCAgEOrY0MtE-5sin5U8ucc0dNgUTXKm5BWeJ2flICIi3aNu3/s4624/20230718_131459.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6YMMpnexBc1KC7VFyep09OMfYkra0lQ68Ohitv1j5GvoVvCMemgqqZhuBwhSmn-nDofl5KDO048ihDiolmbndFTuGYIBnjkiMPRtDb5MXNuklUfRIpUocuXWTZXFkbWoQDdlnCAgEOrY0MtE-5sin5U8ucc0dNgUTXKm5BWeJ2flICIi3aNu3/w400-h225/20230718_131459.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">While this area with popular tourist spots is called the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nubra Valley</span></b>, it is <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">actually the Shyok valley</span></b>. The river that runs south of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Karakoram </span></b>range is actually the Shyok, which eventually merges with the Indus in Pakistan near Skardu. The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nubra river</span></b> itself flows south east through the valley and flows into the Shyok near Diskit. (<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><b>Red arrow</b></i></span>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8uoDDW4VS-kq8BQfYIWtFBPhS8Iba2WF30gfslJrYUo8EW1uYHoKy_E8jy8YxASaBoQAdnzXIEMUPJsq6n9sCeBbGhbkzlcbdNE22cWo5Mw7kb2LDaX1tAkqNt4jGBNeWZYa1_0BbgWTWK5SkM_ydVfjHO9appB0aQYJ3AN9JzjoBuYJgyY8/s2123/Shyok-Nubra%20confluence.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1337" data-original-width="2123" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw8uoDDW4VS-kq8BQfYIWtFBPhS8Iba2WF30gfslJrYUo8EW1uYHoKy_E8jy8YxASaBoQAdnzXIEMUPJsq6n9sCeBbGhbkzlcbdNE22cWo5Mw7kb2LDaX1tAkqNt4jGBNeWZYa1_0BbgWTWK5SkM_ydVfjHO9appB0aQYJ3AN9JzjoBuYJgyY8/w400-h253/Shyok-Nubra%20confluence.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrhNAgK9Fvb91XD1zmfI-8taOk7VJ8bpT3jaYPlOgFI1ioowJEaZjZSvu7InFwMLHxHYea3_T5lPqA6BRNXVn2AqFHGIApJ2c21Gx_nD6oNknikGCkYBAC9Ku9a32qeuZtNoD1kvQINB6PF3jJRGlVJImUSg9tyRSXQtXeX1YRLmzdIP32puy/s4624/20230718_132507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfrhNAgK9Fvb91XD1zmfI-8taOk7VJ8bpT3jaYPlOgFI1ioowJEaZjZSvu7InFwMLHxHYea3_T5lPqA6BRNXVn2AqFHGIApJ2c21Gx_nD6oNknikGCkYBAC9Ku9a32qeuZtNoD1kvQINB6PF3jJRGlVJImUSg9tyRSXQtXeX1YRLmzdIP32puy/w400-h225/20230718_132507.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The road to Diskit and Hunder was being widened and repaired, as was the road from <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Khalsar</span></b> to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso</span></b>. We made slow progress as we were occasionally forced to halt in the interest of safety, while the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">mountain sides were being ripped apart</span></b> by earth moving equipment. The traffic build-up that was a consequence of this halt-and-go process ensured that looking at our watches was a futile exercise!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyjQXCw8jwNisZlNP9vDpGptgISvSqfejVBPhTt46O9XbQtI538yrh0ma5pBmLkqKCxYUCeDga9j1mxPFcs9_ys1HJY1yjlX4NzlSXKu34mjcJSUWKAk3yIRikChurgPi6tHkzfvENNAKSGxT87HSY-g76tZVpT6tUxVQYFJI69mS2O9u_lJi/s4624/20230718_131822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtyjQXCw8jwNisZlNP9vDpGptgISvSqfejVBPhTt46O9XbQtI538yrh0ma5pBmLkqKCxYUCeDga9j1mxPFcs9_ys1HJY1yjlX4NzlSXKu34mjcJSUWKAk3yIRikChurgPi6tHkzfvENNAKSGxT87HSY-g76tZVpT6tUxVQYFJI69mS2O9u_lJi/w400-h225/20230718_131822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL1YFbzM3n7KupwuLyxwegRDCgmz_gM1ItSHTavHw4Bscf636r2vB3rK22yKg7OIBUUlptamxaLELEbpvcqAY2E-vnrU-sjxLmsZ6SkcdGawiS9ZntQKINOttLuGUKHMUq1ET1cCYs93Ny3cInms-iEvoiiNLTDX5qqaDk26k8rvY-2ip59j2/s4624/20230718_131949.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNL1YFbzM3n7KupwuLyxwegRDCgmz_gM1ItSHTavHw4Bscf636r2vB3rK22yKg7OIBUUlptamxaLELEbpvcqAY2E-vnrU-sjxLmsZ6SkcdGawiS9ZntQKINOttLuGUKHMUq1ET1cCYs93Ny3cInms-iEvoiiNLTDX5qqaDk26k8rvY-2ip59j2/w225-h400/20230718_131949.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">While doing my research for Ladakh, as I mentioned in my last post, I had been drawn towards a face. The face of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Maitreya Buddha</span></b>. He sits tall, below the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Diskit Gompa</span></b>, looking across the Shyok river and the mighty Karakoram mountains. I don't know what the magnetism it was, but though I hadn't been keen on exploring the monasteries in detail, Diskit was an exception. I had made a mental note to spend a few extra minutes here. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0CDeHpy9mp9UzThyphenhyphenwhQfWa_yrLfzruTIUSm75GHTQ8_fPrADUzyoxz0JL7ShZ_ndr09tZLIffi-0u4y5s1l4MSSNUk1eB_hqQPbQ8GrorkZkmCnrxSsFyfZ9AQHbOoMbHZ6ru21Whok3r_U6qLeltJgR-z90CveoLlh30D-qSOL_YIuFygAF/s4200/20230718_135609.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2400" data-original-width="4200" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK0CDeHpy9mp9UzThyphenhyphenwhQfWa_yrLfzruTIUSm75GHTQ8_fPrADUzyoxz0JL7ShZ_ndr09tZLIffi-0u4y5s1l4MSSNUk1eB_hqQPbQ8GrorkZkmCnrxSsFyfZ9AQHbOoMbHZ6ru21Whok3r_U6qLeltJgR-z90CveoLlh30D-qSOL_YIuFygAF/w400-h229/20230718_135609.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMWQgM0DtRjwRjpKv7ArrMxU7Vdh55fqzC0W0Od8M2mO33S6XpJv6-6tYtiurvLyoAMLL42yS2VtG01smvoyyuE453py3hxnrd4sCE0hnDkDBhYRaubh0rV1S96u1bVDlwC37uegEmiiJj7CYqcEavQylkAXshZsdqbX7KMPWR-pDG9JiTLb_/s4624/20230718_135959.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLMWQgM0DtRjwRjpKv7ArrMxU7Vdh55fqzC0W0Od8M2mO33S6XpJv6-6tYtiurvLyoAMLL42yS2VtG01smvoyyuE453py3hxnrd4sCE0hnDkDBhYRaubh0rV1S96u1bVDlwC37uegEmiiJj7CYqcEavQylkAXshZsdqbX7KMPWR-pDG9JiTLb_/w400-h225/20230718_135959.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CUSvCvTUVDRzMEloFYpxFTp6PHUVjKChKhkKMIaqsvEmosbzAHDR2O2LQuIlMQKmDFvwdGN3_p6QyLnLZGUmH7HXr1n_tKMRmkM2JmflgPvNOyDeSNqboH3lsPKDY5E-ZzOegsS6L4xacydd4PiGVQQybvvjy6AXvLl99-gHoiLDyW3Ir-LN/s4478/20230718_140027.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2522" data-original-width="4478" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_CUSvCvTUVDRzMEloFYpxFTp6PHUVjKChKhkKMIaqsvEmosbzAHDR2O2LQuIlMQKmDFvwdGN3_p6QyLnLZGUmH7HXr1n_tKMRmkM2JmflgPvNOyDeSNqboH3lsPKDY5E-ZzOegsS6L4xacydd4PiGVQQybvvjy6AXvLl99-gHoiLDyW3Ir-LN/w400-h225/20230718_140027.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We drove to the monastery first but the heat, with the very uncomfortable thermal wear inside, was unbearable. We were planning to check in at our resort only after going to the famous <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">sand dunes of Hunder</span></b> so getting out of the thermals was still a couple of hours away. We were hoping it would become colder as the sun disappeared behind the mountains on the west. So we abandoned the idea of a detailed exploration of the monastery and decided to go up to the Maitreya watching over the Shyok valley. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZEaF_G5qPvB0s-Xptyb9vSy_acJRMrUql8dyuUlCikcoACcK3cLYi_5KKVojoafaNkfW76A3Dtm-psLkLVkPX_4eaTtKjYIgf7s7CP8_A28IURcFoaYoYalxC-JaVk22oPvPvRJ85rxFuPeUEMEOiS3sttR4TOeGkakxOHpZOkE3nxTU4Ax0/s3750/20230718_140844.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2500" data-original-width="3750" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0ZEaF_G5qPvB0s-Xptyb9vSy_acJRMrUql8dyuUlCikcoACcK3cLYi_5KKVojoafaNkfW76A3Dtm-psLkLVkPX_4eaTtKjYIgf7s7CP8_A28IURcFoaYoYalxC-JaVk22oPvPvRJ85rxFuPeUEMEOiS3sttR4TOeGkakxOHpZOkE3nxTU4Ax0/w400-h266/20230718_140844.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2FXDpY3WBt3zm5v3jfjjBmCCFcIziA80UO6EQYmmtGjmK5XTir1aKeV4UdpH_NbZISQdHCXiJDLbDXY2uJTFYnGwPOTf2HMk7EnhfKEbkxGroyPi6epY7wOQ75jlDlvpCR0iESWCXLZ25J0joQ70WCQgd6-ZRyC3SyROYt-r0TCJ4MuesWrp/s4624/20230718_140858.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim2FXDpY3WBt3zm5v3jfjjBmCCFcIziA80UO6EQYmmtGjmK5XTir1aKeV4UdpH_NbZISQdHCXiJDLbDXY2uJTFYnGwPOTf2HMk7EnhfKEbkxGroyPi6epY7wOQ75jlDlvpCR0iESWCXLZ25J0joQ70WCQgd6-ZRyC3SyROYt-r0TCJ4MuesWrp/w400-h225/20230718_140858.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">colossal statue of the Maitreya Buddha</span></b>, 106 feet tall, can be seen from the monastery and is on a hillock across a small stream. Unfortunately, though the road goes to the base of the statue, vehicles were not permitted to go up when we went there. I wasn't about to allow the heat to stop me so I decided to walk it up. Maitreya had that effect on me. I had been reluctant to climb places that seemed to leave me breathless but it seemed that I was energised in his presence. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID3PJ8wt8cDugRc_bcrpD9fO7PMAEeH2959hZdl4xAtagQbdQ4Bznen_gH5kdWEtZr9M12RbZNKDV0qV8JCu3BRVGIcyM-TFLX0zFWkqoTHAs-zmTaktz16i2LNkmE_a_ViDcvIEdAFlCBbtOQq8GZZxaM7dBZYhQHkC6FYL-BihKGdH6-ihH/s4624/20230718_141236.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID3PJ8wt8cDugRc_bcrpD9fO7PMAEeH2959hZdl4xAtagQbdQ4Bznen_gH5kdWEtZr9M12RbZNKDV0qV8JCu3BRVGIcyM-TFLX0zFWkqoTHAs-zmTaktz16i2LNkmE_a_ViDcvIEdAFlCBbtOQq8GZZxaM7dBZYhQHkC6FYL-BihKGdH6-ihH/w400-h225/20230718_141236.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZyGgh9Q2uSzR1dlZXXPQxjW6fzlljwj-8_PNlgkNumbaC6zane8DxhWDUFtoVbAIpocsehv0_Fu5nqsaQjxUsyhj07z_35nD2EQKC3wMoy3VXKselkl2b3XXiofuL6Jj07AvriiuyknN_pi7U_SJnSWGDomwTYDtFjI4Ap4HlDEyQGrAl2be/s3472/20230718_141225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3472" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgZyGgh9Q2uSzR1dlZXXPQxjW6fzlljwj-8_PNlgkNumbaC6zane8DxhWDUFtoVbAIpocsehv0_Fu5nqsaQjxUsyhj07z_35nD2EQKC3wMoy3VXKselkl2b3XXiofuL6Jj07AvriiuyknN_pi7U_SJnSWGDomwTYDtFjI4Ap4HlDEyQGrAl2be/w300-h400/20230718_141225.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN-lC4pua_LGuSB5-Shw7f3lGBE3zS_bd5yy3sO99qwp5WPkN5XnHVV7-lu87FwTSTSrNAkgeeoGjw1dNYXPnv2Cj4flwljbZMHtYlojYP0BtRokauiogKA_zAuN1QXRQSRdGVEjxEZUHY7um4LZjX39camyk5r1jZn4Z5a4hDH257byMB19h/s2448/20230718_141217.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2448" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAN-lC4pua_LGuSB5-Shw7f3lGBE3zS_bd5yy3sO99qwp5WPkN5XnHVV7-lu87FwTSTSrNAkgeeoGjw1dNYXPnv2Cj4flwljbZMHtYlojYP0BtRokauiogKA_zAuN1QXRQSRdGVEjxEZUHY7um4LZjX39camyk5r1jZn4Z5a4hDH257byMB19h/w300-h400/20230718_141217.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A few minutes, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">sitting in contemplation before the serene Maitreya </span></b>and I knew what I had to do with the rest of my life. I would have sat longer because <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I couldn't feel the heat any more</span></b> but there were three people sitting in a baking car. So after a whispered prayer and a promise to be back, I walked back, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">spinning the many prayer drums </span></b>as I descended. Something in me had clicked into place. I don't know what, but <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I felt that life was about to change</span></b> sooner than later. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pkHYQ3OInOpZiMgxyniKTImKteMXVUAEB-TcWYtI026oygxw8I2cWTJ6URq4AkVu5riK8IXLUBFaGkItzo4x2Stv0y-JsT-qby0UdIpIWvcDKv1cTeuUxXY4rDThPnBRt5p6VvQn3PjZkbwMUz8Ot4foZS-k5fTG5idsiaZLhBGMlhUl-K0i/s4624/20230718_141246.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1pkHYQ3OInOpZiMgxyniKTImKteMXVUAEB-TcWYtI026oygxw8I2cWTJ6URq4AkVu5riK8IXLUBFaGkItzo4x2Stv0y-JsT-qby0UdIpIWvcDKv1cTeuUxXY4rDThPnBRt5p6VvQn3PjZkbwMUz8Ot4foZS-k5fTG5idsiaZLhBGMlhUl-K0i/w400-h225/20230718_141246.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTvlJZNNsKI6ouwSYq1vCWm3R9xJRD1wkSDeRBu7q6oHys29QRaQtnx9YkMInKT196M2V9Gabns2wq229nSgufyIbCQq0HhsBdvIOMyOQ9oDkplPqeUeddYYzKmnnAKMvW85kE8FT-K2cg1NL-l8hl7CyMX6bahKTLcWBuTR2HtTbPaaTHRMD/s4624/20230718_141302.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwTvlJZNNsKI6ouwSYq1vCWm3R9xJRD1wkSDeRBu7q6oHys29QRaQtnx9YkMInKT196M2V9Gabns2wq229nSgufyIbCQq0HhsBdvIOMyOQ9oDkplPqeUeddYYzKmnnAKMvW85kE8FT-K2cg1NL-l8hl7CyMX6bahKTLcWBuTR2HtTbPaaTHRMD/w225-h400/20230718_141302.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuMDTOS62wp47fpmrZ1S9OxKZL9Kx1asHS4jdA-0qDqGMqfUNhBA-SiXtgXx_JHhSpE7in7zKvqDkEv5QFOnENeNa90E2sXrwH44OKk2dzXKX_QYv37D1RkTeIe0rqlL4_iTy-Opuexcnvvi5PqjszxwGb4CL_IBQg8yDVoFp25HvgxNzbIL2/s4624/20230718_141351.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeuMDTOS62wp47fpmrZ1S9OxKZL9Kx1asHS4jdA-0qDqGMqfUNhBA-SiXtgXx_JHhSpE7in7zKvqDkEv5QFOnENeNa90E2sXrwH44OKk2dzXKX_QYv37D1RkTeIe0rqlL4_iTy-Opuexcnvvi5PqjszxwGb4CL_IBQg8yDVoFp25HvgxNzbIL2/w225-h400/20230718_141351.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd5eAw4QEc-EVgktZmrqkk4-jqEJHNTMbSQT0gKxHSFw3cKTPPhGBzOoDuXGSPQO-8hh2BSXcrT5xVCOKDEIN4t6j6pZHuQz130MkMXHdfpqFi4VTcFgrQeDRXxshJo6O_NB_liIWAn78VdGVQ_k4bq4Elc2SXsSEIjguQWS2yKfDNwlCElyX/s4624/20230718_141358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUd5eAw4QEc-EVgktZmrqkk4-jqEJHNTMbSQT0gKxHSFw3cKTPPhGBzOoDuXGSPQO-8hh2BSXcrT5xVCOKDEIN4t6j6pZHuQz130MkMXHdfpqFi4VTcFgrQeDRXxshJo6O_NB_liIWAn78VdGVQ_k4bq4Elc2SXsSEIjguQWS2yKfDNwlCElyX/w225-h400/20230718_141358.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We proceeded to the famous <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hunder dunes</span></b> hoping to see the double humped <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Bactrian camels</span></b>. Sadly, the heat had got to them too. They weren't to be seen anywhere and the owner of a mobile food cart told us that they'd appear only after the sun went down. It was exhausting and the dunes weren't looking very inviting in the heat. Most of the wavy sand had been disturbed by the camels and tourists who had been there earlier. It didn't seem worthwhile to wait for a few hours till the camels appeared. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQUOQ_6OP4LUOIuKCjl3avgJm900av3f3C8ZwxP_-oNxaPGGFuPxOokCYSN8T6QL930kfpJMEyEv8aBZaqN5uuVfu2SsV17YXGhk_S9pRhy5naEqTdDzDKqSsui4Neg5j8yC93fzGqW4DDUVHjf-jbFL3ViMIZficupzl8wKUbVR_0GumJ3HO/s4624/20230718_145031.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRQUOQ_6OP4LUOIuKCjl3avgJm900av3f3C8ZwxP_-oNxaPGGFuPxOokCYSN8T6QL930kfpJMEyEv8aBZaqN5uuVfu2SsV17YXGhk_S9pRhy5naEqTdDzDKqSsui4Neg5j8yC93fzGqW4DDUVHjf-jbFL3ViMIZficupzl8wKUbVR_0GumJ3HO/w400-h225/20230718_145031.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZOfmwdz2Jxfr81DNr138l9Wtv52fM1c3qD1pTemEm1L9lymKFARx3ynbzlO_q0OpuIY5E60SkUhjZVfvcR62jS37j1CBR8I4NvlRHfJtmiEY7cMAUO7-44vz-trM4VCO8-RodX07fAF-cScbHYIcEHaRZ3ZhVAOVpZ6DnnbgnUfyuXsY_oBb/s4624/20230718_145310.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTZOfmwdz2Jxfr81DNr138l9Wtv52fM1c3qD1pTemEm1L9lymKFARx3ynbzlO_q0OpuIY5E60SkUhjZVfvcR62jS37j1CBR8I4NvlRHfJtmiEY7cMAUO7-44vz-trM4VCO8-RodX07fAF-cScbHYIcEHaRZ3ZhVAOVpZ6DnnbgnUfyuXsY_oBb/w400-h225/20230718_145310.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><i>For those staying in Diskit or Hunder, if you have the time, a two and a half hour (maybe more) drive will take you to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Turtuk </span></b>village, close to the line of control (<b><span style="color: #0b5394;">LOC</span></b>), on the border with Pakistan. Its fame is not only because it is the northernmost village on the Indian side of the LOC, but also because it is the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">largest producer of apricots</span></b> in Ladakh.. Though many say it is a part of Pakistan, it was actually occupied by Pakistan after the 1948 Indo-Pak war, and later was wrested back from Pakistan by India in the 1971 war. Our itinerary didn't include Turtuk because of the limited number of days we had at our disposal. If you are intending to do everything possible around Diskit you might want to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">consider staying in Diskit / Hunder or even Turtuk for two nights</span></b>. If you stay more than two days you can explore both sides of the Shyok, including Siachen. <b><a href="https://devilonwheels.com/turtuk-detailed-travel-guide/" target="_blank">(More about Turtuk here)</a></b></i></p><p style="text-align: justify;">All along the route there were talks of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">declining tourist footfall into Ladakh</span></b>. The road access from Manali side was cut off due to floods, landslides and missing sections of the highway. Our trip itself was postponed by a fortnight and the weather in mid-July had us worried. There was talk about having to start the morning drive earlier than usual as the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">fast melting snow would flood the rivers by mid-day</span></b>. In places where the rivers had to be crossed, the rising water could possibly block the already non-existent roads and tracks. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqt2jaB4Oz1F6nP3PegB_ne7eVmmvaYhd2D-EmoiahBSPzYAov3Ll-2o-l7xaoxRSRHcnM06Lbf4jDWWJrcj1fEsbKjpabqWKtNlNeimSEmViLfUCINucwfJSveyIejkP_FXHpdd7_MKTEdbmBq7Z6Mhh042SMJBonHSQdOQ9s2X09-_3SVco/s4624/20230718_132539.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYqt2jaB4Oz1F6nP3PegB_ne7eVmmvaYhd2D-EmoiahBSPzYAov3Ll-2o-l7xaoxRSRHcnM06Lbf4jDWWJrcj1fEsbKjpabqWKtNlNeimSEmViLfUCINucwfJSveyIejkP_FXHpdd7_MKTEdbmBq7Z6Mhh042SMJBonHSQdOQ9s2X09-_3SVco/w400-h225/20230718_132539.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Milky Way</span></b> was next on the priority list so we decided to go to the resort and check in. It had been a long warm day. and a little rest was welcome. At the<b><a href="http://www.osaykhar.com/" target="_blank"> Osay Khar resort</a></b> we discovered that we were one of two families that had checked in. It was looking deserted. <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Terith</span></b>, as I mentioned was on the opposite side of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Diskit</span></b>, across the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Shyok</span></b>. There was nothing else to do or see around the place. <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Siachen</span></b> was too far for an evening drive. This property is on a private farm and has some 20 cottages, of which only two had occupants. It is totally cut off from civilization and meant for people who want some peace and quiet. The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">ATV rides, camel rides, go karting and zip line</span></b> for the normal tourist is not on the road to Terith. So if you are that type of tourist better look for accommodation on the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Khalsar - Hunder</span></b> road, in or around Diskit.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Over a cup of tea and fresh pakoras, the manager told us about the resort and afterwards took us around. He, himself was from Himachal and was worried about his home and family there. During winter, when the resort closes for the season he returns to tend to his farm there. One of the reasons that Ladakh attracted me, besides Maitreya, were the birds. I could add so many new species to my life list, and Osay Khar was a good spot. Unfortunately we checked in in the evening and would be leaving by 6.30 am to avoid getting held up by a swollen Shyok. Birding in that area would have to wait for my next trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhJB_QBEY0TAJpQy1RRK3vodX25BOvguoUUBlR-3A8UxQKE35hHfzbxXECcidMgzqPv3UQfQ3SJq4GDkQfs6kvsTCzQzc-rDSicx8xhdPE23ih7ddK0E1TBkPTNYxbGgQM_BpEZac-4VhPqQr2JkB74ZtmJ8c8cETg-RTO01fqzQNrzd0C8fz/s4624/20230718_183432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWhJB_QBEY0TAJpQy1RRK3vodX25BOvguoUUBlR-3A8UxQKE35hHfzbxXECcidMgzqPv3UQfQ3SJq4GDkQfs6kvsTCzQzc-rDSicx8xhdPE23ih7ddK0E1TBkPTNYxbGgQM_BpEZac-4VhPqQr2JkB74ZtmJ8c8cETg-RTO01fqzQNrzd0C8fz/w400-h225/20230718_183432.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xu8cLwDNBUcSAI9Hl2z9SLmzI4Hh_BclQ_Zc8ty8f_YPETnEqEkhQiCICAGxf5IecrqWk1YqNbUil8dPcslieeT0icWHiErPnQPV9AcA325yC1YGCPScAoD-_gKMgmNG4yVlNVfJnHZcCmpVDZxIWoKJUUh6d_J_3_oTFkLqxJKQ13J9o2V_/s4624/20230718_183621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xu8cLwDNBUcSAI9Hl2z9SLmzI4Hh_BclQ_Zc8ty8f_YPETnEqEkhQiCICAGxf5IecrqWk1YqNbUil8dPcslieeT0icWHiErPnQPV9AcA325yC1YGCPScAoD-_gKMgmNG4yVlNVfJnHZcCmpVDZxIWoKJUUh6d_J_3_oTFkLqxJKQ13J9o2V_/w400-h225/20230718_183621.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwGjK5QWhtnojFxR79XBU8B777SCk9j3Yx9ZRqa2apqRZmeVw4uxciIzwp_Hp43Lxhg9uA3mG6UOC7Q2vaiIxw9PoMa7kwKubT2_gWdG96ED9pq_4lUeIgxerMgMtkYcfuli26YRcHNrqIFZhTeWrMqMA7kPL7mqN_WQvaCPif-ShaBJHOt00/s2000/P7181757.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="2000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpwGjK5QWhtnojFxR79XBU8B777SCk9j3Yx9ZRqa2apqRZmeVw4uxciIzwp_Hp43Lxhg9uA3mG6UOC7Q2vaiIxw9PoMa7kwKubT2_gWdG96ED9pq_4lUeIgxerMgMtkYcfuli26YRcHNrqIFZhTeWrMqMA7kPL7mqN_WQvaCPif-ShaBJHOt00/w400-h300/P7181757.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZwe10PvX1L8LhjHwH88K2KpB86c9CGui0m2H0_0XU9YLHxSvFa2DH8qEKeW-Qybt0jZ9pOfS4mqb-ByGCJiymJYLlHy08-SXLfBntZSVBzbAbhWhyJ1rJ_9odw_wIHl7OWm0QTqnQ0GXvAeIans2NwjbJ_6iQXTU0FjzjULTFlMC_v5ZhDau/s1536/P7181834.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1152" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZwe10PvX1L8LhjHwH88K2KpB86c9CGui0m2H0_0XU9YLHxSvFa2DH8qEKeW-Qybt0jZ9pOfS4mqb-ByGCJiymJYLlHy08-SXLfBntZSVBzbAbhWhyJ1rJ_9odw_wIHl7OWm0QTqnQ0GXvAeIans2NwjbJ_6iQXTU0FjzjULTFlMC_v5ZhDau/w300-h400/P7181834.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V0jcV7xZ-3DTtO7RfAsJAINkcskquQIbuuIDloaR0fq9p0Susnuq_Gf_cX1DzjagzkrBOERm94ksX2Dyl_y0NXMv8uOXaI7Qo7JgHJnXf_-b5eidiSyPaD6KQZ2xRfjbxO1U6py5LUI8QQRxDb8K7cFqnBSAVhi6swTRpxeRijPpMjjvsQQX/s2048/P7181845.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6V0jcV7xZ-3DTtO7RfAsJAINkcskquQIbuuIDloaR0fq9p0Susnuq_Gf_cX1DzjagzkrBOERm94ksX2Dyl_y0NXMv8uOXaI7Qo7JgHJnXf_-b5eidiSyPaD6KQZ2xRfjbxO1U6py5LUI8QQRxDb8K7cFqnBSAVhi6swTRpxeRijPpMjjvsQQX/w400-h300/P7181845.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoOz9qXRcAEjPdjvARThWHFBV5fx14VXXX5xphHytpKYClFbPC10q6IERBeWngy9GjAUDfJTztUxeqsbVXm7BuqxHddKyBB8F8snFpR1SvTF5D8EfIhlNIfU-jZhpmCqDbwEQppnpg2jnb_gFAQvV2RjxQ25KLI_U8rmyWWOwsdQlW-jXUonV/s2048/P7181920.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcoOz9qXRcAEjPdjvARThWHFBV5fx14VXXX5xphHytpKYClFbPC10q6IERBeWngy9GjAUDfJTztUxeqsbVXm7BuqxHddKyBB8F8snFpR1SvTF5D8EfIhlNIfU-jZhpmCqDbwEQppnpg2jnb_gFAQvV2RjxQ25KLI_U8rmyWWOwsdQlW-jXUonV/w400-h300/P7181920.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC17Inm5CW4EJe_vvl8ubRJGUeEDQpv6sUjb41-WII20xEN9z24U4WcVKy8GUT_xVigLeDdIs9MNDRYHQ3msVCBtonT-_EHpZ3brymefB1CmKfHuwN03p9l55soqL8dmIOyoeR6oAEtIqe5sSRWPms9CVr8TsC_ACn3PvzwZF92MT9vAJGPbH/s2048/P7192106.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTC17Inm5CW4EJe_vvl8ubRJGUeEDQpv6sUjb41-WII20xEN9z24U4WcVKy8GUT_xVigLeDdIs9MNDRYHQ3msVCBtonT-_EHpZ3brymefB1CmKfHuwN03p9l55soqL8dmIOyoeR6oAEtIqe5sSRWPms9CVr8TsC_ACn3PvzwZF92MT9vAJGPbH/w400-h300/P7192106.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Dinner was served at 8, and having eaten, we went back to our cottage to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">set up for the Milky way</span></b>. Fortunately, we wouldn't have to suffer light pollution. With only two cottages occupied the glare of artificial light interfering with our photography plans were reduced. Our postponed trip also turned out to be a blessing in disguise. The original dates for our trip fell during the week with <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a full moon day</span></b>. A full moon would have spoilt our plans with its bright light. Our trip fell on a weekend when it was time for <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the new moon</span></b>! We only had to worry about the clouds as the threat of rain still loomed. By the time the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Milky Way made its spectacular display</span></b> at half past 9, we were ready for it.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HR0miuAeM_l2XFfizVLXvGo3rr2w9vhB-wIN0uvTduFgnWIFs7lzlUXl914TxCRna3jeiyhHljBMI1nK98GCvjwhxjkSxPlIGxGJ6ud0sYUuFaurJvs4kwiGGTaKsJMHAFaqfb3DM6sHeyXLM528Crpp7G-b6qJF5ggXkqbdztQnYRcsCjR7/s2048/P7182066.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2HR0miuAeM_l2XFfizVLXvGo3rr2w9vhB-wIN0uvTduFgnWIFs7lzlUXl914TxCRna3jeiyhHljBMI1nK98GCvjwhxjkSxPlIGxGJ6ud0sYUuFaurJvs4kwiGGTaKsJMHAFaqfb3DM6sHeyXLM528Crpp7G-b6qJF5ggXkqbdztQnYRcsCjR7/w400-h300/P7182066.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtKEOdq9Q0gqzLKhjYz6iDix1GbmEN1dLf5L8-fRnq0K-JuYwa_k-_24W9BDMZQQPlkDH-8li0_LYfUFzcbcoVCj9IqsXhIVKl_oTFvVIjBsSD5jz_cZL9DbRL9bpooRWCoqEkfEgFczZhzEAKr9Z1cpBQfEKS2KOjfZ2v0ka-5lXXiIlUVUB/s2048/P7182068.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtKEOdq9Q0gqzLKhjYz6iDix1GbmEN1dLf5L8-fRnq0K-JuYwa_k-_24W9BDMZQQPlkDH-8li0_LYfUFzcbcoVCj9IqsXhIVKl_oTFvVIjBsSD5jz_cZL9DbRL9bpooRWCoqEkfEgFczZhzEAKr9Z1cpBQfEKS2KOjfZ2v0ka-5lXXiIlUVUB/w400-h300/P7182068.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><i>Of the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">top 10 locations in India to shoot the Milky Way</span></b> in India, three are in Ladakh. <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nubra Valley</span></b>, where we were; <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso</span></b>, to where we were going the next day and <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hanle Dark Sky Reserve</span></b> in the eastern side of Ladakh. We would miss the third location on this trip but that has been added to our bucket list! If you are keen on <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">astrophotography</span></b> yourself, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">plan your trip to coincide with the new moon day</span></b> of that month.</i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The Milky Way was the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">icing on the cake</span></b> for us. We had a long drive ahead of us the next day as the regular route to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso</span></b> was closed for widening. We'd be <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">driving through the Shyok river bed</span></b> for most of the route and didn't want to get caught in a flood. So we decided to pack up for the night and hit the bed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">See you on the road to Pangong Tso!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/10/ladakh-life-lessons-part-9-khardung-la.html" target="_blank">Link to the previous post is here</a></b></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-11786802804612743332023-10-01T13:40:00.003+05:302023-10-01T13:56:52.484+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 9: Khardung La - Fall from the Top!<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">18th July 2023, Forenoon </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Leh - South Pullu - Khardung La - North Pullu - Khardung</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After my initial reluctance, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">I had consented to go to Ladakh.</span></b> Even though I still harboured reservations, as days passed, it sunk in that I had <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">made a commitment</span></b>. If I had to contribute something to the trip, I could only do something that I was good at; <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">travel planning</span></b>. The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">proposed destination was over 3500 kilometres away</span></b> and the last time I had been that side, to Kashmir, was in 1984. My job was made easier by the itinerary I had in my hand. It was the reference point for a start of my research on Ladakh. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexSPb-X6ZvKbGq5WDK9MBqht2y73A7ii8EgxYKdsnS37NQZwWbODpp77a_VzBdW7MPRp04evfxIB3aYWIMwOCWCqGHM84TuShS-9Jvm7s9QgQ4DfkSqtoNIESMteA1NhdQqriD5-zaGed-R-QQVd_gX0sXq2jSuIfIfSpwe5qU78F2W1-m79w/s4624/20230718_113033.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgexSPb-X6ZvKbGq5WDK9MBqht2y73A7ii8EgxYKdsnS37NQZwWbODpp77a_VzBdW7MPRp04evfxIB3aYWIMwOCWCqGHM84TuShS-9Jvm7s9QgQ4DfkSqtoNIESMteA1NhdQqriD5-zaGed-R-QQVd_gX0sXq2jSuIfIfSpwe5qU78F2W1-m79w/w400-h225/20230718_113033.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Totally new names like <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nubra valley, Diskit, Hunder, Pangong Tso, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar, Hemis</span></b> and many more were stuck to my head like sticky notes on a notice board. I realized that I had to do some serious research. One of them, however, was <b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khardung_La" target="_blank">Khardung La</a>. </span></b> That was a familiar name since, this high altitude pass had staked claim as the highest or at least the second highest motorable pass in the world, till recently, based on the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">elevation noted at the summit of the pass (18380 feet)</span></b>. The reputation of this pass was such that, <b><a href="https://vimeo.com/ismetkurtulus/redbullkhardungla" target="_blank">Red Bull Racing team got their Formula 1 car driven up to the summit</a></b> in 2011. <span style="text-align: left;">It has since been corrected and </span><b style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #660000;">the actual elevation of 17,982 feet (5359 metres)</span></b><span style="text-align: left;">, has been duly recorded at the summit.</span></p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALh2DswAhGV1qXvAf9nqPkSmUOExMGFQdqOYngR5YSmuN0aGCGl_44NVk2P82IIO9HSdeLpyMqG0-wQE_m44BZcg9x0HtoReYxowCJBnBlqgupSx54xqYfQX9OwYF5UZ38B83Y7tYPJiewLr5vI_64YXkbatdM3j6mVa1dyicCSbSYzVbh3q_/s4624/20230718_094822.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhALh2DswAhGV1qXvAf9nqPkSmUOExMGFQdqOYngR5YSmuN0aGCGl_44NVk2P82IIO9HSdeLpyMqG0-wQE_m44BZcg9x0HtoReYxowCJBnBlqgupSx54xqYfQX9OwYF5UZ38B83Y7tYPJiewLr5vI_64YXkbatdM3j6mVa1dyicCSbSYzVbh3q_/w400-h225/20230718_094822.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">That change has, unfortunately, dropped it down the list of highest passes to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the 11th highest in the world and 5th in India </span></b>(some say 7th)! Now <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Umling La, at </span></b> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">19,300 feet</span></b>, after Hanle village in Ladakh is the highest motorable pass in the world. So if you are <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a road trip adventure seeker</span></b>, you will have to go with the specific intent as there are no 'touristy' places in the vicinity! Ladakh is known as the land of passes and has more than 15 high altitude passes within its territory. (<b><a href="https://devilonwheels.com/top-12-highest-motorable-passes-roads-world/" target="_blank">Click for some interesting information on passes</a></b>)</div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DQYtnL3-bNM8qBCWxkTpF6dvtCpjL49lMrKefbQ__qmDbQ1gqMk9GdyV-Xws89BB0eJ5jZslv3EC6sGEmsVoQNBsNNNQmjk0fLG_PM4TFwOXN5W75AuVW0tZF_n0prufVt8Ghm1CoaJEex5FgyrVxjTZQKSmN212OvoWb6EckRWrZ_5pYXsF/s225/Umling%20La.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-DQYtnL3-bNM8qBCWxkTpF6dvtCpjL49lMrKefbQ__qmDbQ1gqMk9GdyV-Xws89BB0eJ5jZslv3EC6sGEmsVoQNBsNNNQmjk0fLG_PM4TFwOXN5W75AuVW0tZF_n0prufVt8Ghm1CoaJEex5FgyrVxjTZQKSmN212OvoWb6EckRWrZ_5pYXsF/s16000/Umling%20La.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, after 48 hours of acclimatisation, we were ready for the next stage of our trip. As the sun hit the tops of the mountain at dawn, there were very few clouds in the sky at half past five in the morning.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIkqJYAcJfIn3KEpYAWBEzVphaXS-eKz4r6zOMEnmMeJgUEGELGONjOKlH5m_i3B8FdlOQ8pDSz3MJzP5M5qBpWY1ZkVbJ-JsshGKX4WSldFmuxHsEOxQeo0VRmeTOX8lgzkGa3gDw8qw2KPyCd9uXgpunUQ6iOa_PQcV_iRFel4b4bjag6Lw/s4624/20230718_054125.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqIkqJYAcJfIn3KEpYAWBEzVphaXS-eKz4r6zOMEnmMeJgUEGELGONjOKlH5m_i3B8FdlOQ8pDSz3MJzP5M5qBpWY1ZkVbJ-JsshGKX4WSldFmuxHsEOxQeo0VRmeTOX8lgzkGa3gDw8qw2KPyCd9uXgpunUQ6iOa_PQcV_iRFel4b4bjag6Lw/w400-h225/20230718_054125.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">By 7 AM it was already a bright day and even those few clouds had disappeared. Breakfast would be served early as most guests left the hotel by 8 AM to their next destinations. Ours was <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nubra valley and Hunde</span></b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>r,</b></span> lying almost half a day's drive across the mountains. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UJrH1-K7qjLTvFZlAlr8LZ7bfjAHWK3njWWfQzUi87KVF2GuwBD2JppxLhqcXECNGd_fiM8GsdWOY8V4QMLqzM1-WZw1lCK77KACjsq9R3NDqdzCjUp1m52qrn9TEtPHCcemKN0aQSL4TFFbwMaePcXA3oAU9B-BdRLbWX_VHIo0iwZ1zjC9/s4624/20230718_070311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_UJrH1-K7qjLTvFZlAlr8LZ7bfjAHWK3njWWfQzUi87KVF2GuwBD2JppxLhqcXECNGd_fiM8GsdWOY8V4QMLqzM1-WZw1lCK77KACjsq9R3NDqdzCjUp1m52qrn9TEtPHCcemKN0aQSL4TFFbwMaePcXA3oAU9B-BdRLbWX_VHIo0iwZ1zjC9/w400-h225/20230718_070311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The drive to Nubra valley is across the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Khardung La pass</span></b>. A four or five hour drive if we didn't stop on the way but that was out of question, considering that there was so much beauty for the eyes to take in, along the way. The manager at our hotel, while seeing us off, had warned us not to hang about for more than 15 minutes at the summit. The danger of AMS was real on the top as <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Khardung La was almost 6000 feet higher than Leh (11562 feet)</span></b>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We were out of the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;"><a href="http://padmaladakh.com/" target="_blank">Padma Ladakh</a></span></b> a little after 8 AM. After making a brief stop at our travel agent's office to <b><span style="color: #38761d;">pick up an oxygen cylinder </span></b>we were on our way. More often than not, the oxygen cylinder returns unused but the charges are collected. Don't avoid carrying one because you never know when you'll end up gasping! We left Leh behind and started our climb. <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nubra Valley</span></b> is on the other side of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Khardung La</span></b> and after the ascent, we'd be descending again, to an altitude that would be similar to that of the place we left. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-_9M05jldpWdCvjWOmTnoGAUxaaSe8cuXu_1WY8BjWJJ47zwYjgXt2xzoH8JJBQ1OCbJxnBw9I8KRHEdLtzTc0Czm9Y6VIZmq1_zhvFza8VJGdbyzAqKx4zp9j7pFUzdLoA0dZC5m5L32ptSo99oTYtYl-GNrl3-CvP1dk2w2TO4zp084R4v/s4624/20230718_083219.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn-_9M05jldpWdCvjWOmTnoGAUxaaSe8cuXu_1WY8BjWJJ47zwYjgXt2xzoH8JJBQ1OCbJxnBw9I8KRHEdLtzTc0Czm9Y6VIZmq1_zhvFza8VJGdbyzAqKx4zp9j7pFUzdLoA0dZC5m5L32ptSo99oTYtYl-GNrl3-CvP1dk2w2TO4zp084R4v/w400-h225/20230718_083219.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">A last look at the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Shanti stupa</span></b> and the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Tsemo Monastery</span></b> sitting opposite each other across Leh town and we went rolling up the mountains. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP045PpGfCq-Bj6VJwYgUBOIt15yxBDOq6IJ7lP8vrqxX4qSlOgPFgaTzA_106mMEY-nhZC1TgOM6I9zZt9TqTUiMFQSinVASp5S7-xQogoArY2iR01S-Ga_Stliv20hME1Ccb6D0GJeSBHrAhJzhFfm-4B7dbD5-zo7yxgxHvUYpl0M9lgmPM/s4624/20230718_084508.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP045PpGfCq-Bj6VJwYgUBOIt15yxBDOq6IJ7lP8vrqxX4qSlOgPFgaTzA_106mMEY-nhZC1TgOM6I9zZt9TqTUiMFQSinVASp5S7-xQogoArY2iR01S-Ga_Stliv20hME1Ccb6D0GJeSBHrAhJzhFfm-4B7dbD5-zo7yxgxHvUYpl0M9lgmPM/w400-h225/20230718_084508.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNLTUgjwJ5dpqBZGAqZKciSvXq-HQDXIUIg43NS0uVz9SYRH58usBg3aiEo_xxhQbWLqOOsc_H4FSWxIDGnaaIJ9KpeEu_O9WJUdDGaaQuZhBlDxBO9TPYVWbrpSK9MxGyFPHdY554mT4LcxzqX_YLPFNRSB3tUTw-OK1FTk-1QvC7cFafRzi/s4624/20230718_085028.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkNLTUgjwJ5dpqBZGAqZKciSvXq-HQDXIUIg43NS0uVz9SYRH58usBg3aiEo_xxhQbWLqOOsc_H4FSWxIDGnaaIJ9KpeEu_O9WJUdDGaaQuZhBlDxBO9TPYVWbrpSK9MxGyFPHdY554mT4LcxzqX_YLPFNRSB3tUTw-OK1FTk-1QvC7cFafRzi/w400-h225/20230718_085028.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Tsewangji, was his sedate self as usual. Covering 40 kilometres is not very difficult on a good road but <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">we had to climb from around 3500 meters to nearly 5400 meters</span></b>, an ascent of almost 1900 metres. Hurrying through the rarefied air would not be the best interests of health, even though we had spent the mandatory two days acclimatising. Over the winding roads, we climbed from the green valley below to the barren mountains of dusty brown earth with jagged rocks protruding from their surface.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOlXoOo2bRPqGUvz0dJdSHZCDtd4TzwahM4e6hVeh3MWZxFAH-ZmWn9EX8BOiyv8pkBU5I4Qj-1ObLbD7MlMOALBk60ZP0xO1G-fbQGZjf5TkpK8ku6AK1msOrFCmbDVylWlgir99DMovzc1haxi8DRxWTU0YGeVCtd9-xCwkXLl2Yy8-XYmf/s4624/20230718_085227.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMOlXoOo2bRPqGUvz0dJdSHZCDtd4TzwahM4e6hVeh3MWZxFAH-ZmWn9EX8BOiyv8pkBU5I4Qj-1ObLbD7MlMOALBk60ZP0xO1G-fbQGZjf5TkpK8ku6AK1msOrFCmbDVylWlgir99DMovzc1haxi8DRxWTU0YGeVCtd9-xCwkXLl2Yy8-XYmf/w400-h225/20230718_085227.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Leh disappeared across the mountains as we started seeing the snow covered tops further up. Down below were small streams of melt-water that would eventually join the Indus. We stopped at<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> South Pullu </span></b> check point to show our passes; a mere formality, before proceeding further. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPygGNKnM9t07O1SxqDQ9ukD1xIAjTHsXSaumUP-pFIgrPU4XfjZYuEb1k8OICBahqY6SKenGZnWdIO6BiEdNv6cbpBaD8XgqzNTXHSLihwAd8oGDtDgfRftu29sMI627UxPdHlrMqHh7y1KFtXuflfrEHw5I873NvhGZEpfUcoYjAdGaDhIeV/s4624/20230718_085643.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPygGNKnM9t07O1SxqDQ9ukD1xIAjTHsXSaumUP-pFIgrPU4XfjZYuEb1k8OICBahqY6SKenGZnWdIO6BiEdNv6cbpBaD8XgqzNTXHSLihwAd8oGDtDgfRftu29sMI627UxPdHlrMqHh7y1KFtXuflfrEHw5I873NvhGZEpfUcoYjAdGaDhIeV/w400-h225/20230718_085643.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AVry5l6eLZnvwS_Ot5x49Qd0M1BKHdVyqcZvTwi07zZWIe7leblZ-MMekOXNXlmFyCQ9caDWELEtflrDA08DoMQf_L83vgLR7WluUFqhL7nr7261o2DLvaiY89hP9Xs41XKjtlgs1PD0IU3M3tIHypia4ea2C6BoLAfR04_bXkUeqGgVcA04/s4624/20230718_090248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6AVry5l6eLZnvwS_Ot5x49Qd0M1BKHdVyqcZvTwi07zZWIe7leblZ-MMekOXNXlmFyCQ9caDWELEtflrDA08DoMQf_L83vgLR7WluUFqhL7nr7261o2DLvaiY89hP9Xs41XKjtlgs1PD0IU3M3tIHypia4ea2C6BoLAfR04_bXkUeqGgVcA04/w400-h225/20230718_090248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7nXHnulAyPmbodeVNW1oUxun0oU3ryGv6DUT7yRJNdpCVHlRF6p4jLbyw5ZdNZz_-YcJimYCGeU-lkJxlWkMnHzr1ChFhR-4135EO2A3hOAmUlov6EcYJ99S_dftUithR93_LrGxZ1JxsONcq7xNLmbO57gknNRLOKqYCGrPbA_w5WDOvIs8/s4624/20230718_091740.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo7nXHnulAyPmbodeVNW1oUxun0oU3ryGv6DUT7yRJNdpCVHlRF6p4jLbyw5ZdNZz_-YcJimYCGeU-lkJxlWkMnHzr1ChFhR-4135EO2A3hOAmUlov6EcYJ99S_dftUithR93_LrGxZ1JxsONcq7xNLmbO57gknNRLOKqYCGrPbA_w5WDOvIs8/w400-h225/20230718_091740.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnYwT32qzlaZGuhlrVw7AHZOcA-WoMUZGbpO5qHRmOteLRc8IB7LzOHWDq_NsbPT7gRdZTowywHiynotIDVb9kEsJ76zAx4E97J2-qQOnN2B_uoeIJD9dpmsIuj16WA7rd_-cttD3yABjVhVM0kAn3mb0mcuBJrw0Uryl_FPPeMx-XkrqDheg/s4624/20230718_091850.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcnYwT32qzlaZGuhlrVw7AHZOcA-WoMUZGbpO5qHRmOteLRc8IB7LzOHWDq_NsbPT7gRdZTowywHiynotIDVb9kEsJ76zAx4E97J2-qQOnN2B_uoeIJD9dpmsIuj16WA7rd_-cttD3yABjVhVM0kAn3mb0mcuBJrw0Uryl_FPPeMx-XkrqDheg/w400-h225/20230718_091850.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrmqXp0SD8nOTJNLQcbN8nwYdPHybLZHJ_sGs_p3IFQANwBVe5bN-_R9Dai-Ro9zIAQBL1ZqHmPOl2ukxIUOTBLUU_lCy1Txz4KvW4imx_pRd68OcP4s3Sd8-wTRtiW2DnbxwPrfk0bkj8fMw2EFDzIi972etGCatzTJi1Kj_Twv8TdD6U2Dh/s4624/20230718_092636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxrmqXp0SD8nOTJNLQcbN8nwYdPHybLZHJ_sGs_p3IFQANwBVe5bN-_R9Dai-Ro9zIAQBL1ZqHmPOl2ukxIUOTBLUU_lCy1Txz4KvW4imx_pRd68OcP4s3Sd8-wTRtiW2DnbxwPrfk0bkj8fMw2EFDzIi972etGCatzTJi1Kj_Twv8TdD6U2Dh/w400-h225/20230718_092636.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As we gained altitude the snow was visible almost on the roadside. In many places, the mountain streams, due to the melting snow, flowed across the road, damaging the asphalted surface. It was more severe where there had been landslides and rockfalls caused by water flow and heavy rain due to cloud bursts. The teams from <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Border Road Organisation (BRO) </span></b>were placed strategically along the road at regular intervals, with earth moving equipment. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Landslides are frequent not only due to the rain and snow, but also by the loose earth, characteristic of these mountains. That is why it is <b><span style="color: #990000;">not advisable to park on the roadside </span></b>where overhanging loose soil and rock are visible. You might end up under a bit of the Himalayas! Not only that, even parking the car or taking the edge of the road might also prove dangerous. We saw a couple of trucks, including a petroleum tanker and in one place, a snow plough, lying deep in the valley. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">This road is very important and is the lifeline for the armed forces personnel stationed at the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Siachen base camp beyond Diskit</span></b>. So it is not allowed to get blocked more than a few hours as it is vital for movement of army vehicles. All road blocks caused by rock fall and landslides are cleared quickly by the BRO teams.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Though we were passing through a high altitude area with snow, <b><span style="color: #990000;">it was getting uncomfortably warm</span></b>. Due to the rains in Leh, we had expected it to get colder as we reached the top of Khardung La. How wrong we were! As we gained altitude it was only getting hotter. We were wrapped in warm clothing, with the thermals inside and other layers outside. Soon <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">we were squirming in discomfort</span></b> as the thermal wear inside was adding to our woes. We had to take off our jackets despite having climbed a few thousand feet of altitude!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pn_3H0dRSgsUTtXomuPUFyUeFGAoCZRNUpxRKrpi4fST2pnGZ3VrYYZjpZ-PKFjNVRoAEnzjjC-zvbk4eF64AzX41hrJn8wK4xJ0lI-R1JoWB3HDe_kENzjfWYyHf62weM_aARblNykkFj7JtJTM85FnQPgB1SPVfsFPW-xUJ_7kMqFkBNrb/s4624/20230718_092813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pn_3H0dRSgsUTtXomuPUFyUeFGAoCZRNUpxRKrpi4fST2pnGZ3VrYYZjpZ-PKFjNVRoAEnzjjC-zvbk4eF64AzX41hrJn8wK4xJ0lI-R1JoWB3HDe_kENzjfWYyHf62weM_aARblNykkFj7JtJTM85FnQPgB1SPVfsFPW-xUJ_7kMqFkBNrb/w400-h225/20230718_092813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hnQlZvxAUJU2QcI-6XmE580S95Vm5tL_dkVgbtFS1ZFMJ5ispGcjgsacljq8Ld-KVtgDu_NaUtOtmOmIonnMw31x4Vj3RlEdVda_3hCconnuTrMnpe0AK7X8ilxcYbV4SabrDEX7jAlhGmv8x57a6BUViNLSZxIFaP4zVeW7epmIARFC_Qd4/s4624/20230718_093202.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0hnQlZvxAUJU2QcI-6XmE580S95Vm5tL_dkVgbtFS1ZFMJ5ispGcjgsacljq8Ld-KVtgDu_NaUtOtmOmIonnMw31x4Vj3RlEdVda_3hCconnuTrMnpe0AK7X8ilxcYbV4SabrDEX7jAlhGmv8x57a6BUViNLSZxIFaP4zVeW7epmIARFC_Qd4/w400-h225/20230718_093202.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2nEnujjEsiZhLaqEHDgH0_B6-eIlem-I0OKjdGDSyaP4QyoBh2gfgXRvjZeUc_EnLbeQlqyvLazyaugZcUU1iEeZjgtQEpsy3-PYIbVAN5bVl9IEllLYF1VveFX6g279WCfXevsv5Aex2bvFsCWeUQDrSmr_eigsTfmuLtYO8bEa2NESKGKy/s4624/20230718_093752.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT2nEnujjEsiZhLaqEHDgH0_B6-eIlem-I0OKjdGDSyaP4QyoBh2gfgXRvjZeUc_EnLbeQlqyvLazyaugZcUU1iEeZjgtQEpsy3-PYIbVAN5bVl9IEllLYF1VveFX6g279WCfXevsv5Aex2bvFsCWeUQDrSmr_eigsTfmuLtYO8bEa2NESKGKy/w400-h225/20230718_093752.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We summited Khardung La about an hour and a half after leaving Leh. I felt a vague headache and had the feeling that I was having a little difficulty breathing. I wasn't sure if it was my imagination after all that I had heard about the chances of <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">AMS once you reach Khardung La</span></b> or if it was because I rushed to the urinal, a little too hurriedly! In any case the discomfort vanished once I slowed down. The run to the urinal had probably triggered it off. Mercifully I didn't blackout and need assistance from <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the army oxygen tent</span></b>! If you do go to such places, remember you should not behave like an athlete but a 'slow motion' star!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">As you climb up from Leh, the army posts are to your left at Khardung La. Don't attempt taking pictures of that side. You are free to shoot pictures of the area to the right of the road. It was already quite crowded, with people trying to pose in front of the board mentioning the altitude. What was disappointing was the <b><span style="color: #990000;">amount of plastic waste</span><span style="color: red;"> </span></b>despite the numerous boards cautioning against carrying and discarding plastics. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0IjtmEOxj_hgiaKxz1cuSuUnjXZfn1221WZSyHEYtIGaA1OIHJMh1ah7WFeUNdJ8coFSIsTNb-2vdSwi8K67etnvn7GgsZPbAc6_FPJ4VbHuXj1oBR5Ub_QnPvaq7eVavRHy30ja-v4VBSDd7lppZpeUZVCq1Tuv7DM0agVufbNyYatifNg_/s4624/20230718_094808.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ0IjtmEOxj_hgiaKxz1cuSuUnjXZfn1221WZSyHEYtIGaA1OIHJMh1ah7WFeUNdJ8coFSIsTNb-2vdSwi8K67etnvn7GgsZPbAc6_FPJ4VbHuXj1oBR5Ub_QnPvaq7eVavRHy30ja-v4VBSDd7lppZpeUZVCq1Tuv7DM0agVufbNyYatifNg_/w400-h225/20230718_094808.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvo7F099MrSEA3oZzS7fOpspE5-EGjlWQd2EAOEu7ZG8WtCyVN7WD00_JZZI6udkQtf8plh1_ksauXeyGXkj6lm45HR6WrIcVN0a0bwzWhTbQT_VVl1lNfbUTOhhdpqddyw6KVb3PfCrAusZ_HCySEDsC0qS4OToga_HUZ4m5oJ61WF8lHIM2/s4624/20230718_094813.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlvo7F099MrSEA3oZzS7fOpspE5-EGjlWQd2EAOEu7ZG8WtCyVN7WD00_JZZI6udkQtf8plh1_ksauXeyGXkj6lm45HR6WrIcVN0a0bwzWhTbQT_VVl1lNfbUTOhhdpqddyw6KVb3PfCrAusZ_HCySEDsC0qS4OToga_HUZ4m5oJ61WF8lHIM2/w400-h225/20230718_094813.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We abandoned the idea of a visit to the cafeteria. The early breakfast was still making us feel energetic, and in any case it was a very crowded summit with more people flowing in every passing minute. It was time to start our descent on the opposite side. There seemed to be more snow on that side and consequently <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the road was also damaged quite a bit</span></b>, probably due to small avalanches and rock falls.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi359ZP-EzJckox7p79Huncc6vj_Y5KfWApMww7BfxpFHwCGnk_cBiL3GwqrBy1SEYj6hIWcw6VlL7nhzb6XQVNOcwg7W9xn6VLRDf0QDh7MhhY2OrCb1VyJCJzgNsmwc3Lq3oRQ2Z9HCuWYSFRlbB_nCaHMDV-puNToqKHiX-E0JExSxEgn9NU/s4624/20230718_100519.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi359ZP-EzJckox7p79Huncc6vj_Y5KfWApMww7BfxpFHwCGnk_cBiL3GwqrBy1SEYj6hIWcw6VlL7nhzb6XQVNOcwg7W9xn6VLRDf0QDh7MhhY2OrCb1VyJCJzgNsmwc3Lq3oRQ2Z9HCuWYSFRlbB_nCaHMDV-puNToqKHiX-E0JExSxEgn9NU/w400-h225/20230718_100519.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiJarr1LEyFK5QN7_FA6f66o4xAJN7fcdHO-gp7c9sI_jgBk6VeVL8kR8jyT5RsE-BMlzOE6bSxn4khhOaY7W98iiyF1gNO-I68EhXpp5dfAi8Gmgkusxq0Mar-LfarWH9nDaiA2426cihuZzRAfODk0NMJzEAQzkmFD_SAcBNkaHYBgoGzkb/s4624/20230718_100932.