Passion Strike

Bella Vista Ride

2025-09-06T15:32:00.000-07:00

We had done biking to Bella Vista on 6th September 2025. It is located near Bentonville, Arkansas State.

Bike Location

Name: Bella Vista (Razorback Greenway)

Distance: 9 miles from Walton Gym (approx.)

Total Biking distance: 18 miles

Elevation Gain: 1000 ft.

Bike Team: Amita, Pragya(Amita's Daughter) , Abdul, Abhijeet, Hanumantha, Nishant, Zhen and me

Biking Experience:

After doing so many hikes, Abdul (who did only 1 hike) felt bored of hikes and want to do something different, so we decided to go Biking. This was our first time doing something different. Thanks to Amita we all downloaded the app needed to book the bike from one of the walmart bike stations. All set for thrilling experience. We reached the parking deck opposite to Sam Walton Hall around 8:45 am. As usual Hanumantha, Zhen ignored our previous instructions to get water bottle. However Abdul, who is over cautious has got two bottles as he is unaware which bottle will fit to the water bottle stand on the bike, came to the rescue to lend one bottle to Hanumantha. Then comes our Hero Nishant who has come fully prepared with his own bike helment, nice coat and sports outfit. He too has extra water bottle. We all went to the bike station, took sometime to book the bike and take it from the station. However we realized we need to get helmets and they are in the lobby of walmart building. We forgot to carry the Id card to get into the building. But we have Zhen, who couldnt find the parking deck(had difficulty finding the building) parked somewhere else and came walking to where we parked.

Zhen got the helmets and we all started to Walton Fitness Center where we are supposed to meet Amita and Pragya. Amita called me while we are about to start from our station. As we are too excited about the bike and exploring its features we started late and have not reached yet the fitness center. Amita called again to check where we are as even by walk we should have reached them. I am not good at directions especially all the buildings near the home office, Amita gave up and asked us to wait and she will find and get to us. As we know Amita very studious, found where we are and finally we all met. Forgot to mention about the bikes, these are electric bikes and so with simple peddling we can ride the bike and the electric power boosts to make the ride the bike so smooth and easy. Only Pragya who is a pro biker along with Amita has non electric bike. As expected Amita and Pragya were leading and they are also our path finders/ coaches. They were riding so fast, we were struggling to match their speed and upon special request(as you know it is difficult to convince Amita) they slowed down and we all were biking in one file through the beautiful roads/paths of Bentonville downtown. Have never been to this part of Bentonville and it was amazing to cross the streets amidst wonderful buildings. The paths are perfect for biking, we have a great climate with cool breeze , sun shine and couldnt ask for more. While we were biking, there was a small incident where Nishant tripped off. sorry not Nishant, it was Zhen. Getting Old, am always confused with Zhen and Nishant names. We just paused for sometime Zhen to recover and as usual I gave my free advice this time on how to ride a bike to the team during our break.

We started again and being electric have not felt much work out while biking. There were couple of tunnels we went into to cross the highways and it was amazing experience. First tim felt great where cars, trucks have to wait for us to pass by. Always was on other side of the coin(used to wait for bikers to go first) , now our turn to be on bike and look at all those cars waiting on us. Similar feeling when there is traffic jam on other side of the road and we drive smooth without any hassle. I know it sounds mean, but thats real life. The bike trail was adjacent to our previous hike Slaughter Penn, we have river stream to our right all through our bike path/trail. We were slowing down/ picking speed in between to catch up with other members to have chit chat about weather, bike, past experience etc and slowly moving forward.

We met many bikers, serious runners, kids in strollers along our path. Good to see many faces on the trail. We reached the spot where we initially planned as our destination. There was lot of grass and shade and river stream. We parked our bikes and Abdul, the stylish among our group got busy taking his selfies, hiring photographer Abhijeet for his stunts, ignoring others. After the photo session, we went near the stream and had fun throwing pebbles into the water and counting the time it is bouncing on the water. Finally we concluded Abdul throw was good, the pebble was good but water was not good for pebble to bounce. Nishant, Abhijeet and me, sports persons in our team have done decent throws. Amita tried too but gave up before it is too late. we then decided to take a team picture, while we were waiting for someone to take a picture of us, we decided to go to Thai Basil for lunch. We got the picture and as we were riding electric bike we felt it was too easy and want to go further not considering Pragya the strongest amongst us who is riding non electric one. We continued further, where there is a lake near by. Unfortunately after reaching there we realized it is closed and had to turn back.

