Up and into town hoping that I'll bump into Dad.
I phone Mum in Jibhi to let ker know where I am only to be told that dad had just called her minutes ago. But will call back again soon.
I say I'll be in my hotel reception at 1pm for 15 minutes only. He'll know where to
find me once he's called her back.
Wandering through town I come across a second HPTDC Hotel - this one as luxurious as a palace. On enquiring at reception I am given a note directing me to a local travel agent - where I finally locate Dad organising the trek.
Now that we all know where each other are it's time to attack the Internet and update my blog.
While typing this the heavens open and the monsoon rains erupt. This is like the worst cloudburst I've ever seen back in Wellington. The people here simply take it in their stride and out come the little black umbrellas.
I'm almost finished here, so soon it'll be time to get wet and find somewhere for lunch.
Movements (very approx) over the next few days are...
6th - ride through to Jibhi (somewhere near Banjar) to join Mum.
7th - Jibhi
8th? - 10 day trek from Manali to Billing through the Khokhan Wildlife Sanctuary.
[Trek involves 6 donkeys to carry gear, one guide, and one cook]
19th? - Jeep Billing to Dharamsala (where the Deli Lama lives).
20th? - Jeep Dharamsala to Pathankot to catch overnight train back to Delhi.
For some reason no one is that keen to spend any longer than we have to back in Delhi. It's definitely not one of my favorite places.
Obviously no Internet access during the trek. And I'm going to have to make my camera batteries last 10 days. No using the digital display!
Time for lunch.
Colin