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwiJarr1LEyFK5QN7_FA6f66o4xAJN7fcdHO-gp7c9sI_jgBk6VeVL8kR8jyT5RsE-BMlzOE6bSxn4khhOaY7W98iiyF1gNO-I68EhXpp5dfAi8Gmgkusxq0Mar-LfarWH9nDaiA2426cihuZzRAfODk0NMJzEAQzkmFD_SAcBNkaHYBgoGzkb/w400-h225/20230718_100932.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8iLW5eVl5zDm5060lKZv4lc1n_O5nGZvgObRhEom4Vkz0zYSZcnhuN6pIS0xWoSoZ5SHlqJq_KLJFhGtH8FEnvLzqwGx3QpAbAa90Ogfx-wOLx8-wrt7sSuT1EaN9V9ePUweAz1trwG2mh0UIq0RCX-A-M1a14uAbsEIHg-1rTQd-hZ6wWqH/s4624/20230718_101040.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir8iLW5eVl5zDm5060lKZv4lc1n_O5nGZvgObRhEom4Vkz0zYSZcnhuN6pIS0xWoSoZ5SHlqJq_KLJFhGtH8FEnvLzqwGx3QpAbAa90Ogfx-wOLx8-wrt7sSuT1EaN9V9ePUweAz1trwG2mh0UIq0RCX-A-M1a14uAbsEIHg-1rTQd-hZ6wWqH/w225-h400/20230718_101040.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeCyNMRj_-vYqDm2hA0oJ8gew5cJ-ZwdGpIcaF5tFa7sBZXvPlEZkndyAfF4eZGmCduCgv8ivDNtQnN-M9ta0fK0RN2J458kQyvZ17vFDxXz51AskIl9ZOvA6vKc1uQgQEbWtfTbU1CVS2x3DseVTlIStQSmMQ9jREJB5Betrlt7aeKebtuYi/s4624/20230718_101225.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBeCyNMRj_-vYqDm2hA0oJ8gew5cJ-ZwdGpIcaF5tFa7sBZXvPlEZkndyAfF4eZGmCduCgv8ivDNtQnN-M9ta0fK0RN2J458kQyvZ17vFDxXz51AskIl9ZOvA6vKc1uQgQEbWtfTbU1CVS2x3DseVTlIStQSmMQ9jREJB5Betrlt7aeKebtuYi/w400-h225/20230718_101225.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">After a while the road condition improved as we drove towards <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">North Pullu,</span></b> where you have to show your passes once again. It is a good spot for <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a tea and snack break</span></b> here if you are hungry. There are small restaurants that <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">serve the ubiquitous momos, noodles and bread - omelette.</span></b> These are located along the edge of a mountain stream that eventually empties into the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Shyok river</span></b>, one of the tributaries of Indus (<i>more about the Shyok river later</i>). The terrain was a little greener compared to the other side. Maybe the melting snow was keeping the earth more moist on this side. The road too, was much better. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LOk_PDLp-KEpHSU69hbLP7mIu6V06AzQJgKCEhMzOXU2ACJ8RqHM0bmjjs4rtWu37tDo_mi-m68Bc9Bw48Riw8yVk0ijLsURJNzotCbyqbqFKiIJ7n_8JK5t2uD0s26O1LCi4m1-r0ykA9BQfn87lQ6lClZ9scwOo9eAwd5YIyJ15K1biE7P/s4624/20230718_103247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2LOk_PDLp-KEpHSU69hbLP7mIu6V06AzQJgKCEhMzOXU2ACJ8RqHM0bmjjs4rtWu37tDo_mi-m68Bc9Bw48Riw8yVk0ijLsURJNzotCbyqbqFKiIJ7n_8JK5t2uD0s26O1LCi4m1-r0ykA9BQfn87lQ6lClZ9scwOo9eAwd5YIyJ15K1biE7P/w400-h225/20230718_103247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPxYGvEKjxKDnOGt8Ho05Qxc-MaZl3cR0vvTS98UDJPJCzI3DwBSTkaPRC4g-dJHlwdqqCMN9djbRp5hdA9ouO6RWSByPnZQ9VT9PQv-KElsYUSUGVICjYrhiavZ1ggBXx9I-Vc4DBf0o6erF-bXXrorAo3wgacKwW9ja4x0fJaoMshfjQK7Y/s4227/20230718_110558.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2260" data-original-width="4227" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnPxYGvEKjxKDnOGt8Ho05Qxc-MaZl3cR0vvTS98UDJPJCzI3DwBSTkaPRC4g-dJHlwdqqCMN9djbRp5hdA9ouO6RWSByPnZQ9VT9PQv-KElsYUSUGVICjYrhiavZ1ggBXx9I-Vc4DBf0o6erF-bXXrorAo3wgacKwW9ja4x0fJaoMshfjQK7Y/w400-h214/20230718_110558.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Having crossed the first hurdle, we were now rolling towards our next destination, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Nubra valley</span></b> and the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Diskit Gompa (Monastery)</span></b>. I had confessed in <b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/09/ladakh-life-lessons-part-5-of-piety-or.html" target="_blank">one of my earlier posts</a></b> that I'm not a very pious person. However, while researching Ladakh I was instantly drawn towards a face with a beatific smile on it. The face belonged to the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Maitreya Buddha</span></b> who sits below the monastery looking across the Shyok towards Pakistan. (More about him in one of the subsequent posts). </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6S5oQEnVmQwIa0AabQkc3GnV4_5MpXjDuB6EVJ_sBmILKhuPjyXus0uUJItr1DuFxcvwVbOY1LYWgT1BYxHUzHDTjkEkhI9FpK0-pxlIb3ohODh_ZsW2gnHFH1VQjF3F5oGVAj7LtC19XeoP9pRz24QgbDgzCYN4qGmwhyC30pxQ6Ui3iN6N/s4624/Diskit%2001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC6S5oQEnVmQwIa0AabQkc3GnV4_5MpXjDuB6EVJ_sBmILKhuPjyXus0uUJItr1DuFxcvwVbOY1LYWgT1BYxHUzHDTjkEkhI9FpK0-pxlIb3ohODh_ZsW2gnHFH1VQjF3F5oGVAj7LtC19XeoP9pRz24QgbDgzCYN4qGmwhyC30pxQ6Ui3iN6N/w400-h225/Diskit%2001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWldDXsv3_RAX6lTf4pVQfGDsYgCPB9VcImC38OFONau-W4C16kLSGAktNWQ5D0h7Eqp9NXd_I0-KQLP1DAy680r1tD81gvM9BMecqRlQM33Z06gVGaQlgIzuzbXZvjmMwl7k-S2S5CMRek_F7reXkQn-eL9q25HUWRPRDslBLtrAi4V5mN_Ch/s4437/Diskit%2002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2424" data-original-width="4437" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWldDXsv3_RAX6lTf4pVQfGDsYgCPB9VcImC38OFONau-W4C16kLSGAktNWQ5D0h7Eqp9NXd_I0-KQLP1DAy680r1tD81gvM9BMecqRlQM33Z06gVGaQlgIzuzbXZvjmMwl7k-S2S5CMRek_F7reXkQn-eL9q25HUWRPRDslBLtrAi4V5mN_Ch/w400-h219/Diskit%2002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">We had to cross <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Khardung </span></b>village and <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Khalsar</span></b> before reaching Diskit. The road to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong Tso</span></b> diverts along the western bank of the Shyok, a few kilometres from the latter. Since it was undergoing some major upgradation work, traffic to Pangong Tso was being diverted through alternate routes. Either you could retrace your route to Leh and do a day trip to Pangong as many do, or you could drive directly to Pangong through an alternate route that went along the eastern side of the Shyok.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">After stopping for an early lunch at Khalsar, we decided to finish our trip to the famous <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hunder dunes</span></b> because we would be backtracking halfway to Khalsar to take the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Terith</span></b> road, where our resort was. More about Hunder, and the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Milky Way at Terith </span></b>in the next post.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/09/ladakh-life-lessons-part-8-3-idiots-2.html" target="_blank">Link to the previous post is here</a></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div></div>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-38462114547487420002023-09-27T23:13:00.008+05:302023-09-28T11:33:10.613+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 8: The 3 Idiots & 2 Schools<p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">17th July 2023,, 2.00 Pm - Secmol School</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> Personally, I'm not a movie buff. I have lost that ability to sit through even a movie under two hours let alone a three hour blockbuster. The last full length movie I watched was Kantara, only because it took me back to my days in Manipal and Udupi. Most other movies, when I do see anything is watched in bits and pieces, with my family. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3_Idiots" target="_blank">"3 Idiots", is a 2009 movie</a></span></b> starring Aamir Khan in the lead role of Rancho. It explores the college education system and how it puts students into pressures of different kinds. Aamir Khan's character is loosly based on the life of <b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sonam_Wangchuk_(engineer)" target="_blank">Sonam Wangchuk</a></span></b> an innovator and education reformist of Leh. (More details if you click the names). </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">RANCHO' SCHOOL</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you are taking the regular tourist circuit and are very keen on visiting<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span><span style="color: #3d85c6;">the "3 idiots' " school</span></b> and shooting location, you will, most likely, be directed to <b><a href="https://discoverlehladakh.in/rancho-school.htm" target="_blank">Rancho's School </a></b>which is actually the <b><a href="https://www.dwls.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: #38761d;">Druk Padma Karpo School</span></a></b>. This school is located in Shey village, about 15 kilometres along the Leh-Manali Highway (NH 3). After it became famous, tourists to Ladakh make a bee line to this school for selfies and photo opportunities at the 'Rancho Wall'. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-hzvD1IGHsMMHMJhm-rcWxLFNGgRymc-5qzDv-9XVy_XLhR-KFXrDhXq0dlLoNKQF5K5QLtuSDH27Bps1duWR4ex44ktIslr0bYGAWXR8LPbJBc4mR0HQaKWTie1irF_BL6KiSTwqhteTgZ9g2V7W1b4JGFrLLHBYrsC0x0blBrTPLlFwMj2/s1200/Rancho%20wall%2001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="801" data-original-width="1200" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7-hzvD1IGHsMMHMJhm-rcWxLFNGgRymc-5qzDv-9XVy_XLhR-KFXrDhXq0dlLoNKQF5K5QLtuSDH27Bps1duWR4ex44ktIslr0bYGAWXR8LPbJBc4mR0HQaKWTie1irF_BL6KiSTwqhteTgZ9g2V7W1b4JGFrLLHBYrsC0x0blBrTPLlFwMj2/w400-h268/Rancho%20wall%2001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">However this popularity has proved to be more of a bane than a. blessing. Unruly tourists posing for photos at the wall in peeing posture, perhaps peeing too, and photographing students and teachers inside the classrooms, without permission, have made the management build <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">a replica Rancho's Wall</span></b> in a separate area inside the campus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_IGYHjqb6kLvCTYGZwuR2r89ctWDk5HPitQ5MEACQP8sTrTx25bYtMXDxg3KZIM-3w0eMctFHYh9DJnVtvQklwjVg8HijX0ub6iZ92hDJXUegZY8WMgnCUGSwpc2zerOYfzGbzD5GuHA3iQ7LZwH22D7-E70FvRCPSrTzFekRsTjoyL6pbub/s4800/Rancho%20wall%2002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2744" data-original-width="4800" height="229" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgk_IGYHjqb6kLvCTYGZwuR2r89ctWDk5HPitQ5MEACQP8sTrTx25bYtMXDxg3KZIM-3w0eMctFHYh9DJnVtvQklwjVg8HijX0ub6iZ92hDJXUegZY8WMgnCUGSwpc2zerOYfzGbzD5GuHA3iQ7LZwH22D7-E70FvRCPSrTzFekRsTjoyL6pbub/w400-h229/Rancho%20wall%2002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">All over the world, Indian's as tourists are looked at with disdain because of our unruly behavior. While all of us don't behave like idiots, the few who do, give us all a bad name. So it is not surprising that the school management learnt the hard way.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8T-13pLQ0amjGupL98ZSFJLZIG845nEvOa5elmAFLJcsd8gaWvRb4EzAqk_8xh_RHKH3blzJWSwUrydu0KVHv6brHEdhboZrJ9G7ug-W40R7DZJ71neKoARKBhT4fL-AghGt5Pfw1ybOsTWeaSxc9IJ9OVo63Jc5dxyu-pale13evL5wP-q_/s1280/Rancho%2003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY8T-13pLQ0amjGupL98ZSFJLZIG845nEvOa5elmAFLJcsd8gaWvRb4EzAqk_8xh_RHKH3blzJWSwUrydu0KVHv6brHEdhboZrJ9G7ug-W40R7DZJ71neKoARKBhT4fL-AghGt5Pfw1ybOsTWeaSxc9IJ9OVo63Jc5dxyu-pale13evL5wP-q_/w400-h225/Rancho%2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Anyway, cut the story short, <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">we didn't enter Rancho's school</span></b>! (All photos, above, (and a few below) have been sourced from the internet as we didn't go inside). That was because, we had already been to the school that was the inspiration for Rancho's School in "3 Idiots", <b><a href="https://secmol.org/" target="_blank">Sonam Wangchuk's Secmol School</a></b>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">SECMOL SCHOOL</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">On our return leg from Indus Sangam, Tsewangji said that we could drop in at the Secmol school on our way back to Leh. Since it was already lunchtime, we stopped to eat at a restaurant just before the turn off from the highway to <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Phey village, </span></b>and theron to Secmol campus. As you reach the arched gates, the first thing you see, on the left, are the two solar panels that form a part of the grid providing power to the campus. It so happened that we reached beyond the <b>'free' visiting hours</b> and so, entry and campus tour was chargeable after 12 noon! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The unique thing about this school is that <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">you can get admission only if you FAIL in your 10th</span></b> <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">standard!</span></b> The education that is imparted in this school is not your typical subjects that you find in schools in other states or even in Leh. The objective of the Secmol method is to teach you how to survive in real life, meaning <b><span style="color: #38761d;">education for sustainable living, through experiential learning</span></b>. <b><span style="color: red;">SECMOL</span><span style="color: #0b5394;"> is an abbreviation of </span><span style="color: red;">S</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">tudents </span><span style="color: red;">E</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">ducational and </span><span style="color: red;">C</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">ultural </span><span style="color: red;">Mo</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">vement of </span><span style="color: red;">L</span><span style="color: #0b5394;">adakh.</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Students enrolled here learn English because eventually they have to go out into the world, and communication is critical. All other things are very informal. While we were there, the students were involved in their designated daily activity. One student, who was assigned to us as the guide, took us around the campus and introduced us to <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the innovative methods they use to run the school</span></b>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">campus, almost entirely,</span><span style="color: red;"> runs on solar power,</span></b> though there is also a backup generator for emergency. The solar energy is used for lighting, charging batteries, heating water and also cooking. They have an innovative way for using solar power for cooking using solar panels made with mirrors to reflect light onto the vessels. (Check the website for details). Drinking water is from a deep bore well, pumped by solar energy.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The buildings are also uniquely constructed. They are<b><span style="color: #783f04;"> built with 'rammed earth'</span></b>. It means exactly that, a mixture of sand, slit, gravel and clay are poured between two panels and 'rammed' so that it becomes compacted. Layers on layers are applied till the requisite height is reached. The walls of the buildings here are two layered with the gap stuffed with sawdust, small wood bits, paper and such stuff that act as insulators. It serves as ventilation in summer and helps keep the heat inside in winters. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYrgA2tTmEakONSaEVqzUabsiIJjGr3Dz7V1OVGO1TJDY8mfiq6RZUSMMVRYWPHPmjmLWEIjPw7M7tOnhJeLqDLyDDgFTxEQ9I9AkBttjgorsGcXhtYYdLbYKic3TgcI2XeuDTyUzcW65OWgkaB8FGGKy0HVU6y8gqZHeVXNSjsPSjH5Daz2h/s837/Rammed-earth-construction-method-pamant-batut-cu-maiul-13.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="453" data-original-width="837" height="216" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGYrgA2tTmEakONSaEVqzUabsiIJjGr3Dz7V1OVGO1TJDY8mfiq6RZUSMMVRYWPHPmjmLWEIjPw7M7tOnhJeLqDLyDDgFTxEQ9I9AkBttjgorsGcXhtYYdLbYKic3TgcI2XeuDTyUzcW65OWgkaB8FGGKy0HVU6y8gqZHeVXNSjsPSjH5Daz2h/w400-h216/Rammed-earth-construction-method-pamant-batut-cu-maiul-13.png" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Another unique feature is that the the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">buildings are 'sunk' one metre below the ground level</span></b>. This is to make optimum use of the earth's temperature, which is comparatively warmer than the external temperatures outside in winter and cooler in summer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">windows of the buildings in Secmol School face south</span></b> so that natural light is available all year round. There are also additional skylights covered with glass or plastic keep in warmth and let in the daylight in larger rooms. Another unique feature is the use of plastic sheets in winter that are draped at an angle outside the buildings in winter. These become <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">greenhouses for the buildings</span></b>, keeping the heat in during winters and allowing for growth of vegetables. They are rolled up in summer to prevent overheating. (<b><span style="color: red;"><a href="https://www.voiceofladakh.in/2023/08/secmol-school-leh-represents-himalayan-region-in-new-indian-architecture/" target="_blank">More about the unique architectural features here</a></span></b>)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlrUqaXfl2h2L9zNgFrQhe6Inm7qqBI-hvWYCsRLtaS_NFAEFCpQMAXbuTi1DX37U3LnTSr6Deu3BzOpKVaSO1eMrTiDdQDYh2j0xjSPEKmpwVsVaq5Y1hEEaBYLuYICGkV7vUr0sa-DvJUjLpsaznpfpa7-BlCgB5hAwErBvIImjWtQC7qCf/s960/secmol%2002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="960" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNlrUqaXfl2h2L9zNgFrQhe6Inm7qqBI-hvWYCsRLtaS_NFAEFCpQMAXbuTi1DX37U3LnTSr6Deu3BzOpKVaSO1eMrTiDdQDYh2j0xjSPEKmpwVsVaq5Y1hEEaBYLuYICGkV7vUr0sa-DvJUjLpsaznpfpa7-BlCgB5hAwErBvIImjWtQC7qCf/w400-h266/secmol%2002.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">The school is run by its students. By that, I mean exactly that. While food is sourced from the local market, the school has a fairly <b><span style="color: #38761d;">large kitchen garden</span></b> growing a variety of fruits and vegetables. Apricots, a very popular Ladakhi fruit is converted to preservative free jam! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi-vUPx4s7KXS_jr54StCwiDdu5rSeLbC80UKpf6KhO_aDiEUk17HFJP9_InywiCL2eThpDpkxf778DU4PmYTOkJ1Fkzb5S30093w_VbkpHjwE3-_5l8piPF8Sy6C_G9dF6GbBt2LwkXWz6Rdg6didZtMpp1WKkcztdIGWo29jdUUWomk3RAw/s4624/20230717_141935%20-%20Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVi-vUPx4s7KXS_jr54StCwiDdu5rSeLbC80UKpf6KhO_aDiEUk17HFJP9_InywiCL2eThpDpkxf778DU4PmYTOkJ1Fkzb5S30093w_VbkpHjwE3-_5l8piPF8Sy6C_G9dF6GbBt2LwkXWz6Rdg6didZtMpp1WKkcztdIGWo29jdUUWomk3RAw/w400-h225/20230717_141935%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSorIqPrZu3ao9-FI4d9IjeEearAh3KS19CPIagVjlTW6oSVyeW8kmKXhyxuJ70lsXdR6VqUWspb0EOODgxcXZwlxjcDv9_D67axTLpwkdugYMxKlw-cOCV15GQUReNYUheUaqR7rNkJAwSB6uDQZS2umUaTsQOVDs-bOXBz0aWxzzJZ-M__F_/s4624/20230717_141956%20-%20Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSorIqPrZu3ao9-FI4d9IjeEearAh3KS19CPIagVjlTW6oSVyeW8kmKXhyxuJ70lsXdR6VqUWspb0EOODgxcXZwlxjcDv9_D67axTLpwkdugYMxKlw-cOCV15GQUReNYUheUaqR7rNkJAwSB6uDQZS2umUaTsQOVDs-bOXBz0aWxzzJZ-M__F_/w225-h400/20230717_141956%20-%20Copy.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Even during winter they grow leafy vegetables under the 'greenhouse' sheets. What was once barren land is now swathed in green along the bank of the Indus. The produce, grown by the students are used in the the school's kitchen. A good part of the harvest is stored in <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">an underground cellar for winter</span></b>, when all roads to Leh remain closed, and produce from outside is not available. Some are also dried and stored. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRmkCacSMQ5wGfBojBljSfxXtJ6SNdXnQiqV9q95CyyFhgAXYnRkut9WDdb7hW0UR2SRFdM31KcXrnkiNrnHtbtA5DrUGTEbCVtdF0axJoG6hwnT7Awqyk9RW2DCR8cS7JTw3MN6XcyyjuwH4UH4HPsee-GJbpB9vwN9uXW8um2J4M5GSS6R3/s3264/20230717_141614.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVRmkCacSMQ5wGfBojBljSfxXtJ6SNdXnQiqV9q95CyyFhgAXYnRkut9WDdb7hW0UR2SRFdM31KcXrnkiNrnHtbtA5DrUGTEbCVtdF0axJoG6hwnT7Awqyk9RW2DCR8cS7JTw3MN6XcyyjuwH4UH4HPsee-GJbpB9vwN9uXW8um2J4M5GSS6R3/w400-h225/20230717_141614.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AwNWeY50tb61gkGQ-kwzXeCVhjl8Ke-OdWPD3b8FW7zuRH_oG1LgC4z8xaTb3BfPBloluvdYkmoQYliYGrmqwhg1y5J-rq6SlUbTZs8AnZEvvLgRVjj5uEJTIxdpf4X4n8kUNl_kPq5-pQtmTj3aPnJ10_bUBE-yKUiIpolGR_NcMPeBxVMF/s3264/20230717_141619.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5AwNWeY50tb61gkGQ-kwzXeCVhjl8Ke-OdWPD3b8FW7zuRH_oG1LgC4z8xaTb3BfPBloluvdYkmoQYliYGrmqwhg1y5J-rq6SlUbTZs8AnZEvvLgRVjj5uEJTIxdpf4X4n8kUNl_kPq5-pQtmTj3aPnJ10_bUBE-yKUiIpolGR_NcMPeBxVMF/w225-h400/20230717_141619.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg3rKuhnD2WOeltwkxw0_gODPurFawb8bKgl-4PFfTK-dKyYWB5fX_44u-9uZkKJNk1mU_Cwlm2-JQM3d1m0OF3G7U4nUPm17YR0paT6X-p8MBVPAn1jL203m2dtkowranj01_0nTaFK_traybFfhBwJvLHKcwpzvFlwmf4t2YLDHr3Bt5ppx/s2180/20230717_141754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1726" data-original-width="2180" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSg3rKuhnD2WOeltwkxw0_gODPurFawb8bKgl-4PFfTK-dKyYWB5fX_44u-9uZkKJNk1mU_Cwlm2-JQM3d1m0OF3G7U4nUPm17YR0paT6X-p8MBVPAn1jL203m2dtkowranj01_0nTaFK_traybFfhBwJvLHKcwpzvFlwmf4t2YLDHr3Bt5ppx/w400-h316/20230717_141754.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Grains and flour are stored in a unique storage room that is filled from the top and emptied from the bottom. 'First in- first out' system with a dry storage facility.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABq6Js4SgSJaqNr27F73JXxnkxQCfQQ6QLqR8TUiuMLsIkLQJPIDPMDR3NVPPXeTh5PKz8DPJWLCMrDM5O6LAlRMnZAzG6UeLKMEzliwocVtmy4jrfUp5pPdh5dus1hqOYhCmTlS7E8H_JW04LR32N1nbjjMRjDGX3FdByJN5m7Jnn2aE3toY/s3264/20230717_141514.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiABq6Js4SgSJaqNr27F73JXxnkxQCfQQ6QLqR8TUiuMLsIkLQJPIDPMDR3NVPPXeTh5PKz8DPJWLCMrDM5O6LAlRMnZAzG6UeLKMEzliwocVtmy4jrfUp5pPdh5dus1hqOYhCmTlS7E8H_JW04LR32N1nbjjMRjDGX3FdByJN5m7Jnn2aE3toY/w400-h225/20230717_141514.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpxWkNt3YgpAl_pTXpzsBQBW4CBWPxa9fy7mOyMKLu9wpC2dAM2amg9IIYHbfwW_1Nlq4uBLNXc4OhhPJuqL0nawFR7codK_YDsZzTBk0RxuDnKfPFu4C-kSC_4Wc97ajRoPlNaczc_102efkCXXquYmelmmZYXHBtvuR5DzHA70lqDgko250/s4624/20230717_141500.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKpxWkNt3YgpAl_pTXpzsBQBW4CBWPxa9fy7mOyMKLu9wpC2dAM2amg9IIYHbfwW_1Nlq4uBLNXc4OhhPJuqL0nawFR7codK_YDsZzTBk0RxuDnKfPFu4C-kSC_4Wc97ajRoPlNaczc_102efkCXXquYmelmmZYXHBtvuR5DzHA70lqDgko250/w225-h400/20230717_141500.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">They also have </span><b style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #38761d;">a small diary</span></b><span style="text-align: justify;">, that provides milk to the kitchen. The three cows recycle the vegetable waste by eating it, and their dung is used as manure for the vegetable garden. The dung, however, is not enough to produce bio-gas for the kitchen. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="text-align: justify;">Everything is managed by the students. The diary, the kitchen, the cleaning and maintenance of the campus, gardening, managing the funds etc</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0iY6CS9Jfo9ObwOZLZxXm2XqvdUeu9I2VA47b6o-gWQg31rzBpKDzHvoreKK6zGqG1McnnI3INWBdQ44vKS_yHuZWxPnXCRBnJiNRkMWxPpyq3RvZoUqWa5ZV2Bm_dr_igOSDCe0m-JsZGowcJyyj2pi39ekvTAQL39iwpkjx92wSeSuv3FJ/s4624/20230717_141330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgz0iY6CS9Jfo9ObwOZLZxXm2XqvdUeu9I2VA47b6o-gWQg31rzBpKDzHvoreKK6zGqG1McnnI3INWBdQ44vKS_yHuZWxPnXCRBnJiNRkMWxPpyq3RvZoUqWa5ZV2Bm_dr_igOSDCe0m-JsZGowcJyyj2pi39ekvTAQL39iwpkjx92wSeSuv3FJ/w400-h225/20230717_141330.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The toilets are <b><span style="color: #38761d;">dry toilets </span></b>with two composting chambers. When one chamber is filled, the other is used, while the first one is allowed to compost. The manure is then used for in the vegetable and fruit garden. The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">wastewater from kitchen and bathrooms</span></b> are allowed to run to the trees through small canals. The other waste generated; be it paper, plastics, wood or anything is collected and recycled.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOxFIwgQryoDidtrajjBs_HmhFtuycJLMwKJ0jXMPBijq-6YmP7Orq8QQSEatsfWk70wCwqZmulBrvU79lt2YjMkMvvpG-RQf888cPwNKorScpeutYaBi2LGgVoj5hPI2TJzVqKpfskO0Zwekrutket4vXYoSgCe-TFAEzqKKy_7WFTjk3bB7/s4624/20230717_135435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJOxFIwgQryoDidtrajjBs_HmhFtuycJLMwKJ0jXMPBijq-6YmP7Orq8QQSEatsfWk70wCwqZmulBrvU79lt2YjMkMvvpG-RQf888cPwNKorScpeutYaBi2LGgVoj5hPI2TJzVqKpfskO0Zwekrutket4vXYoSgCe-TFAEzqKKy_7WFTjk3bB7/s320/20230717_135435.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wFYKkXmyjTTq1NQnq33ceDUgmryjITNqTYa9GqpfsMLX5ydzeLrPKwecl3lGJBMSCvlIJkxmsvJvhxoMRml5QL335EvCC8c66lxlh4Sq36CgrCkjwLCwlSs8iVbmYDoASPb8yQImQLJptPLA7f8hC6CseoRjWkYRSP7sWf89rs4tcb5HLQon/s3264/20230717_135445.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wFYKkXmyjTTq1NQnq33ceDUgmryjITNqTYa9GqpfsMLX5ydzeLrPKwecl3lGJBMSCvlIJkxmsvJvhxoMRml5QL335EvCC8c66lxlh4Sq36CgrCkjwLCwlSs8iVbmYDoASPb8yQImQLJptPLA7f8hC6CseoRjWkYRSP7sWf89rs4tcb5HLQon/w400-h225/20230717_135445.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp4vilVHsDCEZHiT9B3gMqEZYj5ZP8eG6cQdRZFOxH89nnZ-MJy-Gptw0xeDEnD-__UmoCwYonq7J3QUDMGnvlxUr-VBZHsSBN5XFU0xvSwuCHaNWoooYT2qd8ff0Lkbl5MTKjYUcqowzY5h07Ss2e6ov3ldNYlCL1saqY6nyWxXT4ytKp-Af/s3264/20230717_135450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFp4vilVHsDCEZHiT9B3gMqEZYj5ZP8eG6cQdRZFOxH89nnZ-MJy-Gptw0xeDEnD-__UmoCwYonq7J3QUDMGnvlxUr-VBZHsSBN5XFU0xvSwuCHaNWoooYT2qd8ff0Lkbl5MTKjYUcqowzY5h07Ss2e6ov3ldNYlCL1saqY6nyWxXT4ytKp-Af/w400-h225/20230717_135450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBttgAmXVN0riTN_jDH0n9pgYXOz7DuDIhfoSePWXapBumikig725TLAoB9tOZWp3eGooYdELdUmatAfu3vvCOJyy_FQjjXnxJm-goPQ0lYbDQ-T7l8oCCeJzY0jjNfbL3o-ghRGYdv_p8lJtkmcRZ8LtFPvq711ziLB-AfVSvH6jyiVHlIuA-/s3264/20230717_141410.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBttgAmXVN0riTN_jDH0n9pgYXOz7DuDIhfoSePWXapBumikig725TLAoB9tOZWp3eGooYdELdUmatAfu3vvCOJyy_FQjjXnxJm-goPQ0lYbDQ-T7l8oCCeJzY0jjNfbL3o-ghRGYdv_p8lJtkmcRZ8LtFPvq711ziLB-AfVSvH6jyiVHlIuA-/w400-h225/20230717_141410.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGY49SBpReJnLmA59Gvm_h05DmPAOmscfL2ca6Y8ekFnuLamIZaAkSNBcXe0Cl9Ph3D2aKzu794Ezw6p1INaIjZJ8F42iPQeZM6LdFXU4RMLX0D4-jNkoieXmLXKHvHP1LLwpMX7iPY7y8jN6hSWll7kHy3ouOkg4sOr1U88aBL8CO6T8lXVBW/s4624/20230717_141418.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGY49SBpReJnLmA59Gvm_h05DmPAOmscfL2ca6Y8ekFnuLamIZaAkSNBcXe0Cl9Ph3D2aKzu794Ezw6p1INaIjZJ8F42iPQeZM6LdFXU4RMLX0D4-jNkoieXmLXKHvHP1LLwpMX7iPY7y8jN6hSWll7kHy3ouOkg4sOr1U88aBL8CO6T8lXVBW/w400-h225/20230717_141418.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">All in all, a very unique school in a very unique location. It might have <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">a very unconventional approach to education but it teaches the students how to manage in real life</span></b>, when faced with the extreme conditions of Ladakh. It may not be for everybody but it seems eminently suitable for Ladakh. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCnGgaSZ5FwS_9uiLMyFnqN-P05lPvP__T1JnLSpYHOFSdYWRrPskwmxgeR6Lmb5SH8UhkHDdDHmhEebxtRq7PuPjRHHOq1Rp5o9-SLvPESTJ44FKSvzMw7wuztZYY9o6YbyJzQw9YwkaJTajREQvcaLimWdC4S8deD_JeXPve5heM7weOjec/s4624/20230717_141321.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPCnGgaSZ5FwS_9uiLMyFnqN-P05lPvP__T1JnLSpYHOFSdYWRrPskwmxgeR6Lmb5SH8UhkHDdDHmhEebxtRq7PuPjRHHOq1Rp5o9-SLvPESTJ44FKSvzMw7wuztZYY9o6YbyJzQw9YwkaJTajREQvcaLimWdC4S8deD_JeXPve5heM7weOjec/w400-h225/20230717_141321.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9IwCv9D2D_Ta4wpqhWHyrbkAST-Jt3lWYpT4jSngS7X0unGdzNPH5RE77eGnMQvu5ucbexBmRIGLkroA22C5xv88OlaE1blMYrGYlV6XymI_KT7jnxBjnznJTWolYtc3cZKbOH2M9fwNtgI5HDkWrYM1_emWGPUsjdSQs-HhwVT0-NhQtV7H/s3550/20230717_142248.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2598" data-original-width="3550" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy9IwCv9D2D_Ta4wpqhWHyrbkAST-Jt3lWYpT4jSngS7X0unGdzNPH5RE77eGnMQvu5ucbexBmRIGLkroA22C5xv88OlaE1blMYrGYlV6XymI_KT7jnxBjnznJTWolYtc3cZKbOH2M9fwNtgI5HDkWrYM1_emWGPUsjdSQs-HhwVT0-NhQtV7H/w400-h293/20230717_142248.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWJmgrA468Nb2YGbtXn6lQoGXNTzfSf3LshxQVhfyo-7NJLWNzi8lK4Lc9Z1zyVJZ9HRbqXHulYz5NZfxxBO5ElT1oP3ZyAHs06_P8WLomKeNovut8tCkMeBTTodIFJEMITxyNDZMkRcbpNP7Vj3B8-sQ1Zu6KGcxofeS9Llb7AE4wf7i0y6X/s4624/20230717_142315.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWJmgrA468Nb2YGbtXn6lQoGXNTzfSf3LshxQVhfyo-7NJLWNzi8lK4Lc9Z1zyVJZ9HRbqXHulYz5NZfxxBO5ElT1oP3ZyAHs06_P8WLomKeNovut8tCkMeBTTodIFJEMITxyNDZMkRcbpNP7Vj3B8-sQ1Zu6KGcxofeS9Llb7AE4wf7i0y6X/w225-h400/20230717_142315.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zyVhYz0DvEsUpaNfiyN9cGOnMYgBGSkfFDeFV9gYAI5Fi5dKOZprRo8TJp14Jiju7Tb671WpR2rQbFPHhzsGBLZ5j0tggJ5Omq3Y7nWNXgd2qg3SwRMLShX7Z4O4B6X1Q30doTqG4rbesCBRkcxC7Q5CL1ty6JIv5IsZgZAjSocS_EdTIOIr/s4624/20230717_142331.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9zyVhYz0DvEsUpaNfiyN9cGOnMYgBGSkfFDeFV9gYAI5Fi5dKOZprRo8TJp14Jiju7Tb671WpR2rQbFPHhzsGBLZ5j0tggJ5Omq3Y7nWNXgd2qg3SwRMLShX7Z4O4B6X1Q30doTqG4rbesCBRkcxC7Q5CL1ty6JIv5IsZgZAjSocS_EdTIOIr/w225-h400/20230717_142331.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qeGA4W-cO7tUhf2FPdGaJj2qjl7_i0NVOx7HTMvu_tl9q56RvhZIY-Jd4uKgii-_jReUq9bj-ykjUwZf11V9tIFUu34H9Ekq2sdKN8IrU3mj20QO0w-F_calikh7FgpYfXe3Oc7JKVhys3yKbGnbxuUBHDUEWqcUHUgHqgalSqCL1iLf43xD/s4624/20230717_142450.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7qeGA4W-cO7tUhf2FPdGaJj2qjl7_i0NVOx7HTMvu_tl9q56RvhZIY-Jd4uKgii-_jReUq9bj-ykjUwZf11V9tIFUu34H9Ekq2sdKN8IrU3mj20QO0w-F_calikh7FgpYfXe3Oc7JKVhys3yKbGnbxuUBHDUEWqcUHUgHqgalSqCL1iLf43xD/w400-h225/20230717_142450.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Inside the main block, as we entered we found a plastic bottle hanging beside the door. It wasn't a decorative piece but <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">the bottle filled with gravel was serving as an 'automatic' door closer!</span></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWCeTSAaO-0nD-JcVnCPtF6eQ3Az3VeprkNBo-BmopEshg89JJOgTORaUyuUdPmV8bTaywrcPWdNFSEvDY2EHzS3yZyUgeuGSWabvH7kpmjclhhiIkTqtTq1M7tEyJoeIRsdLC4yDujm4pCM6dkOTOFSWu17Q-faL5kbKskX1rzHe7MZS5C-9/s3264/20230717_135603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3264" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijWCeTSAaO-0nD-JcVnCPtF6eQ3Az3VeprkNBo-BmopEshg89JJOgTORaUyuUdPmV8bTaywrcPWdNFSEvDY2EHzS3yZyUgeuGSWabvH7kpmjclhhiIkTqtTq1M7tEyJoeIRsdLC4yDujm4pCM6dkOTOFSWu17Q-faL5kbKskX1rzHe7MZS5C-9/w225-h400/20230717_135603.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">We also learnt that the school is run by very smart children. We ended up buying souvenirs before we left the campus! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you go to Ladakh, don't just go to Rancho's school. Make time to visit Secmol school too. After all Sonam Wangchuk was the inspiration for Rancho! He is the man who made <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><a href="http://icestupa.org/" target="_blank">the ice stupa</a></span></b>, a very unique water storage system that helps store water during arid summers in Ladakh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqoZdTFTv2OOlYPP6MEEqR0SnegDKa8kPrFzfHfgBj_e6Z3Bt70DKcrfQZc-xjlEXsCf1paWBJEVQa6ET20JhlIqkPftypCsOEueMYPDdsf1eIsONrrQ-1aFPANHAHQPXkvg5f6IhOchSJbOVJ4L30Q2CFgFFUr1VZmfnEHs7NF8nbLNYBUEA/s976/_96723174_eb255d35-bfad-44e5-9b6b-88f62dae6c20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="549" data-original-width="976" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuqoZdTFTv2OOlYPP6MEEqR0SnegDKa8kPrFzfHfgBj_e6Z3Bt70DKcrfQZc-xjlEXsCf1paWBJEVQa6ET20JhlIqkPftypCsOEueMYPDdsf1eIsONrrQ-1aFPANHAHQPXkvg5f6IhOchSJbOVJ4L30Q2CFgFFUr1VZmfnEHs7NF8nbLNYBUEA/w400-h225/_96723174_eb255d35-bfad-44e5-9b6b-88f62dae6c20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60DmEWLdHS0Vv48SdbsJZBpytoIdXO_mOQE8V_WqAvxoNieqN7o1vJwW-iW3SsP93tTZaltWFFLl3wwfMOe61L-5DBLOn6f5qCzmbi7fzXIvkSN5hcuU9fXh0aPy5rFabzRvpet9OqCT2fj3ljf-7ug_TXfBxXQNuWl6NOMGJZKLAVvB2hGyh/s1100/170717112438-ice-stupa-tease-super-tease.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br /> <img border="0" data-original-height="619" data-original-width="1100" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60DmEWLdHS0Vv48SdbsJZBpytoIdXO_mOQE8V_WqAvxoNieqN7o1vJwW-iW3SsP93tTZaltWFFLl3wwfMOe61L-5DBLOn6f5qCzmbi7fzXIvkSN5hcuU9fXh0aPy5rFabzRvpet9OqCT2fj3ljf-7ug_TXfBxXQNuWl6NOMGJZKLAVvB2hGyh/w400-h225/170717112438-ice-stupa-tease-super-tease.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/09/ladakh-life-lessons-part-7-getting.html" target="_blank">Link to the previous post</a></span></b></p><br />Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-67247305223662209942023-09-21T20:59:00.011+05:302023-09-22T19:36:02.312+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 7: Getting ready for an Adventure<p style="text-align: justify;">This is<b><span style="color: #2b00fe;"> a 'buffer post'</span></b>, if I can call it that. I don't claim to be an expert on Ladakh because I spent only a week there, but I have learnt from this brief experience how any future trip can be made better. So, I thought it is good idea to make a post that will help those with a desire to travel to Ladakh because the posts to follow this one will lay bare some of the most beautiful and popular places in Ladakh. That will be a magnet to pull you to this fascinating place. If after reading this series of blogs and suddenly, on a whim, you decide to pack your bags for Ladakh; hold your horses. <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ladakh is not for everybody</span></b>. If you are the run-of-the-mill tourist, I won't discourage you but would rather, encourage you to go with a very open mind. <b><span style="color: red;">If you go unprepared, it will turn out to be a trip to regret</span></b>. Here's why.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz0hdJFPGSn175NSp5M3DX0SnxkpQ3dQ3qJ4g1dx-Lfa20RAPvfMnM3THai5v42vylcGYOiJ2juN0XPpD72S6DhZrrdD_IXqDtwi2rxFrIzp6jb6a_E4XpWakPhcGrT73Ued3c91M0w69KinANiZ12O94r-jx9KXSJQbGdXgfzfAK8YXL9NlN/s4624/Pangong%20flags.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiz0hdJFPGSn175NSp5M3DX0SnxkpQ3dQ3qJ4g1dx-Lfa20RAPvfMnM3THai5v42vylcGYOiJ2juN0XPpD72S6DhZrrdD_IXqDtwi2rxFrIzp6jb6a_E4XpWakPhcGrT73Ued3c91M0w69KinANiZ12O94r-jx9KXSJQbGdXgfzfAK8YXL9NlN/w400-h225/Pangong%20flags.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">1. The Geography</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">If you weren't very attentive in your school geography classes, let me brush up your memories. The mighty Himalayas is that crescent shaped range of mountains that separate the Indian subcontinent from Tibet. It is actually three ranges running from west to east for 2400 kilometres. The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Outer Himalayas or the Siwaliks</span></b>, is the southern range that has an <b>average elevation of 900-1200 metres</b>. The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Lesser Himalayas</span></b> in the middle with an <b>average elevation of 3700 - 4500 metres</b> and the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Great Himalayas</span></b>, the northern range, with an <b>average elevation that exceeds 6000 metres</b>. Himalayas are <b>still actively 'growing'</b> as the mountain building process is not halted.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKSDzDd9jaqi1KPEbrrCGUtIMUoE5dSsp-9gEvlTzAvLArMDgpwToUzvkECzjVK-qvRQea37CSHc2qHx0oWFYwGMm7SGyLxS1EWOopObZeyEKAXo5dXdUhI49706AvWXSFF8tWAqVP95hadrx-XFLCtZXwpFKvKMsbkT-AScf_HenPMR9mLEY/s1100/map-himalayas.webp" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="861" data-original-width="1100" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEKSDzDd9jaqi1KPEbrrCGUtIMUoE5dSsp-9gEvlTzAvLArMDgpwToUzvkECzjVK-qvRQea37CSHc2qHx0oWFYwGMm7SGyLxS1EWOopObZeyEKAXo5dXdUhI49706AvWXSFF8tWAqVP95hadrx-XFLCtZXwpFKvKMsbkT-AScf_HenPMR9mLEY/w400-h313/map-himalayas.webp" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The effect of this high barrier is that the cold winds from the north are not allowed to enter the Indian sub-continent and also prevent the monsoon clouds from going northwards. The clouds shed their moisture south of the Himalayas and the areas north of the ranges fall in the rain shadow area. That is why <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ladakh is an arid cold desert</span></b>. Ladakh itself is wedged between the Great Himalayas and the Karakorum range in the north.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIp-EgnBS5XeV9t8OLvhRItuKHbbj_yBPAzwDdarjJeQHzl7c2SQW7Cqp0kREDf8HJQ9plMa6ujIXdaGOittiKrtu8aYsFPgSGcaRwlKx7Q_9c9yp20yovPNwGkpMXiDRkX8MVIAFKW8Zym-f_gFgzXf-JNLzATpKj6hPuL_Pi1qsvL5WvVXm/s256/Ladakh%20Physical.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="197" data-original-width="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFIp-EgnBS5XeV9t8OLvhRItuKHbbj_yBPAzwDdarjJeQHzl7c2SQW7Cqp0kREDf8HJQ9plMa6ujIXdaGOittiKrtu8aYsFPgSGcaRwlKx7Q_9c9yp20yovPNwGkpMXiDRkX8MVIAFKW8Zym-f_gFgzXf-JNLzATpKj6hPuL_Pi1qsvL5WvVXm/s16000/Ladakh%20Physical.jpg" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">2. Weather</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Since Ladakh is north of the Great Himalayas, it sits at the south western edge of the Tibet Plateau, and thus shares most geographic features of Tibet. The landscape is<span style="color: #0b5394;"><b> predominantly, barren mountains with little green cover</b></span> except along the banks of the rivers. Water levels of these rivers and other water bodies depend on the melt water from the snow capped mountains and the sporadic rainfall. It is a high altitude desert with extreme weather. Though <b><span style="color: #990000;">temperatures</span></b> in summer hover around the 20 degree mark, it feels like it is around 35 to 40 degrees. In many part of Ladakh the night temperatures can plummet to sub-zero levels even in summers. In winter, it is usually covered in snow and access by road is severely affected. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The<b><span style="color: #38761d;"> peak tourist season</span></b> is around July - August, starting in mid-April and going on to the end of September. Weather in Ladakh doesn't play by the book and in the last few years cloudbursts, floods and landslides have become a regular problem. It would be prudent to keep tabs on the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">weather conditions in Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh </span></b>also, especially if you are planning a road trip.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">3. Access to Ladakh</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ladakh is<b><span style="color: #0b5394;"> not the most accessible places</span></b>. Unlike the normal trips you plan, where you book yourself into a hotel, throw a couple of jeans and few tee shirts into a bag, check your papers are in order and take off; Ladakh is very different. <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">The only way you can get to Leh is by air or by road</span></b>. There is <b><span style="color: #990000;">no rail connection</span></b> to Ladakh. The nearest major station is Jammu Tawi some 700 kilometers away.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Flights are more frequent in peak season</span></b> but reduce in number in winter, with chances of flights getting cancelled due to bad weather, not only in Leh but also in places where flights originate. Delhi is more notorious due to foggy conditions of winter. Flying in gets you to Ladakh faster but you have no choice but to hang around in Leh for a couple of day, to acclimatise to the altitude. See if you can get a flight to Delhi that reaches around midnight so that you can catch the first flight out to Leh after 6.00 in the morning. That way you save an unnecessary stay-over in Delhi.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FaJrJTB30G_plNwyQX2nWtI_ScBoQyYz71RE0l2K955R34U6AauQamE3DkNlkLh2e4BBcvjrkRy5XV3nHfGxblwHaFQm9lejmesnqEb0P4Zg6U77s7LD5rNPyOywkQOKQTNZwDvNkR_HiKdDXxaGu2ADTYSvVRHVhoK-c4Fg2g0bR9R9d_sB/s4624/Delhi%20airport.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FaJrJTB30G_plNwyQX2nWtI_ScBoQyYz71RE0l2K955R34U6AauQamE3DkNlkLh2e4BBcvjrkRy5XV3nHfGxblwHaFQm9lejmesnqEb0P4Zg6U77s7LD5rNPyOywkQOKQTNZwDvNkR_HiKdDXxaGu2ADTYSvVRHVhoK-c4Fg2g0bR9R9d_sB/w225-h400/Delhi%20airport.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The other option is traveling <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">by road either from Srinagar to Leh (J&K side) or from Manali - Leh (HP side)</span></b>. Both roads are over 400 kilometers and have to be done over two days. One reason is that when you are climbing a few thousand feet in elevation, it helps your body to acclimatise gradually. The other is that you will be definitely stopping along the way to take pictures of the <b><span style="color: #38761d;">spectacular landscape </span></b>you are travelling through. Both these roads are closed for six months or more in winter due to snowfall. Sometimes, even longer. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj307YAzJOiISJFrDlLF8vTFCNsFtJeXumK4oHnH0TQFX-nRAxPF6v1x5m0qC3noSRZ-vPe85zIYZdMF5PxkMQSwWGX00O4z2ME5H7Ol4Jh4lVai4CR-b-LBH20rVyUqc3dwcGR9pRQEdtzreyr9D7J3zdlrvWoWwco3AWvmeoJs0ZPAhKswJSy/s4624/Manali%20highway.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj307YAzJOiISJFrDlLF8vTFCNsFtJeXumK4oHnH0TQFX-nRAxPF6v1x5m0qC3noSRZ-vPe85zIYZdMF5PxkMQSwWGX00O4z2ME5H7Ol4Jh4lVai4CR-b-LBH20rVyUqc3dwcGR9pRQEdtzreyr9D7J3zdlrvWoWwco3AWvmeoJs0ZPAhKswJSy/w400-h225/Manali%20highway.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">There are blogs or travel sites that give more details, <b><a href="https://www.lehladakhtaxis.com/practical-info/how-to-reach-ladakh-by-air-and-by-road" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">one of them is here</span></a></b>.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">4. Accomodation</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">There are <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">only two major towns in Ladakh</span></b>. The capital, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Leh and Kargil</span></b>. Most available hotels are in and around these two towns. Since our trip didn't include Kargil, I have no information to offer. Leh has a variety of options from simple home stays to five star hotels. If you book through travel websites the costs are definitely higher. If you can <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">connect with a local tour operator</span></b> directly things really become easy. For one thing, they will arrange accommodation, not only in Leh but in all the other places you plan to visit. Remember, once you are on the road to the next destination, returning is not an option. Most places will take half a day to reach even in good weather. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Local tour operators also will be able to fix up an itinerary to suit your tastes. The other thing is that they prefer cash so you also have the benefit of avoiding excess tax on your bills. As you go further away from Leh, to the popular places on the tourist circuits, the most commonly available accommodation option are the tents. In <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Diskit</span></b> and <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Hunder</span></b>, there are resorts with solid buildings but in locations like <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Pangong, Tso Moriri, Tso Kar</span><span style="color: #38761d;"> </span></b>and other remote places there are also, wooden cottages but very rarely proper building. Staying in the tents are supposed to be an an experience by itself if you can tolerate the sub-zero night temperatures. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWZNPMrkg7XhdNqxzE214BmmU2vRQpm0PqWzVtideSq1VDj48VgLKAGSzO5yGkZmlXN_GoZgDtXIKdwuSSTVu1HHtyN01BZ5A-qBE3EdNyn3TPJd7wLfMw_EEVRdSbVO34TbX1FY_LHNZIxGhEXOl4Kom5gQpKDG1blRjsMsXe-hOGrWnO43W/s4624/Pangong%20tents.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvWZNPMrkg7XhdNqxzE214BmmU2vRQpm0PqWzVtideSq1VDj48VgLKAGSzO5yGkZmlXN_GoZgDtXIKdwuSSTVu1HHtyN01BZ5A-qBE3EdNyn3TPJd7wLfMw_EEVRdSbVO34TbX1FY_LHNZIxGhEXOl4Kom5gQpKDG1blRjsMsXe-hOGrWnO43W/w400-h225/Pangong%20tents.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98BbOWNVk_CirRlHj3fEH1vPMVilFY4gj_p2SEu00naXwkxQKoZZ93ENUCUFR25l_SBijF-eP38fzMXv27KkkHjrdC5dwaLlpCVIzaLv7hUfHCpHsVBrCwcX7FZNyv98rN73DmZhFpSOy87aYo-dVT3CYsPZzheqpz_kwwIcfVXzG3saRxsKR/s4624/Pangong%20Cabins.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg98BbOWNVk_CirRlHj3fEH1vPMVilFY4gj_p2SEu00naXwkxQKoZZ93ENUCUFR25l_SBijF-eP38fzMXv27KkkHjrdC5dwaLlpCVIzaLv7hUfHCpHsVBrCwcX7FZNyv98rN73DmZhFpSOy87aYo-dVT3CYsPZzheqpz_kwwIcfVXzG3saRxsKR/w400-h225/Pangong%20Cabins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">5. Permits</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Earlier, when Ladakh was a part of Kashmir you had to get, what is called, the <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Inner Line Permit</span></b> especially when travelling to sensitive areas. As of 2023 it is not required for domestic tourists but you still have to pay an <b>environmental fee, wildlife fee (both compulsory) and Red Cross fund (optional)</b>. This can be paid online (<a href="https://www.lahdclehpermit.in/" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Leh Permit Website</span></b></a>) and the receipt printed out. You have to carry it with you along with <b>a valid government issued ID</b>. This receipt has to be shown at designated check points on your drive to the various destinations. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">6. Cash, Cards and Digital Payments</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Ladakh, as I mentioned earlier, has only two towns. Your <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">credit and debit cards or digital payment apps will work in these places</span></b> and places on the outskirts where network won't be an issue. As you go further away the mobile networks disappear altogether and payments with such instruments will not be accepted and won't work. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">You will have to carry cash</span> </b>on you, either when leaving home or get it from the ATMs in Leh or Kargil. Please remember, these ATMs can run out of cash very quickly and there is a limit to how much can be drawn. A typical one week itinerary will cost between 40,000 to 70,000 per person, depending on the number of people in your group, type of accommodation, mode of travel and the food. Taxi charges are on the higher side and bulk of your expense is for that. Expenses go down if the group is larger. (<a href="https://devilonwheels.com/how-to-calculate-cost-or-budget-for-leh-ladakh-trip/#:~:text=Finally%2C%20taking%20food%20%2B%20accommodation%20into,the%20entire%20Leh%20Ladakh%20trip." target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">Travel expenses in Ladakh</span></b></a>)</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #990000;">7. Communication and Networks. </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Without doubt, the most important thing that will be on every traveller's mind, other than expenses, will be communication. It is especially important especially in a place like Ladakh. Here are a few important things to keep in mind. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ul><li style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #0b5394;"><b>Pre-paid cards from outside the union territory don't work</b> </span>in Ladakh (or Kashmir). Only your post-paid connection will work provided your operator has a network here. I also learnt a lesson that pre-paid connections that get converted to post-paid, online, also don't work! You have to have a genuine post-paid connection.