At this point some of us decided to turn off electric and use our energy to bike to do some work out. This made us to slow down and we slowly, steadily retraced our path to where we started. What was easy earlier turned difficult now without the electric. Switching bike gears, constant peddling slowly able to reach the entrance of the trail where we started. Took a short break to relax and Abhijeet seized the chance to market his Samsung phone and almost got added one more(Pragya) to Samsung admirers by showcasing the pictures taken. Everyone was tired and hungry. Abdul, whom rules never obey - was on hurry to attend lunch invite had his own route going through the closed paths. We followed Amita our guide , crossed the streets and finally reached our bike parking stations. we returned the bike, decided to meet at Thai Basil. We reached the restaurant, had good food and left. Had an amazing experience and fun time with the team. All is Well.

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Slaughter Pen Trail

2025-04-27T20:00:00.000-07:00

We had done hike to Slaughter Pen on 27th April 2025 . It is located near Bentonville, Arkansas State.
Hike Location

Name: Slaughter Pen Trail

Distance: 12 miles from Walton Gym (approx.)

Total hiking distance: 4.8 miles

Elevation Gain: 442 ft.

Hike Team: Amita, Indrajeet, Ishan, Nuthan, Abhijeet, Zhen, Shawn and me.

Hiking Experience:

After long waiting for a good weather we finally planned for first hike of this season. As usual we got good response from everyone and ready for the hike, however weather had second thoughts and let us down(has been raining the entire weekend). As we dont give up, we plan for next weekend(27th April). Weather forecast also was looking good. Finally the day arrived. Abhijeet and me reached Zhen's place by 10:15 am, and we left for parking lot in Abhijeet's car. Shawn directly left for the trail parking lot(came to know later why he went separately). Amita and Family invited their friend Nuthan and they all came directly to the parking lot. The trail was near Bentonville and it took just about 20 mins to reach the place. After scouting the place to find the trail, we realized we are not at right spot, thanks to All Trails app, we got the cordinates of the exact location, which was 2.5 miles ahead. we reached there, able to find our trail. Weather was good, no Sun and just a light breeze. We started hike around 11:15 am. Indrajeet was the only one who has been on this trail before and also shared the history that the trail is famoud for biking and the former President has done biking here.

Initially we started on a cement road and little disappointed that it was not natural trail. As we took a right turn could see gravel road ahead. We set on All American Trail which is a green blzed trail and wide enough for two people to walk side by side. The trail is shared by hikers, bikers so need to watchful of bikers and give them way. There are so many small wooden bridges on the trail to encourage bikers and make the trail more challenging and fun to them. Unfortunately our photographer Shawn has not brought his pro equipment. As we all know, when people meet during weekend, first several minutes goes on enquiring, talking as there will be so much to catchup. On top of that we have a new member in our group , Nuthan who recently moved to Bentonville. So it started with Shawn's military outfit and his peculiar boots. Nuthan was very fond of them and this led to our promotional tour. Soon Abhijeet started showing the Samsung photography enhancements. Then we scaled our hike to next level with help of Ishan's Drone. With all these discussions along with good weather we didnt realize/focus on the slope of the trail and for next half an hour we are having great time and enjoying the view of the stream flowing to the right side of the trail. On left side we have construction going on building more and more wooden bridges for bikers to do somersaults. aWe reached an open arean filled with lot of green grass and decided to give chance for Ishan to promote/show his drone. The drone was very good and he has great control in flying it and safe landing it. Son this turned out as a science class on how drone works, technology behind it and precautions to be taken(based on Abhijeet's experiences). We took some pictures with drone and Ishan landed the drone after a catchy Hindi Phrase from Amita "Ped pe hatak jayega" (gets stuck in trees). Seems like they had experience in the past and had to climb the tree to get it back.

