Murud 2

Hareshwar - Murud, March 9, 2012.

64 km

I woke up early, when it was still dark outside. Then lay around awake for quite a while, but must have eventually dozed off again. I awoke to a piercing sound, some kind of alarm. At first I thought it may be a fire alarm or some such. I got up and checked my room without finding anything to be alarmed about. Checked outside and found nothing of interest. Then cast a glance at the wall clock and saw that it was already a quarter to nine.

By the time I had had breakfast and packed it was again ten o'clock before I got under way.

My legs felt tired and powerless in the strong headwind, and many more hills than I remembered from before. It took me forever getting to Dighi where I knew there would be a boat for crossing the river. For the first time on this trip I was really looking forward to this cycling coming to an end. I think I am just worn out really.


I found no place for lunch and made some mistake on the road. Had to cycle back a bit before getting back on track towards Dighi. Around 130 PM I came upon a small place selling ice cream. I asked for a cup with one scoop Butter Scotch and one Fresh Mango. The Mango thing was OK but not that special. The Butter Scotch though was delicious. When I asked the woman there, she told me a double scoop is 25 Rs. Not huge scoops, but adequate. I have another double, this time Butter Scotch and something called Anjeere. Again the prize goes to Butter Scotch. The woman is pleasant talking to and her English is remarkably good. She asks about my cycling trip and wishes me a pleasant journey. I am reinforced in my thinking that I was overcharged last night for the strawberry ice cream at the resort.

Eventually I reach the jetty at Dighi. There is a boat already loading motorbikes and I am soon onboard as well. The passage is a bit rough with the boat rolling quite a lot in the rather heavy seas whipped up by the strong wind.

At Janjira, just on the other side of the river, is a nice looking restaurant. It is already four o'clock but I have dhal fry and two chapatis anyway. As I cycle away from there I ask a rickshaw driver for Murud. He shows the way and tell me it is only 5 kms to go. Very nice!
It is Saturday, and yesterday was full moon, and the Hindu spring festival of Holi. I am a bit concerned about finding a room, thinking that many city people may have come down here to celebrate Holi. I cross the bridge leading in to Murud and head for the guest house I stayed at here a month ago. Bingo, I get the same room, same price.