</li><li style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">widest network is BSNL</span></b>, followed by Jio and Airtel. Jio seems to be the fastest improving network in Ladakh. Vodafone - Idea and others are at best erratic. My Vodafone would connect whenever it fancied and that too only within the limits of Leh town. </li><li style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Wi-fi</span></b> is provided by hotels even outside Leh, wherever network is available, but be warned that it is notoriously slow except in Leh. </li><li style="text-align: justify;">You can <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">buy a local pre-paid card </span></b>with a government issued ID card. They say it is easier if you have a local contact but the mobile stores are very happy to give you one using their ID for address proof! Get a BSNL or Jio as they have better coverage outside Leh, especially the former. </li></ul><div style="text-align: justify;">More about networks here. (<b><a href="https://devilonwheels.com/mobile-phone-connectivity-in-leh-ladakh/#1_Only_post-paid_mobile_connections_work_in_Leh_%E2%80%93_Ladakh" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Mobile Networks in Ladakh</span></a></b>)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #990000;">8. For the Foodies</span></b></div><div><br /></div><div><div style="text-align: justify;">For those who love exploring local food, <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">Ladakh has some unique cuisine</span></b> that has its roots in Tibet. There is not much in terms of variety but it is worth trying out. There are <a href="https://www.ju-lehadventure.com/ladakh-information/15-best-restaurants-and-cafes-in-leh" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: red;">plenty of restaurants in Leh</span></b></a> that serve local cuisine but if your hotel package includes food you might miss this, so see if you want to save money eating in your hotel or spend a little extra on food. The two days you spend acclimatising in Leh can be put to good use for fooding. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are a <b><a href="https://www.ju-lehadventure.com/ladakh-information/food-ladakh-10-must-try-local-dishes-and-drinks" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">few popular dishes </span></a></b>of which <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Momos</span></b> are a very familiar one, being served in most restaurants that serve oriental cuisine all over the country. It is the stuffing that matters. You can get momos stuffed with meat or vegetables and also yak cheese. The best part of the momos here is that it tastes a little different in different places. That is probably because the stuffings and spices are different.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37LKqWRny0TdLYB6grqZl62ZtuUh10E6rKxkT62aK7svkkuMwY8LVrlN6v2vrGnJkIImAiYEZPuCAkvDXS9UlLyic7PJV02svIvI2W4XLGYvoRVATD_nYp4gAU1Ii6lni-8DWk4owd2l219f6drl6TovZgHyLuBKZ-ocW2bAIXEIx0zm23Wgp/s275/Momos.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi37LKqWRny0TdLYB6grqZl62ZtuUh10E6rKxkT62aK7svkkuMwY8LVrlN6v2vrGnJkIImAiYEZPuCAkvDXS9UlLyic7PJV02svIvI2W4XLGYvoRVATD_nYp4gAU1Ii6lni-8DWk4owd2l219f6drl6TovZgHyLuBKZ-ocW2bAIXEIx0zm23Wgp/s16000/Momos.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">Two type of noodles based dishes are the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Thukpa</span></b> and <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>T</b></span><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">henthuk</span></b>, a variant of the former. They are both soupy noodles and in thukpa, the <b>spicy base soup</b> is meat or vegetable, into which n<b>oodles, tomatoes, onion, garlic and seasonal vegetables are added</b>. The thenthuk is a <b>'hand-pulled' wheat noodle soup</b>, where the dough is kneaded, flatted, pulled and cut into strips that are dropped directly into the boiling soup. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3cirF52AIAfxUqRt83gxmpqTvLkc57X1z1fqAetqsT1pSPtvBvwbEqGlMPXwabuf3JGrqETclhCpqNwd35FXN8EkpxbHDMAOVxI8oHEiaSTApXsQ_qFxcbkx33dGSSsOpJdjMA1Gx7kvfP8KyafjDHHgAcOzCoxZOnof6iaa-zt9EA-uoykT/s275/THukpa.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="183" data-original-width="275" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ3cirF52AIAfxUqRt83gxmpqTvLkc57X1z1fqAetqsT1pSPtvBvwbEqGlMPXwabuf3JGrqETclhCpqNwd35FXN8EkpxbHDMAOVxI8oHEiaSTApXsQ_qFxcbkx33dGSSsOpJdjMA1Gx7kvfP8KyafjDHHgAcOzCoxZOnof6iaa-zt9EA-uoykT/s1600/THukpa.jpg" width="275" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">These are the ones that we tried but there are many others like the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Khambir</span></b>, a wheat based leavened bread somewhat like the roti or kulcha. Then there is the <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Tingmo</span></b>, a bun like steamed bread. The <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Skyu</span></b> is another soup based dish with balls of wheat or barley dough. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Yak cheese or Churrpi</span></b> is made from Yak milk and is added to a variety of food in Ladakh, including butter tea. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWvYj3cCssfHhqfk30lytU-nYRG11YcRrkWgvAu6e2Ue9yYoDSpyhkoeSGvdM7yfJMvFEssVMxr2tCkJ5b0c_zlOQphgk-FErw6igq25GWfVAOU0CywrbLOisKuwNleKEKTNRGz2GmRD_TFeXo3Z_FewUWp90IPt4EIwQh2kgmfnLV1UZitjo/s264/Taxi%20roti.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="264" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWvYj3cCssfHhqfk30lytU-nYRG11YcRrkWgvAu6e2Ue9yYoDSpyhkoeSGvdM7yfJMvFEssVMxr2tCkJ5b0c_zlOQphgk-FErw6igq25GWfVAOU0CywrbLOisKuwNleKEKTNRGz2GmRD_TFeXo3Z_FewUWp90IPt4EIwQh2kgmfnLV1UZitjo/s1600/Taxi%20roti.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBq_4oSdRX-Vs1iy2c-l72ZhoVPEm2LeYm5iGDdwhTF-RYvDeWwurw-wljupQxZZfBK4R-tZMSmVe-d34K-oNIw2AgjVmPY073RTXb-PEiWUbFatqVB1GTbMC6RNkVJMpQ9DNdSB6PIEaXDGqa2Qk4_eIwWteMt2O28W3g-DsDw9hcnq6XQBF/s264/Taxi.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="264" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUBq_4oSdRX-Vs1iy2c-l72ZhoVPEm2LeYm5iGDdwhTF-RYvDeWwurw-wljupQxZZfBK4R-tZMSmVe-d34K-oNIw2AgjVmPY073RTXb-PEiWUbFatqVB1GTbMC6RNkVJMpQ9DNdSB6PIEaXDGqa2Qk4_eIwWteMt2O28W3g-DsDw9hcnq6XQBF/s1600/Taxi.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT49zaiz4lh6D1AmXlu4cCeoFed4q7xzK4Guxga0dvNWcZ4jY4xlFcW5Kv-yrk-Vv8z9aD6xNLwcwd05GJS7MJDklt7PkPFxz5VmLplVlPApXHupHjMJTSfFmXCUffF3t4To0Uv11KAzybGYlTYbNETMhAAaNOzm9ZfGwDwlSZm82LBartRamj/s264/Taxi%20yak.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="191" data-original-width="264" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT49zaiz4lh6D1AmXlu4cCeoFed4q7xzK4Guxga0dvNWcZ4jY4xlFcW5Kv-yrk-Vv8z9aD6xNLwcwd05GJS7MJDklt7PkPFxz5VmLplVlPApXHupHjMJTSfFmXCUffF3t4To0Uv11KAzybGYlTYbNETMhAAaNOzm9ZfGwDwlSZm82LBartRamj/s1600/Taxi%20yak.jpg" width="264" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Two traditional beverages we tried was <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Butter tea or Gur-gur chai</span></b>, which is a pink coloured tea. It is brewed by boiling tea leaves and then adding milk, yak butter and salt. The colour is due to the pink Himalayan salt. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Kahwah</span></b>, of Afghani origin, is green tea infused with saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and crushed almonds. It is sweetened with honey. You have to develop a taste for Butter tea but Kahwah is instantly likable.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAJ9vSpZ-4QUd1_jY3LPR9pZp2wPf0O9Hd5KIybUo95E_5HTmH3nnlOGfHLDkL8RD8jxgJ9P4o3O51t69-Xse0ybkdmL94m8dRRFXOQ7b0NLJC3e6BW6lWxQIiXQBcGL18DTLVoNZZK4oFlOmP5klcUzCOpqVCKcJheekIsOrk_LXwsSIoqZr/s660/Butter%20tea.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="440" data-original-width="660" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtAJ9vSpZ-4QUd1_jY3LPR9pZp2wPf0O9Hd5KIybUo95E_5HTmH3nnlOGfHLDkL8RD8jxgJ9P4o3O51t69-Xse0ybkdmL94m8dRRFXOQ7b0NLJC3e6BW6lWxQIiXQBcGL18DTLVoNZZK4oFlOmP5klcUzCOpqVCKcJheekIsOrk_LXwsSIoqZr/s320/Butter%20tea.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJuTUmAU8_a9uo2RUhzNZa6IlCtWR5-cXi9ojtwMGA2feRK5Ejps2uysviMPnKyMpHORmzpfGK_fiik7qIfDiIu-3FNRb201Cd5gZOp-itmd1n04M41ffuCi4sap8XEkiYrN5CBtw0486aPwCzRtwquTvuoyIhXDfxlayMih4GTs-OXQQcTpT/s275/Kahwah.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="275" data-original-width="183" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvJuTUmAU8_a9uo2RUhzNZa6IlCtWR5-cXi9ojtwMGA2feRK5Ejps2uysviMPnKyMpHORmzpfGK_fiik7qIfDiIu-3FNRb201Cd5gZOp-itmd1n04M41ffuCi4sap8XEkiYrN5CBtw0486aPwCzRtwquTvuoyIhXDfxlayMih4GTs-OXQQcTpT/s1600/Kahwah.jpg" width="183" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">If you are not very adventurous, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from with cuisine from all over the world. You get, besides the regular North Indian, Chinese and Tibetan restaurants; Thai, Lebanese, Italian, and even a couple of South Indian restaurants!</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The problem comes when you move out of Leh. You will find dhaba style restaurants in every village along all the roads. Unfortunately, the menu is limited because of difficulty in procuring fresh vegetables or meat. You will have to <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">adjust with bread and eggs, noodles, aloo parathas, rice and dal or rajma</span></b>. Of course momos and thukpa is always there. So if you are fussy about food you might find it a little difficult to survive. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">While travelling out of Leh, <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">load up on water, fruits, biscuits, bread, dry fruits, nuts and energy bars</span></b>. If you get stuck on the road due to landslide or flood, it will be difficult to move for quite a while; sometimes hours to more than a day; so having food and water in the car will come in handy. </div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">9. Electricity </span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">In Leh, you can expect round the clock electricity but as you move out to the remote tourist spots, there are <b><span style="color: red;">no electric lines</span></b> or have been washed off in floods or landslides. Most places are dependent on <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">solar power or generators, which will be available only for a designated period</span></b>. Therefore, if you are a gearhead with the habit of carrying tons of gear, make sure you have <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">extra batteries (for camera), power banks, and a power strip</span></b>. Most resorts won't have enough plug points for charging all your stuff, especially tents and cabins, and you will have a small window within which you have to charge everything. In such a situation a<b><span style="color: #cc0000;"> powerstrip with at least four sockets</span></b> can be handy. In any case, you won't need to charge your phones as there will hardly be any network access, so you can keep it switched off most of the time.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">These are a few brief pointers for anyone planning a trip to Ladakh. There are plenty of sites where you can get more information. Some of those sites can be accessed through links I've placed in my blog. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I will <b><span style="color: #0b5394;">be updating this post </span></b>as I get more information and as I progress with the rest of the blog series. So keep coming back to this page. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #741b47;">(Updated 22/09/2023 at 7.30 PM)</span></b></p></div>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-89515860689020086732023-09-13T22:56:00.004+05:302023-09-13T23:03:46.726+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 6: Magnetic Myth & The Confluence<p> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">July 17th 2023, 11.20 AM Srinagar - Leh Highway</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">A little after quarter past eleven, we were at the famous Magnetic Hill. This location on the National Highway is famous, or should I say infamous, reputation for pulling vehicles up a slope and that too at 20 kmph!! It appears, every tourist to Leh, on their first visit will come here and 'gasp' at this phenomenon. Gasp, you will, not because of magnetism but because of the rarefied air. Let's take a few deep breaths and then investigate this astounding miracle!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Busting the Magnetic Hill Myth</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b></b></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNREm5vQ47QIVQOBwVeSP_liKOLczyXSNX50KSzw9ze7Ne16QYIe6JozaWjdjcy7nvSgdQRXCrY1EPCYNSqiC4UCRssSapo9w7j8todffyvSJ9Wvx7fu8T1rOjmkGpeXdmDiQquN4jFFWNPRhZlUw-ObEaCo1XoVKS4s3EJcrhCERkYEoY4HG/s4624/20230717_112804.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLNREm5vQ47QIVQOBwVeSP_liKOLczyXSNX50KSzw9ze7Ne16QYIe6JozaWjdjcy7nvSgdQRXCrY1EPCYNSqiC4UCRssSapo9w7j8todffyvSJ9Wvx7fu8T1rOjmkGpeXdmDiQquN4jFFWNPRhZlUw-ObEaCo1XoVKS4s3EJcrhCERkYEoY4HG/w400-h225/20230717_112804.jpg" width="400" /></a></b></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">According to the local myth <b>vehicles parked in neutral with ignition switched off, will roll 'uphill' by themselves. </b>There is painted box on the highway where you can park your vehicle and the feel it roll. <b><span style="color: #2b00fe;">It should roll from west to east, if it is going UP the slope</span></b>. If you are that crazy type, you can even get off, pursue the runaway vehicle and hop on! Just that you should be able to run at 20 kmph, if the stories are to be believed. I wouldn't risk it because, suppose I did and ran after the vehicle at 20 kmph, at an altitude of around 11,500 feet (3500 metres), I would be on the ground rolling for breath in a few meters. I would be a victim of Acute Mountain Sickness and the vehicle would have rolled off the road at the end of the curve ahead. After all, I would have only had about 24 hours or slightly more to get acclimatised!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzjUZRLsjQwSAGvXzxB1Q_gq80aJlT4j6JDjlBHXuDLFEkVkD632bgL5JgJoYBaqMjD-l1Yqi30WKM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p style="text-align: justify;">There are <b>three explanations</b> being bandied about to explain this extraordinary phenomenon. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">1. The first one is that the hill, that has this unique property, is believed to be <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">a Gateway to Heaven</span></b> and there existed a 'road' from top of the hill through which 'good' people went to heaven but 'bad' people wouldn't be able to. I'm only wondering; are all the cars filled with only 'good' people?! Maybe it is wormhole to another dimension. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Personally, I think, with the current discord with my Gods, the <span style="color: red;"><b><a href="https://youtu.be/X791IzOwt3Q?si=Z555vCahPy0bPCio" target="_blank">Stairway to Heaven</a></b> </span>or more than likely the <b><a href="https://youtu.be/gUUdQfnshJ4?si=W6W0NLprOcM3pvgS" target="_blank"><span style="color: red;">Road to Hell</span></a></b> will be my option! <b>(Please click the song names for some lovely music!) </b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">2. The second one attributes this phenomenon to <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">a strong magnetic field</span></b> emanating from the surrounding hills to the west that it pulls vehicles that are stationary. It is even said that planes avoid flying over this area due to magnetic interference. I am only wondering, how an airplane made predominantly of aluminum and composites, with less than 10% steel and flying between 35,000 to 40,000 above sea level will be affected by this. Starting to sound like Bermuda Triangle? Don't worry, no plane has crashed on the mountains here or disappeared through the 'wormhole' never to be seen again. <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">I only have a simple question.</span></b> Why didn't the coins in my pocket not fly out and get stuck on the hills? Are coins non-magnetic? Similarly, there will be so many small magnetic objects we carry on us. If a big 1 to 2 ton vehicle can be pulled, why not objects only weighing a few grams? A point to ponder.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">3. The third explanation is that the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">obstruction of the horizon by the mountains creating an optical illusion </span></b>that makes the road appear to be going upwards though it is actually going downwards. In any case, all three of us had good eyesight so we could see the road sloping from east to west. I feel, it is more of a case of 'been there, done that' for most travellers passing Magnetic Hill. A good yarn to spin after getting back home. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dypd4s4wb36l57ikPfHx82MQnNF0gslqwJER_7wbC2zRuXuYM05FIeh-srn2XoYts81UQmjv-B3oDc' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p style="text-align: justify;">We too joined the enthusiastic folk testing out the magnetism of the hill but I was only increasingly convinced that it is a hoax that has been fuelled up to have been made into a myth. Our car travelling from Leh was going downward on the slope. The point where the box for parking the vehicle seemed slightly level and further down the road slopes downwards again. Tsewangji parked our car in the designated spot and the car simply rolled downhill, not uphill!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91jJ7iavzptrzL3tCCApfL9wzT6Tggv9zL317N4PhmV8FeQv9EUcEpcCU7DZw8iDe2sLlWTLPNeNguUy3CLiXh3KxjF4w57_IyVMrSuyv6Ysj5tZOW_vJid7fgxez6NdGKmT7_ma9Bvt6g3M-VkYdSHVQyulGMKYhbojImmKYYouxqy9cmx1p/s4624/20230717_112036.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj91jJ7iavzptrzL3tCCApfL9wzT6Tggv9zL317N4PhmV8FeQv9EUcEpcCU7DZw8iDe2sLlWTLPNeNguUy3CLiXh3KxjF4w57_IyVMrSuyv6Ysj5tZOW_vJid7fgxez6NdGKmT7_ma9Bvt6g3M-VkYdSHVQyulGMKYhbojImmKYYouxqy9cmx1p/w400-h225/20230717_112036.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlJn-aQvwtMO0auGG6xm1jLy6ufAYSMxJIPt4Q6PwWR4oAHW-IFYAUynncCnB0OB6Ena36ZE4aXIZzQtmwfK9UcIz9xxSaZ7h11R3qZBwBja1VGnkgCZaj__5K5STxlV8a9o11vVDabhvoAIuFYe6g7L6PKB7_nLYmMYmOuTPHf8ON8X-Zlrn/s4624/20230717_112200.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDlJn-aQvwtMO0auGG6xm1jLy6ufAYSMxJIPt4Q6PwWR4oAHW-IFYAUynncCnB0OB6Ena36ZE4aXIZzQtmwfK9UcIz9xxSaZ7h11R3qZBwBja1VGnkgCZaj__5K5STxlV8a9o11vVDabhvoAIuFYe6g7L6PKB7_nLYmMYmOuTPHf8ON8X-Zlrn/w400-h225/20230717_112200.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6SES54_s89_WF4DylCH0lOeuArlOGMxoNKBrZl6-RPY3eQgmVVXSQYWvUmHfFA5GGp6xY2XTzu5VvJQk_trCY-4fZo_ErGfqJTAKOcAI8tsuJGUOgS5k_Y82nzMOWJKgkOLVfI_PVoZZ6sSpnnMvOANE0z8S_w8iLqVLazNGzFUKSEbEr9dH/s4624/20230717_112046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhg6SES54_s89_WF4DylCH0lOeuArlOGMxoNKBrZl6-RPY3eQgmVVXSQYWvUmHfFA5GGp6xY2XTzu5VvJQk_trCY-4fZo_ErGfqJTAKOcAI8tsuJGUOgS5k_Y82nzMOWJKgkOLVfI_PVoZZ6sSpnnMvOANE0z8S_w8iLqVLazNGzFUKSEbEr9dH/w400-h225/20230717_112046.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">While we were standing there a truck came labouring its way across the slope. It the hills were truly magnetic on top of the slope (east) it should have gone up the slope effortlessly, aided by magnetism! It is hard to believe that sensible people fall for this trick. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dyFfgQ9QUovcAQ55uH7qz6p1qDMSdcquowQbbyw14Ok_LId7IFp43vT1HLP5W8lApgt99s3ASGwRY4' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxUNHvS1RthstpAcOlEmiB_KqjIfijipgZT67pjx89BAOoUcstuebxre2wE6yDSmShRg3zTZE6nnQM' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The road, without doubt is visibly sloping downwards from east to west and it would require really bad eyesight to induce yourself to see it any other way. There certainly is no optical illusion either. If you feel there is, do come to us. Both, my wife and I happen to be ophthalmologists!</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">The Confluence</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">After the disappointment of Magnetic Hill, we drove further down the highway to the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Indus - Zanskar Sangam (Confluence)</span></b>. Not too far away from Magnetic Hill, it is a 10 or 15 minute drive depending on stops in between. As you cross the army area, the road swings right and below the road, on the left, you will get your first look at the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Indus</span></b> river flowing at the bottom of the valley.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1qGRbeMgwaNbDGwzgDsJPIF--2Jy04ea38_u1Fm2A4gr7saHfhh231Rvqkh1VPLaFkZHEcg4FAYJde2tqDCW_4B8TrKWyk-N6ue7AYD_xmgHSMjyoHqvFfZ7M1O06IlB3dOE4D7obg67SG2WOQtkem_wBuyIWaGYR4JcklQlldhTJO_t5XiC/s4624/Indus01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG1qGRbeMgwaNbDGwzgDsJPIF--2Jy04ea38_u1Fm2A4gr7saHfhh231Rvqkh1VPLaFkZHEcg4FAYJde2tqDCW_4B8TrKWyk-N6ue7AYD_xmgHSMjyoHqvFfZ7M1O06IlB3dOE4D7obg67SG2WOQtkem_wBuyIWaGYR4JcklQlldhTJO_t5XiC/w400-h225/Indus01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>Standing on the road, the Indus doesn't look very impressive with it's placid looking flow. The recent rains and fast melting snow, had made the Indus the colour of coffee. Our visions of clear blue water were definitely muddied. Further up after the next curve you will realise why the Indus flows placidly. <p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lHT7BEqPH0-HfLRp21Wnno6mVm_UbDfSuVu8u_ZjiTz9x0PdCkvZqXVXRx38WdMLrIzuF-_LPJy6DlF2sOl8WveENM94_3ngmAveIceROTjMNMr4cTrhzsbT1Mh3tDDUtIT_0yEDgZXakk_ehuaTK8EYNbUs9DhKf8JHwWVKhJ3ERrGP7TgG/s4624/Indus02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4lHT7BEqPH0-HfLRp21Wnno6mVm_UbDfSuVu8u_ZjiTz9x0PdCkvZqXVXRx38WdMLrIzuF-_LPJy6DlF2sOl8WveENM94_3ngmAveIceROTjMNMr4cTrhzsbT1Mh3tDDUtIT_0yEDgZXakk_ehuaTK8EYNbUs9DhKf8JHwWVKhJ3ERrGP7TgG/w400-h225/Indus02.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">It meets the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Zanskar </span></b>river headlong and almost a right angles. You can differentiate the waters of both rivers by their individual hues. The Indus is mostly the dirtier of the two, and Sangam more cleaner and blue, but this time both rivers had muddy water due to the heavy rainfall and Indus more so. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt8Qdr5BQ1mBC4meBlq2RJhyw8t71lOLcM1n_Tte1MnEC2ctbaQvkxcvQ8MgWvnWAsG2j-P1hQ1PPnXY4M9VatUu0VeMu728WS6s5itXCQItQmFc9-1RQlOg6bDYShCZ0HbsbnQZLf2kqbGObRkJwNS4KMvNCTOOiHnh470jWHO80aMl63GEa/s4624/Indus03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMt8Qdr5BQ1mBC4meBlq2RJhyw8t71lOLcM1n_Tte1MnEC2ctbaQvkxcvQ8MgWvnWAsG2j-P1hQ1PPnXY4M9VatUu0VeMu728WS6s5itXCQItQmFc9-1RQlOg6bDYShCZ0HbsbnQZLf2kqbGObRkJwNS4KMvNCTOOiHnh470jWHO80aMl63GEa/w400-h225/Indus03.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H23ECjFSJu1-g_g1sXV16zonNlxExrOuG8y4FKi7M_PYGD0lrnR_iLIfM1EsOrJRhaTLcVuWG9b3rmgUHAyJbWgp3bkKp9GP2kBMXA17uJ2XKoNdGbNjR9oSc3LV7JyoihfbsQkkawzTNe37JzAFcALtjBHbMp9TBIIHRvLs1pm2ygODxsSs/s4624/Indus06.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5H23ECjFSJu1-g_g1sXV16zonNlxExrOuG8y4FKi7M_PYGD0lrnR_iLIfM1EsOrJRhaTLcVuWG9b3rmgUHAyJbWgp3bkKp9GP2kBMXA17uJ2XKoNdGbNjR9oSc3LV7JyoihfbsQkkawzTNe37JzAFcALtjBHbMp9TBIIHRvLs1pm2ygODxsSs/w400-h225/Indus06.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The Sangam is a very impressive sight when viewed from top, standing on the edge of the Leh - Srinagar highway. Before the rains strike the rivers are a fraction of their width (see picture below) with the sandbanks exposed. <b><a href="https://vargiskhan.com/log/sangam-point-ladakh-indus-and-zanskar-river-confluence/" target="_blank">(Pic Courtesy: Vargis Khan</a></b><b><a href="https://vargiskhan.com/log/sangam-point-ladakh-indus-and-zanskar-river-confluence/" target="_blank">)</a></b> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2TBGolBEArH5CvGUODLgEUrULjUZ_ITFlST2I0CZmIQayCw3yVQk8TLMX-xOINKOUjzHg7lW7ZO2VYwWVQtPmML2Gp9ptR-VBcqy5J7ULdzRPXe2XA9QYYxZTiqLRthvdOD_jSBVlb-D_36foyRgKNdT19ObJRdwhcCf6VHp6WqBkFuoxBUu/s1000/Indus%20Sangam.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="1000" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh2TBGolBEArH5CvGUODLgEUrULjUZ_ITFlST2I0CZmIQayCw3yVQk8TLMX-xOINKOUjzHg7lW7ZO2VYwWVQtPmML2Gp9ptR-VBcqy5J7ULdzRPXe2XA9QYYxZTiqLRthvdOD_jSBVlb-D_36foyRgKNdT19ObJRdwhcCf6VHp6WqBkFuoxBUu/w400-h225/Indus%20Sangam.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: #38761d;">Indus river system</span></b> is one of the world's largest. The source of the river is in Tibet, from where it flows north-west into through the Chinese occupied part of Ladakh, into India. The <b>Zanskar</b> joins it first, and then the <b>Shyok</b> beyond<b> Nubra valley</b>, in Pakistan occupied Kashmir. This north-west flowing river takes a south-west turn in Pakistan and many tributaries join it along the way. The five rivers of Punjab, the <b>Jhelum, Chenab, Ravi, Beas and Sutlej </b>join it before it flows south into the Arabian sea. <a href="https://www.burningcompass.com/world/indus-river-map.html" target="_blank"><b>(Pic Courtesy: burningcompass.com)</b></a></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB-UzSHynsZ1ShZW1IXIdKbcnWX_nb1M_HaqATpWs3j9WNtknDLheUwJHO5na0GqLZ3bkoAzxMGqFbLKgCXWqwHqmNEDvw9p142d4C8L_w_TI5WdocvnMBuFmlaXUB9wSTGgRJu4_fTC9p54ByegTYEpt-e5D3a1BAfXA_3zMKKrwekCSOUaB/s1054/indus-river-map.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1054" data-original-width="1024" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpB-UzSHynsZ1ShZW1IXIdKbcnWX_nb1M_HaqATpWs3j9WNtknDLheUwJHO5na0GqLZ3bkoAzxMGqFbLKgCXWqwHqmNEDvw9p142d4C8L_w_TI5WdocvnMBuFmlaXUB9wSTGgRJu4_fTC9p54ByegTYEpt-e5D3a1BAfXA_3zMKKrwekCSOUaB/w389-h400/indus-river-map.jpg" width="389" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">At Sangam the new road, along the edge of Zanskar, to <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Chilling</span></b> is almost complete. It is from Chilling that the <b><a href="https://indiahikes.com/documented-trek/chadar-trek#gref" target="_blank">Chadar Trek</a></b> (Link in name) starts. It is a deep winter trek of around 60 kilometres to be covered over a week or more. Temperatures can plunge to -20 degrees at night and <b><span style="color: red;">it is not a trek for the faint hearted</span></b>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaUSVd2cUMjZt8TX7XVWNHWlFiePdME8LZIUdKkN-6WNxkUC4ItHERSZG7mm1mWhlw4QlyUZz_vd168B3vNenTn751bdFW4xJPbA-HOk99lMjmBj7EYAJk27hy0Hp4DxuZAWunf9au2d9JLQ0pnNUQXWew0E8iAVCVKteT56T6AXAjGkGM3se/s4624/Indus04.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXaUSVd2cUMjZt8TX7XVWNHWlFiePdME8LZIUdKkN-6WNxkUC4ItHERSZG7mm1mWhlw4QlyUZz_vd168B3vNenTn751bdFW4xJPbA-HOk99lMjmBj7EYAJk27hy0Hp4DxuZAWunf9au2d9JLQ0pnNUQXWew0E8iAVCVKteT56T6AXAjGkGM3se/w400-h225/Indus04.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><div style="text-align: justify;">There are two things you can do at the Sangam. <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Go to the cafeteria</span></b> and refresh yourself and later, if mood, time and the crowd permits, <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">go rafting</span></b> on the river. Of course, don't forget the mandatory photographs before leaving back to Leh because it will be past noon by the time you finish the visit to the Confluence. You can explore the road to Chilling or beyond Nimmoo but it was getting too hot and it had been a tiring morning. The cafeteria didn't have anything to tempt us to go for an early lunch either so we would have to make a lunch stop on the way back. (More about food in Ladakh in a later post.)</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">We had one more stop before heading to Leh. That will be for a subsequent post. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/09/ladakh-life-lessons-part-5-of-piety-or.html" target="_blank">Link to the previous post is here</a></span></b></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div></div>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-86222098808840534842023-09-06T23:03:00.006+05:302023-09-07T16:06:06.941+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 5: Of Piety or the Lack of it <p><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">17th July 2023, 9.30 AM - On the Srinagar-Leh Highway</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Days begin early in the Himalayas. By <b>5.00 AM, dawn was breaking</b> over the mountains across the Indus.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU0JZnqnDt6_Rqdwwy9dmobMIJqtRVAvdjc30ENR5zFo05fprG0-YT76crRCfvW54hSZ6d_nqL5pa-UtXPnijP4oVxbdW_mMuu44Qep0tFb49Ruir2sGd0kf6I2adILhFrcfyAT0piZaLwNoYpFon11MSZwp7lK_tUL8c2aDY9UxDuOVDq5RP/s4262/20230717_050309_Dawn.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2403" data-original-width="4262" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwU0JZnqnDt6_Rqdwwy9dmobMIJqtRVAvdjc30ENR5zFo05fprG0-YT76crRCfvW54hSZ6d_nqL5pa-UtXPnijP4oVxbdW_mMuu44Qep0tFb49Ruir2sGd0kf6I2adILhFrcfyAT0piZaLwNoYpFon11MSZwp7lK_tUL8c2aDY9UxDuOVDq5RP/w400-h225/20230717_050309_Dawn.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Since I had nothing better to do, I decided to laze around for another half hour. Tsewangji would come with the car only at 9.30 am so there was nothing else to do than just lie on the bed and contemplate on life. At half past five, I was getting a bit restless. I was getting bright outside though the skies weren't completely clear.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The sunlight, playing hide-and-seek with the clouds, would light up the mountain top for one moment, only to get blocked by the grey rain clouds immediately after. I hadn't slept well. I was expecting a cold night but I ended up kicking away the quilt and turning the fan in my direction! I wasn't feeling breathless either. It seemed, I was getting used to the weather very quickly. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DfaumTY4WdEH94NKnT4igzNLX5rjlX8R_fmncmp5UPx0Dv-i8tVSaeMD0mc9kd8v8ht66ut8sMBulpeXCZqTUSS3MBfODHOeozRk8ukz50WZVKS4joC-JqCL0icKRagSljQSBG696YazJCZNgRVFMs049r1h3uhbhZqCeVeYFQSh1g8fa3Xd/s3710/20230717_061419_Early.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2370" data-original-width="3710" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4DfaumTY4WdEH94NKnT4igzNLX5rjlX8R_fmncmp5UPx0Dv-i8tVSaeMD0mc9kd8v8ht66ut8sMBulpeXCZqTUSS3MBfODHOeozRk8ukz50WZVKS4joC-JqCL0icKRagSljQSBG696YazJCZNgRVFMs049r1h3uhbhZqCeVeYFQSh1g8fa3Xd/w400-h255/20230717_061419_Early.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Used to getting up early, I decided that rolling around in bed wasn't serving any purpose. While researching Leh, I had a plan to do a spot of birding early in the morning but the congested part of the town didn't seem very ideal for a morning bird walk. Besides, the weather would keep the feathered chaps indoors anyway. So I stood at the window, watching the game, the clouds were playing with the sunlight, till it was time to go down for breakfast.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Tsewangji was right on time and as we left the hotel the skies were clearing and it was getting quite warm. For a typical tourist, the second day in Ladakh is also allocated for acclimatisation. That meant, we could explore places around Leh which were more or less at the same altitude. The travel agents have a set itinerary. You leave your hotel after breakfast and drive along the<b> Leh - Kargil - Srinagar highway</b>. The typical stops are at the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Hall of Fame, Spituk Monastery, Indus view point(s), Gurudwara Pathar Sahib, Magnetic Hill and the Indus Sangam</span></b>. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Hall of Fame</span></b>, just outside the airport walls, about three kilometres outside Leh; is a war museum. It is built and maintained by the Indian Army, <b>to honour those heroes who were martyred in the wars </b>with Pakistan and China. You can take <b>a guided tour with retired armed forces personne</b>l giving you details of the exhibits and the wars that they are related to. There is also a <b>light and sound show at 7.00 PM</b>, but that is dependent on the weather. Ladakh being the heart of 'disputed territory', you will see the presence of the brave men in uniform and their vehicles everywhere. Unfortunately, we had to skip it as it was not open on Mondays. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Just after the walls of the airport end, is the turn off to the<b> <span style="color: #ffa400;">Spituk Gompa (Monastery)</span></b>. A 11th century monastery, built on a hillock overlooking the airport and Leh. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUFuF7b6mQNFfVCjC1YwmPeI8yT7Kb9rZFJrFK2b3_fN7sr62GRmWOE9N6cEbQQbaXWEN4nqKJiP-NmyZnRDae2ZGhB9wcjjWO86q2u4BtES6QwnyMwPZF4GTo0Kg5Xj4xNHPhBJRLEjD-VlLHuXI59v6jzm1REGP6e_XSAYJIrGJv2VZhKKX/s4301/20230717_095501.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2426" data-original-width="4301" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioUFuF7b6mQNFfVCjC1YwmPeI8yT7Kb9rZFJrFK2b3_fN7sr62GRmWOE9N6cEbQQbaXWEN4nqKJiP-NmyZnRDae2ZGhB9wcjjWO86q2u4BtES6QwnyMwPZF4GTo0Kg5Xj4xNHPhBJRLEjD-VlLHuXI59v6jzm1REGP6e_XSAYJIrGJv2VZhKKX/w400-h225/20230717_095501.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrH3u3Sf8nMXr-6hepe18xnyI0KQLCtXMuhD1zDFC0sMmLCpOgl3S-PNJHkKV2G6ZQbA1HINIdJjsuEc5Mkh7BsXXVwW09Voc_XPTPe40eEouwPSU_mOahPvTXerpZC7t3WV0hz0WfQlTmyCh5a2XkHJf4pdW0rC2Z0h5CP6ppPZExsth67uL/s4296/20230717_095646.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4296" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMrH3u3Sf8nMXr-6hepe18xnyI0KQLCtXMuhD1zDFC0sMmLCpOgl3S-PNJHkKV2G6ZQbA1HINIdJjsuEc5Mkh7BsXXVwW09Voc_XPTPe40eEouwPSU_mOahPvTXerpZC7t3WV0hz0WfQlTmyCh5a2XkHJf4pdW0rC2Z0h5CP6ppPZExsth67uL/w242-h400/20230717_095646.jpg" width="242" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGkGB2F6vYK-1tpoI7Et-Gb_KfXh7K8lwlDoPxYGvDYHYoO7ZJ7srRz-CBkS-xWoz5n_4cI-yH0NLbV7Mpe_dx-7WOi1PqIVNlI3dRLQAjK1XZjiGrMSOS43IyUkJiuY45x6SNhfAZdYfzmvKY4gXpvHlid6LMOAgX7PfL-cyLwVd5ClDV_5e/s3109/20230717_100330.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3109" data-original-width="2292" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicGkGB2F6vYK-1tpoI7Et-Gb_KfXh7K8lwlDoPxYGvDYHYoO7ZJ7srRz-CBkS-xWoz5n_4cI-yH0NLbV7Mpe_dx-7WOi1PqIVNlI3dRLQAjK1XZjiGrMSOS43IyUkJiuY45x6SNhfAZdYfzmvKY4gXpvHlid6LMOAgX7PfL-cyLwVd5ClDV_5e/w295-h400/20230717_100330.jpg" width="295" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KlKOgDAMz7VYP6NQVTGLRdF2H5mflrknMDjUwp398gR7ZUcR93srlS6U3mRRrS90hYDfP9-CGHu7GLFDYX0B0prqn9Z6HbIsS8P1vxiqW0hu_kG_iBJXQjOdeXZCUWb1BZG8OOI7ShsQuEoAQMRERZL_zZ5fqhF1iwuAst2QC1pOYLxMP63M/s4624/20230717_100828.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7KlKOgDAMz7VYP6NQVTGLRdF2H5mflrknMDjUwp398gR7ZUcR93srlS6U3mRRrS90hYDfP9-CGHu7GLFDYX0B0prqn9Z6HbIsS8P1vxiqW0hu_kG_iBJXQjOdeXZCUWb1BZG8OOI7ShsQuEoAQMRERZL_zZ5fqhF1iwuAst2QC1pOYLxMP63M/w400-h225/20230717_100828.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLpODeB85HfKGE_dU2nfd0VtRcBA0O6YrHpCFsXI1jRAxI1uzI-m0yRGCwdZk188sd3eCgdUHNOAHcA9AIOoLa2MKGJSJHzF_zBPv4KmFmOSWIwXEZPpD181j2Js53Q-Lp1lPZ-KpnJnjJOfR1yant-F5ZrH0wWWYT1s30XaKSfkuDLSQkyb2/s3594/20230717_102910.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3594" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaLpODeB85HfKGE_dU2nfd0VtRcBA0O6YrHpCFsXI1jRAxI1uzI-m0yRGCwdZk188sd3eCgdUHNOAHcA9AIOoLa2MKGJSJHzF_zBPv4KmFmOSWIwXEZPpD181j2Js53Q-Lp1lPZ-KpnJnjJOfR1yant-F5ZrH0wWWYT1s30XaKSfkuDLSQkyb2/w290-h400/20230717_102910.jpg" width="290" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Behind it, on the south, is the Indus river with a belt of green that contrasts with the hard baked brown earth that is seen all around. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSGAqJ4NakPp70mzEQtiRxnJb3DLkQQtEIwKCZxVN2PJG73aAaOuit4zabWwnaxfczsQPfdajDKFZIv5NXb4QFWp3WbZUt68xsb-sp14pFf5Vn53MXiAzPxcJ6OgMQ_XHKUgnMKZpVf1JjxwKT3zgcwA3acK67R_L__5s0ID3zhPXLh7UJ63L/s4624/20230717_104649.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiSGAqJ4NakPp70mzEQtiRxnJb3DLkQQtEIwKCZxVN2PJG73aAaOuit4zabWwnaxfczsQPfdajDKFZIv5NXb4QFWp3WbZUt68xsb-sp14pFf5Vn53MXiAzPxcJ6OgMQ_XHKUgnMKZpVf1JjxwKT3zgcwA3acK67R_L__5s0ID3zhPXLh7UJ63L/w400-h225/20230717_104649.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">Since it was my first visit to a proper monastery, I was reluctant to explore the place. I wasn't sure if I could walk into any part of the monastery without permission. My camera was quite a handful, literally and it would be quite unwelcome. I decided that I would take in the views instead. Spituk Gompa, in any case, offers a vantage point to see the airfield and the planes that land and take off. Even if you don't step into the temple, just being in the place gives a soothing feeling. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpeB3FwNLAC-7lW6xrnAbkztvNOG0sSKGI-yvX2QzmQ-Jgf8WvjRshP5CC4ZKaIMB2Ap_K_uF458zExBIkfKq2czBiV5A0Rj4BMjLwQ5YruiAjbD9COwGU17HWsU9VClgpXgMRu6AmULRVCKxekzvovuhHgtYQRlF58M07M_4-D8-SkwZ2hZV/s4624/20230717_095612.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqpeB3FwNLAC-7lW6xrnAbkztvNOG0sSKGI-yvX2QzmQ-Jgf8WvjRshP5CC4ZKaIMB2Ap_K_uF458zExBIkfKq2czBiV5A0Rj4BMjLwQ5YruiAjbD9COwGU17HWsU9VClgpXgMRu6AmULRVCKxekzvovuhHgtYQRlF58M07M_4-D8-SkwZ2hZV/w400-h225/20230717_095612.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLPCIZkeqrV3LBL-cPCa7ZtqfePSWuLWGaIiz2QOYsHgNvRIZgCEjW9BgiMiBqylkAPqf5UEmbyqT7wQwSWoHueipreoLmp9Nwc4_P0G_aDBa2BJ59TyknfyVKVJNaWx1MJDPp_lEBRsV_tspofqvdbc8vFbVxRkLn16-lmjeFC8wDbgcWvRL/s2500/P7171294.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBLPCIZkeqrV3LBL-cPCa7ZtqfePSWuLWGaIiz2QOYsHgNvRIZgCEjW9BgiMiBqylkAPqf5UEmbyqT7wQwSWoHueipreoLmp9Nwc4_P0G_aDBa2BJ59TyknfyVKVJNaWx1MJDPp_lEBRsV_tspofqvdbc8vFbVxRkLn16-lmjeFC8wDbgcWvRL/w400-h300/P7171294.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIl2V9_ek2G12OTKvBqu99u5cfBvQejNEWrDfObX0OYKrtK-MlFkhy899kP42Hix8dTylMTxLZOMPGdWZ-7EnTxbuMXhqtmGYQsZTZf5GYJ2ZnG_sggAi9VG4LM0YEfq3NMiX4pWoAHslVpvUIkyNyt_LW2EuA_4bM3TPbJZziyDsMeGDbaOz/s3000/P7171311.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikIl2V9_ek2G12OTKvBqu99u5cfBvQejNEWrDfObX0OYKrtK-MlFkhy899kP42Hix8dTylMTxLZOMPGdWZ-7EnTxbuMXhqtmGYQsZTZf5GYJ2ZnG_sggAi9VG4LM0YEfq3NMiX4pWoAHslVpvUIkyNyt_LW2EuA_4bM3TPbJZziyDsMeGDbaOz/w400-h300/P7171311.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx3nizfv4CSrXT_D3_LC2k5KTUbiVjHkiRWQSHcfKbQOkA-NT5lpiDxc20zJ6umYPHMxgKLfuyubKN2qQPFGsk_FKIgt77rLkWtylTyWNlsKwO5bE98llJcYRcRjARM4szwmzhxfuLEx1k3p0g9go-uh1FLdF7zPLUmgH5bl8UHDZQl-S5Fo8/s3000/P7171325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2250" data-original-width="3000" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZx3nizfv4CSrXT_D3_LC2k5KTUbiVjHkiRWQSHcfKbQOkA-NT5lpiDxc20zJ6umYPHMxgKLfuyubKN2qQPFGsk_FKIgt77rLkWtylTyWNlsKwO5bE98llJcYRcRjARM4szwmzhxfuLEx1k3p0g9go-uh1FLdF7zPLUmgH5bl8UHDZQl-S5Fo8/w400-h300/P7171325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q7poW8zZNftIjtFl8OBK6dqb8f61DH6eaQE5YY0cCmab_OmymfgrXNHslQD8YoIb5urwHRcC92rWPCSkeol3bbpSHcgDMLBtg0T9fQJmHU_frfjgOx_T1WLuMJp_Qpuce4zw0DcjkJVrrqesuu_emGbmOciyRjscPvMGOHQoDEPRjJWrI76q/s2500/P7171371.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Q7poW8zZNftIjtFl8OBK6dqb8f61DH6eaQE5YY0cCmab_OmymfgrXNHslQD8YoIb5urwHRcC92rWPCSkeol3bbpSHcgDMLBtg0T9fQJmHU_frfjgOx_T1WLuMJp_Qpuce4zw0DcjkJVrrqesuu_emGbmOciyRjscPvMGOHQoDEPRjJWrI76q/w400-h300/P7171371.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The most exciting thing that happened was the IAF's Rafael. At first sight, it seemed to be headed straight for me but it was on some sort of a sortie over Leh. It disappeared towards the west without landing in the airfield.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE-hgpHh-T73oPLfCP3xts2hrzQHoVidlWuh1KPeiCIG4rvfUZMbP0oKyqJL1wSqOwdhAW2EneWvTeRgYporSKRxdeta8xQn_j3IFXtPhzH371ebb-5dTr-gpNZaIYYeXSoFjKKjihl-CynRBhngdt2o95m8kqJGk87Q6Ves-sHSsrMsZzh3f/s2500/P7171397.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1875" data-original-width="2500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfE-hgpHh-T73oPLfCP3xts2hrzQHoVidlWuh1KPeiCIG4rvfUZMbP0oKyqJL1wSqOwdhAW2EneWvTeRgYporSKRxdeta8xQn_j3IFXtPhzH371ebb-5dTr-gpNZaIYYeXSoFjKKjihl-CynRBhngdt2o95m8kqJGk87Q6Ves-sHSsrMsZzh3f/w400-h300/P7171397.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">After Spituk, as you drive further towards Kargil, the road follows the Indus. You can stop along the way for photo shoots. There are many army encampments along this road so be careful that you don't click photographs of sensitive areas. Further along the road is the <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Gurudwara Pathar Sahib</span></b>. It is a place of worship for both Sikhs and Ladakhis. This place has a mythical story attached to it, linking the big rock (pathar) that is worshipped here and Guru Nanak. This is also built and run by the Indian army. We didn't stop there, as our plan wasn't inclined towards pilgrimages anyway. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">In any case, for the better or for the worse, <b><span style="color: #3d85c6;">my faith in the pantheon of Gods had eroded </span></b><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>drastically</b></span> because of my experiences in life over the last few years. Thought I don't claim to be an atheist, I have never been very pious at any time in my life. <span style="color: #3d85c6;"><b>Gods, all my life, have been friends to me.</b> </span>Not someone who you have to fear or respect but treat like any other buddy. It means, to me, that we should not trouble them unnecessarily, asking for help by bribing them. No only that, while they didn't communicate with me about their needs, the intermediaries who spoke on their behalf; astrologers and priests, always put me off with their pompous attitudes and big demands on behalf of the Gods! I find their technique of making you do meaningless appeasement ceremonies very annoying and rarely take part enthusiastically.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">My initial reluctance to travel to Ladakh was set aside for one other reason, the primary reason being the temptation to add a few 'lifers' to my birding list! As I was researching on Ladakh and its monasteries, another reason took root in my mind. Buddhism and its uncomplicated way of looking at life, threw a spark inside me and suddenly I wanted to go. In fact, there were a few times that I even thought about getting 'lost' in Ladakh forever. I will elaborate in a later post about how my mind turned towards Buddha's teachings.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Having driven past the gurudwara, without stopping for blessings, we continued on to a place of mystery further down the road, <b>the Magnetic Hill</b> (more about in the next post). I suspect that our driver, Tsewangji, being a pious man, wasn't very happy about our skipping that stop. On either side of the highway it was vast spaces of greyish brown crumbly earth. Loose rocks held together by something that like dust is the feature of this landscape. The colours were not exactly pleasing to the eye. Green was at a premium and found only on either side of the Indus and around human habitation. The predominant colour was brown; various shades of it, interspersed with grey and purple. In some places, little patches of green can be seen, but not grass or trees. Some sort of short shrubs with yellow or purple flowers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDalhMXdARdsgUTPjRjH6HBlgDsbPgLpx677niISUARXzEvSrud0jsAIl0ESFUnfc0XBOH8A5gdDQeyZyg2Q31vLwau2qMjdoB7OsBFwdizFoE42501xx9K08-M96xUzUo-HrPs0yi2EvlES9fCB150d1AVIW1EBwx2DSFW6OGAjtVqSihwDW/s4624/20230717_111010.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXDalhMXdARdsgUTPjRjH6HBlgDsbPgLpx677niISUARXzEvSrud0jsAIl0ESFUnfc0XBOH8A5gdDQeyZyg2Q31vLwau2qMjdoB7OsBFwdizFoE42501xx9K08-M96xUzUo-HrPs0yi2EvlES9fCB150d1AVIW1EBwx2DSFW6OGAjtVqSihwDW/w400-h225/20230717_111010.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NgrKzHDomqDB0D-AbdXPhz8LYOggn19EYE2NsC1VnTFn3nf72l3zU2PrZd-Pu1oYMAT82a0z0cMGIxBaiu2nWDArH7K954M2IX8_YHsqIb-97pwKgMeMDOTPPBt42QoloCGtcmkqSEpF-kKsugj7KDBw_e8g3RzBWqQoOxUTNs9nRN7IuecX/s4624/20230717_111149.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9NgrKzHDomqDB0D-AbdXPhz8LYOggn19EYE2NsC1VnTFn3nf72l3zU2PrZd-Pu1oYMAT82a0z0cMGIxBaiu2nWDArH7K954M2IX8_YHsqIb-97pwKgMeMDOTPPBt42QoloCGtcmkqSEpF-kKsugj7KDBw_e8g3RzBWqQoOxUTNs9nRN7IuecX/w400-h225/20230717_111149.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySTuzjqAhTm8XbQUEfsIdpiO4H8AikBAF5mxiZ16ANdHMuokoB-USxK1bz9es4z3hsLiyKqBh91v0vgU1PwCxZjCqXLXhGYdjl2SyJf69CWblWFmDSWVhvQqFCUqafxy8gNxMIBBrRXH9QVLuWPOJ6M1Wf68TFjV0tBrUWveQdaZh_H2Nq8W5/s4624/20230717_111218.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgySTuzjqAhTm8XbQUEfsIdpiO4H8AikBAF5mxiZ16ANdHMuokoB-USxK1bz9es4z3hsLiyKqBh91v0vgU1PwCxZjCqXLXhGYdjl2SyJf69CWblWFmDSWVhvQqFCUqafxy8gNxMIBBrRXH9QVLuWPOJ6M1Wf68TFjV0tBrUWveQdaZh_H2Nq8W5/w400-h225/20230717_111218.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj3Ndj7FfdQJj3-KU53sv3ipKoX9IUM_VHtRytIXkjVFCcFvvxIFFBUQulgpzkuBxv7xrCZ4Q0rBZSMmhXPlfgv4niP-sWizs0MYuOPWEkx11YvLD-TUSIOIxMA-ZIPK2u9txcDGdiQGB_Dp1_P1RwQTO4x22GWWI8oi_UAWq_h1N9FEQQwev/s4624/20230717_111337.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjj3Ndj7FfdQJj3-KU53sv3ipKoX9IUM_VHtRytIXkjVFCcFvvxIFFBUQulgpzkuBxv7xrCZ4Q0rBZSMmhXPlfgv4niP-sWizs0MYuOPWEkx11YvLD-TUSIOIxMA-ZIPK2u9txcDGdiQGB_Dp1_P1RwQTO4x22GWWI8oi_UAWq_h1N9FEQQwev/w400-h225/20230717_111337.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">It was getting very warm and we were soon throwing off our jackets and other warm clothing. It is a good place to mention <span style="color: red;"><b>a few points about the clothes</b> </span>you have to consider carrying. Ladakh is in the rain shadow region of the Himalayas but when it rains, it pours. Depending on the season your requirement of warm clothing will vary. When we went, it was summer but we were caught in the midst of a period of erratic weather. When it is sunny it is HOT, and very uncomfortably so. Your weather app will say it is between 18 - 20 degrees but it feels more like 35 and more. If you get in the shade or if it rains the temperature drops dramatically. You need to carry a set of layered clothing so that you can peel off layers if it gets warm and pull them on if it gets cold. Here is what you will require in summer. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ol><li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Innermost layer of warm thermals, especially for evening and nights.</span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Second layer of tee shirts or shirts according to your preference. Your trousers (no shorts) should also be able to keep you warm and try to carry quick drying ones in case you get caught in a sudden shower. Cotton is the best choice of material but denim is not suggested as they dry very slowly.</span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">Third layer of a warm fleece jacket or sweater. In fact you can carry one sleeveless and a full sleeve one to use depending on the weather condition. </span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">An outer padded shell jacket that should ideally be waterproof or at least water resistant. </span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A pair of gloves and few pairs woolen socks will help your hands and feet keep warm.