We continued our hike and were having three serious conversations , one between Zhen and Abhijeet about chakras, tattoos etc, second Shawn and Nuthan, with Nuthan still admiring out team and third Amita and Ishan typical mother and child conversations. We hiked further in between admiring the courage and endurance of the bikers and giving way to them. we reached a point where saw a stone man(statue) and decided to take picture there. Once again Ishan came to rescue with his drone. After we took a photo, we wanted to explore more with drone but Amita cautioned again "Ped pe hatak jayega" and dropped the idea. As we are doing the loop we came close to our starting point and Shawn suddenly mentioned he has lunch plan with his friends and need to leave. Has not mentioned this earlier and that is why came directly to the parking lot. Almost we hiked for 1hr 15 mins by this time and rest of us decided to continue further. Now groups got changed with Abhijeet and Nuthan leading the hike , Zhen and me one group and Amita and Ishan another. Indrajeet has been shuffling between ours and Amita's like people switch between rooms in zoom call. The trail was steep and gave us a good work out with Sun started peeking in.

The trail has multiple routes at many places, but we were able to stay on course with help of the map and Indrajeet's good sense of direction. Witnessed great skills from Amita to motivate and encourage Ishan to continue the hike.The trail has many u-turns and became narrow. We reached the same path where started earlier and could find the big mushroom to the tree trunk and water stream this time flowing to our left. We saw turtles taking rest on one of the fallen trees. We took pictures at start of the trail and soon reached the parking lot by 2:00 pm. We all were hungry after a good hike. We had two variety of Biryanis, Salad for our lunch. Abhijeet brought home made Biryani which was very good. Felt good after having the lunch. Left the parking lot and reached to our places by 2:40 PM. All is Well.

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Whitaker Trail

2024-11-09T19:56:00.000-08:00

We had done hike to Whitaker Trail on 9th November 20224 . It is located in Ozark National Forest, Arkansas State.

Hike Location

Name: Whitaker Trail

Distance: 80 miles from Walton Gym (approx.)

Total hiking distance: 2.7 miles

Elevation Gain: 321 ft.

Hike Team: Amita, Inderjeet, Ishaan, Hanumantha, Abhijeet, Shawn, Zhen and me.

Hiking Experience:

This was the first weekend team outing/activity. As soon as proposal was put everyone readily accepted under one condition (no early morning waking up). So we planned to start around 8 am from Walton Gym. With past experience with team, have sent message to team previous night to reach gym by 7:50 am so that can save that 10 mins late start. It worked in one way. By 8 we have all members at the gym. Amita and family left from Gym however due to my over excitement about new Range Rover took another 15 mins to boast off its features. Finally around 8:15 am we started our promotional tour, I mean hike. It started with me promoting my new car. We soon hit the highway and then Abhijeet started showcasing his Samsung foldable phone along with its AI skills in photography. Shawn very happy to learn that one more Samsung member in the team. Soon Hanumantha our reliable driver started about his car reliability (Toyota Rav4) and how it warned us that Shawn was not wearing his seatbelt who was in the rear passenger seat. Shawn was moving from his seat(not sure if he is adjusting or trying to do something else ) and car warned to put seatbelt. Zhen who was until now thinking, started speaking about his new house and how he is still buying/fixing things for the house and after careful thought he invited us to visit his house. I think enough of promotions along the way, let's move on to our journey.

It was a rainy weather when we started from Bentonville, As we reached highway it was cloudy, the hills, trees on the dies of highway are covered with fog all along. Our reliable driver while engrossed in talking about his car missed one of the exits (not much time damage
though). We searched for nearby McDonalds for breakfast and closest to our destination was 30 miles from our current location. Both cars, I mean all of us planned to meet at McDonalds. On the way we decided to Surprise Amita for her recent Promotion and planned to buy a cake and some bananas for the hike. We stopped at Walmart Neighborhood and surprisingly saw Inderjeet coming from Walmart and located their car. We went into the store hoping they have not noticed us and went to bakery section. Hanumantha and Shawn almost took 20 mins to decided on the cake, chose every cake and finally selected the first one we saw on the shelf. It was almost like they were tasting every piece of cake while looking at each one. We left Walmart and continued our journey to McDonalds. We saw Dogs standing on the highway, seeing for the first time. We reached around 9:27 am. We ordered food, started having our breakfast. Amita started telling about their Tesla Car and its auto driving capabilities. Around 10 am we left to our destination. It was drizzling and the road full of fog almost zero visibility. Great maneuver skills by our driver.

