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2003-05-10/11 - Shimla -> Narkanda -> Baggi -> Narkanda (Day 25-26)

Had to make one last stop in Shimla to upload the last journal and photos from the Shimla shoot so I ride into town and waddle into the cyber-cafe with all my belongings. While its good the saddle-bags can lock in, I've still got all the camera equipment, tripod and the backpack strapped on top, not to forget the 800 page GMAT book which is now added to the collection. The chores of getting the site up out of the way I ride out of town.

The bike handles like a bus with all the gear on it and with the roads getting a bit worse I'm back to the 40 km / hr speed, but with the sunshine and the mountain roads that seems a fine pace to be at. I've decided the Enfield most resembles a mule. Its hard-headed and very stubborn and its only going to go when it wants to go. On the other hand, it is a strong beast and is tough enough to take a bunch of abuse without too much complaint. I'm starting to finally get a feel for the bike and we are learning not to annoy each other too much. Though I wouldn't be too surprised if I start calling it a jackass as opposed to mule if it leaves me stuck in the middle of nowhere again.

I'd already pulled my gloves out earlier and it really is getting quite cold. I get a bit of a scare while in the middle of nowhere by having the clouds grow dark on me and starting to catch a few drops on my face. While everything should be packed to be ok, I am carrying too much in the way of electronic gear to get caught out in a storm. Fortunately, before the rain starts coming down I come into a little village and find a place to stop. As the speed is slow and I started late I only make it 70km before the sun starts going down, but that was enough for one day. Just that little bit has tired me out and I take a couple hours nap before spending the evening studying.

The morning comes in with lovely sunshine streaming through the windows. After a hearty breakfast and a few more hours of homework, I drive out into the country side to see what I can find. The road only offers road, rocks and trees - but hey, its road, rocks and trees! Lovely! I take it really slow and just enjoy the sunshine and beauty of nature. Wandering in no particular direction I end up 17km from Narkanda in a little village of Bigi when turning corners into shadow starts continually hitting me with blasts of cold air. It becomes clear pretty quick that if I'm not back at the hotel before sundown I'm going to seriously regret not bringing the gloves and the parka.

I hustle back to the hotel and turn the heater on below my little desk before it gets too cold and with a pot of tea put in a few hours to get the journal and photos up to date. Catching my first glimpse of the (real) Himalayas today was quite exciting for me. Even though I'm already pretty high up - passed the "Indian High Altitude Sports Training Center" on the way up! - the snow covered peaks brought a completely different feeling. I'm really looking forward to getting further into the mountains. I've picked a path I plan on to follow mainly because it will take me to what is claimed to be "the highest village in the world". Hey, this is a strange trip and getting excited by strange goals seems completely appropriate. The village is called "Ki" which at 4205m is pretty high, highest or not. That will take another week or so o get to but seems a good direction to head in - at least until I hit the snow line and decide I'd probably rather be back in the heat of Rajistan.

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