</span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">For your head, you'll need a woolen beanie or balaclava for the cold nights and days and also a hat or cap to shade your eyes in the sunlight.</span></i></b></li><li><b><i><span style="color: #3d85c6;">A good pair of sunglasses or photochromatic lenses if you wear prescription glasses, to protect against UV rays.</span></i></b></li></ol><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> More information is available on the internet and you may have to add or subtract to the list depending on the season and current weather conditions.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">The next stop will be at the Magnetic Hill.......</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/08/ladakh-life-lessons-part-4-around-leh.html" target="_blank">The link to previous post is here</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p></div>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-19923400376334969972023-08-29T23:06:00.006+05:302023-08-30T17:18:26.072+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 4: Around Leh & Transportation<h4 style="text-align: left;"> <b><span style="color: #ffa400;">16th July 2023, 5.00 PM - Leh</span></b></h4><p style="text-align: justify;">Recovering ourselves from the lack of sleep, we were woken up by the insistently ringing phone in our room. The restaurant was enquiring about our lunch. It so happens that most, if not all, guests who have acclimatised to Ladakh get out early and would return only for dinner. The restaurant therefore did not have a running lunch everyday. It had to be pre-ordered if you were planning to lunch in the hotel instead of going out. Obviously, we weren't going out so we ordered lunch and waited. Since everything is made fresh, on our orders, it is better to order early. After lunch and siesta we were ready to test ourselves in Ladakh's harsh conditions. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">It had been raining and there was a light drizzle when we stepped out. Tsewangji and his car was waiting for us at sharp 4.30 PM. It was parked a little further up the slope and I thought I was huffing and puffing my way. Maybe, I forgot the 'slow-motion' rule because of the drizzle, but I made it to the car without anything untoward happening. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The first stop would be at Leh Palace. This 17th century palace was built by Sengge Namgyal and is supposed to be based on the design of the Potala Palace in Lhasa, seen in the photo below (Pic Courtesy: Tibettravelexpert.com), but somehow, I failed to see the resemblance. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ7yOTGllOQAummnVZdd8xWTZ2ZAr7wQN7VkWPzHRIJWu4dOV6d818tgq6O13HHkgusdzMiyLCebuGPhDUwfWwavM5J8dxq71Qz0Pvpf138ehXChLHYNnFyoEiQ1mhJaeI99WWPL7M3hVBDPR6BplwZl4MlKHUiehOUweyzu-VgcVKoibiXzg/s1026/potala-palace_1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="716" data-original-width="1026" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFZ7yOTGllOQAummnVZdd8xWTZ2ZAr7wQN7VkWPzHRIJWu4dOV6d818tgq6O13HHkgusdzMiyLCebuGPhDUwfWwavM5J8dxq71Qz0Pvpf138ehXChLHYNnFyoEiQ1mhJaeI99WWPL7M3hVBDPR6BplwZl4MlKHUiehOUweyzu-VgcVKoibiXzg/w400-h279/potala-palace_1.jpg" title="Potala Palace, Tibet (Pic Courtesy: Tibettravelexpert.com)" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">It appears to have a chequered history and fell to invaders, and was subsequently abandoned. The ASI have now renovated the palace and has a museum inside detailing its history. Like all old buildings and monasteries the palace is on a hill overlooking the town. There are nine stories which is not immediately apparent as the entrance is somewhere midway. As the building hugs the slope all the floors are not easily discernible.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BbAAsGAVkTCfXB9m4crqobb23CD1U-z6IJTKvC88y0aiISqWejmt2Z800CdFxWlmZ4T9E4lWxu3rbg4b9A12GugFpHKnVeHrw2dQ3i_dA1ax6MDNUoettBvDyijvmm7E0q9xtehUIi_qg06hhr6tpKojlrSoiCSGZ9ugEzPG8vPp7mFQYe6F/s4144/LP03.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2138" data-original-width="4144" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BbAAsGAVkTCfXB9m4crqobb23CD1U-z6IJTKvC88y0aiISqWejmt2Z800CdFxWlmZ4T9E4lWxu3rbg4b9A12GugFpHKnVeHrw2dQ3i_dA1ax6MDNUoettBvDyijvmm7E0q9xtehUIi_qg06hhr6tpKojlrSoiCSGZ9ugEzPG8vPp7mFQYe6F/w640-h330/LP03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4_tfPb4uG5mePHxNmermiwuwf9hv3ASI6mXTy7imW7_syQNv4LcGhFOMmmxEOnNl_-cQx_chNC_CHdwOEwJvNaZbnQ4DyyVGY9rId0FrNADdXJVy7UKGfoBUwHPpX2HPIIu-YR3IP3VwoC7VBJ1__6PhnlmG0XZdOSR9qx5QLaQjx6z6IFOX/s4624/LP01.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD4_tfPb4uG5mePHxNmermiwuwf9hv3ASI6mXTy7imW7_syQNv4LcGhFOMmmxEOnNl_-cQx_chNC_CHdwOEwJvNaZbnQ4DyyVGY9rId0FrNADdXJVy7UKGfoBUwHPpX2HPIIu-YR3IP3VwoC7VBJ1__6PhnlmG0XZdOSR9qx5QLaQjx6z6IFOX/w640-h360/LP01.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e_tcSGSC7AZ3i-Kghz1eamX2I-TRBbp5QObh6KQ62S-qCw9PURDieep4Pf7U7WHIjkcjxiuYc_ilUJYnFB6nC8VdA4Q8kiq6c9hqWU3D_7u-WrZUutd988wW5iH4QqYMx3Kpd18D1evmDZ0vbtXmRz6eKykeQRd9H3UnW2Eb3Dx5ylOY4cqj/s4624/LP02.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6e_tcSGSC7AZ3i-Kghz1eamX2I-TRBbp5QObh6KQ62S-qCw9PURDieep4Pf7U7WHIjkcjxiuYc_ilUJYnFB6nC8VdA4Q8kiq6c9hqWU3D_7u-WrZUutd988wW5iH4QqYMx3Kpd18D1evmDZ0vbtXmRz6eKykeQRd9H3UnW2Eb3Dx5ylOY4cqj/w225-h400/LP02.jpg" width="225" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Once inside, you have to watch the roof. There a good chance you will get a few knocks as you duck into doors or while traversing stairs. We didn't spend much time inside as climbing even short flights of stairs was leaving me a little breathless. I'm not sure if it was the devil of AMS sitting on my shoulder, I was extremely conscious of every breath I took. Not wanting to make things too complicated, we decided to move on. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Our next stop was the Shanti Stupa, a relatively recent monument, that serves as a symbol of peace. Construction began in 1983 but was formally inaugurated by the 14th Dalai Lama in 1991. It is said to hold relics of Buddha at its base but it probably means relics related to Buddhism. Set on a hillock in Changspa just outside Leh and facing the Leh Palace across the town, it offers spectacular views of the surrounding areas. The best time to visit is said to be early in the morning or late evening. Unfortunately for us the plan of shooting the Milky Way from Shanti Stupa was washed out by rain and the overcast skies. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArGENVaSTMYCpYg1WA40ht3kOvpJRPskVJnewhdRzHy8ifElSSjoYOT9tHQfRQWnIvpvzrLORLVVD4p8acVzs9-Bz9UQ6mIvQ3PdxVuPhWdYtHsKVoZI9wn2iGSYN6SWFDxNigySqB5SozaIL2M7MocUymZWd8TbeRGGaUjXK_zBItvNQjgm7/s4624/20230716_182346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgArGENVaSTMYCpYg1WA40ht3kOvpJRPskVJnewhdRzHy8ifElSSjoYOT9tHQfRQWnIvpvzrLORLVVD4p8acVzs9-Bz9UQ6mIvQ3PdxVuPhWdYtHsKVoZI9wn2iGSYN6SWFDxNigySqB5SozaIL2M7MocUymZWd8TbeRGGaUjXK_zBItvNQjgm7/w400-h225/20230716_182346.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2MDBHJC7kRFtyiekudO9VcQhcYbSF_kbOJ4sPfZzuf3Lj9zCcjCjFvz1ihkR_8pqQcEcsRaqDOTqMFVGqLyoWosxaRyv4rFwberkJVb4I_xoAPU39roHXOevcPU_oSVsgRB0dCTfTM7-UvEd3OhPFhwtgI9oX9UJgFAJez8TLzsHVCfXtBHN/s4624/20230716_182737.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhG2MDBHJC7kRFtyiekudO9VcQhcYbSF_kbOJ4sPfZzuf3Lj9zCcjCjFvz1ihkR_8pqQcEcsRaqDOTqMFVGqLyoWosxaRyv4rFwberkJVb4I_xoAPU39roHXOevcPU_oSVsgRB0dCTfTM7-UvEd3OhPFhwtgI9oX9UJgFAJez8TLzsHVCfXtBHN/w400-h225/20230716_182737.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElzOlpocor5h5zQ50R6UsiKih5OyMfWXh5fbglxjqxZNWWQPMN0cbv6zLxEtWcqwX1yo2N0Jh1sAzFogniqpGLRAeWqnYRaSizzJ11N3R_VkRzeE63jTGZrNhDPCZx-XYr-MOPN1tFZtNw1N1BifJA9vG0zfc6YBi9j41oKJd46wLiufo8X2Q/s3264/20230716_182743.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgElzOlpocor5h5zQ50R6UsiKih5OyMfWXh5fbglxjqxZNWWQPMN0cbv6zLxEtWcqwX1yo2N0Jh1sAzFogniqpGLRAeWqnYRaSizzJ11N3R_VkRzeE63jTGZrNhDPCZx-XYr-MOPN1tFZtNw1N1BifJA9vG0zfc6YBi9j41oKJd46wLiufo8X2Q/w400-h225/20230716_182743.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>The light drizzle that started was a signal for us to leave this peaceful place and descend to a more chaotic location, the Leh Market! Tsewangji dropped us off at the entrance to the market and said he would park further down the road. We were to call him once we were through. Unfortunately, none of our phones were working because of some peculiar features of the mobile network in Ladakh. (More about that in a separate post). So he gave us one of his connections to call him. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t9LJEh-PS--f57NOiMW36acgQNc4-Wg9RWwjuZx118kzn2AxDYeVswJrHEdR8Zr2GFF9VFqtLuW88c-oFtUU4p2lo7119MTDaPssVLbHFte1bsDpUM28wNH7mUMaJ2clOYcKsOR2HsIilERyN9UmzCyXz30s5CvB-97lypna0zALLh4sosEV/s1440/P7160213.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2t9LJEh-PS--f57NOiMW36acgQNc4-Wg9RWwjuZx118kzn2AxDYeVswJrHEdR8Zr2GFF9VFqtLuW88c-oFtUU4p2lo7119MTDaPssVLbHFte1bsDpUM28wNH7mUMaJ2clOYcKsOR2HsIilERyN9UmzCyXz30s5CvB-97lypna0zALLh4sosEV/w400-h300/P7160213.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6DDGy6c5ia5WefzbbBz_IinXjT1aVx7dqHUjOtAy1StNksh05TH7sesf5itwQChDkEKySY8kKqIOCXFBHVGej68CqevOtMB5SfCBsIuxZjnzRMjZJp32ELRqqcOnvHOYzxdXnjSRVsilBnQzTKhdjQ__KrLsf2arQv73ikT4pmIExX1HeP80/s1440/P7160216.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6DDGy6c5ia5WefzbbBz_IinXjT1aVx7dqHUjOtAy1StNksh05TH7sesf5itwQChDkEKySY8kKqIOCXFBHVGej68CqevOtMB5SfCBsIuxZjnzRMjZJp32ELRqqcOnvHOYzxdXnjSRVsilBnQzTKhdjQ__KrLsf2arQv73ikT4pmIExX1HeP80/w400-h300/P7160216.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiku6giMGqqha8PA9KD0FKv4a9yUBZ-Aanohq0BdJ2sSUMvpKW6pgqE7sQ-tciwSCyt-b5DI5805As8FK4-Yq9UQR-2ELWtXr75yPoR_Y6crjyjaJojvNi2ssExMEWTs2wWvbsuazTLC0rYkXxR8Y7MKnGJ7d8FNjzuiu9R3IoetthxdAxbgS/s1440/P7160249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkiku6giMGqqha8PA9KD0FKv4a9yUBZ-Aanohq0BdJ2sSUMvpKW6pgqE7sQ-tciwSCyt-b5DI5805As8FK4-Yq9UQR-2ELWtXr75yPoR_Y6crjyjaJojvNi2ssExMEWTs2wWvbsuazTLC0rYkXxR8Y7MKnGJ7d8FNjzuiu9R3IoetthxdAxbgS/w400-h300/P7160249.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The Leh Market is the centre of the town and is a place that is one of the places you can walk down to as most hotels are around this place. If you have acclimatized sufficiently a leisurely walk from your hotel will get you to this colourful place in 5 to 10 minutes, depending how far you hotel is. Most shops are targeted at tourists and sell handicrafts, dry fruits and the Pashmina wool products. Most of your ATMs and mobile stores are in and around this market. </div><div><br /></div><div>While walking, keep a watch for sleeping dogs. They are everywhere; cute fluffy ones sleeping on the pavements and outside shops. I am a dog friendly person but I was warned that the dogs here were not the usual friendly types so I maintained a healthy distance.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaEZ7TwhVwwmrK3T93kRwekI7Iy8U76fJZRQOTKLy8UJTh3TcLR53qnHOPz5jPgXdaNe6Imz3Q1RtteABWLmvgN2lx74fSaFXleohFKpkKNi0w-vkEMDM4xosBEDwbz4Ul8-qu0UR-q6usv3na1_7xqyV0Tw2UURsnJKlsgL6xDOvzGYqoznM/s1440/P7160205.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFaEZ7TwhVwwmrK3T93kRwekI7Iy8U76fJZRQOTKLy8UJTh3TcLR53qnHOPz5jPgXdaNe6Imz3Q1RtteABWLmvgN2lx74fSaFXleohFKpkKNi0w-vkEMDM4xosBEDwbz4Ul8-qu0UR-q6usv3na1_7xqyV0Tw2UURsnJKlsgL6xDOvzGYqoznM/w400-h300/P7160205.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAPDd0xLLd9cYy9V27TN40F8LoD1HQeF_UfBjltSNDya3KNy8eg5zCJhlNGP7W7QUtVdZeJmNwZ2XI8jj5uny7W_8TIeqm5KaYqOnNDPl7pqc3_VHH3ktwyGu0FGM2JUjHCrBGqm4p-9xiVnFhopnuIH-pCnZ0uYdGNtnudoAZoJqtihgI10q/s1440/P7160207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCAPDd0xLLd9cYy9V27TN40F8LoD1HQeF_UfBjltSNDya3KNy8eg5zCJhlNGP7W7QUtVdZeJmNwZ2XI8jj5uny7W_8TIeqm5KaYqOnNDPl7pqc3_VHH3ktwyGu0FGM2JUjHCrBGqm4p-9xiVnFhopnuIH-pCnZ0uYdGNtnudoAZoJqtihgI10q/w400-h300/P7160207.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div> As Ladakh was a part of the erstwhile Kashmir state, most merchants seem to be Kashmiri. Hone up your bargaining skills if you are a shopaholic. It is out of bounds for traffic and you'll have to use your legs. Since traffic wasn't an issue the market was crowded with tourists and even we had to jostle for space on the pavements with hawkers. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OUxyEqIZKq6GjpTD1FRP0hoZxZBGd8i1Np5pgwzfkpIT-NJt0fsC4OVSz5YR5P-bKIK3kmd1E1QB3weeJem-QjEuCUutUo2RWXYrUcHR4yphcl7OOut6LsbqrZLw5FLtmkLk3T0lJ_O-ZDwKQH2P_G6lbPizhx0xss2ALt4uw0Tk3KOHdQRf/s1440/P7160226.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7OUxyEqIZKq6GjpTD1FRP0hoZxZBGd8i1Np5pgwzfkpIT-NJt0fsC4OVSz5YR5P-bKIK3kmd1E1QB3weeJem-QjEuCUutUo2RWXYrUcHR4yphcl7OOut6LsbqrZLw5FLtmkLk3T0lJ_O-ZDwKQH2P_G6lbPizhx0xss2ALt4uw0Tk3KOHdQRf/w400-h300/P7160226.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7TqcE9Vi1jgnyOazEY7yAwMlEh54hiCi0aT53QKoRJ5CY1RHOx7lipz5N-R0Gnxixf6coPx9BSDWyDDH4oon2b2mdGWjnfrr09RvjvBIMaAiYMQ1sEru79d3c5F7jsikNavHG7OtKOWzaY2U6ec8jdSYO6x6JCT-CNYlU-uRFa4jamikzrww/s1440/P7160230.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE7TqcE9Vi1jgnyOazEY7yAwMlEh54hiCi0aT53QKoRJ5CY1RHOx7lipz5N-R0Gnxixf6coPx9BSDWyDDH4oon2b2mdGWjnfrr09RvjvBIMaAiYMQ1sEru79d3c5F7jsikNavHG7OtKOWzaY2U6ec8jdSYO6x6JCT-CNYlU-uRFa4jamikzrww/w400-h300/P7160230.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmfiI7b9F7xNg21tmR9oV0IqYTVsdh1pMwgc0uvSkErD2Dr3VswdeddMTJlqi_QZEZ35SEu41v2woT_uJb5kvvZvJVp4rPXNlUvi4by6xBHiJ9Rb8FVK-tzDgZopw9KJl7cpJa64DQwD5FbM_VX3QibAU6dJbkJfQ7HvmNmT-25YO_QV6nTn4/s1440/P7160250.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlmfiI7b9F7xNg21tmR9oV0IqYTVsdh1pMwgc0uvSkErD2Dr3VswdeddMTJlqi_QZEZ35SEu41v2woT_uJb5kvvZvJVp4rPXNlUvi4by6xBHiJ9Rb8FVK-tzDgZopw9KJl7cpJa64DQwD5FbM_VX3QibAU6dJbkJfQ7HvmNmT-25YO_QV6nTn4/w400-h300/P7160250.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5qaxu7ig48RNwlEkVipWc0piK1Ki7qJrwWotJJN4KYXb6a_cSkHmCOp3rMP55la1DfUEsDsojB58EeZYvIi0RE6hFTrteRa2ZW_S1KhYWo_FYSWBXCccxB0ac5R9VQrQY7FNqyRVL5UUjbHJEk1WXNHRnchg4M9rp15pOXEdPF5_VnQyxFMR/s1440/P7160253.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE5qaxu7ig48RNwlEkVipWc0piK1Ki7qJrwWotJJN4KYXb6a_cSkHmCOp3rMP55la1DfUEsDsojB58EeZYvIi0RE6hFTrteRa2ZW_S1KhYWo_FYSWBXCccxB0ac5R9VQrQY7FNqyRVL5UUjbHJEk1WXNHRnchg4M9rp15pOXEdPF5_VnQyxFMR/w400-h300/P7160253.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYTCfOMHgOhLP0_aaSI7zDvJkP5E9Ibi3ZkqGYe6qZo2OigP8Iuz8PatJW4OwzwwtSx62-e72zefEgo4vl2IzqhfdX2My_HgwBVo8gRB0zBiep-4xJvTvdyrmEFM3vBinXE1YHunqSvaxXTIq-1CBXm2EZw6fbl-yPAiWKV0FBvbc3UBR_DVj/s1440/P7160263.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTYTCfOMHgOhLP0_aaSI7zDvJkP5E9Ibi3ZkqGYe6qZo2OigP8Iuz8PatJW4OwzwwtSx62-e72zefEgo4vl2IzqhfdX2My_HgwBVo8gRB0zBiep-4xJvTvdyrmEFM3vBinXE1YHunqSvaxXTIq-1CBXm2EZw6fbl-yPAiWKV0FBvbc3UBR_DVj/w400-h300/P7160263.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pSa_BYCMdrw0oiWH7KjvzDQNkFZ2zaB09qspemrV-7cszQY3hn3i_9Oe3fZX0b6KloSCM2CzjUKpBO24IIJEu3L4sQ2A_MIAIZdAIV-Vor8QN9qkfRhqjtR8tpME_2t_SCufIzmvto659JmT17pei8kOQvytuNGUac0NSmstGkejrF3ip4_s/s1440/P7160267.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7pSa_BYCMdrw0oiWH7KjvzDQNkFZ2zaB09qspemrV-7cszQY3hn3i_9Oe3fZX0b6KloSCM2CzjUKpBO24IIJEu3L4sQ2A_MIAIZdAIV-Vor8QN9qkfRhqjtR8tpME_2t_SCufIzmvto659JmT17pei8kOQvytuNGUac0NSmstGkejrF3ip4_s/w400-h300/P7160267.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Days end late and it is quite bright even at half past seven. On the day we were in the market it was getting dark due to the clouds. An occasional drop of rain reminded us that it was monsoon spilling over into Ladakh. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmV9IDnlfevfgglpOi_uj2-T7LiwmOrKFqxKtWaMgsWAuecSgSVJ8wbRFwOCLmBNpp3fRfTJAhpnqu9eLVjEoNWU7VeMrzNcTP6rPQadFhszsc0lOYDreQ906pQs6bL2WWlpp33N9uyEG9TWUGgIc0pqNPde-AGV1V3rKEh15QqHgwwPbGlBE/s1440/P7160233.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrmV9IDnlfevfgglpOi_uj2-T7LiwmOrKFqxKtWaMgsWAuecSgSVJ8wbRFwOCLmBNpp3fRfTJAhpnqu9eLVjEoNWU7VeMrzNcTP6rPQadFhszsc0lOYDreQ906pQs6bL2WWlpp33N9uyEG9TWUGgIc0pqNPde-AGV1V3rKEh15QqHgwwPbGlBE/w400-h300/P7160233.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaxoEjFJa5F8h2KBMJcpHkgCK6svu7IP2Qv5mYtY0JEFx0Mh-6n5NZVeXVGVnIGxxaDywwUAVl4XxTv6h_8KERxgS3ZbQhs_KI7N06dWqgs6cmSASHLtixH0GMi3NL6H0jE7gR_3e_2Qd3XB9G6wyYeJ5xfFmCbix0ttHzpa8stNz3INXSOxZ/s1440/P7160240.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqaxoEjFJa5F8h2KBMJcpHkgCK6svu7IP2Qv5mYtY0JEFx0Mh-6n5NZVeXVGVnIGxxaDywwUAVl4XxTv6h_8KERxgS3ZbQhs_KI7N06dWqgs6cmSASHLtixH0GMi3NL6H0jE7gR_3e_2Qd3XB9G6wyYeJ5xfFmCbix0ttHzpa8stNz3INXSOxZ/w400-h300/P7160240.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1sxP271qRPioF6oBokfx0yzjlABmuVasU3-d0R_JAN1J3G72n642yCkDX1-SRHcnnoPuutfzWx8NVUZ3eC2MybCCc3G5ZAF4ecHJzgFQlUkkCdqevW5FF7u5l_ab0LjdXFZH0O77v_B2BnXPQNHCjgmJ1-APDVqVKgwgl95uzAOZXadLlRXo/s1440/P7160242.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju1sxP271qRPioF6oBokfx0yzjlABmuVasU3-d0R_JAN1J3G72n642yCkDX1-SRHcnnoPuutfzWx8NVUZ3eC2MybCCc3G5ZAF4ecHJzgFQlUkkCdqevW5FF7u5l_ab0LjdXFZH0O77v_B2BnXPQNHCjgmJ1-APDVqVKgwgl95uzAOZXadLlRXo/w400-h300/P7160242.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>Even on the pavements you will find cheap Chinese toys, vegetables and dry fruits. Since this was our first day we only looked around. We weren't very keen to buy stuff and have to lug it around for the next six days. In any case, we'd be flying out of Leh so the shopping could be kept for the last day. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH2nuiH6xT-35G0LoHpcXAGP2jLjry9n_VpBdluH25nplVD3g0Tg7cYxkpAl8k8KBlUP_vNqfu16iQaoEtoBDtjs5M2AuTzCcVdZ2jya0NZFmZUTtvSrDwI8486HmdrTX5Y5Ge-Na93n6r38PBL9yMvI6_SlJZWGA9BH2yxKdKrGFxVSqaKbP/s1440/P7160247.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoH2nuiH6xT-35G0LoHpcXAGP2jLjry9n_VpBdluH25nplVD3g0Tg7cYxkpAl8k8KBlUP_vNqfu16iQaoEtoBDtjs5M2AuTzCcVdZ2jya0NZFmZUTtvSrDwI8486HmdrTX5Y5Ge-Na93n6r38PBL9yMvI6_SlJZWGA9BH2yxKdKrGFxVSqaKbP/w400-h300/P7160247.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCCgGEYA9gYBAuyhtshorNN9MmWyfG0v-kWzjXdrGBbAjFjTcGLY2tUv6_1-yO6HABJlgq6g31Ez7lRj_F6bmrxAFi5_zmrMCzRs-qUcsKXW33-AxIFra_0JnW6XGp1ir62S9BAvsu7D2xbsughhDZmJOvRHafpRtfdLofHIMyYi6FeEabvOp/s1440/P7160261.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGCCgGEYA9gYBAuyhtshorNN9MmWyfG0v-kWzjXdrGBbAjFjTcGLY2tUv6_1-yO6HABJlgq6g31Ez7lRj_F6bmrxAFi5_zmrMCzRs-qUcsKXW33-AxIFra_0JnW6XGp1ir62S9BAvsu7D2xbsughhDZmJOvRHafpRtfdLofHIMyYi6FeEabvOp/w400-h300/P7160261.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>As darkness set in, the Leh Palace that loomed over the town looked even more impressive. Few of the windows were lit up. Perhaps, living quarters of the present incumbent. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YEezLu36kZWWjUs89hdXdzGow1Yn9UJL2lRM7YpjDcwic3PU5r_xlxpZ8hVoLFNMEYZRyTDHo0n1FzWznGQCMSTAeX3VrczceSe6iDX2ZoONlX8vN8ABytxcAfkUzTcTvNZ8ujIAXFr4SHE1o2W8Iz2by06XTpHYE2Bi9SGfeZrvibQsaBvm/s1080/P7160273.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="810" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8YEezLu36kZWWjUs89hdXdzGow1Yn9UJL2lRM7YpjDcwic3PU5r_xlxpZ8hVoLFNMEYZRyTDHo0n1FzWznGQCMSTAeX3VrczceSe6iDX2ZoONlX8vN8ABytxcAfkUzTcTvNZ8ujIAXFr4SHE1o2W8Iz2by06XTpHYE2Bi9SGfeZrvibQsaBvm/w300-h400/P7160273.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div>We started back as a light drizzle was falling. It was almost 8.00 PM so it would make sense to eat dinner and turn in early. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt9bsnYwUuqlZ5loiJV-qHIAK4l0e5TbdJzQmWv-l5Fc7TOjjMlLv6EOdoNs8h762dRwEClq1pFjpYhJNq9TF85EKD0gY2xhmENFTCur-pBFwc89ONvi6FpeB5gBijF_pBjMRmjekpyrhSQ3ZCLg9S0cYQ-vxNhn2Fw-ZmsH_bBEgyIEAIRWc/s4624/20230716_201404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHt9bsnYwUuqlZ5loiJV-qHIAK4l0e5TbdJzQmWv-l5Fc7TOjjMlLv6EOdoNs8h762dRwEClq1pFjpYhJNq9TF85EKD0gY2xhmENFTCur-pBFwc89ONvi6FpeB5gBijF_pBjMRmjekpyrhSQ3ZCLg9S0cYQ-vxNhn2Fw-ZmsH_bBEgyIEAIRWc/w400-h225/20230716_201404.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><h3 style="text-align: left;">Transportation In Ladakh</h3><div>When going to Ladakh, unless you are going in your own vehicle, it is better to keep in mind the following facts.</div><div><ol style="text-align: left;"><li>Public transport is minimum or non-existent. There are no auto-rickshaws or buses that service the town. Taxis are your only mode of transport. The rates are fixed by the <b><a href="https://ladakhtaxiunion.com/" target="_blank">Ladakh Taxi Union</a></b>. (Click the link for the union site)</li><li>You can hire two-wheelers in Leh either for local day trips or for the entire duration of your stay. You can get a variety of two wheelers, but the most popular for long distance biking are the Enfield models. The scooters and sub 150 cc bikes are suitable for local running around. <b><a href="https://devilonwheels.com/leh-ladakh-faqs-taxis-self-drives-bike-rentals/" target="_blank">This blog will give you some information</a></b> but you may have to check latest for rates.</li><li>Hiring a taxi can be an expensive affair. If you are only two persons, there are many places, especially restaurants, where people 'pin' their plans and offer to share the taxi. It works out less expensive that way. </li><li>If you are hiring a taxi for your entire trip, ensure that the vehicle makes a provision for oxygen cylinder to be carried. You never know when it will come in handy.</li><li>Usually, the driver comes with his kit and will take care of himself, (even sleeps in the car), but there is no harm in asking him to join you for food. </li><li>Bus transport is also few and hard to get. They don't run every day as a one way trip will take an entire day and the bus will return only the next day. If you have a lot of time in your hands, a bus trip can be interesting! Just be warned, the trip could be cancelled if sufficient passengers are not available. <b><a href="https://devilonwheels.com/budget-ladakh-trip-by-public-transport/" target="_blank">Devil On Wheels</a> </b>(Click this link for a comprehensive information on public transport in Ladakh)</li><li>If you are planning a self drive trip <b><span style="color: red;">ensure that you are totally prepared</span></b>. Roads are non-existent in many places so are petrol stations. If you are travelling by motorcycles it is better to travel in a group with<b> a back up vehicle carrying</b> <b>a mechanic, spare parts, puncture kits, spare wheels, and your luggage</b>. If you are in a car, similar preparation is needed. It will be better to <b>be a part of a convoy </b>going in the same direction. Most importantly<b>, ensure that whichever vehicle you pick up is in peak condition. </b>Since<b> petrol pumps are very few</b> and far in between, outside of Leh; and sometimes may not have stock, it is always <b>better to carry extra fuel in you vehicle </b>for emergencies.</li></ol></div><p style="text-align: justify;">I will tell you about the mobile networks in Ladakh in a subsequent post. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/08/httpswoodcrawler.blogspot.com202308acclimatization-blog-post.html" target="_blank">The link to the previous post is here</a></span></b></p></div>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-79234144854744010142023-08-22T22:07:00.007+05:302023-08-23T21:45:14.274+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 3: Acclimatisation & AMS<p><i><span style="color: #01ffff;">From here on, the posts that follow will take you through our travel through Ladakh. During your travel with us, I will try to give you some information about places we went to, routes taken and lessons we learnt about travel in such a remote place. </span></i></p><p><i></i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><i><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc5dhdsfmhgOFJvgXF6VZ2qmgv3xSvq9qoHUNoKBm5Ktt1ctdjqUlU4xhaOX3siFZPmDy90-TzBTNoHu57YGJCyXSUCHEbvm1c4zkLeOwTK83mePSYSltn1oNrteCGNNhqwFIEaf-JoMnnRYG03kUQsN18moX5qDVmK4lLMPSKZy0eSxm94y0/s4624/20230716_080320.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4624" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEc5dhdsfmhgOFJvgXF6VZ2qmgv3xSvq9qoHUNoKBm5Ktt1ctdjqUlU4xhaOX3siFZPmDy90-TzBTNoHu57YGJCyXSUCHEbvm1c4zkLeOwTK83mePSYSltn1oNrteCGNNhqwFIEaf-JoMnnRYG03kUQsN18moX5qDVmK4lLMPSKZy0eSxm94y0/w225-h400/20230716_080320.jpg" width="225" /></a></i></div><i><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cUEh2DsIDDB82QMA2AJnQ1oI-6zl24ijkCf91P1ndqRCgSWqgrDUn8c3XG_Sko147ZzcZXZnC3lOLJn2GDHMgnXVCEX8E0IHtqZDl98C2OYJzaa8vYCBBNXm2pTPYq-lFuM0v2eV9VVLmFeMAmIMoWLzfrORVkY56GzmsrwFAQbJT0VyayMA/s4624/20230716_080325.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7cUEh2DsIDDB82QMA2AJnQ1oI-6zl24ijkCf91P1ndqRCgSWqgrDUn8c3XG_Sko147ZzcZXZnC3lOLJn2GDHMgnXVCEX8E0IHtqZDl98C2OYJzaa8vYCBBNXm2pTPYq-lFuM0v2eV9VVLmFeMAmIMoWLzfrORVkY56GzmsrwFAQbJT0VyayMA/w400-h225/20230716_080325.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></i><p></p><h4 style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">July 16th 2023, 8.45 AM - Forenoon in Leh</span></b></h4><p style="text-align: justify;">We touched down in <b>Kushok Bakula Rinpoche Airport</b> at half past eight in the morning. For an airport with such a grand name, it is rather nondescript, In fact, one of the smallest I've seen. The terminal had seen better days and seemed to be desperate need of repair. I decided against using the toilets after seeing the expressions of people coming out after using the facility. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">The airport sits in a valley flanked by mountains on all sides and the Indus river on the south-western end, and is the highest commercial airport in India at an elevation of 3250 metres above MSL. It is in the midst of defence establishments and served as an exclusive defence airport before being opened for civilian use. The single runway, lying east-west makes the view from an approaching aircraft nothing short of spectacular. This is one airport that is bereft of greenery, as most of Ladakh is, which we discovered very soon. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrXAZ4KA3RYB76m2KQvcp6lUYrwRe2ehD5PyWNnQCpgWLrBAMpI07GOJNy3_cq_rTdT0jWDPgo_EqRuhVtA89i2iyPZ_4q3ijIu12XADr9YpGZ9-iMePNyVckbYS1qmAW8aqbc6keIPK2v_vi5DL9kz3FWcD_fdB2PUkeqYuncjzIYl-OtokU/s4624/20230716_082811.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="4624" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwrXAZ4KA3RYB76m2KQvcp6lUYrwRe2ehD5PyWNnQCpgWLrBAMpI07GOJNy3_cq_rTdT0jWDPgo_EqRuhVtA89i2iyPZ_4q3ijIu12XADr9YpGZ9-iMePNyVckbYS1qmAW8aqbc6keIPK2v_vi5DL9kz3FWcD_fdB2PUkeqYuncjzIYl-OtokU/w400-h225/20230716_082811.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">The old terminal is pretty ramshackle with a very small area for arriving passengers. The sole baggage conveyor belt looks like it would break down any minute. The airport has wooden pillars much like the ones in the monasteries. I wasn't keen on fishing out my phone to take a few photos after the experience with airport security in Delhi. The new terminal is coming up next to the old one and once finished should be a world class facility considering that Ladakh is now a hot tourist destination.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">We picked up our bags from the creaking conveyor belt which seemed to sigh in relief as each heavy bag came off, and moved to the exit gate. Travel in Ladakh is entirely dependent of taxis, but more about that in a subsequent post. We were to rendezvous with a Mr. Tsewang Gurmet, our taxi driver cum guide for the rest of our stay. Tsewangji was at the gate with my wife's name on a pink chart paper. The taxi's are not allowed to come to the entry or exit gates so they either drop you off or pick you up at the parking lot. If you don't want to damage your bag's wheels, load them onto an airport luggage trolley. Even if you leave it at the parking lot it will come back to the airport with passengers flying out of Leh! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5UBNsL-GsA5YSasqGn7lD5dD4aMI0Q1FACK-2Kgd5jH_2yuVt7cUc4HqaJ-PckCF-10OqC26XSP7Fqi1_TUl67iYKBT_jpXDN83ymtV_S1Owt0j7LDnJEN0ILWpd7fYEpYNhivz95LhHCA4FLZfqoyGcYZNidJvJa7Yk3QhhU0EKceorsLUK/s2542/Padma.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2542" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC5UBNsL-GsA5YSasqGn7lD5dD4aMI0Q1FACK-2Kgd5jH_2yuVt7cUc4HqaJ-PckCF-10OqC26XSP7Fqi1_TUl67iYKBT_jpXDN83ymtV_S1Owt0j7LDnJEN0ILWpd7fYEpYNhivz95LhHCA4FLZfqoyGcYZNidJvJa7Yk3QhhU0EKceorsLUK/w289-h400/Padma.jpg" width="289" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">Tsewangji dropped us off a to our hotel, <b><a href="http://www.padmaladakh.com/index.php" target="_blank">the Padma Ladakh</a>,</b> driving through some very narrow roads. Leh town is essentially a large village that has grown with time. Haphazard construction with no planning ensured that buildings jostled for space on either side of the narrow roads. There was hardly room for a car to pass another if it came from the opposite side. It is boom time in Ladakh after it was split from the state of Jammu & Kashmir. As a place dependent on tourist economy, every narrow gully seemed to have three or four hotels. Very few had their own parking spaces. In fact, even houses seemed to lack space for parking and many vehicles were just parked on the road. The only roads that were wide enough was the Srinagar -Leh highway and the Manali - Leh highway, both of which skirted the town. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">His Holiness, the Dalai Lama</span></b> was in town and had prayer meetings every day from around 8.00 am to 10.00 AM. So the day started in earnest only after the meeting had concluded. Our room wasn't ready as we had arrived early, so I went for my breakfast in the restaurant. I was truly famished as I hadn't had anything on the flights. The hotel serves a very nice breakfast and I tucked into it. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Once our room was ready and we were checked in the manager gave us 'strict instructions' to go to sleep. He told us that we were to move slowly, even going to the bathroom or getting off the bed. Since the oxygen levels were low at this altitude, it would leave us gasping for breathe and in the worst case scenario, would end up with <b><span style="color: red;">Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)</span></b>. In any case all of us were exhausted after a sleepless night, we promptly settled down to rest. We had instructed Tsewangji to bring his car at half past four for a brief trip into town. </p><h3 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: medium;">Acclimatization</span></h3><p style="text-align: justify;">This would be <b>a good place to introduce the word, 'acclimatization'</b>. It is a word you will hear used very frequently when you travel to high altitude places, especially in the Himalayas and any place where the elevation is more than 2000 - 2500 metres. It is the process by which your body adjusts to the environmental conditions of the place you are in. In the Himalayas, you are at an elevation where the atmospheric is far lower than at sea level. The air is thinner, which means that the molecules of gases that make up the atmosphere is 'spread out' and so less oxygen is available for use by your body's organs. You will also have a tendency to get dehydrated faster. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Your body compensates by increasing the heart and respiratory rate. You find that you breathe more rapidly that it appears you are gasping. Even little exertion can make you feel fatigued easily. This is the immediate effect of low oxygen air. Changes start happening in your blood too. Hemoglobin levels start going up slowly as your body starts producing more red blood cells to increase the oxygen carrying capacity of your blood. This change in your body doesn't happen overnight so you have to give it time to adjust itself. If you don't give your body time to get attuned to the new situation you will be inviting trouble.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">At the lower end of the scale is <b><span style="color: red;">Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)</span></b>, characterized by any or all of the following symptoms.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><ol><li><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Nausea and giddiness</span></b></li><li><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Headache</span></b></li><li><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Breathlessness</span></b></li><li><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Fatigue</span></b></li><li><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Loss of appetite</span></b></li><li><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">Sleep disturbances</span></b></li></ol><div style="text-align: justify;">If you feel any of these symptoms, it is better not to exert yourself more and worsen your condition. Not everyone are built the same and each person's body reacts differently. Therefore, just because you run 5 kilometres or workout in the gym for an hour daily, you needn't be healthy enough to escape the effect of altitude. Conversely, persons who are sub-par when it comes to fitness (like me) needn't always be affected by AMS if you take some precautions. I am not going into the details of severe mountain sickness as those type of problems affect people who do high altitude treks or mountaineering. This is for the regular traveller who spends only a few days in such areas and don't exert too much.</div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">1. Ascend slowly or stay put to acclimatise </span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;">Many travellers are now preferring to drive or ride to Ladakh either through Srinagar or Manali. If you can halt overnight for every 400 - 500 metres you climb, it will help you get used to the altitude better. This may not always be feasible if you don't have many days available. For those who fly in from the plains, this is not an option. In our case <b>we flew in from an elevation of about 150 metres to 3250 metres above MSL in under 12 hours</b>. We are landing directly into a high altitude area so the only option is to stay at that elevation for a couple of days to get our bodies used to the low oxygen levels. </div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">2. Avoid exertion</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;">In the first few hours at high altitude, especially if you just flew in, even normal activity can make you breathless. Going to the bathroom, getting off the bed, walking especially up a staircase or anything that needs a little physical effort can leave you gasping. In the first 24 hours make sure your movements are as if you are acting in a slow motion film. </div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">3. Hydrate yourself by drinking lots of water</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;">There is a tendency for many of us to avoid drinking lots of water when travelling. Unfortunately, there is a risk of getting dehydrated at high altitudes. It is suggested that you consume at least 3-4 litres of water a day to keep yourself rehydrated but personally it is a tough ask; 2 litres seems more reasonable. It can be in the form of fresh juice, soup or plain water. Avoid too much of coffee or tea in the first few days as excess caffeine can cause increased heart rate and palpitations. </div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">4. Avoid cigarettes and alcohol</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;">A smoker's lungs are already compromised and in a location with low oxygen levels it will only add to your problems. Alcohol will worsen your dehydration. It is also suggested to avoid sleeping pills.</div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">5. Sleep well</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;">Your body recovers when it is given rest. In Ladakh you are going to be spending a lot of time on the road. So once you are finished with the day's itinerary, eat an early dinner and turn in. Days are long in that part of the world so you might think it is still not time to hit the bed. If you have nothing else to do, sleep. That is the best medicine.</div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">6. Pay attention to symptoms of AMS</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;">Don't try to play a hero. If you feel, even lightly; <b>any of the symptoms mentioned in the paragraph on AMS</b>, inform your travel partner or guide. Stop exerting yourself and stay put at that location or descend to a lower altitude. Most travel operators ensure that oxygen is made available in your taxi or in the back up vehicle in case of motorcycling groups. </div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">7. Preventive measures before setting off</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;">For those having to ascend rapidly you can take some precautions before leaving your comfort zone. One of the remedies suggested is to start taking <b>acetazolamide </b>tablets two or three days before your trip. Acetazolamide in small doses helps prevent or reduce the severity of AMS. While the mechanism of how it helps is not clear, acetazolamide increases oxygen saturation level of blood. Since I'm a doctor myself, I think it is inappropriate to mention the dosages without assessing a patient. Please consult your doctor before embarking on your journey for better advise that is tailored to your individual needs. </div><h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #01ffff;">8. Expose your ears</span></h4><div style="text-align: justify;">Yes, you read right. While it makes sense to cover up your ears from the biting cold, it is advised to <b>expose your ears to the air once in a while</b>. It is said to help your body to better gauge the environmental condition and allow it to acclimatize naturally.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The above points will give you a broad idea about how to get adapted to the new environment you are exposed to. While is doesn't tell you everything, it gives you an outline before planning a trip to Ladakh or similar places. <b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Ladakh is not a place for the regular tourist.</span></b> Remember it is a high altitude desert and outside of the capital Leh, the facilities are bare minimum. So if these posts pique your interest and makes you want to travel to Ladakh, remember; <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>it takes a lot of planning. </b></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">All the posts that follow this will have some information regarding travelling in Ladakh, with points that I gathered on my short trip there.</div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">Meanwhile let us sleep a while and get ready to go visit the local market in the evening.....</p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/08/httpswoodcrawler.blogspot.com202308satellite-phones.html" target="_blank">Click this link for the previous post</a></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p><p style="text-align: justify;"><br /></p>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-28336915078037140052023-08-17T18:58:00.013+05:302023-08-23T10:15:52.471+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 2: Satellite phones and security woes<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: #ffa400;">July 16th 2023, 2.00 AM - New Delhi Airport</span></b></h4><p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, after the delay, our journey was rolling. We landed in the Terminal 2 of the IGI Airport, Delhi, got our luggage and decided to leg it to Terminal 3 from where we were to catch the next flight to Leh. We had a little over four hours and it seemed like a good idea to check in our luggage and proceed to the waiting lounge. The Delhi airport was impressively huge and boarding for our flight was from the distant, Gate 50. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Checking in our luggage was quick. Despite the odd hour, the Vistara staff were quite alert. Having finished that part, we proceeded to security check. The belt and shoes had to come off. All electronic gadgets were placed in a separate tray for screening. To this day, I don't know why, but I was under the impression that x-rays could penetrate a humble camera bag, or any bag for that matter. Anyway, I had more trays than a normal passenger. Sliding my trays onto the conveyor, I proceeded for my metal detector sweep. That was a mere formality and I went to the other end of the converyor, awaiting my trays. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">My son and wife had got their stuff passed through without a problem but I was still waiting. I could see that my tray was out but the chap in charge of the screening was having a small discussion with a burly officer about my camera bag. There were a few other passengers too explaining the contents of their hand baggage. When my turn came, the expression on the security officer's face became very stern. The conversation went some thing like this. Since it was carried out in Hindi, I've translated it here so that the reader is aware of the seriousness of my 'crime'! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">"<i>Why are you carrying satellite phones? Don't you know it is not allowed?</i>" I was taken aback. I had a rather simple smartphone and was wondering how this gentleman decided it was a satellite phone. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">"<i>I don't have a satellite phone, Sir</i>", I said.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">"<i>Open your bag</i>", was the curt reply, and his expression was becoming more frightening. I was now worried that someone had stuffed something into my bag without my knowledge and I was probably going to get arrested for no fault of mine. It happens all the time and I had probably, inadvertently, become a 'courier' for some underworld organisation. Who else smuggled satellite phones?!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I opened the front compartment of my bag. "<i>There; take those two phones out</i>", he barked. I felt my head reeling. The 'satellite phones' that I was accused of carrying were two electronic gadgets, I forgot to put in the tray separately. My Garmin Marine GPS and my Zoom Audio Recorder!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6Z7oa7634UDwj0NFPvbsYgAjeS_pXAvV1-iwzrX2yZuCjwBfAaLkVVzZYroAWj2AHX8YH0ZtYK7UExuHz5qQFnS0WcWLowyfHDDi9Zy07CbhLQq3dt0ePfykLgFtbrh0fwmv0Fgmz9A0BzxxkDuAs_Nrcj0pSrEwmdIs7nWDIZZZhYfjEKQt/s3243/20230817_152652-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3243" data-original-width="1969" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL6Z7oa7634UDwj0NFPvbsYgAjeS_pXAvV1-iwzrX2yZuCjwBfAaLkVVzZYroAWj2AHX8YH0ZtYK7UExuHz5qQFnS0WcWLowyfHDDi9Zy07CbhLQq3dt0ePfykLgFtbrh0fwmv0Fgmz9A0BzxxkDuAs_Nrcj0pSrEwmdIs7nWDIZZZhYfjEKQt/w242-h400/20230817_152652-01.jpeg" width="242" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0tLCQPiFwOpp9qoVj5PzrKwsZRx5wKqROAoekXMC5MZDrVTUXXoMPD7bHg2yHDBzyzFYlffKdHGhYUq0JMldQUdwJuUYKvsnA-hBKU0kqO4UdLWexTwmrZ9ti2kp3txWHa2rejAiF0rC1y3qi-kJyyvTL9rKTP3HdE4DHba02XnBjDYDwKCx/s4070/20230817_152717-01.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4070" data-original-width="1878" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiE0tLCQPiFwOpp9qoVj5PzrKwsZRx5wKqROAoekXMC5MZDrVTUXXoMPD7bHg2yHDBzyzFYlffKdHGhYUq0JMldQUdwJuUYKvsnA-hBKU0kqO4UdLWexTwmrZ9ti2kp3txWHa2rejAiF0rC1y3qi-kJyyvTL9rKTP3HdE4DHba02XnBjDYDwKCx/w185-h400/20230817_152717-01.jpeg" width="185" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">"<i>Where are you going? Why do you carry satellite phones</i>?". He was still very irritated with me for holding up the line. A satellite phone on a passenger, apparently, is not allowed without proper authorisation. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">"<i>Sir, they are not satellite phones. One is a handheld GPS and the other one is a sound recorder</i>", I told him as politely as I could, without gnashing my teeth, and explained the reason I was carrying it. His assistant also confirmed that they were <b>not</b> satellite phones! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Now, I was happy that the matter seemed to have been settled but for a six foot tall security officer, he probably had an ego taller than him and it wouldn't permit him to admit his error. It apparently took a lot to climb down from his high perch. He picked up the GPS and told me, "<i>You cannot carry this</i>", with a finality in his voice.</p><p style="text-align: justify;">I was stumped. Was he going to confiscate it? I was in no mood to argue with him at 3.00 AM in the morning. Once again, I very politely told him that there had to be a middle path. There was no rule against carrying a GPS handset. Fortunately for me, his superior officer walked into the scene and I was told to meet him and see if the problem could be resolved. This nice gentleman took one look at the masquerading 'satellite phone' and confirmed that it was indeed a GPS handset but since he couldn't embarrass his subordinate, he gave a quick solution. He told me to take out the batteries and put it the check in luggage! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">This was getting more complicated. We had already checked in our luggage half an hour ago and it probably would have been in one of the luggage trailers on its way to our aircraft. I told him that it would be difficult to retrieve our baggage now as they would be half way across his rather extensive airfield. I couldn't request the airline to bring the bags out for me to put it in. In any case, I was out of security check, in the boarding area. The boss then suggested that we use one of our hand luggage to keep the offending GPS and check that in. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">Luckily, my wife's backpack came to my rescue. I put the GPS in it and rushed out not wanting to prolong this unpleasant drama. As I reached the entry point to the security check area, I realised that in my hurry, I hadn't retrieved my cell phone or carried my boarding pass. Both were critical. The former for any 'emergency' calls in case I was stopped and arrested and the latter to ensure that I could get back to the boarding zone as a 'genuine' passenger! </p><p style="text-align: justify;">So. back I went, through the metal detector zone, picked up the critical objects and waded through the crowd, back to the baggage check in counters. The eye brows of the girl who was at the counter almost touched her hairline when I told her why I was back. "<i>You can carry this bag with you, Sir</i>", she said. I patiently explained to her, my rather 'complicated' situation, and told her that I wasn't about to abandon my GPS at the airport. After checking in the bag, (luckily there wasn't an excess baggage situation), I retraced my way back to security check. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">I thought I could walk in a 'free' man as I had been screened twice over. The guy with the metal detector was very sympathetic but he said, rules are rules. I had to take out my shoes and belt, and put it through the screening tray procedure all over again! In the middle of all that he had time to enquire regarding my profession and ask my why I was carrying all these strange gadgets. As he waved me through, he stopped me again and asked me regarding 'laser to remove his glasses'! What a night!</p><p style="text-align: justify;">Finally, after all the confusion, security check was over and it was time to catch the next flight to Leh. All this excitement had effectively driven away any thoughts of sleep. It was a long tiring night and I was sweating despite the air-conditioning. Though I had skipped the Muscular Upma on the Indigo flight, I was optimistic that our Vistara would serve something more appetising. So we took a break at the McDonald's near the lounges, which were anyway full; before proceeding to look for Gate 50. My son, despite the noodles served on the flight, happily tucked into a burger and fries, while I sipped a cold coffee to settle my jangling nerves.