Soon we entered the dirt road which was very slipper, muddy due to rain. It was drizzling continuously. We are about 15 mins from reaching the parking spot, Amita raised concern(which actually we all have but didn't say out) should we turn back due to bad weather and not good visibility. Due to our never give up attitude, we decided to reach the parking and then decide. As we are about to reach parking spot we saw lot of cars and overflown parking. This gave us confidence and never again thought of returning without doing the hike. We reached around 11:28 am. There were people camping at the parking lot, some were wearing raincoats and walking along the trail and others just either starting or just coming back finishing the hike. Seems like none were bothered about rain or slipper road or muddy road. We started our hike around 11:32 am. After couple of mins of searching for the entrance of the trail we were able to locate(grace of fellow hikers pointing the direction). It was a steep descent and trail is covered with tree roots, water, leaver, stones. We climbed down carefully and then the trail started getting flat. We continued on the trail waving and greeting other hikers who were returning. It was still drizzling and by now we got used to it and didn't feel its presence anymore. The trail was completely drenched and covered with leaves. But still the trail was beautiful with left over leaves with their splendid color. It was really good feeling to walk amidst such natural environment.

As we continued our hike we crossed several streams which were for a change overflown with water. It was a great sight and enjoyment to cross the streams and continue on our trail. As most of the trail was either flat or going down we had not felt any stress and able to proceed with ease with good pace. We came across huge rock boulders to our right and there was huge valley with great fall colors. All of a sudden, Ishaan, so far who was shy to speak or make a sound, started asking how many more hours to reach the view point every few mins. While actually we were just a quarter mile away. Soon we reached one of the first view point. The view was spectacular with all the trees with various colors and most of them covered with fog. After taking some pictures we hiked further to the main view point, which was little ascent with tree roots and sharp rocks. Around 12:30 pm. we reached the Whitaker rock point view. It was indeed one of the best views we have seen. Though most of the view is covered with fog, still it was amazing to stand on the cliff and look at the wonderful colorful valley amidst the sound of flowing stream. Shawn exhibits his photography skills with his tripod and powerful lens which were brilliantly captured by Abhijeet. We then had our photoshoot, not sure even if movie stars have so many photoshoots. Hanumantha, Zhen continued to pose until our pro photographer finally said its enough. Not to blame them but the views were really stunning and especially in that weather. We celebrated Amita's promotion in natural environment.

We then decided to head back around 1:03 pm. All along Zhen was not ready to leave his parachute bag even during photoshoot, seems like a safety measure in case of a fall from the cliff. Ishaan whose name we didn't know until we reached to the top of the cliff, as he does not share his name and considers it security information, was the first one to start our way back. Initially the return trail was good with small descent and not much rain. Slowly as we walked further we started feeling the difficulty of the steep ascent of the trail. we steadily kept going with reduced pace. We crossed the streams again and by now it completely stopped raining. Shawn and Ishaan who were so eager to get to the parking lot, lost their way in another direction until they realized someone shouting at them to return. The last leg was really a steep ascent and it was very good stressful exercise. We reached around 1:54 pm to the parking lot. Thanks to Ishaan for sharing the Oreo biscuits and Fruit juice packets with us, much needed at the time. We decided to have lunch and made Hanumantha's trunk as our buffet table. Abhijeet made delicious Manchuria, Amita tasteful Parathas and Hanumantha prepared for the first time Tamarind Rice(thought didn't seem like someone first timer can prepare) with help of Virtual help from his wife(early in morning) and coincidentally I too brought the same. It felt great to complete the hike and have such wonderful food in natural weather with fog surrounded all over the place and no rain. We finished our lunch and started back to Walton gym around 2:30 pm. We had a good hike, nice promotions from everyone and finally reached home by 4:25 pm. All is well.

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Yellow Rock Trail

2024-09-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

We had done hike to Yellow Rock Trail on 13th September 2024 . It is located in Devils' Den State Park, Arkansas State.

