DAY SEVENTEEN… 28.09 miles (45.20 km)
We weave our way magically out of town, like a strange dance, the red morning sun just rising from the horizon. As we left town, a massive structure loomed ahead, out of the mist, like a mysterious city. In fact, it was one of the 5 large cement works in India, on a scale only India can manage. Hundreds of workers were motorbiking to work up the considerable mountain road, soon to be flattened by the mining.
After the cement works, we arrived at a very long (2-3km) and dodgy road bridge crossing a huge lake. No traffic was allowed to pass, due to lack of structural integrity, but small vehicles like bicycles and motorbikes could pass at their peril. Beautiful views for miles over the vast 80km lake.
We are all struggling with the total lack of waste bins in India. Waste is simply thrown on the floor, something that goes right against the grain for us. In fact, I feel embarrassed every time. Rubbish is swept up and burnt daily. This means the dawn ride is slightly tainted by the smell of burning plastic.
Destination Barhi, another non-descript town. There are only two hotels here and we choose what we hope is the better, and take the two best rooms available. We cause immense confusion with the hoteliers. Why on earth would be want TWO rooms when one is plenty big enough for four to cosy up in the big bed. And why, oh why would we want an extra bed in one of the rooms? Madame, he keeps telling me, this extra bed is ₹500, as if this fact alone would be enough to deter me.
Villages today have been separating the chaff from the grain. A simple process involving a strong fan. The grain/chaff is thrown in the air in front of the fan, the chaff blows away and the grain falls to the floor for bagging up.