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WBMrM9_PzoEKuLAof8N96ixevvGzUNCwL2Z2iDjT9MV7_ExFriEveD8t-PEoiWvLKWsOeDH_1RIdW6EXGPY0FrxXgQ7hbL1A6s49i07bILHW7FxAsLPzlR_S0N6VjffB4pPZbmoU1KUB6jo2j36QVB1IE2lbKsDBRplSI9Iy32ctWqHvnXq3/s3731/20230716_060055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2593" data-original-width="3731" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WBMrM9_PzoEKuLAof8N96ixevvGzUNCwL2Z2iDjT9MV7_ExFriEveD8t-PEoiWvLKWsOeDH_1RIdW6EXGPY0FrxXgQ7hbL1A6s49i07bILHW7FxAsLPzlR_S0N6VjffB4pPZbmoU1KUB6jo2j36QVB1IE2lbKsDBRplSI9Iy32ctWqHvnXq3/w400-h278/20230716_060055.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">After refreshing ourselves we proceeded to 'Area 50' of Terminal 3. Mercifully, there weren't any alien types to scan me for more banned objects! Most of the chairs were empty so we plopped ourselves next to a mobile charging station and decided to catch a few winks before boarding the flight to Leh.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ-pAJYNSi1wdmdjqMBgYCRcTnky7MJWB7GrNGaHLHq4b4hiUI9vyL61jNt8IE_JYpziLq5G9zurUL1JQi82Shsz0GjhvE0W-kqM6NbalHtY-xjWnEa7sdAl-D80Xq1Yi9pr7tRrMJV9FF7MDgw5s9jkVlEeRWUuRAtA6dvCdxYfFVhaEhkq3/s3742/20230716_060000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2587" data-original-width="3742" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJJ-pAJYNSi1wdmdjqMBgYCRcTnky7MJWB7GrNGaHLHq4b4hiUI9vyL61jNt8IE_JYpziLq5G9zurUL1JQi82Shsz0GjhvE0W-kqM6NbalHtY-xjWnEa7sdAl-D80Xq1Yi9pr7tRrMJV9FF7MDgw5s9jkVlEeRWUuRAtA6dvCdxYfFVhaEhkq3/w400-h276/20230716_060000.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">By 6.00 AM it was getting brighter outside despite the heavy cloud cover. We had been worried. Already a delayed flight and 'satellite phones' had ruined our night. So this was a welcome relief as it wasn't raining.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxARypVXph4j2q7fPiH2bMHpw74Qsif2ZZqsYso2XiEikQtIfwEIYgMqzk75jilU3qUvMqw4kBSfIGoti8QdqCBxR_WbCPkWhY3tuNl8q0GzqYbg4NwUIsq-x5NyhXK1xQbiHeSpHySjjSfi4qRq5r8-yIdRhgkmuGEE1bWr76nrbl5RMvEJN/s2659/20230716_063534.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2659" data-original-width="1836" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGxARypVXph4j2q7fPiH2bMHpw74Qsif2ZZqsYso2XiEikQtIfwEIYgMqzk75jilU3qUvMqw4kBSfIGoti8QdqCBxR_WbCPkWhY3tuNl8q0GzqYbg4NwUIsq-x5NyhXK1xQbiHeSpHySjjSfi4qRq5r8-yIdRhgkmuGEE1bWr76nrbl5RMvEJN/w442-h640/20230716_063534.jpg" width="442" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">By 7.15 we were airborne, and over the clouds the sun was shining. At last, we were on our way without any further delays.</p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHPzD6D4BZ8WBec-6HvXa0faXX5fCtMLQoUkHf0LFmFHv3Tk_kn8CCkcUgzaL6OCWPJ39ei_psoNK2maZ2yxUZEIqkc9bdfxsXXJ2ApDvFxn6eFqRwfWlFBIgPtVUv1SIQf0ZC-3Xyj9T4HstBH1hghq43dGNc4mwMkQZ5t6x5G8MaQSJF_Va/s3879/20230716_074511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2292" data-original-width="3879" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsHPzD6D4BZ8WBec-6HvXa0faXX5fCtMLQoUkHf0LFmFHv3Tk_kn8CCkcUgzaL6OCWPJ39ei_psoNK2maZ2yxUZEIqkc9bdfxsXXJ2ApDvFxn6eFqRwfWlFBIgPtVUv1SIQf0ZC-3Xyj9T4HstBH1hghq43dGNc4mwMkQZ5t6x5G8MaQSJF_Va/w400-h236/20230716_074511.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p style="text-align: justify;">It was a short hop. In a little more than an hour the pilot announced that he was preparing for landing. As a sign of nearing our destination, the snow capped tips of the Himalayas greeted us through the clouds.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2331" data-original-width="3957" height="236" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizN6SyZW-aoS0PCZJgld7PxDVeyP4zcwvvLKyuZgj-ywBw0IKhhlB4Cotg_hhWzs4h0aSJc98tRHeUMs6zAwdeE6KXmb6pVMafAeZgcsXMFDFS29cPlzX7cuLA7OmbQ3eRM4efOGhoQND5j0IipY2kfCkKXIpeL__MmoMeZzJxWc0PjBNuUy5w/w400-h236/20230716_080325.jpg" width="400" /></div><p style="text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">The sky was broodingly depressing. Over the previous few days the television channels had been full of news of cloudbursts, flash floods and roads being washed away. The Manali - Leh National highway 3 was closed and we were worried about our trip as travel in Ladakh is completely dependent of the state of the roads.</span></p><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZ1lZmVlzzlqymmZKzNPcVLfrMpznOFnaw8TKubCwVLbuUOCEPLvX6L8j3sjsg3m_wTEpTxK5vn5FghbY0lDYFxKrUclPo2S46q7IQ3c6uIrRmTxDPYwSw9x4l-JIYUpKjvRNcBOh8WeL12sgkt87zGC08wlpeiNsbm_ET7Th6QziyixJNZUp/s3934/20230716_080836.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2430" data-original-width="3934" height="248" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIZ1lZmVlzzlqymmZKzNPcVLfrMpznOFnaw8TKubCwVLbuUOCEPLvX6L8j3sjsg3m_wTEpTxK5vn5FghbY0lDYFxKrUclPo2S46q7IQ3c6uIrRmTxDPYwSw9x4l-JIYUpKjvRNcBOh8WeL12sgkt87zGC08wlpeiNsbm_ET7Th6QziyixJNZUp/w400-h248/20230716_080836.jpg" width="400" /></a></p><p style="text-align: justify;">As the flaps were raised for landing we knew that Leh was only a few minutes away beneath us. It had been a very eventful night. We had travelled 3500 kilometres in about 12 hours, and climbed from 140 meters above MSL in the Palghat Gap to above 3500 meters above MSL in Ladakh. An unforgettable experience!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4spVs2qYB2tV9SiA9DaKMR5-AdJMW0y0Cq39PfRNfJkxuh1j1YMb4_JlwhIOxhMFFAV7gJx7zr-LSNE-zcbKkPISPODsRIaIS9iXpyRejIX0tdzhhKdIzEd69ofxLP-iR7FUktUrJZbN9ZtXU8_MUqtX7gMsEXwjjJKWm3Uo0IB7EjHYi0J6/s3909/20230716_080847.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2468" data-original-width="3909" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR4spVs2qYB2tV9SiA9DaKMR5-AdJMW0y0Cq39PfRNfJkxuh1j1YMb4_JlwhIOxhMFFAV7gJx7zr-LSNE-zcbKkPISPODsRIaIS9iXpyRejIX0tdzhhKdIzEd69ofxLP-iR7FUktUrJZbN9ZtXU8_MUqtX7gMsEXwjjJKWm3Uo0IB7EjHYi0J6/w400-h253/20230716_080847.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">The weather wasn't very encouraging as the aircraft dipped through some clouds before landing. However, what mattered wasn't the weather, but that we had reached our destination without any major hiccups.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Oh! By the way, Vistara too served upma for breakfast, albeit it wasn't a 'muscular' one! If anyone offers me upma anytime soon, I'll crack their skull open!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">Please wait for further updates. We have two days to acclimatize to the low oxygen atmosphere.......</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2023/08/ladakh-life-lessons-part-1-sleepless.html" target="_blank">Click here for previous post</a></b></div><p></p>Woodcrawlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761179600016679360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-66249534628050559552023-08-16T12:54:00.007+05:302023-08-23T10:16:03.220+05:30Ladakh & Life Lessons - Part 1: Delayed Departures<h4 style="text-align: justify;"><span style="color: #ffa400; font-size: large;">15th & 16th July 2023 - Coimbatore Airport</span></h4><p style="text-align: justify;">Exactly a month ago, on my 58th birthday, I was waiting for a delayed flight in Coimbatore airport. We; my wife, son and I, were flying to Delhi on our way to Ladakh for a short vacation. The incoming flight from Delhi was delayed and so our thoughts about take off in that aircraft, was getting a bit jittery. Weather was generally playing havoc all over the country and delayed flights could also mean a cancelled flight. We were to land in Delhi around 1.00 AM and hop on to a connecting flight to Leh at 6.45 AM. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-js9EdDLt9Xs0D0JT-aU6e82NC7H8nzRhFaSq-IP3qs6KjqlqzKN_utGa3-EuVBtTU7hzE7tlVUUI9wVtJmwGlwn0VVmXiaYmHluWfJon6NgX5GXhwzOVXJQURXKGZR0_oMfKGKJKqeXP3YrdcjLRL39R-JrnTERateTixXkEqxVLtOE_EVqo/s2682/CBE%20airport%2001.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1753" data-original-width="2682" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-js9EdDLt9Xs0D0JT-aU6e82NC7H8nzRhFaSq-IP3qs6KjqlqzKN_utGa3-EuVBtTU7hzE7tlVUUI9wVtJmwGlwn0VVmXiaYmHluWfJon6NgX5GXhwzOVXJQURXKGZR0_oMfKGKJKqeXP3YrdcjLRL39R-JrnTERateTixXkEqxVLtOE_EVqo/w400-h261/CBE%20airport%2001.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">With no firm announcement of our flight's ETA or revised departure times, tension was running high. There was a real chance that this delay could make us miss our onward flight to Leh. The fact that the ground staff were distributing some complimentary snacks to the waiting passengers at half past ten at night didn't make the situation any better! </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86L6_oCC_I1q5ePkaiCPeziBgEKlMKh1k3vFeB3xHA63RuRVfgN4IY7XABA6Y7dJs6EbEI0KABCeWNK23qqihWJZSETtQSwDwhhtHT6K4WdAZufYYE_nrRBHccetlElHzuKXK4Oj_HEXAyQVTc_7Kyfc18aWcRKbA8IGh1HJB-jaqZOImg_sy/s3999/CBE%20airport%2002.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3999" data-original-width="2604" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj86L6_oCC_I1q5ePkaiCPeziBgEKlMKh1k3vFeB3xHA63RuRVfgN4IY7XABA6Y7dJs6EbEI0KABCeWNK23qqihWJZSETtQSwDwhhtHT6K4WdAZufYYE_nrRBHccetlElHzuKXK4Oj_HEXAyQVTc_7Kyfc18aWcRKbA8IGh1HJB-jaqZOImg_sy/w260-h400/CBE%20airport%2002.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZjzao15co9m6Kh9aVV8NJxEf4x0Ad3sloRJv7-VirkpEN-7Y89GSGtOCRczctto8tT1DzJMMztQsSD5ruAR-FYUFdAkHQBMg5TJDvrkS9Wq0XsXIxCQt5EjS6Y6e6y8ZZU5Iyf2TRbl5grhTWp8__gWjs3y4rzJtPA9QOB9pWmsk7Dj7dhUb/s3594/CBe%20airoprt%2003.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2490" data-original-width="3594" height="278" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOZjzao15co9m6Kh9aVV8NJxEf4x0Ad3sloRJv7-VirkpEN-7Y89GSGtOCRczctto8tT1DzJMMztQsSD5ruAR-FYUFdAkHQBMg5TJDvrkS9Wq0XsXIxCQt5EjS6Y6e6y8ZZU5Iyf2TRbl5grhTWp8__gWjs3y4rzJtPA9QOB9pWmsk7Dj7dhUb/w400-h278/CBe%20airoprt%2003.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">As we sat munching on the snacks, they announced that the incoming had landed and we'd depart for Delhi shortly. The tension drained, as we clambered aboard the shuttle bus. As we rolled towards the waiting aircraft I was reflecting at the turn of events that made me a reluctant passenger on this trip.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyan0p1sc9I5cmLOiO3GpwM8km_RpTI2rjFtjKZLwmqIb596qrglI7DzQ-0R1rYKRnEQKzwzg12l9pXVIedzT_61FYLcrVuF2qVT694ltxPPAFhWjBmX2Lg6XRfRdiiUqWk8aeYQQq8_fFLXdsYBsj7JLxu7W5bea2sQnVoVGs_FWsxe7wsf8/s4059/Indigo%20bus.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4059" data-original-width="2574" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoyan0p1sc9I5cmLOiO3GpwM8km_RpTI2rjFtjKZLwmqIb596qrglI7DzQ-0R1rYKRnEQKzwzg12l9pXVIedzT_61FYLcrVuF2qVT694ltxPPAFhWjBmX2Lg6XRfRdiiUqWk8aeYQQq8_fFLXdsYBsj7JLxu7W5bea2sQnVoVGs_FWsxe7wsf8/s320/Indigo%20bus.jpg" width="203" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">25 years ago, when I started practise as an ophthalmologist in my home town, I purchased my first PC. It was a HP Vectra running Windows 95. Since, I had just started my clinic, I had plenty of free time in hand to teach myself to use a PC. One of the first things I did was create a document that I had named, 'Places to go before I die'! It contained places in Africa, South America, South-East Asia and many in India that were famous for wildlife sanctuaries or national parks. Significantly, Ladakh didn't figure in it because Kashmir was not in the list and Ladakh was still a part of the erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir state. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CHK_odhqWwLtEujduySDR_YRYEtQcf3smmKoLbJMN1AJ2VrJgCVCAXRfJOe0Bg6wI5hj6Y4WSEtlYAnk-iBUmMQ-vaAvEDXGEIVXIo353_hh78yduhIZY0bjzfigpWZdaxHeQsYxvwDjl79JttqtgoR8L4fA7oetnjEr4YDHFoUv4vC0KnbN/s3798/Indigo%20flight.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2604" data-original-width="3798" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CHK_odhqWwLtEujduySDR_YRYEtQcf3smmKoLbJMN1AJ2VrJgCVCAXRfJOe0Bg6wI5hj6Y4WSEtlYAnk-iBUmMQ-vaAvEDXGEIVXIo353_hh78yduhIZY0bjzfigpWZdaxHeQsYxvwDjl79JttqtgoR8L4fA7oetnjEr4YDHFoUv4vC0KnbN/w400-h274/Indigo%20flight.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>My son was on his semester break, going from his 3rd to 4th year of engineering and his mother wanted to go on a trip. The planning began almost three months before but I was very undecided. The situation at home and in the profession wasn't all that happy, so a week's break was not something I could afford. Beside other pressing issues, and the thought of leaving a very a sick dog at home, things weren't looking very rosy. Peppy was family, and leaving her to go a trip, 3500 kilometres from home and at a mean elevation of some 15,000 feet wasn't looking like a holiday I really wanted. The devils were dancing in my head but I had to finally relent. Sending mother and son to the same place while I was at home also wasn't a great idea. The veiled threat of Acute Mountain Sickness made up my mind. Three is better than two. So leaving Peppy under the care of my sister and niece (she was by now recovering from surgery), and after a rather early birthday celebration, I was at the airport boarding a flight for a journey that would eventually make me look at Life differently.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvT9O-iDcasgjk-8i6zEPNObv06Jm2Mt5Jhzl9D3ZXFRv-n_gouT-GINGPccxt11xHJcAjC6hKLquReCZqSIAYwic-QNW1FZwymX5MgAp6ySlZaSsRo8MonjFZ-yXroNUW5GgBvSsUG9USxCIA_40iavg-q8RPAha7rLP5jl3ihRHjOP7ky2m/s3876/Indigo%20upma.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2582" data-original-width="3876" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTvT9O-iDcasgjk-8i6zEPNObv06Jm2Mt5Jhzl9D3ZXFRv-n_gouT-GINGPccxt11xHJcAjC6hKLquReCZqSIAYwic-QNW1FZwymX5MgAp6ySlZaSsRo8MonjFZ-yXroNUW5GgBvSsUG9USxCIA_40iavg-q8RPAha7rLP5jl3ihRHjOP7ky2m/w400-h266/Indigo%20upma.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p style="text-align: justify;">On the flight, which finally took off about two hours behind schedule, they started serving what should have been our dinner but had now become our midnight snack! The weather outside ensured that the flight was jerky and the risk of having to use the barf bag in the seat pocket in front of me was real! It made the 'muscular upma' even more unappetising. I decided to skip the 'magic'! Luckily, for us, nothing untoward happened till we eventually touched down in Delhi a little after 1.30 AM. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">We had a few hours to kill before our next flight, onward to Leh. After printing out our boarding passes and checking in our luggage, we proceeded to security check. At the departure lounge entrance, the chap in security had given me a quizzical look. The face in the photo on the ID document I had presented, my driving license, and the face looking at him were starkly different. I was older, balder and have recently sporting a new 'salt & pepper' whiskers! I told him in Hindi, "<i>Mein booda ho gaya aur mera mooch bada ho gaya</i>!" (I've grown older and my moustache has grown longer!). He suppressed a guffaw and waved me through. I was thrilled. It is not everyday you come across a security chap who could take a joke and smile?! I thought CISF had started recruiting more humane personnel. </p><p style="text-align: justify;">How wrong I was, I would know in a few minutes, but that is for another post.......<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-24772099118006152022-03-31T10:05:00.001+05:302022-03-31T10:05:15.083+05:30An Omicron Interlude<p> Waters of Life took a small hit. Somewhere in late February I was jumped by a virus. Came and went like a normal cold. However, as weeks went by I was finding myself afflicted by unusual symptoms. </p><p>Severe back ache, heel pain, exhaustion by the end of the day, overwhelming sleepiness and much more. I realize, I'd been kissed by Omicron. </p><p>My heel still hurts but the back is better. I couldn't sit on my worktable too long and so I was forced to abandon my typing and editing. </p><p>Things are improving now and hopefully by the next week I should be able to revive the grebe story.</p><p>See you soon</p>Woodcrawlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761179600016679360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-49751700098375664432022-02-09T22:31:00.000+05:302022-02-09T22:31:15.533+05:30Waters of life (Part 3) - The Little Grebes (Episode 1) <p style="text-align: justify;">One lockdown passed by quickly and another followed in 2021 but lessons learnt in the previous year made me a little bolder and more inquisitive. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkD12vrItnQ2KzUVNcbZmOIyD6w12JnFSvOjldD5lSvhtBER3vaZ-c3RaL-9pFEC47Ep4I4Jz8AfgSX__58N94UkXD5Ye_bWbEmpfjfjVXInvnjuz8c_fj70C4m3sUm4zLFlvv4nNapAwFB6Hbo5OaRFDAXqoXc4h05kkxTX0o49LwRB9Z9A=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhkD12vrItnQ2KzUVNcbZmOIyD6w12JnFSvOjldD5lSvhtBER3vaZ-c3RaL-9pFEC47Ep4I4Jz8AfgSX__58N94UkXD5Ye_bWbEmpfjfjVXInvnjuz8c_fj70C4m3sUm4zLFlvv4nNapAwFB6Hbo5OaRFDAXqoXc4h05kkxTX0o49LwRB9Z9A=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><p style="text-align: justify;">A bereavement in the family meant I was again stepping out regularly despite the restrictions and I had many an opportunity to stop at the pond where I had seen the whistling duck and jacanas raise a family. </p><p style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;">13th to 17th June, 2021</span></b></p><p style="text-align: justify;"> My old friends were there. The <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">whistling ducks, jacanas and a pair of Eurasian moorhens </span></b>already seemed to be busy courting again. The onset of the monsoon had set the mood and it was time for romance under the rain. If Raj Kapoor were alive, he'd have material for a movie!</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeqj-8jAGut6UGapqjuLTEbIJlOvXWAc_G9J2g3snQkl2NzvYrhr1pmjIkM2tIsBm-b1WVvbV7VyfbjGWXogBi298gL0UVxadvMs_NPvUHcxYSJxbtptaywRqoSBJFjXX0hA6s50ObeWx6abSYsI1hypoJnohitpxjXXc3xZ6e80HYXZ0Ow/s1543/P6130483.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPeqj-8jAGut6UGapqjuLTEbIJlOvXWAc_G9J2g3snQkl2NzvYrhr1pmjIkM2tIsBm-b1WVvbV7VyfbjGWXogBi298gL0UVxadvMs_NPvUHcxYSJxbtptaywRqoSBJFjXX0hA6s50ObeWx6abSYsI1hypoJnohitpxjXXc3xZ6e80HYXZ0Ow/w400-h280/P6130483.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser whistling ducks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwz1JWJFdOrcRfW6C3qXL0Gnn1ZmQKw6UF4Y2dzSJi6p_ISiHBGJ4L4hQlvmaXv25iYbz-RIVef-UpD3sk1Vva1MPnymoP5HE0heKHtgKGVLUkaf24uzt0Y-9YdLzcxtsJC63C4zzuDlPCHbxU8924ye_GhRe2aIuHK8AaMEmFUCEqDHkGg/s1620/P6130507.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLwz1JWJFdOrcRfW6C3qXL0Gnn1ZmQKw6UF4Y2dzSJi6p_ISiHBGJ4L4hQlvmaXv25iYbz-RIVef-UpD3sk1Vva1MPnymoP5HE0heKHtgKGVLUkaf24uzt0Y-9YdLzcxtsJC63C4zzuDlPCHbxU8924ye_GhRe2aIuHK8AaMEmFUCEqDHkGg/w400-h266/P6130507.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWxJYBKhEFUC18WMzumAJod2HNAt3AQih7IxalWtnJiTr8lWR3i1-mFeda-ouhEK56o4mMSL0MfVRbB1rYkJ0-LCSdUL4K6uWCi7BGXYKiTnRTgWbeWk1vCoq74QhRffQuOrS2YCBXtL52sjOCgvE9Xb7Thq4qx4mDrRoBXWTWMY_VEsfAQ/s1543/P6130517.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMWxJYBKhEFUC18WMzumAJod2HNAt3AQih7IxalWtnJiTr8lWR3i1-mFeda-ouhEK56o4mMSL0MfVRbB1rYkJ0-LCSdUL4K6uWCi7BGXYKiTnRTgWbeWk1vCoq74QhRffQuOrS2YCBXtL52sjOCgvE9Xb7Thq4qx4mDrRoBXWTWMY_VEsfAQ/w400-h280/P6130517.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronze-winged jacana</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7qwmV8K5vkiBcK2MoKPQWhyGjmf5XwBvRG1TWsBLNmTjablkpNLv_nrj1aCs65DEXSLwlmvd8x_jRcKwIND5TXQm68YW3H622NyeycdKL87kR4ZdNo1Wvr7tCneJuPsx99Qu_y1_s5cREd1ev7IzNOGks0BbMyuoj49dqd99-OVXG1JNvhg=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj7qwmV8K5vkiBcK2MoKPQWhyGjmf5XwBvRG1TWsBLNmTjablkpNLv_nrj1aCs65DEXSLwlmvd8x_jRcKwIND5TXQm68YW3H622NyeycdKL87kR4ZdNo1Wvr7tCneJuPsx99Qu_y1_s5cREd1ev7IzNOGks0BbMyuoj49dqd99-OVXG1JNvhg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguSChF_RfPobEGz3W5jbCgprfxR8hicOftGlAAEZiRe95oOu1HfNvmzIKhOu0nhttVKWXtee4Iien0kGqaJjGTF6h4HrSVnJWvFAVn5uT2BXLlUarAKMx4aT06jYg2fzToOeG-hPH30XskcsLZl6tRuiHFj8b2qGbhL3GdyQmoGpbLcmpL2A=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEguSChF_RfPobEGz3W5jbCgprfxR8hicOftGlAAEZiRe95oOu1HfNvmzIKhOu0nhttVKWXtee4Iien0kGqaJjGTF6h4HrSVnJWvFAVn5uT2BXLlUarAKMx4aT06jYg2fzToOeG-hPH30XskcsLZl6tRuiHFj8b2qGbhL3GdyQmoGpbLcmpL2A=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian moorhens courting</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">In another corner of the pond a slight movement caught my eye. On <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">a mound of vegetation</span></b>, natural or created, I didn't know; there was some frenzied activity going on. Two little grebes were preparing to start a family. This, then, was going to be an unforgettable monsoon for me!</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;"><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">Little grebes (Tachybaptus ruficollis) or dabchicks</span></b> are, as their name suggests, little. Being the smallest species of the grebe family, they are around 10 inches from the tip of their bills to the virtually non-existent tail. Found in open water bodies with vegetation, they are plump little birds always busy swimming around, diving underwater in pursuit of food and then surfacing a considerable distance away. </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2ze2lBTQpC9OlN-tN5PAkkP0lNJTXG5CWgSCCh8AYBmhgUCqfuouMYIbeUX1K-ATSPkHHLala86IkubzyG0cGbQSs5WBK_QLdMyXgwcaxSwUFwfqnn_B35DGBqFpAl5jY5rDma2ZHSHoHFhYxyslDZyMpjKuvnk5PZ1epQaM5BUasRL371Q=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2ze2lBTQpC9OlN-tN5PAkkP0lNJTXG5CWgSCCh8AYBmhgUCqfuouMYIbeUX1K-ATSPkHHLala86IkubzyG0cGbQSs5WBK_QLdMyXgwcaxSwUFwfqnn_B35DGBqFpAl5jY5rDma2ZHSHoHFhYxyslDZyMpjKuvnk5PZ1epQaM5BUasRL371Q=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dive ready</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1LrPbEkvyx4tJGUk_qbhOYwKoFtbMRWLozSNpF4eZ6qaRDJun3WKtvCUeSQkWI_6uPE-vAHb0BMdYdF8B2q3PxMMgc5AiSJQyMmWXmHumDS8Zn3n6uH0bOheRSyutKosNcE1c6kiTCKRJiGFHkSwaNrE2HzG25ejBj9ekGQXqF9DlDyEswA=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1LrPbEkvyx4tJGUk_qbhOYwKoFtbMRWLozSNpF4eZ6qaRDJun3WKtvCUeSQkWI_6uPE-vAHb0BMdYdF8B2q3PxMMgc5AiSJQyMmWXmHumDS8Zn3n6uH0bOheRSyutKosNcE1c6kiTCKRJiGFHkSwaNrE2HzG25ejBj9ekGQXqF9DlDyEswA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Going....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgczn37hsZeCwiMCCK7EGfZnKCNqTKakUKaFiPybw0pgYfHzVhqmIO_sxjSrcluZVlQXHR7MmSTsfsH-q4SL_RO4fTQahFj5J8Yjp1AIU3eonfUK4TtDMIbHDvnH_P5K18FRzmc6ItkrvVc8nT-IXqWTPvNnJ8TCzxd-XsGDxVs5VNs7_0eYw=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgczn37hsZeCwiMCCK7EGfZnKCNqTKakUKaFiPybw0pgYfHzVhqmIO_sxjSrcluZVlQXHR7MmSTsfsH-q4SL_RO4fTQahFj5J8Yjp1AIU3eonfUK4TtDMIbHDvnH_P5K18FRzmc6ItkrvVc8nT-IXqWTPvNnJ8TCzxd-XsGDxVs5VNs7_0eYw=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....going....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5d5Crbjq79tYnvtd58AB1WIrlelS0ipDId9wQrIEKxRbL146T7ceUPOjUkRogHLdYTK4lrpzi_Ti8WSJUhXahUKhTOLHzMpOOXveDzcdpSQul7wQl7FhVLpHZbqAwI_EHzZ7sbvO9rTnLmkg9vdh2x1nKEgLVFSI7D-iZyftiF1yvoH5UrA=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5d5Crbjq79tYnvtd58AB1WIrlelS0ipDId9wQrIEKxRbL146T7ceUPOjUkRogHLdYTK4lrpzi_Ti8WSJUhXahUKhTOLHzMpOOXveDzcdpSQul7wQl7FhVLpHZbqAwI_EHzZ7sbvO9rTnLmkg9vdh2x1nKEgLVFSI7D-iZyftiF1yvoH5UrA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....going....</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFIlxDCMePkFsAJTaJvL5M3jTEg-PM9phL2_CKdErIEAb9TirfG9AYD8rwnaogD5Af2xpy28uS-A2L_tqb9RoiCG_KbAR6OaCm3Jw1KX95y2-ZnKRNsUOZYP8KWAlvzaXk7QVkrWGNmRota_MZW9Lun4a4txjzE0dWDhZfcPSVqux_Wog6sQ=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFIlxDCMePkFsAJTaJvL5M3jTEg-PM9phL2_CKdErIEAb9TirfG9AYD8rwnaogD5Af2xpy28uS-A2L_tqb9RoiCG_KbAR6OaCm3Jw1KX95y2-ZnKRNsUOZYP8KWAlvzaXk7QVkrWGNmRota_MZW9Lun4a4txjzE0dWDhZfcPSVqux_Wog6sQ=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....gone!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw6KrYNP6mEz6bMS739e6C0AuYqitTMiBFEwwcIUZRdB3eiN9MbeRALuDLo4Uv3rEovf3yM6sMgVRTg8ETvyeHmNWcU0scaz6xhs6bzs4Dpq_ChAUSKHIZVxjfrb4bZJMJhd-ZK7vCvHGp1x_BZYbbojnFffZ6_T1RqMCEfIUJEQlrZGl_Cg=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjw6KrYNP6mEz6bMS739e6C0AuYqitTMiBFEwwcIUZRdB3eiN9MbeRALuDLo4Uv3rEovf3yM6sMgVRTg8ETvyeHmNWcU0scaz6xhs6bzs4Dpq_ChAUSKHIZVxjfrb4bZJMJhd-ZK7vCvHGp1x_BZYbbojnFffZ6_T1RqMCEfIUJEQlrZGl_Cg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back again!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div>They are <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">designed for swimming and diving</span></b>. Their short legs are placed far behind on their bodies and therefore they are not good for walking but make their mobility in water effortlessly excellent. While they are well adapted for a life in water, they are reluctant to use their wings. Even if alarmed, they will dive and re-surface at another part of the waterbody instead of flying. To take off, like many water birds, they need a running start and once airborne they can fly for reasonably long distances. This option is used when they migrate between waterbodies. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfmxxgD3bntEvE8ft5IdglMWgbQpD0dqI5LQTZraCX0El2JM-2WseZj8uV3q_xGhGosNQKiKbKiVQOQeeBs4C5-O4GOGud35B3DNBjFwcfRo_RjYphKDjtbmAZjJwTW8NeIH-s4ywJyPLOiw9Zwcdtpz2h6sznNFyNwQ7eF7HM0dReXSdOA/s1543/P6130595.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkfmxxgD3bntEvE8ft5IdglMWgbQpD0dqI5LQTZraCX0El2JM-2WseZj8uV3q_xGhGosNQKiKbKiVQOQeeBs4C5-O4GOGud35B3DNBjFwcfRo_RjYphKDjtbmAZjJwTW8NeIH-s4ywJyPLOiw9Zwcdtpz2h6sznNFyNwQ7eF7HM0dReXSdOA/w400-h280/P6130595.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little grebe - nest building</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>They <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">build nests on a raised or floating platform of aquatic plants and weeds</span></b> that are anchored to the reeds or underlying plants. These nests are usually located at the edges of the waterbody and during nest building, more than one site maybe worked upon, before one of them is finalized for egg laying. A nest, floating or otherwise, will be about half a meter in diameter and few inches high. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo1F3ZZZ7UyyIaOSJM099oVdyWc8fkbPYWFzZdSO22pTcRrXH2KOK6SfKAGxH7jnpyH6b5QD7nK5NGYvl_McNclZ0QtE28XyD5JOX0ZA5y6EPeueK6FDH3zYcf7TUa2IL_-Zq9J4xL2Fs1G8QSWTVYeXS1ITla83FsUHkvug_NrNrAtGZHw/s1728/P6130627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1728" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuo1F3ZZZ7UyyIaOSJM099oVdyWc8fkbPYWFzZdSO22pTcRrXH2KOK6SfKAGxH7jnpyH6b5QD7nK5NGYvl_McNclZ0QtE28XyD5JOX0ZA5y6EPeueK6FDH3zYcf7TUa2IL_-Zq9J4xL2Fs1G8QSWTVYeXS1ITla83FsUHkvug_NrNrAtGZHw/w400-h250/P6130627.jpg" width="400" /></a></div></div><div><br /></div><div>When I saw my pair of grebes the first time <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">I wasn't sure if the eggs were already laid</span></b>. They were busy bringing weeds and packing the nest's edges. Some bits were being used to line the central part. Whether it was part of ongoing nest construction or to conceal the eggs, I didn't know. Grebes usually cover the eggs with vegetation before leaving to forage. Perhaps, there were eggs that I couldn't see. One or the other was getting onto the nest and lying on it. That indicated to me that incubation was going on.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3v0Pqm0wtRrrK2GcHrTzqccyD3xt4LlFBSOmOxX01uRlT6Ek9JBS7Og01Nz2Sp_OIKzlA70qT_Ea3A_N5vzH_u-TdDTz7x0CpmkUJSc5aoMaDX3JfKRpnVMOPAaSEgDVZRARq-Zs5c3cWgzat9vP_TgPNFnPDiXwILhmOP2iLa0TMflEbog=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3v0Pqm0wtRrrK2GcHrTzqccyD3xt4LlFBSOmOxX01uRlT6Ek9JBS7Og01Nz2Sp_OIKzlA70qT_Ea3A_N5vzH_u-TdDTz7x0CpmkUJSc5aoMaDX3JfKRpnVMOPAaSEgDVZRARq-Zs5c3cWgzat9vP_TgPNFnPDiXwILhmOP2iLa0TMflEbog=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmlF6a_Taw4yf8-QR9qcIYl2t-4ustDfS5AnYv8IFgucDXYjjpS3ljuDRYTZKF6LCBLurh3hpgNpY68AwE0Xbl4Mh8-hHHs9GSPj_4DO38ms4-tOpo0KvFMRCsCft9dGmaW6FK7h6iWejnygeaRsor53083Y4Cr5K8Wmc_kOyjysThjOcyZg=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmlF6a_Taw4yf8-QR9qcIYl2t-4ustDfS5AnYv8IFgucDXYjjpS3ljuDRYTZKF6LCBLurh3hpgNpY68AwE0Xbl4Mh8-hHHs9GSPj_4DO38ms4-tOpo0KvFMRCsCft9dGmaW6FK7h6iWejnygeaRsor53083Y4Cr5K8Wmc_kOyjysThjOcyZg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Your turn darling!</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLzdzo-xFfCzRZPw39lVSWrt1jN_IzTT5oLwgmWH3NfEUI6bL02de63IpweEwP5ECGcFA4QdQ529vmqP49qOTIfPmDxT3UKthc7M39AVvrJH5qFYUHdySdDBNCgWzBWmnXrwOFKXP-tYUya10jwQABSmIunJjGLcN-243pVCLOzlgPdZ5rFg=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLzdzo-xFfCzRZPw39lVSWrt1jN_IzTT5oLwgmWH3NfEUI6bL02de63IpweEwP5ECGcFA4QdQ529vmqP49qOTIfPmDxT3UKthc7M39AVvrJH5qFYUHdySdDBNCgWzBWmnXrwOFKXP-tYUya10jwQABSmIunJjGLcN-243pVCLOzlgPdZ5rFg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdWVHQJI4AnNFfGRXkj42PCFalv1YNuWWNwojNbIvzDfinq8qiDExrIAIdD61C8y0_ieJ8uJ1fpPZeUPAtLc2Oqlj_XKnZJKLV8DmKFyP0UYUKFMUldFl7cgL_iF8tGn9S5dRwJDfLIFGBhAlssiCOZvAups8JCy7u-nu2WsSD8wLOlfyxYA=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdWVHQJI4AnNFfGRXkj42PCFalv1YNuWWNwojNbIvzDfinq8qiDExrIAIdD61C8y0_ieJ8uJ1fpPZeUPAtLc2Oqlj_XKnZJKLV8DmKFyP0UYUKFMUldFl7cgL_iF8tGn9S5dRwJDfLIFGBhAlssiCOZvAups8JCy7u-nu2WsSD8wLOlfyxYA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>In the last photograph above, the whitish things seen at the top edge of the nest seemed to be the eggs. I wasn't sure but the behaviour of the pair seemed to suggest that it was <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">incubation stage</span></b> in progress.</div><div><br /></div><div>Meanwhile the moorhens were also busy courting and one of them also seemed to be in a nest. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqEhvOIxCIStdVvk8nRx0pIVxHXQ4HquHXnwj2z1_UALiFY5PwEL7xxMxCnmcqzbltzrRt3Z0hta2hWX8NRVbhMz68gMh1aDWJKPEQ8fHMnfJkFy6GoiChBvzSc9i4G6y6V4U9EirlBXdjogEqD34_ObXORzfYpJyfRj9vORX9M6JyBpVdEw=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiqEhvOIxCIStdVvk8nRx0pIVxHXQ4HquHXnwj2z1_UALiFY5PwEL7xxMxCnmcqzbltzrRt3Z0hta2hWX8NRVbhMz68gMh1aDWJKPEQ8fHMnfJkFy6GoiChBvzSc9i4G6y6V4U9EirlBXdjogEqD34_ObXORzfYpJyfRj9vORX9M6JyBpVdEw=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moorhen in nest</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div>However, both of them seemed prone to spend more time outside the nest than on it. They were busy all around the pond, not just in the vicinity of the nest. Maybe the eggs weren't laid yet.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLgyFztBot009MOwc-gTv6oXw9oB9p4Ba_ftGv0eaPBb8E4fTDINqwTNlGboPaGBkoAxHIhoexESGHC_60wE0MPwy2pr4k20SR3H47IfI5pnCWUrCq4410Y-5mLS8hTmTg5qHXtAZAHMVmoY9h6ddPxdnfBqVqlZpCPfGYBrRSU_3pKmS6ug=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLgyFztBot009MOwc-gTv6oXw9oB9p4Ba_ftGv0eaPBb8E4fTDINqwTNlGboPaGBkoAxHIhoexESGHC_60wE0MPwy2pr4k20SR3H47IfI5pnCWUrCq4410Y-5mLS8hTmTg5qHXtAZAHMVmoY9h6ddPxdnfBqVqlZpCPfGYBrRSU_3pKmS6ug=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5tbzczpZ2aTeLSso_bvbq7PBtBpPV0ppXPBejTjB0r4nXoEVCdrJSORiAQK1j2d2rX1kmBcBIyPuDDfrFsXw9V5k-OSaJjy97xSV39QVc1Ksd9ulSZ7WHQSOqFNOFZo-Zm5xNO0VQjJQF6l6QfcZOawXkRmfbsRxwiA6dSMpiYcsFady7Dw=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi5tbzczpZ2aTeLSso_bvbq7PBtBpPV0ppXPBejTjB0r4nXoEVCdrJSORiAQK1j2d2rX1kmBcBIyPuDDfrFsXw9V5k-OSaJjy97xSV39QVc1Ksd9ulSZ7WHQSOqFNOFZo-Zm5xNO0VQjJQF6l6QfcZOawXkRmfbsRxwiA6dSMpiYcsFady7Dw=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi93hm0QdEuWGDRV-55pUkfkT4meUTxH8QZPLeah3ONMqZBKAPMyf-57p_6Q96_d1jdksk3VPDkN-z_nHROa9hCVCFWeBcG0rpUM9RWKkK1Udk_-YqgKncznGQRpAXMu2UV8wjVhNgDId4o70_jXV9xwms-4gBDIRfJ-FPfUXkjNlflC-fpfA=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi93hm0QdEuWGDRV-55pUkfkT4meUTxH8QZPLeah3ONMqZBKAPMyf-57p_6Q96_d1jdksk3VPDkN-z_nHROa9hCVCFWeBcG0rpUM9RWKkK1Udk_-YqgKncznGQRpAXMu2UV8wjVhNgDId4o70_jXV9xwms-4gBDIRfJ-FPfUXkjNlflC-fpfA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS-p4iimaPNXG1vjn_OxlApusZa12QhSULg7DLC9JzH7ndxylCYTe5xxxTTq8L1pSu_2gLpEZHS3Ta2DtWQUfsjoA_ajh7VDOAmZjtsLthEiM8032i2J8xBEXIc63APE20y6c2RtAe41L47DR7mpvXIEJeTRoUzBAfNLnUkF5Pe5WDS4Rw3w=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiS-p4iimaPNXG1vjn_OxlApusZa12QhSULg7DLC9JzH7ndxylCYTe5xxxTTq8L1pSu_2gLpEZHS3Ta2DtWQUfsjoA_ajh7VDOAmZjtsLthEiM8032i2J8xBEXIc63APE20y6c2RtAe41L47DR7mpvXIEJeTRoUzBAfNLnUkF5Pe5WDS4Rw3w=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpxqvTuKXNjXpUr6j6hGV92Hso0xyUGmUvt6udkkTFrOKWTcJo7rWrB0RPHZOf28kF7vxWFAABhtLMuy11cbX3bu4tsJnLwj0CiPAwg7eSQLPiIJpxqhnK9xYE-QGSNDfsFpzpXzcc_z3ekwKdffSlx8BwIYlsUhwnt4U2X9gd4Dj4SuNyug=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhpxqvTuKXNjXpUr6j6hGV92Hso0xyUGmUvt6udkkTFrOKWTcJo7rWrB0RPHZOf28kF7vxWFAABhtLMuy11cbX3bu4tsJnLwj0CiPAwg7eSQLPiIJpxqhnK9xYE-QGSNDfsFpzpXzcc_z3ekwKdffSlx8BwIYlsUhwnt4U2X9gd4Dj4SuNyug=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7QYZ22jO6SvdbK6Ajv4dbRACiZijyB52GDhPBNKGTHLAvJCMdh6TN-92rBZ0kblnYN_C0LLk2EUq_Dw6raKsOjfxvcf-o5hpfqytxAbM0vMm387y5gUzrRTDAixlwt7Fnn9V4XxqiYioi1WtpFmGcRN1QA9M4PTaL3EvJQwHlnsj-dcpTvg=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg7QYZ22jO6SvdbK6Ajv4dbRACiZijyB52GDhPBNKGTHLAvJCMdh6TN-92rBZ0kblnYN_C0LLk2EUq_Dw6raKsOjfxvcf-o5hpfqytxAbM0vMm387y5gUzrRTDAixlwt7Fnn9V4XxqiYioi1WtpFmGcRN1QA9M4PTaL3EvJQwHlnsj-dcpTvg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">Last year's survivor </span></b>was also in the pond, looking rather forlorn as any attempt to get close to the adult birds resulted in a rather stern response from the parents. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZqHb3YJXdSVLIle1WG_rUSv51DXCq1XMpCB2ABT5X6WStxgyJTd7T1QHJvnAZwRTSOnHxfzFmzpcamEUNcMK67Gu41w1qlv77xTwt4wlSdOKc3cTzFumg7Mi-imG5V2SUvLNyYNkI4FS5WEKKwtYK24UUvd1vzFm4XzD6-3TG_n1gS5WbpA=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZqHb3YJXdSVLIle1WG_rUSv51DXCq1XMpCB2ABT5X6WStxgyJTd7T1QHJvnAZwRTSOnHxfzFmzpcamEUNcMK67Gu41w1qlv77xTwt4wlSdOKc3cTzFumg7Mi-imG5V2SUvLNyYNkI4FS5WEKKwtYK24UUvd1vzFm4XzD6-3TG_n1gS5WbpA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Immature moorhen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-_x3vwWJnlEhy-T5vzW_jS62M-Y6BxQ-NEbMQTfw6QYDRX3N2iX8uxAbyvs-AuBwKcRBemTDM1wiSVA1iYPYFO0M39JZhhpKAivR8kUd1umlqCE8bmRXaiS_PMDeU7AtwldvWsGW-Pl11WCMe-qqFAezsKks_CqAEP-PLEKOQ9Hp600GBLQ=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi-_x3vwWJnlEhy-T5vzW_jS62M-Y6BxQ-NEbMQTfw6QYDRX3N2iX8uxAbyvs-AuBwKcRBemTDM1wiSVA1iYPYFO0M39JZhhpKAivR8kUd1umlqCE8bmRXaiS_PMDeU7AtwldvWsGW-Pl11WCMe-qqFAezsKks_CqAEP-PLEKOQ9Hp600GBLQ=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMzFHxWJ00eekHAuaqng9g2hErc16QPaBAIoKUoYhSBvXd77VW8uT_uJs2DdAeTc_jEQVSbIMFs96KsO4LNQ4oDX0OjLM29i6zWdpwP4lph9lWGbVL3emzcL1FatfP92hAPG8dXbbkuJ3V54yuqdDFPgQfzUsnPgNC7eD9TkPAs7dG4LE3Bw=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiMzFHxWJ00eekHAuaqng9g2hErc16QPaBAIoKUoYhSBvXd77VW8uT_uJs2DdAeTc_jEQVSbIMFs96KsO4LNQ4oDX0OjLM29i6zWdpwP4lph9lWGbVL3emzcL1FatfP92hAPG8dXbbkuJ3V54yuqdDFPgQfzUsnPgNC7eD9TkPAs7dG4LE3Bw=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div>All this mattered little to the grebes. They had a family to bring up so they were busy taking turns at the nest. Either of them would make forays into the water to collect fresh material for the nest.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPmCPCDw7g7M6K5-yjsmSWVszy3aBYZllpeDrVDOHdNY27XRZ9TXIXnPi3Zx7lBsVzouEs4XCryUmPnh8i5qE38LfH-zCC2Fgph2bUuTq3uGHUhAKwM2PwM1ujXjt6M2r8hNQ6hnBCm7v-bAE2v9O250MiixflUOEgBoXAQbfNpejCkNV0Fg=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjPmCPCDw7g7M6K5-yjsmSWVszy3aBYZllpeDrVDOHdNY27XRZ9TXIXnPi3Zx7lBsVzouEs4XCryUmPnh8i5qE38LfH-zCC2Fgph2bUuTq3uGHUhAKwM2PwM1ujXjt6M2r8hNQ6hnBCm7v-bAE2v9O250MiixflUOEgBoXAQbfNpejCkNV0Fg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6qLtVm7NmI2EcJTPGyQAboeP-AbLQmaG4e0Juj9iV8ts16r-jNhkcvYUaxdye5woE0EabX4Pmlw3qw0q9LO4cQOaaiUEHBH7KHrK_VTZ-rl06FBUNyYgVsCx8APY4oO4aYwKDgVZGuSVuwlpdaK9C6UjUnHAaJX7hUe4wM7zoSM2RMhWGwA=s1728" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1728" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6qLtVm7NmI2EcJTPGyQAboeP-AbLQmaG4e0Juj9iV8ts16r-jNhkcvYUaxdye5woE0EabX4Pmlw3qw0q9LO4cQOaaiUEHBH7KHrK_VTZ-rl06FBUNyYgVsCx8APY4oO4aYwKDgVZGuSVuwlpdaK9C6UjUnHAaJX7hUe4wM7zoSM2RMhWGwA=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcs99tL2AOYUKeLBu3dUa7L8M9xDN2ejX7N6GpDn7G7aVuzGBQMmBO5RqGoVZINz_qFugh8RE82Iw5PqBRK2yy03vCWoqqNFfpnX7V7mhZdtH3MhVzY71Q24I3k_sdAgrd9XqlitBLcokpMPY-Bq07xDcNircYD_8qkuikHmQzk_1HZ9cYUQ=s1393" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1393" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgcs99tL2AOYUKeLBu3dUa7L8M9xDN2ejX7N6GpDn7G7aVuzGBQMmBO5RqGoVZINz_qFugh8RE82Iw5PqBRK2yy03vCWoqqNFfpnX7V7mhZdtH3MhVzY71Q24I3k_sdAgrd9XqlitBLcokpMPY-Bq07xDcNircYD_8qkuikHmQzk_1HZ9cYUQ=w400-h310" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjak6bRWqfVMSbPC3Yb6QyJ4S8GJvGiJKld2zX9LJsH3c5N-5hVQFHOVSUYj91GT7W8pijtv13ejkgN2-a_Y8Vx8bkMarhPxD5nvRd2a5PnshXLrLvhC7DVBcGhtIeFib3GaMx5kNpTSJZ4SkQ_GrkKVtmv0QUNyfHys8yLsQoBTXv2Sd-Sw=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjjak6bRWqfVMSbPC3Yb6QyJ4S8GJvGiJKld2zX9LJsH3c5N-5hVQFHOVSUYj91GT7W8pijtv13ejkgN2-a_Y8Vx8bkMarhPxD5nvRd2a5PnshXLrLvhC7DVBcGhtIeFib3GaMx5kNpTSJZ4SkQ_GrkKVtmv0QUNyfHys8yLsQoBTXv2Sd-Sw=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">Even if they did leave the nest, it wasn't for very long and never too far from it. </span></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8kGAE-qJE4QWTVKJkCEeF8SymGDQjCV_isKAmad2k4Ju8KU-PD-NCgvi_GcN2AWoKGM_S0VQ4Do0pOUiklM4c4w0Cyf2UT-c5UJ_0ATTNOJaQMG597tgTUQ8RkKcnkvzq6aHMgMfEDaqBCH0E5RF3HcAGEzY0YGYQXuihWJpGg-jhqlf5NA=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8kGAE-qJE4QWTVKJkCEeF8SymGDQjCV_isKAmad2k4Ju8KU-PD-NCgvi_GcN2AWoKGM_S0VQ4Do0pOUiklM4c4w0Cyf2UT-c5UJ_0ATTNOJaQMG597tgTUQ8RkKcnkvzq6aHMgMfEDaqBCH0E5RF3HcAGEzY0YGYQXuihWJpGg-jhqlf5NA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>They were back quickly to resume the task of incubation. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlgp4HJVY98qla6kAXk2QjC-OhC9EEjw1VwZ2thXFhFmkjfaE8JXfRMFYHAS-sA6f_0IdpyzdYfSKds3kkEoarMyj50whd9R52XcMl3GDEaEk01r8765_Z7V2Sj070iUU7bL4Y42DhZGSZwPsEHQ-em1fuFPMJkXlo18WUgz_YJtNrQXjRPQ=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhlgp4HJVY98qla6kAXk2QjC-OhC9EEjw1VwZ2thXFhFmkjfaE8JXfRMFYHAS-sA6f_0IdpyzdYfSKds3kkEoarMyj50whd9R52XcMl3GDEaEk01r8765_Z7V2Sj070iUU7bL4Y42DhZGSZwPsEHQ-em1fuFPMJkXlo18WUgz_YJtNrQXjRPQ=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div>I knew that I wouldn't have to wait very long. Average <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">incubation period for little grebes are about three weeks</span></b> or slightly more and if the eggs had been laid few days before I discovered this pair, I would see my first chicks very soon. It was just a matter of patience and dear reader, that goes for you too. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio5RcNCspa6vaaul5OWzawfOmXDXzLTJfOJQjzW1zLi5myIajvbxLRSguMTlXURTo3IRb-2pkLRFTm76WIrz3DklahNiPG_qU8gN5vPKK-ucnQkTy2yP_s4QGU4_4md5ak29_HlF4lE1tBYMTrVE13uWLqLu4wbR2sxdGG6FHXyhmJ4Cjbcg=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEio5RcNCspa6vaaul5OWzawfOmXDXzLTJfOJQjzW1zLi5myIajvbxLRSguMTlXURTo3IRb-2pkLRFTm76WIrz3DklahNiPG_qU8gN5vPKK-ucnQkTy2yP_s4QGU4_4md5ak29_HlF4lE1tBYMTrVE13uWLqLu4wbR2sxdGG6FHXyhmJ4Cjbcg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">The eggs will hatch in the next episode! </span></b></div><div><b><span style="color: #04ff00;"><br /></span></b></div><div>Meanwhile, enjoy this video!</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzJQgoZu7mJzDlB_52x-fjAfEh17odoWxbsZwEm4pjGBm6Asr19zWDUK6mTBcxyT1jxXNv2Vtk0qHs' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><br /><div><br /></div>Woodcrawlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761179600016679360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-45946831831309980082022-02-01T00:00:00.002+05:302022-02-01T08:26:27.038+05:30Waters of Life (Part 2) - The Survivors<p><b><span style="color: red;">October 2020</span></b></p><p>The first lockdown with a very strong monsoon in 2020 pretty much ensured that any exploratory intentions I had was drowned in the deluge. Not wanting to get my gear wet and also the desire to avoid confrontations with the keepers of the law, I didn't move out much after that preliminary trip in July. By October the intensity of the lockdown was relaxed a bit and restrictions on movement was also not being imposed too strictly. As the monsoon was on the wane I decided that my exploratory trips could restart. How much difference a three month gap makes to life in a pond was revealed to me then!</p><p>Malampuzha reservoir was brimming and most water bodies were full. Migrants had already reached in expected places but Malampuzha was proving to be a disappointment for the ducks and snipes as the water levels had not started receding. However the ponds were teeming with new life. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwXN4d9rsvCaHZkq47PYTNPQl3QeLbCw-CaZ8H-6acbDZYLvQRZLGNkL47jDDh8G58HBsl0DRwvZg1DZIoOXXV8v7O3R0cdwrij6JxhTy8KGWomY9Fshk4Doc1TjnGOZkQHE5Yh8TAvqbKv_pBOHLtczfP7RQbaQhDbSR-m9p-ZtbZG9cwmA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiwXN4d9rsvCaHZkq47PYTNPQl3QeLbCw-CaZ8H-6acbDZYLvQRZLGNkL47jDDh8G58HBsl0DRwvZg1DZIoOXXV8v7O3R0cdwrij6JxhTy8KGWomY9Fshk4Doc1TjnGOZkQHE5Yh8TAvqbKv_pBOHLtczfP7RQbaQhDbSR-m9p-ZtbZG9cwmA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxjlV8gkRJjqJYNQyjvVl45kECW2o74YrqkcvQacuNG82k_owsdLU4LZAfhPxWGT1D4mK-lIFtd6DnFmS3Ebz5-XNO54XKHVqtEcmUxGTn87dQs08So6xhSZgYZTaJv7bS26tk-S7HnAW1EAK30LrTQjD8yGTi_AGBtA8CmqsDZnVO1iXDYw=s1080" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgxjlV8gkRJjqJYNQyjvVl45kECW2o74YrqkcvQacuNG82k_owsdLU4LZAfhPxWGT1D4mK-lIFtd6DnFmS3Ebz5-XNO54XKHVqtEcmUxGTn87dQs08So6xhSZgYZTaJv7bS26tk-S7HnAW1EAK30LrTQjD8yGTi_AGBtA8CmqsDZnVO1iXDYw=w334-h400" width="334" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Common kingfisher</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNR4DdGMB5UW_gHLnX2TPgsGH1oOJEOcRz2vpiWx7P7s9niaKLwLk8L1z8UceyZed3Prl0hLxObt33gomF0lNUtwMrsxkkcO1WrElw0KSsuE67DoYldWGKGARphhF8CEh7CFW9QsQSK4TtzQqQ2OiewK0_ZP05rz0B8ng4hSb8NbxBg2008Q=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNR4DdGMB5UW_gHLnX2TPgsGH1oOJEOcRz2vpiWx7P7s9niaKLwLk8L1z8UceyZed3Prl0hLxObt33gomF0lNUtwMrsxkkcO1WrElw0KSsuE67DoYldWGKGARphhF8CEh7CFW9QsQSK4TtzQqQ2OiewK0_ZP05rz0B8ng4hSb8NbxBg2008Q=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmiqnsKr1Bv3voL5ZXqEXVslu-45wkGUTqbdjW21N80g44X8ndFdbFVh7zpu2imJjN3qbtgHimSrH-G6TriXY12LREMdExn_p8JBomSz7111vy3fQlZHIiVZpPQuVxqZa5RxkLKaAy7ZJnzoOrsl0BC-UxQE36uzuKShGHfBT-Btwg1aOJOg=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjmiqnsKr1Bv3voL5ZXqEXVslu-45wkGUTqbdjW21N80g44X8ndFdbFVh7zpu2imJjN3qbtgHimSrH-G6TriXY12LREMdExn_p8JBomSz7111vy3fQlZHIiVZpPQuVxqZa5RxkLKaAy7ZJnzoOrsl0BC-UxQE36uzuKShGHfBT-Btwg1aOJOg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian moorhen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>When, I returned to the Polpully pond, I was greeted by a heart-warming sight. The whistling ducks had a family! </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEialljvKKLj7wnijmlnijaM3ayZCtDp5RXkeksb69QCFMBWsjNmZJoHhS_rvI3E7XKGoe1pi2gFjsYLG7Z3J06R-i3Axkomjwf7AdkR9rXYvR-C7clYzieljRTLmmM9UCv0qKx1uR2IY5_TRBtdiGGCJ2MbDtW0vsr6o-O3IGlG-T5s0WNbVg=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEialljvKKLj7wnijmlnijaM3ayZCtDp5RXkeksb69QCFMBWsjNmZJoHhS_rvI3E7XKGoe1pi2gFjsYLG7Z3J06R-i3Axkomjwf7AdkR9rXYvR-C7clYzieljRTLmmM9UCv0qKx1uR2IY5_TRBtdiGGCJ2MbDtW0vsr6o-O3IGlG-T5s0WNbVg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE3_HZfLqMHYUDi793oBq6e2HEN1BrIT5QvgiTbCcBDo6S4ZzzVxdeF3LXwRLCbzXJhk2mOIE4tlnLqSyCNff5B07sHW7rKynpkJrjszJ7BeVTV8tbAZd2yUBLHxiCOwWjcEVBb6CWK2h7ujDsUAL_dAzPjhSH-_-f4CwtdW1SuYoYyrD-oA=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiE3_HZfLqMHYUDi793oBq6e2HEN1BrIT5QvgiTbCcBDo6S4ZzzVxdeF3LXwRLCbzXJhk2mOIE4tlnLqSyCNff5B07sHW7rKynpkJrjszJ7BeVTV8tbAZd2yUBLHxiCOwWjcEVBb6CWK2h7ujDsUAL_dAzPjhSH-_-f4CwtdW1SuYoYyrD-oA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKpvL3FaFzxAOyshAIsvMX-RbKCbm4LSZ2mrza71fAYbWT0ezi161iZvASN8VWgjdpAumrL163r-NJ6zHpUBqHvb3F8giJ8OmGaX9lEp6rZKBk9b6JY7NAl9MstWU3s_Ve398qYWcts25ZFoYWJ5zPHN9VJLegaMPLu7FPc9NLfZA9p3cviQ=s1620" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1620" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKpvL3FaFzxAOyshAIsvMX-RbKCbm4LSZ2mrza71fAYbWT0ezi161iZvASN8VWgjdpAumrL163r-NJ6zHpUBqHvb3F8giJ8OmGaX9lEp6rZKBk9b6JY7NAl9MstWU3s_Ve398qYWcts25ZFoYWJ5zPHN9VJLegaMPLu7FPc9NLfZA9p3cviQ=w400-h266" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFhhp-7DbNd795Enn2FMsY1GdK2EzV3J1J139_P2-SQeA12UAWTlQnZVSy4Y0Dt3d33XGRImVkjbP2yG3v5znFbQE7tEHeEI5sBqxvgiGUCYtrmUw41uDrmk204MG6JdAfiFYffM3YblknzZEUXfKy2tdgVGqWI5-6jjOzs9dOJsgeyYPaCg=s1650" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1650" height="261" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjFhhp-7DbNd795Enn2FMsY1GdK2EzV3J1J139_P2-SQeA12UAWTlQnZVSy4Y0Dt3d33XGRImVkjbP2yG3v5znFbQE7tEHeEI5sBqxvgiGUCYtrmUw41uDrmk204MG6JdAfiFYffM3YblknzZEUXfKy2tdgVGqWI5-6jjOzs9dOJsgeyYPaCg=w400-h261" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser whistling ducks</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The adults were escorting two 'zebra' costumed chicks. It appeared that they were the only surviving chicks from a larger brood. The parents were on high alert looking skyward when a kite took a glide that seemed too close for comfort. It seemed that the threat wasn't only from the air but also from neighbours!</p><p>In the middle of foraging, one of the pair suddenly took off and landed in the middle of three other ducks which seemed to have swam too near the chicks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixlBeVprndY0QnTU4vLB1OocBvGbRUg4DwX7XbEpEJa2naudW0oGh2V7PZNn5gUjl2PpbBqf6NfOQVtoXIDI4oivlm1om3eITWq81j32z8WnBLtFeyMcjhxVCdaTcAfaAv4HfecPD5OWSvPHFoFlLUuAoDO-B1OWjcsGhvA1rlLpZjUU_3rQ=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEixlBeVprndY0QnTU4vLB1OocBvGbRUg4DwX7XbEpEJa2naudW0oGh2V7PZNn5gUjl2PpbBqf6NfOQVtoXIDI4oivlm1om3eITWq81j32z8WnBLtFeyMcjhxVCdaTcAfaAv4HfecPD5OWSvPHFoFlLUuAoDO-B1OWjcsGhvA1rlLpZjUU_3rQ=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9qzM3NuZHEg-UTwt7p2hWYswjy7jyvKuj0HnBLdEp2x7Z1KJUc1BS9WhUtmqSUJ-EUh0BvWYth9XlHSb64qUkdA97s5dZqonqjs9k6AQ8ojiTLp94hyjEQN7eunJ4Y-vlL9zqRhQoJMnZXrYsK9TGHOIDnfx25xB_nczopvUwHns3XE8Mag=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi9qzM3NuZHEg-UTwt7p2hWYswjy7jyvKuj0HnBLdEp2x7Z1KJUc1BS9WhUtmqSUJ-EUh0BvWYth9XlHSb64qUkdA97s5dZqonqjs9k6AQ8ojiTLp94hyjEQN7eunJ4Y-vlL9zqRhQoJMnZXrYsK9TGHOIDnfx25xB_nczopvUwHns3XE8Mag=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The intruders, taken by surprise at the intensity of the attack, scattered in all directions.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU6cB2Fa8ffJtRD3mmQjJ9CuhVd_I327-SXC898pYpgcN4b5l7McyKMRbnALsw_3G7nFQG6nXdu1yrlOcEGkmP9rVJKpW2KlEd5Z-5by5A-dgOsluvFzJkyUhtMpo7u_zZUMb6EqwrEGPKX32PBl_cw1myJNX_N1KuWIvhiMqj_GlvT_Jdnw=s1728" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1728" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU6cB2Fa8ffJtRD3mmQjJ9CuhVd_I327-SXC898pYpgcN4b5l7McyKMRbnALsw_3G7nFQG6nXdu1yrlOcEGkmP9rVJKpW2KlEd5Z-5by5A-dgOsluvFzJkyUhtMpo7u_zZUMb6EqwrEGPKX32PBl_cw1myJNX_N1KuWIvhiMqj_GlvT_Jdnw=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYms8WpsHCYOFQlQoIf35x0Crg-RqW8Dt9sRsRjqKZyhRTZoh7sRK5qBLcWi0Xg0Lmns5aBszlWE7M8xg6pUDGkt3rlCThIr5G3etiQ3mBV3dY5SB2tcU3ZAGIMRGXWVWkxqCwwWL-Viz_b7NHUmWQj8CNeXEOBos6xIdxOXo3eWHRU-IjdA=s1728" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1728" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhYms8WpsHCYOFQlQoIf35x0Crg-RqW8Dt9sRsRjqKZyhRTZoh7sRK5qBLcWi0Xg0Lmns5aBszlWE7M8xg6pUDGkt3rlCThIr5G3etiQ3mBV3dY5SB2tcU3ZAGIMRGXWVWkxqCwwWL-Viz_b7NHUmWQj8CNeXEOBos6xIdxOXo3eWHRU-IjdA=w400-h250" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>The scuffle finished as quickly as it started but the provocation for the attack was a mystery to me. Were the parents under the impression that the approaching ducks were a threat to the two chicks? Did the strangers have any malafide intentions, perhaps kidnapping the chicks? I couldn't quite figure out the reason for the unprovoked threat display. </p><p>Within seconds, all was calm and the chicks and parents continued foraging again as though nothing happened.