Hike Location

Name: Yellow Rock Trail

Distance: 45 miles from Walton Gym (approx.)

Total hiking distance: 2.6 miles

Elevation Gain: 482 ft.

Hike Team: Abdul, Amita, Hanumantha, Nishant, Shawn, Zhen and me.

Hiking Experience:

We decided to reach Walton Gym around 7:45 am sharp, but didnt realize sharp means another 5 mins fro 7:45. We all met around 7:50 except Abdul who as per him is very close, upon checking found out that he is actually on J Stree and stuck in traffic and takes another 5 mins. Finally Abdul reached and we set out in Amita and Hanumantha's cars. Hanumantha, Shawn and me in one car and rest in another. we started around 8:05 am after distributing the food in both cars. As usual I started boring them with my old adventure activities while on drive. we reached the parking lot around 9:03 am, not difficult to find just little off the road and could see the sign board. Both are exceptional drivers sticking to time, lanes and able to reach smooth and safe except few off lane driving warnings. We had our breakfast Bananas, Croissants, Bread with excellent home made spread by Amita(might give a tough competition to cream cheese spread if in market). By 9:25 am we are done with breakfast , packed water bottles, oranges and some bananas each and started our hike by 9:28 am.

There was an entrance arch which has Yellow Rock Trail Name on it and passed through the entrance and followed the white diamond shaped plate trail. The weather was cloudy making it optimal for our hike. The trail is full of rocks buried in the ground and looked like steps (unordered and different shapes). The slope increased gradually and we could feel the effort. But the natural fresh air, large rock formations and pleasant atmosphere kept us going forward. There was a scary cave like formation barricade with iron rails indicating danger. We crossed it without much venturing there (as the name of the park,D evils Den, also had some impact on us). We hiked along the rock formations and could see some steep dark tunnels. Due to summer season the streams are dry and can see just huge rocks and dried leaves. We kept going forward and after reaching certain elevation we started exploring various overlook points. They are very scenic and gives a good high level overview(not high level design) of the mountain and valley filled with trees.

Around 10:30 am we reached the main crux of our journey the yellow rock overlook. It was a spectacular view from the overlook. It was a large wide rock(certainly yellow in colour). This is where we discovered a young and great photographer amongs us, that is Shawn. While we were relaxing after strenuous hike and having some oranges, bananas our photgrapher was busy arranging the camera position to capture these awesome views. Finally after all the photoshoots we started towards the next point of our hike that is CCC shelter. Throughout our hike we were so excited and anxious towards what animals, creatures might be there in the jungle especially after Amita obsessed with spider with long legs which we came across amidst our footsteps. This led to discussion of various wildlife live video streams, documentaries and topic diverted to life of Alaska bears(salmon fish and hibernation). And our young wildlife explorer Abdul(Rockstar in our group - will come to know later) started exploring the foot tracks of fellow hikers and growth of grass on the trail to see if the route was used or not.

One person who was little upset that we decided to continue the hike to CCC Shelter was Zhen as he thought we could descent back instead of hike on the steep path. We continued our hike which was steep and had lot of turns and passed through a wooden bridge, dried streams. We had a task of figuring out what is CCC and closest we could guess was Child Care Center. We finally reached the shelter by 11:15 am. It was an old great construction in 1934 and CCC is Civilian Conservation Corps, we were very close. We took some rest there. It was other entrance to Yellow Rock Trail. We started the return hike.

Now that we have seen all the overlooks, scenic beauty of nature, trees and discovered wild species(spiders) we started having small group conversations. Abdul, who came to know our photographer joined Pickle ball sessions was trying to get all the info he can to join the class then and there itself(if possible). Then we were engrossed in small team conversations Abdul and Nishant , Hanumantha and Shawn, Amita, Zhen and Me. We had visited(visualized) many countries like Australia, Japan and Vietnam through Zhen's experience. Hanumantha and Shawn explored all states specifically California and India, and Abdul and Nishant engrossed in various sports including swimming, soccer. The return hike is a steep decent on rajor sharp rocks and tree roots coming out of earth as speed brakers. Soon we all came out of team conversations , walked further. We all were walking normal but Abdul in cloudy weather wearing shades, hands in pocket, glaring shoes was walking stylishly as though going on to a stage to perform like a Rockstar. Finally reached our parking spot by 12:00 pm. We took rest, had photoshoot and visited the visitor center which was small and decent. We then drove back to Walton Gym and reached by 1:18 pm. All is well
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Wild Animal Safari

2023-04-09T12:21:00.001-07:00

We went to Wild Animal Safari on March 4th in 2023.

