“Let’s go around Ratnagiri today, we will visit some nearby places tomorrow” proposed Sushil.
This was a bit of a relaxed day, we caught up with the sleep, got up a bit late and took enough time to finish morning rituals.
Our feet were still reminding us of the last three days. The only way to keep them quiet was to make them do some more work. We went around the small town and visited a few places. After a quick stop at Lokamanya Tilak’s birth place, we followed on to the Bhagwati Bandar, fort and the Lighthouse. We tried to use our COEP, I Card to get entry inside the lighthouse. It was very light cycling, some part of the travel was through loose sandy areas.
By the time we were back, Sushil’s mother was waiting for us, and she served us a very delicious food. The non-veg lovers really enjoyed the fish and the sea food during those three days. The kind of fish prepared and served was something unique to the place and was not available in Pune. At the time I was a vegetarian and missed all the fun. Sushil’s mother had to cook separately for me. Today I can appreciate that, but during college days I was very shy, and did not say anything to her, or thanked her for her extra efforts.
In the evening we went to Thiba Palace, a place where Thiba, the king of Brahmadesh and his family was stationed for many years under the british rule. On the way back we visited the sea shore once again.
During the next couple of days we went to Pavas and Ganpatipule by bus. Yes, we were too tired of cycling. Also the coastal road between Ratnagiri and Ganpatipule that exists today was not there. It required going back all the way to Goa Highway and taking a different route to Ganpatipule. These were more or less tourist-like activities, though we enjoyed the days and the travel, nothing special worth mentioning happened.
On the third day in Ratnagiri, when we returned from our tourist excursion in the evening, a surprise was waiting for us.
“I am not going to go back to Pune on bicycle.” Ajay said something that got everybody to jump on their feet.
“The ride is very interesting, but very tiring too. My bicycle is not in the best shape, the journey towards Pune will mean more climbing and less descent. I will go by bus.”
Well there was a point in what he said. Also he sounded well decided.
“Oh my god!”
Before I could understand the implications, Anil joined Ajay. He was thinking on the same lines.
“Well then, it’s only you and me” Sandesh said to me without giving much choice to me. “I am sure we can make it through.”
“Ok, that’s it then, I think I can make it back, but if not we have the option to get into a bus from anywhere in between.”
While Ajay and Anil relaxed, Makarand and Sandesh started packing their sacks, and Sushil was tasked to book the return bus tickets.
* The return journey by bus was mostly uneventful. It was an overnight ST bus (rat rani) from Ratnagiri to Pune. Ajay’s bicycle was further damaged in transit, and he had to get it properly repaired after returning to Pune. Ajay says that the money he spent on repairs was more than the cost of the entire trip.
No comments:
Post a Comment