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHsf9x4n-vgCkA03ZSHOvl5_AmfrawjceI1UeW9qGhFBEPXAz32Q4lYENXzzt15yoveZePvYWzlxfCR5wZm_a0zot8IOc2oMAXkfvYn1uhKC6Ne8uL_uOvNoBuKhc0QE1bRoF4RoSO3qTkU1M1GbRXKCOYrlJvhJvSN4AgaUYzqZHy2OSJJA=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHsf9x4n-vgCkA03ZSHOvl5_AmfrawjceI1UeW9qGhFBEPXAz32Q4lYENXzzt15yoveZePvYWzlxfCR5wZm_a0zot8IOc2oMAXkfvYn1uhKC6Ne8uL_uOvNoBuKhc0QE1bRoF4RoSO3qTkU1M1GbRXKCOYrlJvhJvSN4AgaUYzqZHy2OSJJA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6TJr8zCPXwONZxxTxw0-papKrZwzO5W2KbdtxqRXjFXrd1OSbCQ9-uxXzw3vBs1RItLQj4PDJNHc2FcNbOes5O9beG6UUjLx2ymzjVraC07cSV7jfEizWnLfZYYQjqG-hEAvrFYNSUICm9voOXTJZplOx911Ymmb9qk8DWWyPU6KAFgPofA=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh6TJr8zCPXwONZxxTxw0-papKrZwzO5W2KbdtxqRXjFXrd1OSbCQ9-uxXzw3vBs1RItLQj4PDJNHc2FcNbOes5O9beG6UUjLx2ymzjVraC07cSV7jfEizWnLfZYYQjqG-hEAvrFYNSUICm9voOXTJZplOx911Ymmb9qk8DWWyPU6KAFgPofA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p>I hoped that the two chicks would survive in that tough environment. While researching about chick survival rate, I was surprised that there is scanty information specific to this species. From <a href="https://www.ducks.org/Conservation/Waterfowl-Research-Science/Duckling-Survival" target="_blank">available information (link here)</a> and other sites it seems that the number of eggs laid is on the higher side (8 to 14) and this is probably to offset the low chick survival rates. </p><p>The chicks in this location were probably vulnerable to predation as starvation in this pond seemed unlikely. There were kites, serpent eagles, herons, snakes and turtles sharing space around the same pond with the ducks. It was therefore quite possible that the other chicks, who seem to have a tendency to wander off , may have fallen prey to one of them. </p><p>The pond was also home to a family of bronze-winged jacanas who also had a juvenile with them. The young bird would have also been a Survivor as the usual clutch for this species is 3 to 4 eggs. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4UUt2HtSZHOVZbm56uj_pdKrEA1sRh4bgD67wlyCR-eC5kYSxQPNq-zet-ipukPfOZOFvdjJ3Xsis39zRWN-EFdwrJjBH6I__-RgsqAotJQHRkpSOVGCVrB2zYG3bztCayjlfYjo0Hu_tO5kk3jaTFmquhcimbqj9DHDBcmPAi1kosmPaoQ=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4UUt2HtSZHOVZbm56uj_pdKrEA1sRh4bgD67wlyCR-eC5kYSxQPNq-zet-ipukPfOZOFvdjJ3Xsis39zRWN-EFdwrJjBH6I__-RgsqAotJQHRkpSOVGCVrB2zYG3bztCayjlfYjo0Hu_tO5kk3jaTFmquhcimbqj9DHDBcmPAi1kosmPaoQ=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronze-winged jacana</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8-fD-hTbjFdZnmvbwrPg5v2Jksan0v7VS2yB1jMfDY7XCZ7BswJ-IucclJ9g1R8eScfEPpDSGgRlbmpYfMbxgm_ecU-3TsNBMo-E_rovkJ6n3DfFV1ud4PqIvEN74uTEVm9_5BF3BJUF-eTVj0Ub7m2CGAXfQXqXtNv9gN-r-GypM3n09qA=s1543" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8-fD-hTbjFdZnmvbwrPg5v2Jksan0v7VS2yB1jMfDY7XCZ7BswJ-IucclJ9g1R8eScfEPpDSGgRlbmpYfMbxgm_ecU-3TsNBMo-E_rovkJ6n3DfFV1ud4PqIvEN74uTEVm9_5BF3BJUF-eTVj0Ub7m2CGAXfQXqXtNv9gN-r-GypM3n09qA=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3z1o-7xJTOlHfWA3fYxhikgu6P3ETXFG81iuI8BjqvQa77OQ74MVAn7MQgnXhvUwSFXVYMaW-utlmQcb7-MAOqLJx5Z4BhLgPpRJWEuxRn6SM5uMajt56PPJYbmbRm2UDKSs7v8Caf-tEp3SXPHsDMQoGIPFZ12L_WG_dR0d7e2Xy1clHrg=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3z1o-7xJTOlHfWA3fYxhikgu6P3ETXFG81iuI8BjqvQa77OQ74MVAn7MQgnXhvUwSFXVYMaW-utlmQcb7-MAOqLJx5Z4BhLgPpRJWEuxRn6SM5uMajt56PPJYbmbRm2UDKSs7v8Caf-tEp3SXPHsDMQoGIPFZ12L_WG_dR0d7e2Xy1clHrg=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bronze-winged jacana juvenile</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcY__rQDKp4vG6N-XZJUlKukvjQFiXBGVnPTjroy9uqDhWHmdn28vh8ED-TpSr__psjmrwCCWnlOeTZqurzBYWwJ2VvKtYUj6dW5DPRcfFNaDBb4FfJ0FMEwzFrkAX1rjNzeeDL8ANcHbXM95tNlO_QnWa7ujAXrzSBQT7iDIIwwOUEHbhAw=s1080" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcY__rQDKp4vG6N-XZJUlKukvjQFiXBGVnPTjroy9uqDhWHmdn28vh8ED-TpSr__psjmrwCCWnlOeTZqurzBYWwJ2VvKtYUj6dW5DPRcfFNaDBb4FfJ0FMEwzFrkAX1rjNzeeDL8ANcHbXM95tNlO_QnWa7ujAXrzSBQT7iDIIwwOUEHbhAw=w534-h640" width="534" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Survivor</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>Monsoon in the pond seems an interesting period and the activity in the pond should be worth watching. Three different species were seen courting and two had raised families in the monsoon season. There were other birds around the pond and as long as the habitat remained undisturbed there would be surprises in the coming seasons!</p><p>This is the second post in the series, 'Waters of Life'. <a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2022/01/waters-of-life-part-1-shrinking-habitats.html" target="_blank">The first part is here.</a></p><p><br /></p>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-23085095740185814742022-01-29T15:54:00.006+05:302022-01-29T19:03:59.872+05:30Waters of Life (Part 1) - Shrinking Habitats<p> From <a href="http://www.kerenvis.nic.in/Database/Ponds_2242.aspx" target="_blank">information sourced on the ENVIS Hub: Kerala </a>there are more than 18000 public ponds in Kerala, of which some 5400 are in Palakkad district. That accounts for nearly 35% of the total and the rest being distributed in the other 13 districts. Perhaps the major geographical feature, the Palghat Gap, explains this unique richness in small broken waterbodies throughout the district. Many of them are on private land and in the middle of farmed areas or in small wooded grooves. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwQ6nhLpyQHarQ2f9tDlkTUBjcikUh__FvqTlNFhaQYkmyQxmEVPGEsqdkHdnb1tn_KVuMxfqUj7Do' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div><p>Most ponds are now being <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">taken over by the local panchayats and 'renovated' for use by public</span></b>. These ponds were traditionally used for bathing, washing clothes, bathing cattle, limited irrigation and various other localized uses. Of late the trend is more towards <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">clearing all vegetation in and around the ponds, desilting and deepening </span></b>them and putting it to use for drinking water storage, wider irrigation purposes or fish farming. The <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">renovated ponds are now restricted zones</span></b> and protected with fencing along the edges and nets over the water to prevent birds from picking off fish. </p><p>Mercifully there are still a few privately held waterbodies that are <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">a haven for birds and other creatures</span></b>. One of them, near Polpully, happened to draw my attention as it was on a road I used to take to visit my mother's ancestral 'tharavad'. Why it attracted my attention, I cannot say, but it did. Perhaps the wild and unkempt nature of its edges or the greenish scum floating on the water proved to be the magnet. Anyway, when ever I used to pass by, my head would turn and in a fleeting moment I would see the usual birds that normally haunted such ponds. It never occurred to me that I should stop long enough and scour the area. </p><p>In 2020, as the Covid lockdown progressed and the prolonged confinement was getting on my nerves, I decided to extend my drives to the hospital by taking slightly 'longer' routes! On one such drive, when I happened to be on this particular road, it struck me that a few minutes at the edge of this pond would be worthwhile. What a difference it made to my lockdown! Despite the garbage in the pond including an old disused mattress. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzDHcegQ3pVzuroeLxJWPJQO7b-8nscuCsDIYA8itnRvN9fZSHF_Td6z_SeLyip9ljFjTyj9alXCPY' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div><br /><p>Over the next few months and also during the 2021 lockdown, <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">my friends and I spent many fascinating hours </span></b>on the edge of this pond observing how life goes on in a place when there is minimal human interference. By comparison the cleaned up ponds were 'sterile' and totally uninteresting. I hope this pond is allowed to remain this way forever and I have reason to think it will, as many local folk, attracted by our presence on its edge regularly, started to take notice of the <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">Life in the Pond!</span></b></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtbahLz-GrpplTW716tsN7Vq_KUqhs64LoBqhcfjbB_vrxt7nHtilUb-H3XA93T4FafzMsyRjNXxWJKmZNKO_FaU5Di5cyZSE2vjuIaUL5kn1WHp57M4SsVh1DVVJCMhaz7M5732P0mHjoxbzrn7b5158by3zSMEkwwUeIpo714tgiha2VgA=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtbahLz-GrpplTW716tsN7Vq_KUqhs64LoBqhcfjbB_vrxt7nHtilUb-H3XA93T4FafzMsyRjNXxWJKmZNKO_FaU5Di5cyZSE2vjuIaUL5kn1WHp57M4SsVh1DVVJCMhaz7M5732P0mHjoxbzrn7b5158by3zSMEkwwUeIpo714tgiha2VgA=w400-h280" title="Eurasian Moorhen" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eurasian Moorhen</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF_l_jeGggR9E1w6W4KKvv6NcoXe9YZdX3UWKJ0FrRwLAhaWG5za4n6avBcKtzbQGmzZEnlChpgSghKWgE8fIuNLZ6xTo8k7zPEy_FxCbuZnnac7sk-msGjXtC_3O8fPkpFsGhcRyA-6kex9R-jQj8vqKZlwn-nO_FA-QhFWikHGhlzVfgVg=s1485" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1485" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjF_l_jeGggR9E1w6W4KKvv6NcoXe9YZdX3UWKJ0FrRwLAhaWG5za4n6avBcKtzbQGmzZEnlChpgSghKWgE8fIuNLZ6xTo8k7zPEy_FxCbuZnnac7sk-msGjXtC_3O8fPkpFsGhcRyA-6kex9R-jQj8vqKZlwn-nO_FA-QhFWikHGhlzVfgVg=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnEAYC6Dyg_17gw5X59wbwOU_FCJ1vhp_4BlX-ZEIo456wdcIIjR90cF0uJAAoAx8QGIkHfEPR589iFKGuZCaHG3s9NIfCm1wY-Cv01QchIjhgBjOD5Idk3H-D--tg_DtI5XKOIPun11b-GvkYRr7T313c1nJl4qvLLI6radLhyOw7trFvxg=s1485" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1485" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjnEAYC6Dyg_17gw5X59wbwOU_FCJ1vhp_4BlX-ZEIo456wdcIIjR90cF0uJAAoAx8QGIkHfEPR589iFKGuZCaHG3s9NIfCm1wY-Cv01QchIjhgBjOD5Idk3H-D--tg_DtI5XKOIPun11b-GvkYRr7T313c1nJl4qvLLI6radLhyOw7trFvxg=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1KNbxWEvT1cGOaDYuoFo95xtuo64X5B08SATuxsbrg3md249BpbYpXjDSZ-nPja8dWmyjuZQNSHMgNdJXfOd6PrscG82QPOPCjG8FU9rTjNNlugjYOYb9fJUHNrJI_e7dpgDPhptl6FpOO6HdN2oJ42lWbwzhrcA1utQB5e-uE889uJNvgw=s1485" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1485" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi1KNbxWEvT1cGOaDYuoFo95xtuo64X5B08SATuxsbrg3md249BpbYpXjDSZ-nPja8dWmyjuZQNSHMgNdJXfOd6PrscG82QPOPCjG8FU9rTjNNlugjYOYb9fJUHNrJI_e7dpgDPhptl6FpOO6HdN2oJ42lWbwzhrcA1utQB5e-uE889uJNvgw=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNQSQ8CHcogdQddqZC90TEEzD51TWzTDFBFVh6L9HwB6T7OGcVTLvs15J5AYf72lCfi5l3G6WYobySivNgVz3j7JdKVb_NsbuVM7XU05ghdcxts3z_ouEFFlXB0mBaStLSmZbQHMYDj2-XibQUJfIC-09VlyRf-T5WU_VlIKqeG6xT7JahmA=s1485" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1485" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgNQSQ8CHcogdQddqZC90TEEzD51TWzTDFBFVh6L9HwB6T7OGcVTLvs15J5AYf72lCfi5l3G6WYobySivNgVz3j7JdKVb_NsbuVM7XU05ghdcxts3z_ouEFFlXB0mBaStLSmZbQHMYDj2-XibQUJfIC-09VlyRf-T5WU_VlIKqeG6xT7JahmA=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little grebe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-bUpbh9hjA1gtaO-ubtAF_k0Oh2Z4BebREKTlM8nr-lA-iSmnRPpQqrHiHqQPI5dJ0USxz1qvxZryj9Hqohq88zfzdymOtwLFtHCYV-wWpRLOyetRN86CDlvTk4abJSAW5WfIvWlSbo3F1CpewCJPTzx_3NSUrJrmX88KpfClMmpejE8FNA=s1080" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-bUpbh9hjA1gtaO-ubtAF_k0Oh2Z4BebREKTlM8nr-lA-iSmnRPpQqrHiHqQPI5dJ0USxz1qvxZryj9Hqohq88zfzdymOtwLFtHCYV-wWpRLOyetRN86CDlvTk4abJSAW5WfIvWlSbo3F1CpewCJPTzx_3NSUrJrmX88KpfClMmpejE8FNA=w334-h400" width="334" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Purple heron</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFIcjM3XjrXvZOx-dPlM8iCuuV7vTntTuVL9Ge6KgxHC5KynaDhz_XnA7n5rgGv5fzdt1BOnDWMgPRjtPkh3GHdIl5LI8r2VpiKgjbHkFXjiQrix-xTE7HqrzGQKxGUI-D3HCkPkdsg3MzSnqCKG4AY1GEd-qeXaN6qFblxvBafEhy58cKzQ=s1485" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1485" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFIcjM3XjrXvZOx-dPlM8iCuuV7vTntTuVL9Ge6KgxHC5KynaDhz_XnA7n5rgGv5fzdt1BOnDWMgPRjtPkh3GHdIl5LI8r2VpiKgjbHkFXjiQrix-xTE7HqrzGQKxGUI-D3HCkPkdsg3MzSnqCKG4AY1GEd-qeXaN6qFblxvBafEhy58cKzQ=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggPXETAcK0JKjGXSg1O9rhZA4eKG_t4rka9aPD1jEGlZNudQ7qBO-LykGWFWOBEXgYis6-t994tKuUlNz7EZPHZW42YxA4P2UBiarA9hNtAWb1PbT2UNqAhy66rWCtQrpoZ4Xwa9BxE8oz4aJRFawYm22JKde05uhMKxB2swlwEZu0MnfsjQ=s1080" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="900" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEggPXETAcK0JKjGXSg1O9rhZA4eKG_t4rka9aPD1jEGlZNudQ7qBO-LykGWFWOBEXgYis6-t994tKuUlNz7EZPHZW42YxA4P2UBiarA9hNtAWb1PbT2UNqAhy66rWCtQrpoZ4Xwa9BxE8oz4aJRFawYm22JKde05uhMKxB2swlwEZu0MnfsjQ=w334-h400" width="334" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQo8iML2s4GuotQ1ZeuTREDU1K8HY4cAztsehnSJmlTXpSlwirfLWrkiZcCYlT59c0uac0kPYfd8MNxDgFq725o40udqaUMLauHkzbHQrlGOW99yB5wNf2WzFWcVglk7DeXJvmoAOATIoWiFxcdzKu02RKvjMYV68CRNGdS4dOEvUmd0dT7A=s1485" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1485" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiQo8iML2s4GuotQ1ZeuTREDU1K8HY4cAztsehnSJmlTXpSlwirfLWrkiZcCYlT59c0uac0kPYfd8MNxDgFq725o40udqaUMLauHkzbHQrlGOW99yB5wNf2WzFWcVglk7DeXJvmoAOATIoWiFxcdzKu02RKvjMYV68CRNGdS4dOEvUmd0dT7A=w400-h291" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little grebe</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwDIwR18mqhBua5dMZr8l8kvolJwmGcIFLn8c-dZbou5xgeYYZfJAi097e5P5oVWW_QzmSOgPjGv63QM5POtc12eRmVxVzydzeAYB9_JWktYtJcdK_irU0mzNEUfO8sWuxxNoumGKU4UJ3yML2AKj9xaHHrjOKMSk7Wo2lgkO4ontFcub2dQ=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhwDIwR18mqhBua5dMZr8l8kvolJwmGcIFLn8c-dZbou5xgeYYZfJAi097e5P5oVWW_QzmSOgPjGv63QM5POtc12eRmVxVzydzeAYB9_JWktYtJcdK_irU0mzNEUfO8sWuxxNoumGKU4UJ3yML2AKj9xaHHrjOKMSk7Wo2lgkO4ontFcub2dQ=w400-h280" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Black-crowned night heron (immature)</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs1G2VvPFSnH5dvwEXjoaEOWejIss2rtjY8F45PqgGfl8-w5h-aRAff4dVeU7ZZXbD2OrA4Ib3R_2YaefDpfFztpqOdcSZLyYVgCCHpEhBB7U6pyZn7W4q_75X_gm7iq2bQA3N4imZn9USodHLBkD9cXigj1_cyTCn9Fr_n6O4ZqnBbydKWQ=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhs1G2VvPFSnH5dvwEXjoaEOWejIss2rtjY8F45PqgGfl8-w5h-aRAff4dVeU7ZZXbD2OrA4Ib3R_2YaefDpfFztpqOdcSZLyYVgCCHpEhBB7U6pyZn7W4q_75X_gm7iq2bQA3N4imZn9USodHLBkD9cXigj1_cyTCn9Fr_n6O4ZqnBbydKWQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-8JJQF8TRzpWHiyv6IgRZuhf1uAbJg68qtVKO5yZatCEe4PNyc7WPm8VM3N2Lds6BlVIkmCazPkntU0UgrmlZRMJnJKPm1Xdol2fDk8Z3fTO7yex79Uxq3Qy9zsRqJTD5nGvVNcsO7E7QrmYrE4kmWy8-N_I1RJBDOWSY8aF3RgguPn5PRA=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh-8JJQF8TRzpWHiyv6IgRZuhf1uAbJg68qtVKO5yZatCEe4PNyc7WPm8VM3N2Lds6BlVIkmCazPkntU0UgrmlZRMJnJKPm1Xdol2fDk8Z3fTO7yex79Uxq3Qy9zsRqJTD5nGvVNcsO7E7QrmYrE4kmWy8-N_I1RJBDOWSY8aF3RgguPn5PRA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4btHLaG93EqmIgV5sZY_E2jfYFLIYOX2frgV2bZaNSIQEMoxJe5m8O4XPreFLt2hyKDO9WU7vVUhKv1b3fc1AQz31jHcSycMmJpiPi1JkZiiMuqBtqmV6jGOmjaM2zJD_dOd4y345J2UGKQxMllV4tHLn0ZL3wdCsXnaEaFIc2yKyTz6Zxw=s1498" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1498" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh4btHLaG93EqmIgV5sZY_E2jfYFLIYOX2frgV2bZaNSIQEMoxJe5m8O4XPreFLt2hyKDO9WU7vVUhKv1b3fc1AQz31jHcSycMmJpiPi1JkZiiMuqBtqmV6jGOmjaM2zJD_dOd4y345J2UGKQxMllV4tHLn0ZL3wdCsXnaEaFIc2yKyTz6Zxw=w400-h289" width="400" /></a></div><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjU9z8Orts5d2NnCbCMCYnD0VkUT8KKMC-9J2nr2mUr5x5_sz3rj7OSAr0JOY61VElX0sCaQDku_9EV2vXs3Uz4ElfIVyfMnoCsdP61kAbSw62jwtc3FIq3wnAZIrFE0h6pGEz4fPrnRlhA_YTA9ItjpJ8vr40oZDTMbjSdmUVPJzgRd_ndLg=s1543" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1543" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjU9z8Orts5d2NnCbCMCYnD0VkUT8KKMC-9J2nr2mUr5x5_sz3rj7OSAr0JOY61VElX0sCaQDku_9EV2vXs3Uz4ElfIVyfMnoCsdP61kAbSw62jwtc3FIq3wnAZIrFE0h6pGEz4fPrnRlhA_YTA9ItjpJ8vr40oZDTMbjSdmUVPJzgRd_ndLg=w640-h448" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesser whistling duck</td></tr></tbody></table><br /><p>The posts that will follow after this are stories of a few fellow creatures that survive in many such small habitats. Let us hope a peep into their fascinating lives will encourage protection of at least a few such waterbodies for their survival. Otherwise <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">we humans are the ones that stand to lose</span></b> from their absence. </p><p><br /></p>Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-46028917906358713442022-01-26T22:23:00.012+05:302022-01-27T10:04:34.981+05:30Birders, eBirders and Num-birders - A Lament<p>It's been a while since I sat down to type a few words on Blogger. In a world full of <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">vloggers,</span></b> I wonder if <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">bloggers</span></b> will attract attention any more. </p><p>The whole of the last (2021) Covid lockdown was spent <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">transitioning into a videographer from a photographer.</span></b> I confess, it needs a lot of fine tuning and I had to partially abandon the projects as my current hardware wasn't quite capable of keeping up with the needs of <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">Da Vinci Resolve</span></b> and handling video editing very smoothly.</p><p>Therefore, till such time my hardware gets upgraded, I will crib about something that makes me increasingly disheartened about birding.</p><p>I have, as I have mentioned time and again, transitioned from 'tigertracking' to 'woodcrawling' over the last few years. Increasing expenses, a growing son and the Covid pandemic in the last two years have ensured that <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">my woodcrawling has been mostly confined to my backyard! </span></b></p><p>During the years I spent 'tigertracking', it didn't take very long to realize the pursuit of a tiger or for that matter, any carnivore, was a like searching for the elusive Scarlet Pimpernal. It was, therefore, not very difficult to shift attention to something that didn't need much searching, birds!</p><p>Birds are just about anywhere. Open your ears and eyes; they are all around us. The best part is that you don't have to go searching for them, they'll come to you. Of course, some of them, like the elusive tigers, won't come to you but they'll make you go searching for them. For these rare birds, it requires a lot of planning and company of like minded friends. Please don't get the impression that we are a bunch of 'twitchers' and in case you don't know what that word means, take the help of Bing, Google or a more birdy <a href="https://duckduckgo.com/" target="_blank"><b>DuckDuckGo</b> </a>search engine! After all, <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">what really matters is the journey</span></b> and not the destination or target species when you are with the right people. </p><p><b><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;">Becoming a </span></b><b><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;">Birder</span></b></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7wshxQcVZLmsllvj8KU0vrhtt6j6c7GfNJALWLUCao9ynZTYFJ1tVGmtGJraKMLCGiP08KxBBQjcVjR8EVeqGx-ijygbRUnqdRYpw4xDVWkBowGJGJPsLdqOY6r-wtR8vfB1AX5npCAPJk5Dzrz5GPPFYH_G9xUd6SsBmBm98YFDRhqAnIA=s2822" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2488" data-original-width="2822" height="353" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7wshxQcVZLmsllvj8KU0vrhtt6j6c7GfNJALWLUCao9ynZTYFJ1tVGmtGJraKMLCGiP08KxBBQjcVjR8EVeqGx-ijygbRUnqdRYpw4xDVWkBowGJGJPsLdqOY6r-wtR8vfB1AX5npCAPJk5Dzrz5GPPFYH_G9xUd6SsBmBm98YFDRhqAnIA=w400-h353" width="400" /></a></div><br />So, from randomly shooting birds on my jungle trips more than 20 years ago, I graduated to picking up the field guide to try to identifying them myself. From a combination of <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">a Bikram Grewal pocket guide and Salim Ali's field guide</span></b>, I have graduated to half a dozen different guides. I still possess both these books. The pocket guide, in tatters, went with me into the field and Salim Ali remained in my room for reference. Unfortunately, both of them listed details of only under 300 birds combined and quickly became inadequate for a serious birder. <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDmTpiHOv0YApTpR9fPVN_Bdh2o5AQuIUI7oRVJenw6S6I23V_wix3MaFNREFL8qK39-kFgCYTBOWe_Ybu4h8gqalMyrnRnr2C9VVAR_BCV8YO79AVtymGPXRuc15u6a1eHnhl7ISQka7oEIhaOPgZcT5K_MjCuaaVq-r7rQBjhU87dzUCcg=s2541" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1485" data-original-width="2541" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgDmTpiHOv0YApTpR9fPVN_Bdh2o5AQuIUI7oRVJenw6S6I23V_wix3MaFNREFL8qK39-kFgCYTBOWe_Ybu4h8gqalMyrnRnr2C9VVAR_BCV8YO79AVtymGPXRuc15u6a1eHnhl7ISQka7oEIhaOPgZcT5K_MjCuaaVq-r7rQBjhU87dzUCcg=w400-h234" width="400" /></a></div><br />My collection of field guides now include <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">Grimmett & Inskipps, Krys Kazmierczak, a bigger Bikram Grewal and Rasmussen & Anderton.</span></b> They cover all possible birds, numbering around a 1300 or more species found on the Indian subcontinent. Not only that, I found my interest in nightjars, owls, raptors and warblers so I have another half a dozen and more books on specific birds. I had become a dedicated birder! <p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGkLzjiYnUt_LGW6677hUcljXhXz7qeUxLErc7dZX9FpvwX79_GRbqLOhHbEZYcUhnw-D4g3GHkO_e9Yk3SG33oUGA45-27JUrmjKVQPiCEb_ZLZQIZQog6V3juyQPFgF4MobfuygfAcc8uK7h1CMYNuxFQNNcRGSgt6tPTVwf0lb2oE-YAg=s2048" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhGkLzjiYnUt_LGW6677hUcljXhXz7qeUxLErc7dZX9FpvwX79_GRbqLOhHbEZYcUhnw-D4g3GHkO_e9Yk3SG33oUGA45-27JUrmjKVQPiCEb_ZLZQIZQog6V3juyQPFgF4MobfuygfAcc8uK7h1CMYNuxFQNNcRGSgt6tPTVwf0lb2oE-YAg=w640-h426" width="640" /></a></div><br />For a little more than twenty years, I've been honing my skills and have now become quite adept at identifying birds both by sight and sound, thanks to the company of accomplished birders I call friends. We birded the <span style="color: #04ff00;"><b>old fashioned way, with a pair of binoculars, handheld GPS, a notebook and pencil</b>.</span> Not all of us carried cameras and if we did, it was a tool for birding. While I don't claim to be an expert or professional, I am now able to identify most of the endemic birds seen in peninsular India and western ghats.<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFqUyGuqGozo-n-87TH0yF--YnX6f5XPl26R45HI3YdQAyuGl-Z6rwGnSF4uYAcaBx8gzAUqeBHXCVO1JZ_7IbqtZkOLQG_Cdkn2Id-sg-hFzY744OeVrV1hfK8cF3-qGEH3iFeJaDUdKzdEVoj6GdN9tiYvR44oD6HbpuVnhezTPRQOmKHg=s3961" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3961" data-original-width="2933" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhFqUyGuqGozo-n-87TH0yF--YnX6f5XPl26R45HI3YdQAyuGl-Z6rwGnSF4uYAcaBx8gzAUqeBHXCVO1JZ_7IbqtZkOLQG_Cdkn2Id-sg-hFzY744OeVrV1hfK8cF3-qGEH3iFeJaDUdKzdEVoj6GdN9tiYvR44oD6HbpuVnhezTPRQOmKHg=s320" width="237" /></a></div><br />In 2014, I was introduced to the eBird portal and my <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">randomly scribbled bird lists</span></b> suddenly became very <span style="color: #04ff00;"><b>orderly checklists</b>!</span> Not only that, my photographs that used to be uploaded unsorted to photo upload social media sites like Picasa, Flickr and Facebook or the old Yahoo Groups, could now be uploaded to a dedicated site for birds. Now, with a click of a mouse, I could get the list of birds I had seen photographed and recorded sounds of. <p></p><p>In the initial eBird years I carried my field guides with me till I eventually downloaded the eBook version of Grimm-Skipp. Identification of a bird was based on points noted in the field. Photography itself was for recording what we saw. The, so called, eBird checklists were completed after reaching home from memory and notes made in the field. </p><p><b><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;"><br /></span></b></p><p><b><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;">From Birder to eBirder</span></b></p><p>Somewhere around 2015, the <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">eBird mobile app</span></b> was launched and what it did was cleverly combine checklist for a specific location with GPS coordinates and a live mapping of the tracks we walked during the session. The notebook and pencil, though still an essential part of the birding kit, became redundant. The consequence of this change was that the fun went out of birding.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDjlVzMGwhHad4p5ODATgts8l4QHbs9nIdlN21NzxmjXlL47xWqdZJrBCD0OzkAgvT5OkHO_1B0fB2aXq6ELGLe1NkQQRZ2F_VgLKDyV413qjLyooNUGVnc9eqtvDlVJgirZT1Y2Zqw39NLWcKnn1YOpL0W3YGk5-kSLJs9XJGkNiixf5VNg=s4096" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2304" data-original-width="4096" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiDjlVzMGwhHad4p5ODATgts8l4QHbs9nIdlN21NzxmjXlL47xWqdZJrBCD0OzkAgvT5OkHO_1B0fB2aXq6ELGLe1NkQQRZ2F_VgLKDyV413qjLyooNUGVnc9eqtvDlVJgirZT1Y2Zqw39NLWcKnn1YOpL0W3YGk5-kSLJs9XJGkNiixf5VNg=w640-h360" width="640" /></a></div><br />Earlier, we did make observations in the field but most of the listing was done at the end of a session, with each of us shuffling our memories to remember what we had heard or seen. Usually <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">over a rather sumptuous breakfast </span></b>for which, planning was done days in advance! Numbers were at best for academic interest and not for competition. <p></p><p>As time passed most of us realized in the guise of citizen science <span style="color: #04ff00;"><b>we were becoming statisticians</b>.</span> The app was like a modern version of the abacus. We were all busy adding to the numbers in the field almost instantaneously, as we were seeing the birds, <span style="color: #04ff00;">(<b>I decline to use the term 'observing' here!</b>)</span>. All of a sudden the camera's importance grew as media uploads were adding<span style="color: #04ff00;"> <b>colour and sound</b> </span>to the checklists. Beside photographs, some of us were now <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">recording bird calls</span></b> as well as <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">shooting videos</span></b>. </p><p>It became a period where the purpose of each trip seemed to be for adding to the collection of photographs and call recordings. A simple pass time for which the most expensive tool was the binoculars suddenly became quite an expensive hobby. High end cameras and lenses, sophisticated microphones and field audio recorders became a part of our birding armamentarium. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc2kPKtKxFV20YdD4dzRTZcvY863oyygPvGx6dmDsysNT8ySNpsctkeHm9o8VDH26Nr7fGdTlTTYm3S-sdugnIAxqFEnxPIOxQLFhmERWB6BeYXjJSP4TXkLRkTPD_NOruiWriXIWuYbRRtPlAcpFkTqEpp85zJISvVXS-eL280jWb0X9tTw=s1440" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1440" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhc2kPKtKxFV20YdD4dzRTZcvY863oyygPvGx6dmDsysNT8ySNpsctkeHm9o8VDH26Nr7fGdTlTTYm3S-sdugnIAxqFEnxPIOxQLFhmERWB6BeYXjJSP4TXkLRkTPD_NOruiWriXIWuYbRRtPlAcpFkTqEpp85zJISvVXS-eL280jWb0X9tTw=w640-h480" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />Gone were the days where we could go into the field with a simple backpack and water bottle. Now we had heavy camera bags, audio recorders and shotgun mics with cables draped around our anatomy. Birding had suddenly lost its simple charm. <p></p><p>We had become data collection agents but were euphemistically called 'citizen scientists'! Along the way our <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">Birding with Breakfast also took a hit</span></b> especially after Covid lockdown came into our lives. Not only that, after we returned from a birding trip, substantial amount of time was spent editing and uploading the media files to our eBird checklists.</p><p><span style="color: #ffa400; font-family: helvetica;"><b>From eBirder to Num-birders</b></span></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8_WhHwzha8wv-YTVc7d3dLsuEprK59l0W5-nD_z6UorCmM9IfbUOQGa-wajfZOJv11tqayR77cjUuJY6FYvlnfN8s7Z59MZkl5Jm659Ss_5iQjqNPA_IiQhko94zI1F87SKfzjlpP_Ago7lBdtqnpjAJkNHsCk1VAdttdoO-Ee8vjvRuGUA=s3163" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1429" data-original-width="3163" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh8_WhHwzha8wv-YTVc7d3dLsuEprK59l0W5-nD_z6UorCmM9IfbUOQGa-wajfZOJv11tqayR77cjUuJY6FYvlnfN8s7Z59MZkl5Jm659Ss_5iQjqNPA_IiQhko94zI1F87SKfzjlpP_Ago7lBdtqnpjAJkNHsCk1VAdttdoO-Ee8vjvRuGUA=w400-h181" width="400" /></a></div><br />Of late, the new habits seem to have become completely alienated from traditional birding. The eBird website lines up <span style="color: #04ff00;"><b>challenges for each month and some lasting all year</b>.</span> Essentially, it is making <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">birding a competition </span></b>and one that is becoming very unhealthy. eBirders seem to be more keen to get numbers under their belt than enjoying birding for birding's sake. Not for them are the field guides and binoculars. Most of them are armed with the latest cameras and far reaching lenses. At the sight of a bird they fire away a few hundred shots. Then, the photograph is posted in some birding group with the query, <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">"ID please"</span></b>! <div><br /></div><div>As a matter of fact, I have now confirmed my worst fears. Many so called eBirders are on the platform only <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">to get access to information regarding interesting sightings and their locations!</span></b> I maybe wrong but that is what my gut tells me.<p></p><p>It seems that these bird photographers aren't interested in identifying a bird in the field. The <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">Merlin app</span></b> is used to identify and sometimes misidentify a bird. Their sole aim seems to be to photograph the maximum number of species in the minimum time. From time to time we see a comment on an eBird checklist, "The first photographic record of ABC species in XYZ location"! Seriously! Who cares?</p><p>I am afraid, <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">traditional birding has become a dying art.</span></b> It is eBirding or Num-birding now and I don't enjoy being a part of this new trend. Most of the new and young individuals with an eye for birds are following this route now. I don't deny there are a few who still follow the traditional birding habits but <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">most are 'collectors'</span></b>. They are more interested in acquiring the latest photography gear first, rather than a simple pair of binoculars, and notch up the numbers in double quick time! </p><p><b><span style="color: #04ff00;">I will continue my contribution to eBird</span></b> because it aids science and also helps me catalogue my birding experiences more systematically. However, I refuse to be drawn into Num-birding. I have made sufficient contribution in terms of media uploads, both photographs and audio recordings. Despite my reduced activity, I'm surprised that <b><span style="color: #04ff00;"><a href="https://birdcount.in/2021-yearlong-challenge-winners/" target="_blank">my name is included in the list of prolific birders </a></span></b>contributing to eBird! However, unless I go out and explore newer territories for my future birding adventures, I'm afraid I'll not be making much contributions in the foreseeable future. </p><p>For that, Covid has to decide that it has punished humans enough. However, it seems we still haven't learnt our lessons, two years into the pandemic. As for me, I'm not leaving my comfort zone in a hurry and no numbers can tempt me to embark on a birding trip to locations where I can add to my species list substantially. </p><p>At this point of time in life, perhaps the twilight zone for me, <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">I prefer to be with Funny Friends, Feathered Fiends and Food, in no particular order or </span></b><span style="color: #04ff00;"><b>location</b><b>!</b></span></p><p>After all, <b><span style="color: #04ff00;">I'm a Woodcrawler first</span> </b>and everything else afterwards!</p></div>Woodcrawlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06761179600016679360noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-32416514527694737132020-08-07T12:32:00.003+05:302020-09-26T19:11:30.245+05:30Avian Orchestrations - Part 2: Calls, Songs & Mimicry artistes<div style="text-align: justify;">
Judging by the popularity of <a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/06/avian-orchestrations-birding-by-ears.html" target="_blank"><b><span style="color: magenta;">the previous post</span></b></a> (← link here), I will safely assume that at least some of you have started sharpening your ears and listening to the feathered friends around you. As you pay more attention, your <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>ability to connect a call to a species will improve</b></span> and you will soon enjoy birding with your eyes closed! To 'see' a bird it has to be in your line of sight but to 'hear' one it can be just about anywhere. That is the advantage of <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>birding by your ears</b></span>. You might have also noticed, if you listened carefully, that each bird is capable of making different sounds. The objective of this post is to introduce you to the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>different types of bird sounds</b></span> that they are capable of. </div>
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Birds are vociferous creatures, especially in certain seasons and situations. In the south of India as summer sets in, the days break early and from the middle of March to the middle of July <span style="color: orange;">t<b>he average length of daylight will exceed 12 hours</b></span>; even stretching to 14 hours between May and July. The early part of summer is also the time the migrant birds would have left or will be preparing to leave for their breeding grounds. In our part of the world too, as summer heralds the arrival bright and warm and days, the endemic birds will also prepare to get into their romantic best! Yes, it is the breeding season and love is in the air.</div>
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If you've taken to the habit of listening to the birds, you would have, by now, realized that they sing more at particular times of the day. <span style="color: orange;"><b>They are most active at dawn and therefore most noisy around sunrise.</b></span> Not that they fall silent the rest of the day but they are at their loudest best, early in the morning. This is the Dawn Chorus.<br />
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<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><b>DAWN CHORUS</b></span></h2>
It is usually in the early summer or spring, in most parts of the world, that birds get into their singing moods. As the beginning of the breeding season starts, the birds, especially the males, looking like they stepped out of Savile row in their resplendent new plumage, test their musical skills to attract the suitable ladies of the species .They can be heard anytime but the best time is about an hour before sunrise and for another two hours after. There is plenty of daytime, as I mentioned earlier and potential suitors find the highest perches and belt out song after song till they catch the attention of a mate. While most singers are male some females too join the fun.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: red;">(PLEASE CLICK ON THE CAPTION UNDER THE PHOTOGRAPHS TO HEAR THE SOUNDS. IT WILL TAKE YOU TO THE MACAULAY LIBRARY PAGE WHERE THE SOUND IS UPLOADED. YOU WILL HAVE TO CLICK TO PLAY)</span></b></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><div style="text-align: justify;"></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyyflsM9iEn-e7ReykV1Pxoj5JnZotJfKLufreR9xAC5icntiIKxrFwSjq5TZKakhed14jTQdAKOpc42i35SNdnLtqg7nYU2GLG-hpZdUxyOEKESRvSzYKvuOOeiM5t-fF6l1/s1536/DSC_7107.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1331" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJyyflsM9iEn-e7ReykV1Pxoj5JnZotJfKLufreR9xAC5icntiIKxrFwSjq5TZKakhed14jTQdAKOpc42i35SNdnLtqg7nYU2GLG-hpZdUxyOEKESRvSzYKvuOOeiM5t-fF6l1/w444-h512/DSC_7107.jpg" title="Oriental magpie robin" width="444" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/155329901" target="_blank">Oriental Magpie Robin</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGRq9Ke0a8y2HFd7yCFfcWbAzbPQ4zZ4nl-3_RAeFonyxiny28XmcocOllqJ5cLHTq4_GFWWz0Ori895zE5xATGxCufOqt4yxpwww_Xa6VqeiHSiPsNpIS9hceB13RCtnU22M/s2048/DSC_1988.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="2048" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRGRq9Ke0a8y2HFd7yCFfcWbAzbPQ4zZ4nl-3_RAeFonyxiny28XmcocOllqJ5cLHTq4_GFWWz0Ori895zE5xATGxCufOqt4yxpwww_Xa6VqeiHSiPsNpIS9hceB13RCtnU22M/w512-h320/DSC_1988.jpg" title="Common tailorbird" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/246399591" target="_blank">Common Tailorbird</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZAr0roSkEOmQcktxwVull5uAGikqsVl6K7qa1l4H4pmOOUIrbXkzDRUBgmZkH6c1QHKPlZsRuAHmpH83jEwtacYKANdWIkumRrLyOvn8_CGfkn67iP3_sgV-vVU_2ZPSTItv/s1451/_EM24784.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1451" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhZAr0roSkEOmQcktxwVull5uAGikqsVl6K7qa1l4H4pmOOUIrbXkzDRUBgmZkH6c1QHKPlZsRuAHmpH83jEwtacYKANdWIkumRrLyOvn8_CGfkn67iP3_sgV-vVU_2ZPSTItv/w512-h381/_EM24784.jpg" title="Asian koel" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/243747411" target="_blank">Asian Koel</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
If you listen carefully everyday, you'll find some species start earlier than others. In my place it is the <span style="color: #ffa400;"><b>Asian koels, oriental magpie robins and white-throated kingfishers start their singing before sunrise.</b></span> <a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/214974341" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>(Click this LINK to listen to the birds that join in the Avian Orchestra at my house)</b></span></a> As the east lights up the red whiskered bulbuls, tailor birds and others join the chorus. Everyone is in trying to outdo each other because there is nothing better to do at that hour. The light is low, there fore predators won't see you easily. Potential food like the insects and flying termites will get active only after the sun warms the air and the earth. Besides the light may not be enough to detect them. In urban environments the sound carries further as traffic and the cacophony of a city won't drown out the songs!<br />
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If you are an early riser and carry your newspaper to the bathroom for a leisurely read while sitting on the best seat in the world, the potty seat, you can keep an ear out for this dawn chorus. Birds wake up before sunrise and warm up while you are trying to read that newspaper and complete the most important activity of the day!<br />
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<span style="color: cyan;"><b>BIRD SONGS & CALLS</b></span></h2>
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Birds vocalize differently depending on the situation, season and location. Their voices can be <span style="color: orange;"><b>broadly divided into two, the songs and the calls</b></span>. Please note, I used the word 'voices' in the previous sentence because there is also another type of sound, the non-vocal sounds, which we will see later.<br />
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Birds sing, mostly the males of the species, during the breeding season. The males, especially, use their talent to advertise their availability to the females. Not only is it a trick to attract mates but also to ward of threats in the form of other birds competing for the same mate or territory. It is also used as a tool for bonding with the mate and their young. Songs are more complex acoustically, have a definite rhythm, are longer and get repeated over and over again. Some birds have more than one type of song and they can go through the entire repertoire in one go. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/155331721" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>(The LINK to the song of the Oriental Magpie Robin)</b></span></a><br />
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Most song birds are usually those that breed where visibility is low, meaning, in habitats where visual connection is difficult, like in thick forests, dense shrubs or even open areas where grass and bushes grow tall. In such situation a call is used to attract the attention of a potential mate or warn other birds intending to enter the territory of the singer. If you have observed, birds that forage or breed in open places like cormorants, darters, ducks, egrets, heron and storks rarely sing. They usually make a sound only when alarmed or when fighting off competition.<br />
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Calls are vocalizations that are made at other times of the year after the breeding season is over. They are short, not very musical and acoustically simple. They are used to communicate within a flock, to keep tabs on location of individuals or as an alarm to warn about an imminent danger.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br />
<a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/214974151" target="_blank"><span style="color: #ff00fe;"><b>(The LINK to the call of the Oriental Magpie Robin)</b></span></a><br />
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<b><span style="color: cyan;">NON-VOCAL SOUNDS</span></b></h2>
There is one other aspect of bird sound, <span style="color: orange;"><b>the non-vocal sound</b></span>. Bird songs and calls are produced in <span style="color: orange;"><b>the bird's voice box called the syrinx </b></span>but there are birds that have poor vocal ability despite the presence of the syrinx. Such birds use other parts of their anatomy to produce sounds. They use bills, feet, tail or wings to produce sound. Albatrosses, some herons and storks, clatter or tap their bills to communicate. Snipes and swifts can vibrate their tail feathers to produce a rattling or whistling sound. All woodpeckers have a very specific rhythm to their tapping and the species can be identified by just listening to it.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBaoT8IJkDjgkmqOeNNZDgMELeN_qeAHeUGLqaGO2w1L-GxZmDUUZzQMqC-mYY1uMP2dqQUq-Ru38X_VWNgwPq0WEf4svolU5JFuw0MenfwtCPon7W40DTaM8ZSTgvDFQ8Msz/s2048/DSC_0256.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1463" data-original-width="2048" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNBaoT8IJkDjgkmqOeNNZDgMELeN_qeAHeUGLqaGO2w1L-GxZmDUUZzQMqC-mYY1uMP2dqQUq-Ru38X_VWNgwPq0WEf4svolU5JFuw0MenfwtCPon7W40DTaM8ZSTgvDFQ8Msz/w512-h366/DSC_0256.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/148974391" target="_blank">Black-rumped flameback</a> (Non-vocal call)<br /></td></tr></tbody></table>
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<span style="color: cyan;">MIMICRY ARTISTES</span></h2>
Many a time, I've heard a shikra call around my house and rushed out with a camera or microphone only to see a racket-tailed drongo shaking in laughter as it succeeded in fooling me again! Most of us would have heard a parrot or myna imitate sounds and even 'speak' human languages. However, in nature, there are a large number of birds that can imitate both animate and inanimate sounds. Some jays, starlings, mockingbirds, magpies and the lyre bird are all great imitators. They imitate, among other things, predators, other birds, insects, squirrels,vehicular horns or alarms, door chimes, chain saw, phone ringtones and much more.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWumIiGSS4bxdJb1-E3bCprdms0L3U4vElTXbFOXuy2i3AhVWGX0UP7Ow8Eq0H3GQsv5MDfjr7nkqLDqPWrfzrT_mstPjPPRj6wUh8l1myQxcMgzd87b-NURTPmDrPK9z24YAT/s2048/DSC_7015.jpg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1589" data-original-width="2048" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWumIiGSS4bxdJb1-E3bCprdms0L3U4vElTXbFOXuy2i3AhVWGX0UP7Ow8Eq0H3GQsv5MDfjr7nkqLDqPWrfzrT_mstPjPPRj6wUh8l1myQxcMgzd87b-NURTPmDrPK9z24YAT/w512-h397/DSC_7015.jpg" width="512" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/244072401" target="_blank">Racket-tailed drongo</a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table><br />
In our part of the world the commonest mimicry artiste is the <span style="color: orange;"><b>racket-tailed drongo</b></span>. It can imitate many birds, animals and inanimate sounds. The ones around my house imitates shikras, babblers, bulbuls, kites, squirrels, whistle of a bus conductor and more! Other birds found on the Indian sub-continent that imitate well are larks, leafbirds and shamas.<br />
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The mimicry serves two purposes. One is for establishing territory and attracting a mate and the second is to scare away foraging birds to steal their food!<br />
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Next time you hear a bird outside your window, try to identify the call. You can record it on to your mobile phone and compare it with bird sounds on websites like <a href="https://www.xeno-canto.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Xeno-Canto</b></span></a> or <a href="https://ebird.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>eBird</b></span></a>. Once you get the hang of it, identifying the birds around you will be a breeze. Not only that, it will amaze you what birds are capable of, when they put their minds and syrinx into it!<br />
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Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-25106450349925685362020-06-04T21:24:00.000+05:302020-06-09T09:55:46.693+05:30Avian Orchestrations - Part 1: Birding by the Ears<div style="text-align: justify;">
A little over four months ago, the first Covid-19 case was reported in Kerala, on 30th January. Subsequently, as the number of cases started shooting up, Kerala went for a lock down from the 23rd March 2020 and the nation followed suit the next day. We are now into the third month and still don't know how long it will continue.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKUhNFvIK2EHsBz761-7MsoUZkZUeJmYeEZwdspThZmuh55b-ufw1sM3-rAppF8MRdZPsbw3wPQglHQKlH4-9IE2h-6aAwOh4fhyphenhyphenl-ay0FdfLq4W4IiOxvIl1cbwiwFlz7DyIH/s400/DSC_5128.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/166474861" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Indian Peafowl (Male)</span></a></td></tr>
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<span style="color: magenta;"><b>As usual, Pinks are Links. Click on the caption of each photograph to listen to the bird! </b></span></div>