Brief Summary:

Place: Wild Animal Safari.
Location: Stafford, Missouri.
Distance: 137 miles.
Duration: 2:10 minutes.

Members: Me, my wife and my daughter.

Experience:

We woke up around 6:15am, packed our lunch and started around 9:20am. Climate was good on that day, chilled wind was there but it was sunny. This safari was also in Missouri only.

There are so many attractions for tourists around Missouri but not in Bentonville. So we were having each weekend one trip to Missouri. We reached the safari around 11:30am. By the time we got there, the weather was little more cold than Bentonville. We got the tickets and started the walkabout zoo first around 11:35am. At the entrance only there was a lion and a lioness. We had very closer look of those, by the time we got there they were roaring. We heard the lion roar in DC zoo but here it was roaring little louder. Then we saw the mountain lion, Bengal tiger and white tiger. Bengal tiger was taking rest and the white tiger sat far away. After that saw some kind of monkeys, giraffes and a wild cat. We never saw this wild cat before, it has horns like things beside it's ears. After that we saw some reptiles and some kind of lizards, tortoise. Then suddenly we saw the white tiger was walking. Had a pretty good view of it. Suddenly the feeding people were passing by and the tiger thought they will feed him but no. At that moment it was walking very aggressively and stalking. Around 11:55am we finished the walkabout zoo then we went to had our lunch. There were so many picnic benches and can see the lions and tigers from the picnic area, that was so cool. Around 12:30pm we had our lunch and then went to see the white tiger once more. Still it was walking, we thought by watching people it was hungry. Around 1:06pm started the actual safari which is behind the walkabout zoo.

In the safari entrance there were so many deers and only one big deer with long horns. Then we saw llamas, Jersey cows. We also saw couple of Rams, many zebras and camels. Never before we saw the Ram in live safari.

Everyone is feeding the animals before us, so we were going very slow. Funny thing was no animal was eating the food from the people in-front of us. This safari has very big place but they do not have many animals. We saw lot of pigs also here, then saw so many zebras and couple of camels. We felt little bore in middle of the safari because there were not many animals and also the people in the car in-front of us had very long frequent stops. Around 2:38pm we came out from safari. we bought some drinks and dippin-dots and headed to the Candy factory and Worlds largest gift shop around 2:45pm. Around 3:08pm we reached the candy factory, it was Redmon's gas station and they were running the candy factory and the World's largest gift shop. There we saw so many variety of candy and many flavors also there. We collected some flavors and some of those were in different shapes. One side of the candy shop they used to prepare the cakes and pies in different shapes but they did not open on that day.

There was a beautiful and big restroom also, actually we read comments about that restroom but we did not believe at first, but truly it was really a wonderful restroom in a gas station. We bought so many candy there and went to world's largest gift shop around 3:40pm. This gift gift shop was really a big one and they had all kinds gifts over there. Toys, garden, house decoration things, souvenirs and so many other fun things also there. One vintage model old blue car also there. We bought couple of toys and souvenirs and got out around 4:54pm. Started to home around 5:00pm and reached home around 7:15pm. We really had a great time in trip especially with lions view in safari and also with candy factory. We tried each candy every day but we like some varieties only but one candy is very spicy that jalapeno flavor we cannot eat it fully. That was the first time we ate spicy candy. Anyway overall trip is very fun. All is Well.

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Dickerson park zoo and Fantastic Caves - Missouri Trip (Part III)

2023-03-17T14:27:00.003-07:00

Brief Summery:

Places: Dickerson park zoo and Fantastic Caves.
Location: Bentonvile, Arkansas and Springfield, Missouri.
Distance: Snake world - 52.7 miles, Springfield - 123 miles.
Members: Me, my wife and my daughter.
Duration: Snake world - 1 hour 15 mins and Springfield - 2 hours 1 min.