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In the initial phase of the lock down, when movement of people were strictly monitored, all of us were confined to our houses, a self-imprisonment induced by an invisible Corona. Suddenly, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>our eyes and ears became sharper</b></span> and we started seeing and hearing things we never noticed before, in our monotonous lives! <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Social media was flooded </b></span>with messages of animals, birds, fish and all assorted creatures moving around places deserted by homo sapiens. Whether they were moving around with greater freedom now or it was only that we never had time to notice their presence among us, only time will tell. In any case, suddenly, everyone became nature enthusiasts overnight!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5btGWy28edanLu7h2XBcX2bK5MfSuupf7osOYkUGhTQe7GWkEBXouhwG8F1VKB9D5g9it-FS6HAMG2g6ztt1_Y-qVXzVEK-Lu5msFXzNjXq9HAbJRh8v1LUwFgkA67OszCNqa/s1600/DSC_2779.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5btGWy28edanLu7h2XBcX2bK5MfSuupf7osOYkUGhTQe7GWkEBXouhwG8F1VKB9D5g9it-FS6HAMG2g6ztt1_Y-qVXzVEK-Lu5msFXzNjXq9HAbJRh8v1LUwFgkA67OszCNqa/s400/DSC_2779.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/230908041" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Asian Koel (male)</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvjamxj4K8Rw_KEFXtk2I9yAQHZxFAxZnb6VVKVqK5QTNrb7YED5sHBFT7TRSUTj6nHap4Xy44uIJR4bTRFKyP7Y4V7xcCU8cG5_fbmVNFOXnrq644lVDDinUj-cA5aDzTRVK/s1600/DSC_9058.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1431" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvjamxj4K8Rw_KEFXtk2I9yAQHZxFAxZnb6VVKVqK5QTNrb7YED5sHBFT7TRSUTj6nHap4Xy44uIJR4bTRFKyP7Y4V7xcCU8cG5_fbmVNFOXnrq644lVDDinUj-cA5aDzTRVK/s400/DSC_9058.jpg" width="357" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/130855111" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Greater coucal</span></a></td></tr>
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It is debatable whether nature took over when we temporarily abandoned spaces. Yes, there are definite indications that mammals, large and small, have started re-entering spaces that was rightfully theirs but <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>birds, fish, reptiles and amphibians were probably around all the time</b></span> but we were too busy to notice. Of these, I can vouch for the birds. I have been pursuing them obsessively for a few years now and I know they have been around us all the time. The people who were used to leaving home early to beat the traffic and and returning late evening would have missed the show. Obviously, if you stop commuting during the critical hours of dawn and dusk, the eyes and ears start noticing thing they didn't see or hear earlier. No surprise there!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS50TN-c1-pong9SxMH18wRYh0UiYU7h1l1otR5KGhCME7qQvOnXPsbKtb4RN0Yl5Y0fijJZ0frPNPMv61ItH67mp7J2Mc2RLMQjIAS_Oqgv2maEtTDGnq26HJyZPT7dBbruY/s1600/DSC_7970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1149" data-original-width="1600" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJS50TN-c1-pong9SxMH18wRYh0UiYU7h1l1otR5KGhCME7qQvOnXPsbKtb4RN0Yl5Y0fijJZ0frPNPMv61ItH67mp7J2Mc2RLMQjIAS_Oqgv2maEtTDGnq26HJyZPT7dBbruY/s400/DSC_7970.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/230901451" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Red whiskered bulbul</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyvFVKygEEKb8Jn4GQwUs0wLquVXURqXvzJyNnWK1eLFLStXbxo9dICNQ36bqo5iTvOQPa1JhwZEr9yID7OSV4V7wTMzpvt7PPP4ZtZw6cWmrw4jnhru74N1BQMs58Mf5ySwAv/s400/DSC_3239.jpg" width="400" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/133916741" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Red vented bulbul</span></a></td></tr>
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To most of us, it is the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>visual identification which is mandatory for anything to imprint in our brain</b></span>. It is rarely that a call from the dense canopy 40 or 50 feet above us or from among the reeds in a pond, registers as a bird call or song. Without a mental image, the majority of us, cannot link a sound with anything animate or inanimate. Most of us <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>have to 'see' </b></span>the source of the sound to connect it to a sound, not the other way around.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WCiZW0XQf3LF0RP-YdzcDn2VxVT4y1kJi6wqeWL2ydLoCuHMEGbC2UGy50m6x-PHyLlwTqhRuUx_IM-2QrgLqpuHf4jp5Or9YVbe8jpdY8PMGiZ6yH_VCBOZf9-WU-vgdpD5/s1600/DSC_4601.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1219" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WCiZW0XQf3LF0RP-YdzcDn2VxVT4y1kJi6wqeWL2ydLoCuHMEGbC2UGy50m6x-PHyLlwTqhRuUx_IM-2QrgLqpuHf4jp5Or9YVbe8jpdY8PMGiZ6yH_VCBOZf9-WU-vgdpD5/s400/DSC_4601.jpg" width="303" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/129608221" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Brahminy kite</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoxWq7q-hoG6srDLDcw9fjEJL4hAk58ElkA-1vNDzpYXJZOCTnAz-GeidktzPude6JLGK6EpzK8AY0GZybdJ2SMhCoTkAskh0jLs8QlWjsJPxK0kaYUTMzHx8R2LAJK-MXhIB/s1600/DSC_4168.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoxWq7q-hoG6srDLDcw9fjEJL4hAk58ElkA-1vNDzpYXJZOCTnAz-GeidktzPude6JLGK6EpzK8AY0GZybdJ2SMhCoTkAskh0jLs8QlWjsJPxK0kaYUTMzHx8R2LAJK-MXhIB/s400/DSC_4168.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/128170681" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Shikra</span></a></td></tr>
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When I started paying attention to birds, it was because my interest was to photograph them. It was, therefore, of paramount importance that I not only saw the bird but also found it on an ideal perch. That was what a 'good photograph' demanded. Slowly, as I turned from being just another 'bird watcher' and photographer to a listener, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>I had transformed into a birder</b></span>. In exalted company of a few like minded friends, my auditory apparatus perked up and eventually overtook my visual apparatus! My photography gear ceased to be as exciting as before, since my ears were now getting more adept at identifying birds.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBYaYCLIef44djla9hBpY_UcUU8h7fGZoTxm9iHZH6SV-8s-pjSmCnPcvnn3TJG2qBDNHJCnjvpIH2FGaXbawFNmB4-_gyFM2kE3UGMHL2cvrW4VJcQTRtMKhkqBZM3Q0JEo4/s1600/DSC_9110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1250" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOBYaYCLIef44djla9hBpY_UcUU8h7fGZoTxm9iHZH6SV-8s-pjSmCnPcvnn3TJG2qBDNHJCnjvpIH2FGaXbawFNmB4-_gyFM2kE3UGMHL2cvrW4VJcQTRtMKhkqBZM3Q0JEo4/s400/DSC_9110.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/224628241" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Barn owl</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNokpnENvOUaSa-watXt2Y5WJ7mMcVpUM1dIj25e-kozQ7Pc1UjxVMfM_Y9EpSxw-Q7xh3rh0JY2uLw7i_mG4mQ8vqy1Awu7gGOr4TuThW1lPrbcv9s4N0flvjqC-IYcZEiQAe/s1600/DSC_8463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1050" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNokpnENvOUaSa-watXt2Y5WJ7mMcVpUM1dIj25e-kozQ7Pc1UjxVMfM_Y9EpSxw-Q7xh3rh0JY2uLw7i_mG4mQ8vqy1Awu7gGOr4TuThW1lPrbcv9s4N0flvjqC-IYcZEiQAe/s400/DSC_8463.jpg" width="262" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/174343131" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Indian grey hornbill</span></a></td></tr>
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Over a period of time, I realized that I was listing birds based on auditory clues than visual ones. It was a completely new experience and <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>the 'photographic eye' didn't matter</b></span> any more. It used to be disappointing, earlier, if I couldn't sight a bird and get a photograph. Now, I didn't have to see one to know who was hiding from me. <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>My ears had evolved!</b></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8RZJvaoWwCV8kIwPTg4JUz4vOgWQRsN-EkSGc1iM-1tbyp80IR30-mSQhoGS3p-CI3lawDxHaCZ-sMDXraEmsVCSCQMSpd15BDnqfpu0i6JHV3XE1a_7bZtNZ2eTopNWcNLW/s1600/DSC_8382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8RZJvaoWwCV8kIwPTg4JUz4vOgWQRsN-EkSGc1iM-1tbyp80IR30-mSQhoGS3p-CI3lawDxHaCZ-sMDXraEmsVCSCQMSpd15BDnqfpu0i6JHV3XE1a_7bZtNZ2eTopNWcNLW/s400/DSC_8382.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/163715061" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">House crow</span></a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH3QVZRJXQqxw-qUk0qJG0XsfmcGUk6FCBhJicgnO_c2Ahb3Nn8GMfdB5sa6Xk7mdUEPbkMSBMBTe-KJwQTiqThMblMf_uzGzz6mesjRq-7XQ5Z-UWivndf1suO1XoHRx-H0F/s1600/DSC_8389.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwH3QVZRJXQqxw-qUk0qJG0XsfmcGUk6FCBhJicgnO_c2Ahb3Nn8GMfdB5sa6Xk7mdUEPbkMSBMBTe-KJwQTiqThMblMf_uzGzz6mesjRq-7XQ5Z-UWivndf1suO1XoHRx-H0F/s400/DSC_8389.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/132359551" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Large billed crow</span></a></td></tr>
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For, those who had started enjoying the beauty of birds during your self-imposed confinement over the last few weeks, I'm sure having to go back to work again will be depriving you of the simple pleasures of watching that bundle of feather go about its daily routine. Something you had grown used too, that helped soothe your frayed nerves and kept you busy during an otherwise frustrating lock down.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4I1VNDcyYPfYIAFoLGJVf2fBY1BB2sEBHjMmxtogYNOKZ_Rr8ruSpQokcHQGgELr40EP66zV6qZg0IjnTE06vb9ExxGbTGc3YfnYDpM47OE43zCm3h2NQBFd0Rz2r4stoTFs/s1600/41075401.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj4I1VNDcyYPfYIAFoLGJVf2fBY1BB2sEBHjMmxtogYNOKZ_Rr8ruSpQokcHQGgELr40EP66zV6qZg0IjnTE06vb9ExxGbTGc3YfnYDpM47OE43zCm3h2NQBFd0Rz2r4stoTFs/s400/41075401.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/134588701" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Common myna</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo-gjzz79ibzISM3KFpqrnY_0Ei6NDK81kdgtEtfJuXhSqsUyqSUZQb6kIepHVBTMvSKXYDHewxsbjanqSDoFZ9jRO0FBDx6E4m1xu0sbTMlqIbfzQ_lzYWqXfb7lXjrPWoMt/s1600/DSC_0738.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeo-gjzz79ibzISM3KFpqrnY_0Ei6NDK81kdgtEtfJuXhSqsUyqSUZQb6kIepHVBTMvSKXYDHewxsbjanqSDoFZ9jRO0FBDx6E4m1xu0sbTMlqIbfzQ_lzYWqXfb7lXjrPWoMt/s400/DSC_0738.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/132602031" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Rufous treepie</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D_6__y2RLR2J7r-5NBlk7qZoPgE9CODEmmQh0gzzx29isgn-dRoYerYXFfq_pLyjD3_n2pz1_j3QWIK5fISPKqpHqzTr-px1e1rQO6zT0kMDbqUjOgaazyR2A3Bs_i1D8JcQ/s1600/DSC_7303.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1D_6__y2RLR2J7r-5NBlk7qZoPgE9CODEmmQh0gzzx29isgn-dRoYerYXFfq_pLyjD3_n2pz1_j3QWIK5fISPKqpHqzTr-px1e1rQO6zT0kMDbqUjOgaazyR2A3Bs_i1D8JcQ/s400/DSC_7303.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/113782701" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Rose-ringed parakeet</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Fear not, you can still enjoy the company of your feathered friends even if you are in your office. If you have an office with a garden, all the more better. <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>There is no place with human presence, that birds haven't adapted to.</b></span> All you have to do is perk up your ears and listen to the world outside, especially if your boss is screaming at you for nothing! It will definitely help you keep your cool.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3FOVm51RoIUbAQ_XQeBWedX9crfgSpk1_pj7_UWObXZ46ENcev-yk80a7Unr0t91ibQrKB8CowL78XXz-ZwW8KwKPg_xI5X1RKI4hKovZKm_0mPU1w837D2yqv975tfg9sFV/s1600/DSC_1044.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_3FOVm51RoIUbAQ_XQeBWedX9crfgSpk1_pj7_UWObXZ46ENcev-yk80a7Unr0t91ibQrKB8CowL78XXz-ZwW8KwKPg_xI5X1RKI4hKovZKm_0mPU1w837D2yqv975tfg9sFV/s400/DSC_1044.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/95834511" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">White cheeked barbet</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwtx0YhnMmGE12j2V5ZWySRUPCyRIsKCwAxCU_yQEjTlOhVB1BpI5KOKGoiRS0QefpSbf8nfTtbZsFIXg9eELf9jtoHYAjI_jduNcfVTzmpHhscFjAHCKujg07x2haQdTocdv/s1600/DSC_2718.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhwtx0YhnMmGE12j2V5ZWySRUPCyRIsKCwAxCU_yQEjTlOhVB1BpI5KOKGoiRS0QefpSbf8nfTtbZsFIXg9eELf9jtoHYAjI_jduNcfVTzmpHhscFjAHCKujg07x2haQdTocdv/s400/DSC_2718.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/149156701" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Racket tailed drongo</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Considering that the Corona issue continues to smoulder, flare up and smoulder again with no end in sight in the foreseeable future, birdsong will help you tide over this crisis in more ways than one. You can keep your boss out of your ear, your children entertained and your spouse happy because you are overflowing with the milk of human kindness. All thanks to the mellifluous tones the birds pour out around you.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH9qf_RN02IVNl7Iv7LIAA6BN-aj2TcYH_YIiqLpYzO-L_6xJmUcIk0YpgZ5yp3AZNek81dgMlLsLx603Wkc0srUfiIdsBxihmS3qGzzNFS4PrSNEomnPuA0ybLOuWRHvTG-I/s1600/41452521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1042" data-original-width="1600" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaH9qf_RN02IVNl7Iv7LIAA6BN-aj2TcYH_YIiqLpYzO-L_6xJmUcIk0YpgZ5yp3AZNek81dgMlLsLx603Wkc0srUfiIdsBxihmS3qGzzNFS4PrSNEomnPuA0ybLOuWRHvTG-I/s400/41452521.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/174461011" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">White throated kingfisher</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2twARHiGx5XiocH8g8kq1x0GCR_4OkkPEoCGphnJjaXgFsGVCio2_QFKUj8DtumnAKw1-t3LlyGIal8hMtW_bNGCfbL2aP-QVij6H6U9w6_lgneIWhY1m9mJsDGe2w6PF-Cg/s1600/DSC_6832.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1100" data-original-width="1600" height="275" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw2twARHiGx5XiocH8g8kq1x0GCR_4OkkPEoCGphnJjaXgFsGVCio2_QFKUj8DtumnAKw1-t3LlyGIal8hMtW_bNGCfbL2aP-QVij6H6U9w6_lgneIWhY1m9mJsDGe2w6PF-Cg/s400/DSC_6832.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/174447561" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Stork billed kingfisher</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl39_LrY0AVvLTYWrtkWSwxv2Qxmqe8IFDhr6KrDHDf5CqWZXg3dVVGzYYA4D2ahZ9BveM3vsbkXqD-n4ExyFsBxA5cRFaEMOWbFY5iY4b2Ix-ZrFeZWbrQGtwPz5Sohpejeik/s1600/DSC_6879.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhl39_LrY0AVvLTYWrtkWSwxv2Qxmqe8IFDhr6KrDHDf5CqWZXg3dVVGzYYA4D2ahZ9BveM3vsbkXqD-n4ExyFsBxA5cRFaEMOWbFY5iY4b2Ix-ZrFeZWbrQGtwPz5Sohpejeik/s400/DSC_6879.jpg" width="312" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/130846141" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Paradise flycatcher (white morph male)</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>post is peppered with photos of various commonly seen birds</b></span> around our homes and office (in South India mainly). You may have either seen them or heard them but rarely connected the visual and auditory components to one bird. Unfortunately Blogger doesn't allow direct audio file uploads so I've put the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>link to the audio file in the caption</b></span> of the photos.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60gYFizHkevqb6UGeqLUW1hhcTiwoGeIws4bDuiQHHiMf7Yqev4YhUB8mlh-fpXkmYwbWfO8pDkmeZ7SNIEfL7ixC9H45Ik_4-y_Hvi_36TgwLKsL6FHAYCXAu3mKSP0RFW7P/s1600/DSC_0256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg60gYFizHkevqb6UGeqLUW1hhcTiwoGeIws4bDuiQHHiMf7Yqev4YhUB8mlh-fpXkmYwbWfO8pDkmeZ7SNIEfL7ixC9H45Ik_4-y_Hvi_36TgwLKsL6FHAYCXAu3mKSP0RFW7P/s400/DSC_0256.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/101476911" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Black-rumped flameback woodpecker</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpz7cvxYduWH_fblp-vrvW-P2XvWQ6Uvo8-QGzzMORx1Za6oYHojITe4s7Zg-0axAoYUhlYt7_gpeHpoIkem-i9pC2P6pfQ8Ei6y0vlD-zaujn5vJhnxX0ih_l6cSDc9aelbX/s1600/DSC_1970.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1068" data-original-width="1600" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxpz7cvxYduWH_fblp-vrvW-P2XvWQ6Uvo8-QGzzMORx1Za6oYHojITe4s7Zg-0axAoYUhlYt7_gpeHpoIkem-i9pC2P6pfQ8Ei6y0vlD-zaujn5vJhnxX0ih_l6cSDc9aelbX/s400/DSC_1970.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/181368611" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Yellow billed babbler</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliGKyL4YpJ-NLgJtDqp3xIrluowzyjzeuq8pXvoZjM0agOSvBZIbstxvvkZQqwUOfsjukoCo55C12chuJwfbL2Tx8IDc3E4F-5OtErHqGNQ6_cnRnLNToDDTaRMxluH4RTKNI/s1600/DSC_2736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiliGKyL4YpJ-NLgJtDqp3xIrluowzyjzeuq8pXvoZjM0agOSvBZIbstxvvkZQqwUOfsjukoCo55C12chuJwfbL2Tx8IDc3E4F-5OtErHqGNQ6_cnRnLNToDDTaRMxluH4RTKNI/s400/DSC_2736.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/155329901" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Oriental magpie robin</span></a></td></tr>
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Each caption is link, which, when clicked, will take you to the <a href="https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Macaulay Library Archives</b></span></span></a> (← click here for link) of bird songs. That is where I have uploaded many of the bird calls (and photographs) that I have recorded. Once you are familiar with the song, you can identify the bird even if it is singing from somewhere far away and out of sight.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOrLjun190gzAOl0h6jKL7cofL7Y8jgy4vmzPDakvj3fcT7nDVE9mosxPC0L8gXI136DoM4WaBLPgxFpYP25vl3TPqTMq8vPcDcoZoqhsZwoY8GgCsb9wCTlSJOatqg0Nc0dp/s1600/DSC_8379.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYOrLjun190gzAOl0h6jKL7cofL7Y8jgy4vmzPDakvj3fcT7nDVE9mosxPC0L8gXI136DoM4WaBLPgxFpYP25vl3TPqTMq8vPcDcoZoqhsZwoY8GgCsb9wCTlSJOatqg0Nc0dp/s400/DSC_8379.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/73167731" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Common tailorbird</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQf6LDq6i5xpp0Xzk6dYonElJrCOTQWCMTgxv193AuALOuicyTsEHtekuMfTKx1ZdKFcKl3erT9YGAX3vQxHi9IgRBLENV48A1i8d_u5ra7fwsTP3j1BWrpWXtuTVpEkhDIKf/s1600/DSC_2042.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPQf6LDq6i5xpp0Xzk6dYonElJrCOTQWCMTgxv193AuALOuicyTsEHtekuMfTKx1ZdKFcKl3erT9YGAX3vQxHi9IgRBLENV48A1i8d_u5ra7fwsTP3j1BWrpWXtuTVpEkhDIKf/s400/DSC_2042.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/140328041" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Pale-billed flowerpecker</span></a><span id="goog_1525985849"></span><span id="goog_1525985850"></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxi-HpjFSYuAGG61f7zthlnR7kwm4WtLnh7grrw07TSqSeNjkIhidpVD-zuUw7fdymiLIC9I3vqgpeqaNuzmMOpCcA6Q1jmSYx0Km5yiXTIcAQ1qn-K6nDjB-sr1xjXsKFzyYR/s1600/DSC_4282.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxi-HpjFSYuAGG61f7zthlnR7kwm4WtLnh7grrw07TSqSeNjkIhidpVD-zuUw7fdymiLIC9I3vqgpeqaNuzmMOpCcA6Q1jmSYx0Km5yiXTIcAQ1qn-K6nDjB-sr1xjXsKFzyYR/s400/DSC_4282.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/126212881" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Purple-rumped sunbird</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgvHPYjiFJYPOMpmGByvRa47OLwrWffdLhS1A68qKIfBOlpIUmflXMBKZjpzx_MbelqVy96T9mPS_GFbFT-JKoFynRGS-fYbDELvuae5WZ36cwH0O5aztmJft60R1O7gmriOQ/s1600/DSC_2256.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="931" data-original-width="1600" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvgvHPYjiFJYPOMpmGByvRa47OLwrWffdLhS1A68qKIfBOlpIUmflXMBKZjpzx_MbelqVy96T9mPS_GFbFT-JKoFynRGS-fYbDELvuae5WZ36cwH0O5aztmJft60R1O7gmriOQ/s400/DSC_2256.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/174349031" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">Loten's (large billed) sunbird</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc58y7R7Piel0XcvDZCbHjh-jG5XQ_kpUxm47xmtm_-F6IH7NYA1wnibGTAM_MEojEmdeKOT8soM2pMcwBog9iTcbLl5ZI_o09CXg585owDapikK4zYRyBgQLz65c9DfteEYff/s1600/DSC_8414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc58y7R7Piel0XcvDZCbHjh-jG5XQ_kpUxm47xmtm_-F6IH7NYA1wnibGTAM_MEojEmdeKOT8soM2pMcwBog9iTcbLl5ZI_o09CXg585owDapikK4zYRyBgQLz65c9DfteEYff/s400/DSC_8414.jpg" width="266" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://macaulaylibrary.org/asset/84991891" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;">House sparrow</span></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This is, by no means, a complete list of birds seen or heard around us. Common <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>birds differ according to location, altitude and habitat,</b></span> so for a given location the list of birds in that area will be slightly different. I may have omitted many species, either because it is not seen commonly in the place I live in or because I don't have audio records of my own for them. You can check <a href="https://www.macaulaylibrary.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Macaulay Library</b></span></a> (← click here for link) or <a href="https://www.xeno-canto.org/" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>Xeno-Canto</b></span></a> (← click here for link) for more audio records.<br />
<br />
If you want to know more about any species that you run across, I'd suggest you <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>look at some of the dedicated birding sites.</b></span> One of the most comprehensive sites is the <a href="https://ebird.org/explore" target="_blank"><span style="color: magenta;"><b>eBird website</b></span></a> (← click here for link) where you can explore more details of the bird you have seen or heard. <br />
<br />
Finally, no bird calls or sings in a monotonous fashion. <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Every bird has a large repertoire of songs</b></span> that is usually reserved for different seasons and situations. <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Bird song</b></span> is more elaborate and usually heard during mating season while <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>bird calls</b></span> are short and used to warn the flock or keep in contact. Some birds imitate very well and the racket tailed drongo is an expert mimic, able to imitate other birds, animals or even inanimate things. So if you listen only to one track, you might be missing some serious talent. Select a species on one of the above mentioned websites and listen to all the various calls and songs a bird is capable of.<br />
<br />
I hope this post gives you a stimulus to <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>'look' at bird with your ears</b></span>. Even during your busy day, tune your ears to pick up the bird outside your window. <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>It will be a lifetime of free music!</b></span> <br />
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Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-39334170487435596992020-05-29T17:33:00.001+05:302020-05-29T18:42:36.848+05:30The Binocular Blog - Afterthoughts & Accessories<div style="text-align: justify;">
This has probably been the longest blog series that I've completed and <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>I acknowledge the role Corona has played </b></span>it. While it has caused unbelievable numbers of human fatalities, it has also resurrected a comatose blog! <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>I will be eternally grateful for that</b></span>. I don't think I'll have the time for research and blogging like this, ever again, but I look forward to Corona saying farewell and life limping back to normal. I need more subjects for my blogs, so I have to start woodcrawling again soon, and not being totally obsessed with birds. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It was actually a labour of love because <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>I love all my binoculars, old and new</b></span>. While researching, it gave me the opportunity to learn so much about binoculars. I hope you find it useful too. Internet is a vast storehouse of information and I've given a few links in the Introduction Post for this series (link here). You can refer the links I've provided for more information. When buying a binocular, ensure you compare brands and offers. Make an informed decision because it is an investment for a lifetime. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are a few things I couldn't slot in elsewhere so I will list them here. All binoculars come with some accessories in the box. Typically, they will provide a case, a neck strap, a cleaning cloth and the lens covers. There are other things you may consider adding as you go along. This is a partial list and in no way complete. </div>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Neoprene neck straps with padding</b></span>. If you intend hanging the binocular around your neck, it will be more comfortable with a padded neck strap.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Shoulder harness for heavier binoculars</b></span>. If you are using a porro prism binocular or roof prism binoculars with 10x50 specifications or more, it is going to be heavy and will get very painful after a few hours around the neck. The harness will distribute the weight across your shoulders.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoZltyqPp55IEbdIeDZZKdnybtewbeTOkdV4nRkta6KDy-XGdFRW12eMLTOhaeb2mdXPyneP23kiTmq5A-i59-fL8UcHRO5pI6VZaT0tAsuTpMvqU0k7EUg-RfZsD-UkLgjtb/s1600/Chest+harness.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="800" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFoZltyqPp55IEbdIeDZZKdnybtewbeTOkdV4nRkta6KDy-XGdFRW12eMLTOhaeb2mdXPyneP23kiTmq5A-i59-fL8UcHRO5pI6VZaT0tAsuTpMvqU0k7EUg-RfZsD-UkLgjtb/s320/Chest+harness.webp" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoulder harness distributes weight on your shoulders</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Harness with chest case</b></span>. Sometimes it is better to have chest harness with a storage case hanging on your chest. This is very useful if you are walking over rough terrain as the binocular will not hang loose and flop about. The storage case will also protect it from unexpected knocks.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRqvG92hxAphZZ97N7gd8De1ZK3JQWzf7ULjDgB_5an1nspGHWPwhFaGeO9J6K2hlXe2GWd_DJRXDL9pZxdkGW66mlns65VKXHxKgzkPgOOI0xfwYPsukZOjfBpY62NTPtXmF/s1600/Vortex+Glasspak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRqvG92hxAphZZ97N7gd8De1ZK3JQWzf7ULjDgB_5an1nspGHWPwhFaGeO9J6K2hlXe2GWd_DJRXDL9pZxdkGW66mlns65VKXHxKgzkPgOOI0xfwYPsukZOjfBpY62NTPtXmF/s400/Vortex+Glasspak.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shoulder harness with case</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</li>
<li><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Lens rain protection covers</b></span>. All binoculars come with objective and eyepiece lens covers. It is a very frequently lost item if you are not careful. Many companies have tethered covers for objective lenses and eyelets on the eyepiece covers for threading onto your strap. If your binoculars don't have such ones, you can get after market ones.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Tripod adapter and tripod</b></span>. Heavier binoculars come with a tripod socket hidden on their hinges. If you have shaky hands, you can get an adapter to mount the binocular on a tripod, like a camera. If you are trying digi-binning a tripod mount is a must. As for the tripod, any tripod you use with photography gear will suit the purpose.</li>
<li><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1062" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtkYRvD_wJwNbGh_zk6QwJSqVYNlQqKLSCrghifm9VF0TnUOxU-Uy4fdRReUubt42Znhd8oDmwLu5Uq0zioXjI7ZCmMcafHjnOXVxJst3p9AjilJM0OOiBFwK4lfMIj0s0MEJQ/s400/61nBFVswofL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="282" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tripod adapter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83bURWFi5UyX8AkFMm2W2DJ6BuEuzp_SPbTTJCDXsm1pMJpVl2NQKUVlBuZR7e9kDlowHSU9vVhDsFpFw7NJSemAcOqHrljCVuDTQGTt5QMOqPu5wjx1UjaAMsxN2QIUkiOJK/s1600/Tripod+mount.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1063" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi83bURWFi5UyX8AkFMm2W2DJ6BuEuzp_SPbTTJCDXsm1pMJpVl2NQKUVlBuZR7e9kDlowHSU9vVhDsFpFw7NJSemAcOqHrljCVuDTQGTt5QMOqPu5wjx1UjaAMsxN2QIUkiOJK/s400/Tripod+mount.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tripod socket</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA6H-Ozn8fw6ph8uoTvuJw2yZRm2-tPfYnX9QHjhV6icUfsc1CYFMD-Ls8l2RIScVOW98S6B3v-CaZAfMWytfSJODOMAn4cTaB7PtkvluCRseq8P1jYVN6D9dtOSYTwjjFn_l/s1600/81KX2KlDnPL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1268" data-original-width="1500" height="337" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuA6H-Ozn8fw6ph8uoTvuJw2yZRm2-tPfYnX9QHjhV6icUfsc1CYFMD-Ls8l2RIScVOW98S6B3v-CaZAfMWytfSJODOMAn4cTaB7PtkvluCRseq8P1jYVN6D9dtOSYTwjjFn_l/s400/81KX2KlDnPL._AC_SL1500_.jpg" width="400" /> </a></td><td style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Universal mount</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
For <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>those who are impatient </b></span>to go through the entire blog series, I'm giving below direct links to all the posts. You can go directly to the page you are interested in, though I suggest you go through each post as all of them contain some information that will be useful when you consider purchasing a binocular for your self.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-1-inducement.html"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Introduction</span></a></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-anatomy.html"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Part – 1: Anatomy of a Binocular</span></a></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/binocular-blog-part-2-purpose-and.html"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Part – 2: Purpose and Portability</span></a></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-3-making-sense.html"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;">Part – 3: Magnification, Objective
diameter</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"> & FOV</span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-4-eye-relief.html">Part
– 4: Eye Relief</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-5-exit-pupil.html">Part
– 5: Exit pupil & Interpupillary distance</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-6-image.html">Part
– 6: Image brightness</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-7-focusing.html">Part
– 7: Focusing fundamentals</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">9.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-8-weather.html">Part
– 8: Weather sealing</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">10.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-9-money-on-table.html">Part
– 9: Purchase decision</a></span></span></span></div>
<span style="color: white;">
</span><div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<span style="color: white;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">11.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-10-care-of-your.html">Part
– 10: Care & Storage</a></span></span></span></div>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="35" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="10" QFormat="true" Name="Title"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="1" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="22" QFormat="true" Name="Strong"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="20" QFormat="true" Name="Emphasis"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" Name="Table Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" UnhideWhenUsed="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="62" Name="Light Grid"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="63" Name="Medium Shading 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="67" Name="Medium Grid 1"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="69" Name="Medium Grid 3"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="73" Name="Colorful Grid"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" SemiHidden="true" Name="Revision"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="30" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="72" Name="Colorful List Accent 2"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="60" Name="Light Shading Accent 6"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="61" Name="Light List Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="65" Name="Medium List 1 Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="71" Name="Colorful Shading Accent 6"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="19" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="21" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="31" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="32" QFormat="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="33" QFormat="true" Name="Book Title"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="37" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="39" SemiHidden="true"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="41" Name="Plain Table 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="42" Name="Plain Table 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="43" Name="Plain Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="44" Name="Plain Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="45" Name="Plain Table 5"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="40" Name="Grid Table Light"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46" Name="Grid Table 1 Light"/>
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51" Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52" Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 1"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
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<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 2"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="46"
Name="Grid Table 1 Light Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="47" Name="Grid Table 2 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="48" Name="Grid Table 3 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="49" Name="Grid Table 4 Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="50" Name="Grid Table 5 Dark Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="51"
Name="Grid Table 6 Colorful Accent 3"/>
<w:LsdException Locked="false" Priority="52"
Name="Grid Table 7 Colorful Accent 3"/>
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Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-43607481364597721322020-05-29T12:25:00.001+05:302020-05-29T17:46:27.253+05:30The Binocular Blog - Part 10: Caring for your Bins<div style="text-align: justify;">
So, by now, you have decided to buy or have already bought a binocular. <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>The binocular is not a toy</b></span>. It is a sensitive optical instrument that <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>will see many decades of flawless service</b></span> if taken care of. I'm referring to the waterproof, dust proof and fog proof models and not the inexpensive ones. However, they also have to be cared for like any other gadget, to get the best out of them.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As I have mentioned in the earlier posts, binoculars are predominantly <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>used outdoors</b></span>. Therefore the risk of damage due to falls and knock are to be expected. Aside from that, depending on the weather conditions, it will be <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>exposed to heat, dust and moisture</b></span>. When your manufacturer says that the binoculars are waterproof, dust proof and fog proof, they mean that the internal surfaces are protected. Using the binoculars in the rain or dust can coat the outside surfaces dirt and grime. Not only that, if you make a habit of throwing the binoculars into your backpack or bag along with your water bottle, sandwich and bananas; rest assured it will reduce the life of your precious binocular.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: cyan;">1. STORAGE</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
When you store your binoculars make sure it is inside its own case. Don't just throw it in your bag with everything else to save the trouble of carrying an extra case. Binocular cases are designed specifically for carrying them in and all manufactures usually supply one or more cases, depending on the brand. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Compact binoculars come with small pouches that can be looped on your belt. They will just about fit the binocular and nothing more. The neck strap of the binocular doubles as the strap for the pouch.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the binoculars get bigger, the pouches get bigger and more sophisticated. My <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Zeiss Terra ED 8x42 came with two cases</b></span>. One soft case with its own neck strap and a semi-hard case that could be looped on my belt.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6enuNhWiPphq_neM3hRqOKEvp6hKSxYwsSP_DOiMwwF1VZ2NFgsFT8UQFYxz4AcftuglHqbHHEfoQEnwxdcCsb5D8JSAupiIm5EPfUOoLgNFDV0Zoj1cSX1CmCL_jlaixahMl/s1600/Storage_Zeiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1217" data-original-width="1173" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6enuNhWiPphq_neM3hRqOKEvp6hKSxYwsSP_DOiMwwF1VZ2NFgsFT8UQFYxz4AcftuglHqbHHEfoQEnwxdcCsb5D8JSAupiIm5EPfUOoLgNFDV0Zoj1cSX1CmCL_jlaixahMl/s400/Storage_Zeiss.jpg" width="385" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeiss softcase</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50rvv9F4F_CTCn7Xm06sjpyHcNsRY6vKADt2cET9HNfzSwlipnhyIvJMQwXbGc5KqXySEfmTDTKFdaxvNLAnUj3hBYFFq9Vu8oUIpEjwg22EGl2O5NJsTBLhF94pXrROYW6DA/s1600/Storage_Zeiss1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1161" data-original-width="1139" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj50rvv9F4F_CTCn7Xm06sjpyHcNsRY6vKADt2cET9HNfzSwlipnhyIvJMQwXbGc5KqXySEfmTDTKFdaxvNLAnUj3hBYFFq9Vu8oUIpEjwg22EGl2O5NJsTBLhF94pXrROYW6DA/s400/Storage_Zeiss1.jpg" width="391" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeiss semi-hard case</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPly9zqWmZFKoPsSlwPSRWZ2e26JetubYU0fzgfywltLUJ116TooCZnHrzsMRhgzaE6-ZEIGMKrYOwEhWy3TKDvy66QxJbM4wGkaAC1-fhc4DY2H986idW1hkZgifbVha24LQk/s1600/Storage_Zeiss2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1130" data-original-width="1116" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPly9zqWmZFKoPsSlwPSRWZ2e26JetubYU0fzgfywltLUJ116TooCZnHrzsMRhgzaE6-ZEIGMKrYOwEhWy3TKDvy66QxJbM4wGkaAC1-fhc4DY2H986idW1hkZgifbVha24LQk/s400/Storage_Zeiss2.jpg" width="395" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeiss semi-hard case with belt loops</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Vortex Viper HD 12x50 came with their Glasspak binocular harness</b></span> but I found it a little tight for my binoculars. Perhaps they were designed for a 8x42 or 10x42, maybe even a 10x50, but I found putting it in and taking out the 12x50 a little annoyingly tight. Moreover, the mesh pockets are also a little tight and being made of mesh will not prevent stuff stored in it from getting dusty or wet. Not only that, since I also carry photography and bird sound recording gear, another thing on my chest is an interference. If you are only carrying a binocular this is perfectly fine. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnK9ikf8XIkHKYweNid47RfHrTQG8YyMnsc5bySlATZrLK8_ltRHQx-_80Uv5Q-l6DP_AoZlNljFpQkiJQLNGmn7T9565c2rk3_AKazW1rY-VHmA1bYAuJDYu7-1I3fQPGl80/s1600/Storage_Vortex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1178" data-original-width="1194" height="393" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrnK9ikf8XIkHKYweNid47RfHrTQG8YyMnsc5bySlATZrLK8_ltRHQx-_80Uv5Q-l6DP_AoZlNljFpQkiJQLNGmn7T9565c2rk3_AKazW1rY-VHmA1bYAuJDYu7-1I3fQPGl80/s400/Storage_Vortex.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vortex Glasspak binocular harness</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPb8NusfMR_PR7boV6n7q5JiSqc8romm2PK_yKMc4tpefaArvNhaWiTUozoq0fIZ4A5Plcfxukp2pNtSKpSLdx6N_JgaSFuu4IY6lxP1qT-vI6EKEINzlaY2y8vYOErjv9zgp/s1600/Storage_Vortex5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1319" data-original-width="1134" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifPb8NusfMR_PR7boV6n7q5JiSqc8romm2PK_yKMc4tpefaArvNhaWiTUozoq0fIZ4A5Plcfxukp2pNtSKpSLdx6N_JgaSFuu4IY6lxP1qT-vI6EKEINzlaY2y8vYOErjv9zgp/s400/Storage_Vortex5.jpg" width="343" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vortex Glasspak in position</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Personally, I prefer <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>a bag that I can clip around my waist</b></span> as it stays out of the way of my photography and audio recording equipment. So I got one from AliExpress which has five other zippered pouches beside the main compartment. It is useful for storing identity documents, driving license, Swiss army knife, purse, cell phone, GPS and any small stuff you fancy</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_HViTCUCG1MyrgDboGKWn0rvTh5DnJfdo9XDU3q8JWchyphenhyphenxKH9YeeG38zvyXqIZxCOC6eJUu-Q7_rRNV6VLrBKXfzUl-UnKbfzBiyEhqZ-opoQW4MZMCDXxWV7FHzf9TOAChQ/s1600/Storage_hip2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1000" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC_HViTCUCG1MyrgDboGKWn0rvTh5DnJfdo9XDU3q8JWchyphenhyphenxKH9YeeG38zvyXqIZxCOC6eJUu-Q7_rRNV6VLrBKXfzUl-UnKbfzBiyEhqZ-opoQW4MZMCDXxWV7FHzf9TOAChQ/s400/Storage_hip2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rests comfortably on your side.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Beside the extra storage, it takes the weight off my neck and shoulders when I carry the 12x50 into the field.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhdTIOAVN3O7trjnTBIt-F4CWffpx6vi_yEktCLzAQEyqakv_Ei6Dyia14JekwXT5IA7hHEolWhUnxWDhVpKB81JUf6Cf8inI4M-VtF5HQM_itJlsOcowc6SZHbIotEimBKDD/s1600/Storage_hip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1150" data-original-width="1157" height="397" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhdTIOAVN3O7trjnTBIt-F4CWffpx6vi_yEktCLzAQEyqakv_Ei6Dyia14JekwXT5IA7hHEolWhUnxWDhVpKB81JUf6Cf8inI4M-VtF5HQM_itJlsOcowc6SZHbIotEimBKDD/s400/Storage_hip.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVqjYsVu20yrvKE9NdRzofuHKBNZUQRi_3y2m8VmEq4WfyU-QTCUCjC_R95N2Uk58eVYZPR0gmLajSwZffzO-tvHp_jWkfVu8vfqrysLI8WPq4ezx88WwLA5Z83zI1eTDomZJ/s1600/Storage_vortex2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1106" data-original-width="1130" height="391" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSVqjYsVu20yrvKE9NdRzofuHKBNZUQRi_3y2m8VmEq4WfyU-QTCUCjC_R95N2Uk58eVYZPR0gmLajSwZffzO-tvHp_jWkfVu8vfqrysLI8WPq4ezx88WwLA5Z83zI1eTDomZJ/s400/Storage_vortex2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lots of storage spaces</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn7hkpGls41iV8E9oGuPG_b8x3U6vVCSkm7YsJQXfj2qN3dm2N7hnPhR6lEpdszNHwmaVwRnrknSapg8_Hdc6_3xbOtNeDBZROPORjNDHJG-54-oM5fXOHcYnTbspC0zKekuD/s1600/Storage_Vortex3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdn7hkpGls41iV8E9oGuPG_b8x3U6vVCSkm7YsJQXfj2qN3dm2N7hnPhR6lEpdszNHwmaVwRnrknSapg8_Hdc6_3xbOtNeDBZROPORjNDHJG-54-oM5fXOHcYnTbspC0zKekuD/s400/Storage_Vortex3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main compartment has a purse-string closure, water resistant inner cover</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzu3xkP-or1Ht9NGtq5DwpGoZnulvcyTJykR39BR1mvjOYA3FcKXf7SoH1F9pHbze2AzsJ25GNr00xaZozLW7e2EM1fYneDWmi38GzyMLW8heGhzQPuYsajcy114ng_jPYoAyE/s1600/Storage_Vortex4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1045" data-original-width="1432" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzu3xkP-or1Ht9NGtq5DwpGoZnulvcyTJykR39BR1mvjOYA3FcKXf7SoH1F9pHbze2AzsJ25GNr00xaZozLW7e2EM1fYneDWmi38GzyMLW8heGhzQPuYsajcy114ng_jPYoAyE/s400/Storage_Vortex4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While storing anywhere, either in your backpack or even in the binocular cover, ensure that your objective lens and ocular lens covers are in place. If it is off season and you don't intend to use the binoculars for a while, perhaps due to wet weather, it will be a good idea to place it in a zip-lock pouch with silica gel and then store in its case. If your hobby includes photography and you possess a dry-cabinet (de-humidifier) keep a small corner for your binocular!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: cyan;">2. CLEANING</span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Don't clean your binoculars too frequently</b></span>. It is not usually required if you store it well even while in the field. When you are out hiking <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>keep your objective and ocular lens cover on</b></span>. Take it off only when you are using it. That way you minimize the chance for dust and water to fall on your binoculars. Despite your care, sometimes you will have dust and moisture on your lenses and it will leave smudges. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>immediate temptation</b></span>, if you see a dirty binocular is to take out a tissue or any available material and <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>wipe it clean</b></span>. <b><span style="color: red;">DON'T DO THAT</span></b>. Dust is essentially microscopic sand particles. If you try to wipe it off, the particles may scratch the coating on the objective and ocular lens, eventually the scratches will result in a cloudy image.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The first step is to <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>get the dust off</b></span>. Use a blower brushes like the ones used to clean photography equipment. Try to dislodge the dust from the body and then the lenses by gently blowing air while holding the binocular with the lens being cleaned facing down. Repeat for both objective and ocular lenses. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn6DljOVo-WJlDzFsaGo_T8lg-8edRv0eljHEe6cWfM5yelc0-Lo1J1lI4MZCQimPxO3yPu2JKZ09cmSmMLQEU1z485N5JQAdJbZzILO-5k1HOqn1f-NjJ2FSH7BsCzLy_AT0/s1600/Cleaning-Blower1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwn6DljOVo-WJlDzFsaGo_T8lg-8edRv0eljHEe6cWfM5yelc0-Lo1J1lI4MZCQimPxO3yPu2JKZ09cmSmMLQEU1z485N5JQAdJbZzILO-5k1HOqn1f-NjJ2FSH7BsCzLy_AT0/s400/Cleaning-Blower1.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Closed blower brush</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKSDIo5h4tiV2sINIZGtSj3fl4qfYHHvFeh06kKwJ59Nwc7n4Z24hHV09UuzIpph65fSPkCZEqpf2a00BGtwfORyieD2BdGGT8LXPdF9pnngFdAwYmUtZVytDGioYXW3AiNnq/s1600/Cleaning-Blower2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1266" data-original-width="998" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKSDIo5h4tiV2sINIZGtSj3fl4qfYHHvFeh06kKwJ59Nwc7n4Z24hHV09UuzIpph65fSPkCZEqpf2a00BGtwfORyieD2BdGGT8LXPdF9pnngFdAwYmUtZVytDGioYXW3AiNnq/s400/Cleaning-Blower2.jpg" width="315" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Brush cover retracted</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasem6Rm9fu0koWRbpSH7qgmjRirnkhyphenhyphenRPAHBTU531N4t8pOwoc_Wmcijtej6CTH75cteHDtZhyphenhyphen16VSMBofGfl0PUHlU-037t6jAPT4D1Tjbh38KWWM1wFOS-noMImBam53_CK/s1600/Cleaning-Blower3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1225" data-original-width="1000" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiasem6Rm9fu0koWRbpSH7qgmjRirnkhyphenhyphenRPAHBTU531N4t8pOwoc_Wmcijtej6CTH75cteHDtZhyphenhyphen16VSMBofGfl0PUHlU-037t6jAPT4D1Tjbh38KWWM1wFOS-noMImBam53_CK/s400/Cleaning-Blower3.jpg" width="326" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blower nozzle under the brush end</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You may have to <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>dislodge larger particles with the brush</b></span> on the blower or with a <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>lens cleaning pen</b></span>. The lens pens usually have a brush on one end and a flat cleaning surface with a non-liquid compound on the other end. Both of these can easily be carried with you in your bag or pocket for use in the field. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkbHP3key72u5pOq2VtueOTLxlDo6SW_FUKNLlN2S6b51-jwSO6JVFsTgCL1UsxIeePhNFsLw3Ub1EPCFIlxGBzIBwr4g2dJ_ChIQ0VcBD4MzsqCB038Z69IC_nZecxN_zzln/s1600/Cleaning-lenspen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1311" data-original-width="983" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinkbHP3key72u5pOq2VtueOTLxlDo6SW_FUKNLlN2S6b51-jwSO6JVFsTgCL1UsxIeePhNFsLw3Ub1EPCFIlxGBzIBwr4g2dJ_ChIQ0VcBD4MzsqCB038Z69IC_nZecxN_zzln/s400/Cleaning-lenspen2.jpg" width="298" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lens pen with brush exposed (top) and the dry tip (below)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Sometimes, stubborn dirt may require a little washing under a tap, assuming that the binocular is waterproof but let the flow be gentle. This might be required if you use the binoculars on the beach or sea. If you wash it in water, resist the urge to wipe the excess water dry. The cloth might cause scratches on the coatings. Wait for it to dry out naturally first. If there are smudges, it might require a wipe. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Any smudges and more resistant dirt will need to be gently wiped out. To wipe the lenses, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>avoid using facial tissue, toilet tissue, ordinary towels, the edge of your T-shirt or saree</b></span> or any handy material you find. Paper will most certainly leave scratches on the coating. You have to <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>use a lint free cloth or micro fiber cloth</b></span> for this purpose. Most binocular manufactures provide one inside your box. Keep that box along with your binocular in separate plastic cover so that it doesn't get dirty or dusty. A gentle circular wiping motion from the center to the edges with a dry micro-fiber cloth will usually do the trick but if it still refuses to go then you will need to use some cleaning liquids. You can also get lens cleaning kits that includes all or most of the items mentioned above.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOraLKx_PaOXUOT1ByKdMMnYwpx5J2CkYzJdOdUMebtVqMMEtpLuSaQK90pYo8APLPk6TgqKjMEcWuYYViVCFcFpy_l_5GSqZTCCT1iINBHSMTDKnlrGPe6teJALt3rgy4mOSL/s1600/Cleaning-wipes2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1556" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOraLKx_PaOXUOT1ByKdMMnYwpx5J2CkYzJdOdUMebtVqMMEtpLuSaQK90pYo8APLPk6TgqKjMEcWuYYViVCFcFpy_l_5GSqZTCCT1iINBHSMTDKnlrGPe6teJALt3rgy4mOSL/s400/Cleaning-wipes2.jpg" width="388" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeiss wet lens wipes and micro fiber cloth</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFZ1uKJ1YeNq08Ec2DaoIvUXdKTcIxlJupdTFPlfiE6NYjIDmzjr-ogtKJNriStdr32VhgOFJZRW5tpUm_IY3ZKSYkgQ-kmWyMP8nlOXZzKNP126Zt1mA5NoZNa-V9iAA3Exc/s1600/Lensclean_Zeiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1500" data-original-width="1500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuFZ1uKJ1YeNq08Ec2DaoIvUXdKTcIxlJupdTFPlfiE6NYjIDmzjr-ogtKJNriStdr32VhgOFJZRW5tpUm_IY3ZKSYkgQ-kmWyMP8nlOXZzKNP126Zt1mA5NoZNa-V9iAA3Exc/s400/Lensclean_Zeiss.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeiss lens cleaning kit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