Experience:

20th February
Dickerson Park Zoo and Fantastic Caverns:

The next day we woke up around 5:45am, packed our lunch and started around 9:10am. We want to book the new car which we selected on saturday.
Reached to showroom around 11:05am, booked the car and got out around 11:05am. We had our lunch around 12:10pm and then started to zoo around 12:30pm. The climate was sunny outside but still it was little cold with the wind. We reached zoo at 12:50pm. This time we also had a baby stroller like others, we were very happy about that. In the zoo first we saw small spider monkeys and peackocks. These peacocks were everywhere in the zoo. Then saw the wild boars, parrots, some other monkeys and black swan.

We saw the black swan in Vizag, India and in Thailand zoo after that here only we saw it. There was a lake and a stream, we crossed a bridge and then we went to see cheethahs. They have many cheethahs there. Couple of those were very active, their walking style was so beatiful. The bears are sleeping in a tree branch. Then the tigers and lion also taking rest , we did not get proper view of those. Then we saw wolves, which are also very active and little big in size. After we were coming back from wolves we saw tiger was roaming there so immediatly went over there. So atleast we saw tiger was roaming but the lions always sleep in zoo. Next we saw zebras and giraffies. The number of animals were less here but the area of zoo was big. After that we tried the simulator of wind cyclone in Africa, it was fun.

Then we went into reptile house, there we saw big snakes like rattle snakes, pythons, dragons, skunks, trantula, these reminded us of our yesterday's snake world trip. We saw some dangerous frogs also here, they were colorful and some were so tiny. Next one was the green anakonda, we never saw anakonda before in any zoo. This reptile house also have lot of snakes and other venamous creatures but not compared to the snake world. Then we two big tortoises. These were very big and they were 100 years old. We saw the big tortoises before but do not the age of them and also these were kept in mirror room not in the open ground. This was also one of the good zoo, we caught two new kind of species that was cheethah and the green anakonda. We enjoyed it.

Suddenly we realized that we were running out of time for fantastic caverns. So immediately ran to the caves around 2:40pm and reached around 3:00pm there. We enquired about the tour so they said it was about to start in 5 mins.

If we had delayed 2 more mins there we'll miss there tram tour in caves but we made it. After 5 minutes they started the tour. The tour guide has started explaining about that caves. Many years ago a tourist with his dog has found these caves. First the dog went into one hole and the man followed the dog. Then he reailized it might be a cave so he gave an advertisement in paper for the diggers. Like that these caves were found, they shown the video also of it. The tour gide explained how the people in olden days worked in caves without power. Around 4:05pm tour was ended and started to home around 4:20pm. We liked the caves very much , we have to visit these caves in tram only. Previously we visited other two types of caves one is in boat another one sand cave, like these this cave is also a different one. Around 7:50pm we reached home.

The whole trip was fantastic. In three days each day we had different experience along with fun. We enjoyed alot in this trip. All is Well.

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Snake World - Missouri trip (Part II)

2023-03-17T13:56:00.001-07:00

Brief Summery:

Places: Snake world.
Location: Bentonvile, Arkansas.
Distance: 52.7 miles.
Members: Me, my wife and my daughter.

Duration: 1 hour 15 mins

Experience:

19th February
Snake World:

This Snake world was in Bentonville only and it waas very near to us. So we started to snake world around 2:30pm after we had lunch. The climate was so pleasant on that day. The road to the snake world was too different, it's like a snake shape only. The road passed between two mountains. Then we were going up on the mountain , we were wondering whether there was any reptile house or not. After 10 to 15 minutes around 3:40pm we saw a small house with name Snake World. We were shocked and did not expect that. Parked our car there and called to confirm that was the right address or not. They said that was the right location and coming out for us to show the snake world. A lady came out and asked us to go inside the front door and wait till she will come and show us everything. While we were waiting there she came with main door keys. She gave us tickets then we entered into the house. First we got very awful smell in that place. In first room they have some cat fishes in a tub, rats and mices also there. So many sketches, drawings and some unwanted old stuff also there. In next room so many snakes are there in individual glass boxes. She started explaining about each snake by holding those in her hand. My wife was very scared of that and she did not want to take them out from the glass boxes. So she was explaining without taking them out from boxes.