There are lens cleaning solutions (with isopropyl alcohol) that are specifically made for camera and binocular lenses with coatings. <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Don't use any glass or household cleaning liquid</b></span> as they will most certainly damage the coatings permanently. Don't spray on the lens directly, instead spray a little solution (should be barely wet) onto one corner of the cloth and wipe in a circular motion. Once the smudge is gone, wipe again with the dry part of the cloth. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Finally, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>don't wipe your binocular lenses very frequently</b></span>. A slight layer of dust can be easily blown off. Wiping the lenses every time you use them will <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>increase the risk of scratching them</b></span>. Wipe only when significant dirt or smudges are there. Otherwise, store them carefully to prevent dust and dirt from accumulating. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: cyan;"><b>3. PROTECTION</b></span></h2>
<ol style="text-align: justify;">
<li>While walking with a binocular, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>don't hold it by the neck strap</b></span> and let it swing. It can hit something or the strap might snap and you can damage the binocular with a heavy knock or fall. Keep it hung around your neck or with a shoulder harness. </li>
<li>If you have to move rapidly or through heavy undergrowth, either <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>keep it zipped up inside the jacket </b></span>or keep it inside the case. That will protect it from swinging wildly or falling. </li>
<li>When traveling <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>keep it inside its case</b></span> with the lens covers on. Falling from a speeding vehicle can damage the binocular, including throwing its glassware out of alignment. It may then have to be sent back to the factory for repairs.</li>
<li><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Don't keep it close to sources of high heat</b></span>. It could melt the rubber or plastic armour on the body and also damage lens coatings and O-ring seals. </li>
<li><span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>In heavy rain keep it inside its waterproof case</b></span> with the objective and ocular protection covers fitted snugly. If the case is not waterproof a <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>zip-lock pouch</b></span> over the binocular or the case itself will prevent it from getting unnecessarily wet.</li>
<li>When keeping in its case <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>keep the eye cups down</b></span> (retracted) otherwise a fall can twist it out of shape. In Porro prism binoculars, since the length increases when the eye cups are focus ring is turned, always close it to infinity focus position (down), otherwise it may not fit in the case properly. </li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>those who are impatient </b></span>to
go through the entire blog series, I'm giving below direct links to all
the posts. You can go directly to the page you are interested in,
though I suggest you go through each post as all of them contain some
information that will be useful when you consider purchasing a binocular
for your self.<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-1-inducement.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Introduction</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-IN">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-anatomy.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 1: Anatomy of a Binocular</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/binocular-blog-part-2-purpose-and.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 2: Purpose and Portability</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-3-making-sense.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 3: Magnification, Objective
diameter</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"> & FOV</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-4-eye-relief.html">Part
– 4: Eye Relief</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-5-exit-pupil.html">Part
– 5: Exit pupil & Interpupillary distance</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-6-image.html">Part
– 6: Image brightness</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-7-focusing.html">Part
– 7: Focusing fundamentals</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">9.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-8-weather.html">Part
– 8: Weather sealing</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">10.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-9-money-on-table.html">Part
– 9: Purchase decision</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">11.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-10-care-of-your.html">Part
– 10: Care & Storage</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-afterthoughts.html">12. Afterthoughts
and accessories</a></span></span></span></span></div>
Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-63350185457288718122020-05-27T16:03:00.000+05:302020-05-29T17:46:10.681+05:30The Binocular Blog - Part 9: Money on the Table<div style="text-align: justify;">
Now that you have acquired a fairly reasonable knowledge about binoculars, it is time to put it to good use before putting your money on the table. I'm not going to suggest any particular brand or model as that is decision you have to take. I will only take you through the process of decision making which will be different for everyone. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
What you will buy will depend on the purpose, your budget, availability of a particular brand or model, features on the binocular and most importantly serviceability and warranty. The last is often not considered but I know how difficult it is to a get a certain brand repaired in India. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;">1. Purpose</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Decide what you want it for. If you are buying one for casual use you needn't go for a high end, high magnification instrument. For an occasional user a compact or midsize will do. Some thing like a 10x25 or 8x32 , which will be quite handy. I keep a Bushnell H2O 10x25 in my car.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5v2eoXPMz2ObluHB3MmV03Wpi5Ac15x16RGYgwJe4xby3CIgMfnNb2BZOWG2ZqP_okNe91G7_ENnVLcJsRPnemWHEguULuAfuMrOpJY-iJcgo1BtMUelkluezIt3nWmXo0z44/s1600/Compact3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1143" data-original-width="1600" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5v2eoXPMz2ObluHB3MmV03Wpi5Ac15x16RGYgwJe4xby3CIgMfnNb2BZOWG2ZqP_okNe91G7_ENnVLcJsRPnemWHEguULuAfuMrOpJY-iJcgo1BtMUelkluezIt3nWmXo0z44/s400/Compact3.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Easy to carry and lightweight for one-hand use.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
It is small enough to handle with one hand and unobtrusive. It can be whipped out in a hurry and comfortable to hang around the neck even when driving. The whole thing fits into the palm of your hand and becomes pocket-ably smaller on folding up!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKXRbNB0qd9EkGCpbEUYkXUpeMtEM2iuBvPCb_Adc8YDpbZs5V9aNwHljjeuEzhIE2pgRdcLyV-NF1ObZLCTJI-QBlrj3C9CzjySpVRC6NmupX2LaC1M14hzNkpwjtYb8afVD/s1600/Compact+folded.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="600" data-original-width="1068" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKKXRbNB0qd9EkGCpbEUYkXUpeMtEM2iuBvPCb_Adc8YDpbZs5V9aNwHljjeuEzhIE2pgRdcLyV-NF1ObZLCTJI-QBlrj3C9CzjySpVRC6NmupX2LaC1M14hzNkpwjtYb8afVD/s400/Compact+folded.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Unfolded compact (left) & folded completely (right)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Compacts may also be useful to throw in the bag for a long day of hiking, where larger binoculars may be extra weight and quite literally gives you a pain in the neck.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you are a person who is interested in birds or wildlife you will need one with at least 8x or 10x magnification. Considering that both birds and wildlife are active in the early morning or evening the light will be low so you have to combine that magnification with a larger objective lens like a 42mm or 50mm (8x42, 10x42 or 10x50). Just keep in mind that as the numbers increase the size and weight of the binoculars will also increase. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAADj9kp9YY_yG0qB2H398Bmx0Zv-yZOHG8m80LO-J-I4p_Y-gPrh4LgIWPu6vl2TxeCKdgNTrrz_9U0L4Bv1I4Z7hgiZDvzw5-GT0UbuWGBf5UaDeYwcWFB9Wy514b3vYAyjt/s1600/Fullsize+comparision.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="989" data-original-width="1599" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAADj9kp9YY_yG0qB2H398Bmx0Zv-yZOHG8m80LO-J-I4p_Y-gPrh4LgIWPu6vl2TxeCKdgNTrrz_9U0L4Bv1I4Z7hgiZDvzw5-GT0UbuWGBf5UaDeYwcWFB9Wy514b3vYAyjt/s400/Fullsize+comparision.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Size increases as magnification and objective size goes up. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Porro prism binoculars are also generally more bulkier, heavier and brighter but their weather sealing might not be comparable to roof prism binoculars.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIssvGgNE6B2afAj5uom7wFB8fivMd6J9hp61wxcUoY7Xzn8VBeWauv5hoIztqcqGFI6bul0m9t8Mp_AmTT66CBIU2D5U5NvA3QVJPEL0zJODzwguWX1tKcvxwVgeIst7iv7Ku/s1600/My+collection-cr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1026" data-original-width="1600" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIssvGgNE6B2afAj5uom7wFB8fivMd6J9hp61wxcUoY7Xzn8VBeWauv5hoIztqcqGFI6bul0m9t8Mp_AmTT66CBIU2D5U5NvA3QVJPEL0zJODzwguWX1tKcvxwVgeIst7iv7Ku/s400/My+collection-cr.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just to give you an idea how bulky a Porro prism binocular (Zenith on the left) can be.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The size and weight have to be given due consideration if you plan to spend hours or all day outdoor. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<h2 style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;">2. Your Budget</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
You can get extremely inexpensive binoculars that are mass produced and claim to be 'water resistant' and 'weather proof'. As I mentioned in the previous post, unless they are 'waterproof' these cheap binoculars may not last a season. The materials used will be plastic and the lenses maybe of substandard quality. I will give here the history of my experience in binocular purchase, just so that you can get an idea how 'upgrades' happen.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ47CYwYCxo6YhgHr85CXoOoWa1t6U0qfS1ho1NV68ZVySZ-6VMVZyVSow0erok-QMt7-F8lS2CJv6-Lq-NA2dpjLQqXBsCrKJYHfgNjyWVrWd3E4D7gGnzr_kSQQfnmMYOFZh/s1600/Bushnell3Zenith.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ47CYwYCxo6YhgHr85CXoOoWa1t6U0qfS1ho1NV68ZVySZ-6VMVZyVSow0erok-QMt7-F8lS2CJv6-Lq-NA2dpjLQqXBsCrKJYHfgNjyWVrWd3E4D7gGnzr_kSQQfnmMYOFZh/s400/Bushnell3Zenith.jpg" width="368" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Zenith 7x50 is bulky and heavy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Olympus DPSI 8x40</b></span> was the first binocular I 'purchased', since the Zenith was bequeathed to me! It cost me around Rs.3500 back then and now is available from different sellers from Rs.4500 to Rs.5250 (around $65-70 US). At that time, I wasn't aware of the importance of the quality of the lenses and prisms or weather sealing. Essentially, I was a novice! That binocular might have lasted me two seasons before it became unusable. Since I had the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Zenith 7x50</b></span>, which despite its age was still giving excellent service, I decided to go for a compact binocular with a higher magnification, so I ended up buying the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Bushnell 10x25 H2O</b></span> at Rs.5100 or so in 2015. It is still available with some sellers with prices varying from Rs.6000 to Rs.11,000 (around $80-150 US)! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8DzdhIz9Db7NIkWPAWpLbBRhuL1XspTpz4DmX32I43mtaH2eRi5TAhWxEVNgHVDgcQISAyDA_2FFXQSbFKq4ELlkQPgVtB8D1LlB99nCXQpx83gbmGcK15V4AV5voGGnM8pS/s1600/Bushnell1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic8DzdhIz9Db7NIkWPAWpLbBRhuL1XspTpz4DmX32I43mtaH2eRi5TAhWxEVNgHVDgcQISAyDA_2FFXQSbFKq4ELlkQPgVtB8D1LlB99nCXQpx83gbmGcK15V4AV5voGGnM8pS/s400/Bushnell1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushnell 10x25 compact</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
As the Zenith was getting to be a pain in the neck literally, because of its weight, and the compact Bushnell was proving inadequate in dim light, I decided I needed an upgrade (in 2016). I first fixed my budget around double of the compact and after a bit of a more detailed research, I settled for the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Bushnell Trophy XLT 10x42</b></span>. I had to pay a little more than I planned. It set me back by a little under Rs.14,000 but I had a medium budget, waterproof, fog proof and brighter binocular that seemed perfect for my use. After a couple of years of use, something happened to the diopter ring. The right eye wouldn't focus, probably after a fall or severe bump. </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP9GhgGr8vBlCkAw8lKk8Udro-k3WDhMf_qaeMJ4yfSZgYd-q4f0IErZh_6tBRdCnEiVNROY8vwriN8tHvFFRrOt1FldBXS5tcrYVicXPR-LY4aaBKkiKAtqFfvJU0pBTulZo/s1600/Bushnell4trophy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="756" data-original-width="1008" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqP9GhgGr8vBlCkAw8lKk8Udro-k3WDhMf_qaeMJ4yfSZgYd-q4f0IErZh_6tBRdCnEiVNROY8vwriN8tHvFFRrOt1FldBXS5tcrYVicXPR-LY4aaBKkiKAtqFfvJU0pBTulZo/s400/Bushnell4trophy.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bushnell Trophy XLT 10x42</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
That was the time I was again thinking of an upgrade and this time I thought a little 'bigger'. Three big names in binoculars are <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Zeiss, Swarovski and Leica</b></span>. I would have had to up my budget but, I was about to invest in a binocular to last me a decade. Since, I already had a 10x42, albeit, only effective as a monocular telescope, I decided it would be an 8x42. The <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Zeiss Terra ED 8x42</b></span> seemed perfect for birding and walking around. Two features that swung the decision were the short focus (needs only less than one rotation of the knob to go from close focus to infinity) and its incredibly close focus distance of around 5 feet! Of course, being a Zeiss it was expected to leave a big hole in my pocket, even though it was technically a 'baby' Zeiss, and made in China. The sticker price was around Rs.34,000 but I got a deal of 30% discount through a good friend. The current price is still about the same, around Rs.37,000 (around $495 US). </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gm9MagXQrmhMbh3jJ-BOC8p9KgEHFM6SBUBep7Fg9PY1xafRd1W8KLV95HaOeDyuVy1Bd5DF_3KbYztI-nhjx6XMIxmxo64zU9-wZ625uKQVyO86mn6zJoOBiFhoOtDGXjGo/s1600/Bushnell2Zeiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1462" data-original-width="1119" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4gm9MagXQrmhMbh3jJ-BOC8p9KgEHFM6SBUBep7Fg9PY1xafRd1W8KLV95HaOeDyuVy1Bd5DF_3KbYztI-nhjx6XMIxmxo64zU9-wZ625uKQVyO86mn6zJoOBiFhoOtDGXjGo/s400/Bushnell2Zeiss.jpg" width="305" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Zeiss Terra ED 8x42</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn9J9WSTqRtDTMp_wlalfbaqPWgR6_bXfarVdi_FpfLEctwILb9mpv73jjjKXQoW5S-dhNRL0ghwef4R4FpgmN3Z3hZvFyUYRxuqfAu388vz1ujdGwmhb5boJjylwzIORcvA_/s1600/Bushnell2aZeiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1280" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIn9J9WSTqRtDTMp_wlalfbaqPWgR6_bXfarVdi_FpfLEctwILb9mpv73jjjKXQoW5S-dhNRL0ghwef4R4FpgmN3Z3hZvFyUYRxuqfAu388vz1ujdGwmhb5boJjylwzIORcvA_/s400/Bushnell2aZeiss.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Design by Zeiss!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERwIlwUVqhvGH7KpD5hzAf9-5Gm3SmMDbvZy4pmKf3Wu_guE4duzUax6OUTJJ3Q7xfg_G-TRL89rD4A3ITomAme-uC14kFaYJlZ6FJlO-Y0qjryILSUuHRxXDvBs4NU8w9rIe/s1600/Bushnell2bZeiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiERwIlwUVqhvGH7KpD5hzAf9-5Gm3SmMDbvZy4pmKf3Wu_guE4duzUax6OUTJJ3Q7xfg_G-TRL89rD4A3ITomAme-uC14kFaYJlZ6FJlO-Y0qjryILSUuHRxXDvBs4NU8w9rIe/s400/Bushnell2bZeiss.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made in China hidden in the hinge!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Then, sometime in late 2018 I decided that I needed a little more reach than a 8x could provide. This was partly due to the fact that the 8x42 seemed a tad inadequate when trying to identify warblers in the canopy and ducks across the reservoir. I had by then progressed from novice stage to the advanced amateur level and my research threw up a name I hadn't considered before, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Vortex</b></span>. They seemed to have review ratings right up there with the Zeiss', Swarovskis and Leicas, and so it wasn't very difficult to decide on the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Vortex Viper HD 12x50</b></span>.
Both magnification and objective size had been taken up a notch and I
had a binocular that could cover the defect in my range. It made a big
hole in my pocket ($480 US, about Rs32,000 then) despite having got it
from United States. It is now being sold at $740 US, which at today's
rates is around Rs.55,000, but in India we'll have to shell out close to
Rs.70,000!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb_qPQ9hjmbsc7nZ0WuzL3decqULteRI1cofdyZILSojn4z8srm-f-au9bx8edubWsAKPH_nBk65C7xWSGvr4sKyVr3IGtX8lxokNIE2HwG83osp1hc_tB2rO-QvBRVWgZqZb/s1600/Bushnell5vortex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIb_qPQ9hjmbsc7nZ0WuzL3decqULteRI1cofdyZILSojn4z8srm-f-au9bx8edubWsAKPH_nBk65C7xWSGvr4sKyVr3IGtX8lxokNIE2HwG83osp1hc_tB2rO-QvBRVWgZqZb/s400/Bushnell5vortex.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vortex Viper HD 12x50</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I have now reached a stage where I have to reach for the stars! The next binocular on my wish list is <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>either a 10x42 Vortex Razor UHD ($2150) or the Zeiss Victory SF( $2750)</b></span>. What you will note is that we are never satisfied with what we already have so we keep adding to our collection, and each one is allegedly better than the previous one. I'm sure my Zeiss Terra ED or the Vortex Viper HD will easily see a decade of service but the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>temptation is too great!</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
I will leave below a <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>list of some binoculars</b></span> from reputed companies, randomly selected, just to give you an idea of the wide range of prices across the models. There are many brands not included in this list. These are brands which I have personally used or are being used by friends, and some premium ones which are just for drooling over!</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
</div>
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<tbody>
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<td style="background: #70AD47; border-right: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 5;">
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</td>
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 12.0pt;">Manufacturer & Model</span></b></div>
</td>
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<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 12.0pt;">Specification</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: none; border-top: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 12.0pt;">Weight</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-left: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 1; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 12.0pt;">Cost</span></b></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 0;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">1</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bushnell H2O
Compact</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x25</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$50</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.95pt; mso-yfti-irow: 1;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">2</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nikon
Trialblazer ATB</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x25</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$75</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 2;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">3</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Zeiss Terra ED
Compact</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x25</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">300 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$380</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 3;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">4</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Swarovski CL
Pocket</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x25</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">360 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$880</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 4;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">5</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Olympus Pro</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">8x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">670 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$470</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.95pt; mso-yfti-irow: 5;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">6 </span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nikon Monarch 5</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">8x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">600 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$280</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 6;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">7</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Zeiss Terra ED</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">8x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">750 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$450</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 7;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">8</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Leica Trinovid
HD </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">8x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">750 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$950</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 8;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">9</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vortex Razor
UHD</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">8x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">913 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$1500</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.95pt; mso-yfti-irow: 9;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">10</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Bushnell Legend</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">666 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$170</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 10;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">11</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Olympus Pro</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">665 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$520</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 11;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">12</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nikon Monarch 5</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">601 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$296</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 12;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">13</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Zeiss Terra ED</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">725 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$449</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 13;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">14</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vortex Razor HD</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">700 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$1000</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.95pt; mso-yfti-irow: 14;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">15</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Swarowski SLC</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x42</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">795 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$1600</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 15;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">16 </span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Nikon Prostaff
5</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">12x50</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">791 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$220</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 16;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">17</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">Vortex Viper HD</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">12x50</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">840 grams</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: black; font-size: 12.0pt;">$740</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"></span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 17;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">18</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">Zeiss Victory SF *</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">8x42</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">780 grams</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">$2700</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 15.95pt; mso-yfti-irow: 18;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 68;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">19</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">Leica Noctvid*</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">10x42</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">860 grams</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #C5E0B3; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 15.95pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 102; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 64;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">$2850</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
<tr style="height: 16.2pt; mso-yfti-irow: 19; mso-yfti-lastrow: yes;">
<td style="background: #70AD47; border-top: none; border: solid white 1.0pt; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 26.0pt;" valign="top" width="35"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly; mso-yfti-cnfc: 4;">
<b><span style="color: white; font-size: 14.0pt;">20</span></b></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 177.4pt;" valign="top" width="237"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">Swarowski EL50*</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">12x50</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 101.85pt;" valign="top" width="136"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">992 grams</span></div>
</td>
<td style="background: #E2EFD9; border-bottom: solid white 1.0pt; border-left: none; border-right: solid white 1.0pt; border-top: none; height: 16.2pt; mso-background-themecolor: accent6; mso-background-themetint: 51; mso-border-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: background1; mso-border-left-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-left-themecolor: background1; mso-border-right-themecolor: background1; mso-border-themecolor: background1; mso-border-top-alt: solid white .5pt; mso-border-top-themecolor: background1; padding: 0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; width: 95.5pt;" valign="top" width="127"><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0cm; mso-element-anchor-horizontal: margin; mso-element-anchor-vertical: paragraph; mso-element-frame-hspace: 9.0pt; mso-element-top: 203.95pt; mso-element-wrap: around; mso-element: frame; mso-height-rule: exactly;">
<span style="color: #c00000; font-size: 12.0pt;">$2870</span></div>
</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></h2>
<h2>
<span style="color: cyan;"><span style="font-size: large;">3. Brand & Service</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Brands matter</b></span>. Period. If you buy one that looks good on paper without background research you are in for some regret. Brands like Olympus, Nikon and Canon are familiar as photography equipment manufactures so they have a strong service network and long presence in the market. As an ophthalmologist, Zeiss is a familiar name to me since they manufacture ophthalmic equipment. So, before jumping to a decision, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>visit the website of the company</b></span> and <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>look up the options, the reviews of their products, their dealer and service network</b></span>. I went for the Vortex because of their <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>unconditional lifetime warranty,</b></span> as I can send it back to the US if required through friends or relatives.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfTEbKaWTRP1RW0LEJfTISmRWr6clmxQqdxemCmWLydZ_YVnO9Ll11iSr9G1kM8fcUQX7k3vkVGN-mbU3r2d1lY8V8cgilQktkcw8RCh8yJIvVDas3pR8XwMs3YXez34N9lD_/s1600/Vortex-warranty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1389" data-original-width="821" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfTEbKaWTRP1RW0LEJfTISmRWr6clmxQqdxemCmWLydZ_YVnO9Ll11iSr9G1kM8fcUQX7k3vkVGN-mbU3r2d1lY8V8cgilQktkcw8RCh8yJIvVDas3pR8XwMs3YXez34N9lD_/s400/Vortex-warranty.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vortex VIP Warranty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
All binoculars come with warranty limited to a few years or lifetime. They all have some conditions so read the small print. However, it is unlikely that you will need to use the warranty if you use your instrument carefully. Most modern binoculars can take rough treatment but a heavy knock or fall can cause breakage or misalignment of lenses or prisms. If that happens, you need a reliable service backup. Before you buy, enquire about the service also. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>There is no 'right binocular' for everyone. </b></span>The is one for everyone's needs and since only you know what you need, weigh the options carefully. Before you put your money on the table, do some research about the company, the features, the weather sealing and warranty. Remember, the <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>expensive ones are automatically better as there is a lot of effort put in their manufacturing</b></span>. They are designed to last a few decades, like my Zenith, unless you manage to damage it so badly! That doesn't mean you go for a Zeiss or Swarovski straight away. Get a mid-range pair then upgrade slowly. </div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
For <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>those who are impatient </b></span>to
go through the entire blog series, I'm giving below direct links to all
the posts. You can go directly to the page you are interested in,
though I suggest you go through each post as all of them contain some
information that will be useful when you consider purchasing a binocular
for your self.<br />
<br />
<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-1-inducement.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Introduction</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-IN">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-anatomy.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 1: Anatomy of a Binocular</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/binocular-blog-part-2-purpose-and.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 2: Purpose and Portability</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-3-making-sense.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 3: Magnification, Objective
diameter</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"> & FOV</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-4-eye-relief.html">Part
– 4: Eye Relief</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-5-exit-pupil.html">Part
– 5: Exit pupil & Interpupillary distance</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-6-image.html">Part
– 6: Image brightness</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-7-focusing.html">Part
– 7: Focusing fundamentals</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">9.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-8-weather.html">Part
– 8: Weather sealing</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">10.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-9-money-on-table.html">Part
– 9: Purchase decision</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">11.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-10-care-of-your.html">Part
– 10: Care & Storage</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-afterthoughts.html">12. Afterthoughts
and accessories</a></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Tigertrackerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10436603097194358389noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-22496842.post-92038240553258555992020-05-25T20:14:00.001+05:302020-05-29T17:45:53.903+05:30The Binocular Blog - Part 8: Weather Sealing & protection<div style="text-align: justify;">
When we decide on a binocular, one aspect we have to consider is that <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>it is an instrument for outdoors</b></span>. It means, that in a place like mine where there is hot humid weather for three months followed by rains for about six months, and then wind and dust for another three, the binocular will need protection against the elements and whatever else we chose to throw at it.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Except the most inexpensive binoculars, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>most binoculars have some sort of weather protection</b></span> and that is usually mentioned on the box. You have to read all the small print to know how capable or incapable your binocular is. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23Nbq2lg96tU0kTb7q7BxVenuHBfvA9YLrxxXjlzz6pssM11lRZJwnL44yTvAmuFfnQwamd_f_63s54kSXMioXc5PQJFIowOy7qiPk_gq0p4wWxooY-tf5qxnYg7vXewjue3M/s1600/Weather-zeiss.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="901" data-original-width="1026" height="351" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj23Nbq2lg96tU0kTb7q7BxVenuHBfvA9YLrxxXjlzz6pssM11lRZJwnL44yTvAmuFfnQwamd_f_63s54kSXMioXc5PQJFIowOy7qiPk_gq0p4wWxooY-tf5qxnYg7vXewjue3M/s400/Weather-zeiss.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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There will be terms like <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>water resistant, waterproof, dust proof and fog proof</b></span> depending on how good the quality of your binocular is.</div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Water resistant binoculars</b></span> are the ones with basic weather protection. They are sealed but not as strongly as a waterproof one. They can probably withstand a light to heavy shower but a fall in the water will be the end of the road for it. Even if you avoid taking it out in the rain the humidity in the air can enter and ruin your optics, and if dust enters it will coat your lenses and block a clear view. Therefore, if you live in a place where heavy rain is very frequent it is better to avoid 'weather proof' or 'water resistant' binoculars.</div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Waterproof binoculars </b></span>have O-ring seals on all possible openings where water can potentially enter which means besides keeping out water, they are also capable of keeping out dust and moisture. Even then ensure that your binocular is 100% waterproof. Otherwise they may withstand a heavy shower but a dunking in deep water may test its ability.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfZDruZB3bKJVLSskmzuYVobVmbWROUGAu-hUSWzcxOhpYXaicPcqEaogW5daMNW3opqz7_g4RtX-fzNQmg-3rUwepnmGN-CFxJFLK4fjaMj2yxre5xSnxmpJhKf1t0OBkBzp/s1600/Weather-Bushnell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="726" data-original-width="917" height="316" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfZDruZB3bKJVLSskmzuYVobVmbWROUGAu-hUSWzcxOhpYXaicPcqEaogW5daMNW3opqz7_g4RtX-fzNQmg-3rUwepnmGN-CFxJFLK4fjaMj2yxre5xSnxmpJhKf1t0OBkBzp/s400/Weather-Bushnell.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Fog proof binoculars</b></span> are the norm these days and all the reputed manufactures will mark their products as <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>'waterproof and fog proof' or 'nitrogen-purged'</b></span>. During assembling the instrument the atmospheric air is sucked out a replaced by <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>nitrogen</b></span> or <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>argon</b></span> and sometimes <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>krypton</b></span>, at pressures higher than normal atmospheric pressure. This higher pressure prevents moisture from re-entering the instrument. In addition, since nitrogen being anhydrous, no moisture condensation will happen on the lens surfaces inside it, even in cold weather. However, that <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>won't prevent fogging on the outer surface</b></span> of the objective or ocular lenses, like how our spectacles fog over when we get out of an air conditioned environment into warm and humid atmosphere. </div>
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Other than nitrogen, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>argon</b></span> is used also by some manufactures for the same purpose. Argon being a heavier molecule is less likely to leak than nitrogen after a fall or knock. It is also inert so there is less chance of it reacting with the materials in the binocular. <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Vortex</b></span> uses both nitrogen and argon in their binoculars. The less expensive line <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Vanquish, Raptor, Fury and Crossfire series are nitrogen filled</b></span>, and their costlier models, <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>Diamondback, Kaibab, Viper, Vulture and the top of the line Razor series are Argon filled</b></span>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRqj04TIIwCJ_kxjVUC3RXR-1Fry_l1eLrKAzmurDRjLg9A1ASVz8QkmWM1tCElv3b1n1rxS9Y-NdgkoIPmhpcXI4Nzqi6VBeKILrqGAToQhoFmtscmrZ8mojrp2ekoHGRC2x/s1600/Weather-Vortex.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1105" data-original-width="1040" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpRqj04TIIwCJ_kxjVUC3RXR-1Fry_l1eLrKAzmurDRjLg9A1ASVz8QkmWM1tCElv3b1n1rxS9Y-NdgkoIPmhpcXI4Nzqi6VBeKILrqGAToQhoFmtscmrZ8mojrp2ekoHGRC2x/s400/Weather-Vortex.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
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These nitrogen or argon filled binoculars will see years of trouble free service as long as you don't cause damage to the O-rings. So when you buy your binocular for use in a place with prolonged or unpredictable wet weather, a binocular which says it is waterproof and fog-proof will give you peace of mind.</div>
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Many binoculars are <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>rubber armoured or coated</b></span>. In addition to contributing to the waterproofing they also protect the instrument from small bumps and falls.</div>
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For <span style="color: #ffd966;"><b>those who are impatient </b></span>to
go through the entire blog series, I'm giving below direct links to all
the posts. You can go directly to the page you are interested in,
though I suggest you go through each post as all of them contain some
information that will be useful when you consider purchasing a binocular
for your self.<br />
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<span lang="EN-IN" style="mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-1-inducement.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Introduction</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span lang="EN-IN">2.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-anatomy.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 1: Anatomy of a Binocular</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">3.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/binocular-blog-part-2-purpose-and.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 2: Purpose and Portability</span></a></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">4.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-3-making-sense.html"><span lang="EN-IN">Part – 3: Magnification, Objective
diameter</span></a><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"> & FOV</span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">5.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-4-eye-relief.html">Part
– 4: Eye Relief</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">6.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-5-exit-pupil.html">Part
– 5: Exit pupil & Interpupillary distance</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">7.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-6-image.html">Part
– 6: Image brightness</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">8.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-7-focusing.html">Part
– 7: Focusing fundamentals</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">9.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-8-weather.html">Part
– 8: Weather sealing</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">10.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-9-money-on-table.html">Part
– 9: Purchase decision</a></span></span></span></span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="color: windowtext; mso-ansi-language: EN-IN; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">11.<span style="font-feature-settings: normal; font-kerning: auto; font-language-override: normal; font-optical-sizing: auto; font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-variation-settings: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-part-10-care-of-your.html">Part
– 10: Care & Storage</a></span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span lang="EN-IN" style="line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://woodcrawler.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-binocular-blog-afterthoughts.html">12. Afterthoughts
and accessories</a></span></span></span></span></div>
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