They have so many kinds and colours of snakes and pythons. Some baby snakes were also there and some were so beautiful. Next we saw some monitor lizards, skunks. These snakes and lizards are harmless ones but next we entered into another room with full of rattle snakes.After we entered into this room while she was explaining my wife started take pictures of those snakes then immediately couple of snakes started rattling their tail. The sound was really scary, even though snakes were inside the boxes that entire room gave us chills wit that rattling sound. She explained so many things about the rattle snakes ecspecially small baby rattle snake was very poisnes than all other snakes because the baby one doesnot know how much amount of poison to release when it attacks so it attacks with all the poison it has. that's why it was dangerous. Then we saw one big tortoise, one big Turtle and other small turtles.

The tortoise was exactly like a big rock and the one big turtle very strong she said the bite force very poweful like it can cut off your wrist from hand.

Next the small turtles were so cute and they all were feeling so shy. While she was feeding them then only one by one was coming out. And also she shown that how she feed the snakes with big tweezers. There were plenty of rats and mice in their house to feed these snakes. Some snakes only eat the rats and mice but the smaller one eat the little big insects and bugs. For all these they feed them like once a week and it will take complete 3 hours to feed them. Then we saw 3 big Pythons and small other snakes. These pythons are very big and colourfull. The Yellow one was really a beatiful one. Other small ones were beautiful too, ecspecially the black and white one was really nice. At first we thought this snake world was a disaster and felt that we wasted our time. But it's really different one. Our opinion was completly wrong , we spent really a good time here and also we learnt alot like how they feed them, taking care of them. Commonly if it was in a Zoo we never learnt any of these except the names. We never saw any reptile house like this before. Really we had a good time here. It was really worth to come here. Around 4:50pm we got out from the snake world and started to home. We took long route to explore so this time also road so different it was like big ride and around 7:00pm we reached home.

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Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium - Missouri Trip (part I)

2023-03-17T13:09:00.010-07:00

We went to Missouri on 18th to 20th February in 2023.

Brief Summery

Places: Wonders of wildlife Mueseum and Aquarium,
Location: Springfield, Missouri.
Distance: 123 miles.
Members: Me, my wife and my daughter.

Duration: 2 hours 1 min.

Experience:

On 18th February
Wonders of wild life Museum and Aquarium:

We woke up around 5:30am and packed our lunch. We filled the gas and started around 8:30am. This museum and aquarium are in Missouri state. Climate was good and sunny but windy as well. We were taking new car this year so started to showroom first.On the way we saw so many horses, cows and farms. It felt like driving on village valley instead of interstate. We rached showroom around 10:48am. Asked for , they said that for the test drive was not available in that time, some other customers were checking on it. So they showed the cedan model for the interior and then we selected the outside and inside features of the car which we wanted. They gave us the quote of it and then we got out from the showroom around 12:20pm. We had our lunch around 12:30pm and started to Aquarium around 1:05pm. Around 1:48pm reached the museum and aquarium. It was too much cold wind out there.

The entrance of the Aquarium was so nice. They have beautiful water fountain to attract the tourists. After we went inside, we asked about the tickets. They said that we have to go up, there the people will give the tickets. While we were going up by escalator they decorated the entrance very well. They decorated it with wild theme with bears, deers and trees. We got the tickets then started our tour in there. First we entered into a theater , they were playing the video of Jhonny Morris, the founder this aquarium. He was explaining about fishing, we don't have much interest about it so after 5 minutes we got out from there. Then entered into the museum entrance first, So this museum had all the animal statues which were arranged in lively fashion.

First they started it with bysons and then bears, deers and tigers, lions and mountain lion and more. And they have paintings and pictures of old times showing how they hunt the other animals in the forest. These wild animals statues were so real looks like they were hunting us only. Some birds, sheep and so many types of deer statues and so many other little animals also there. They saved some hunted deers from olden days and with thier horns they built a beutiful arch, it was like another way into the wild. In middle of that museum they put live penguins there. Then we saw some other animals which live in the antarcitica like polar bears, wolves, walrus and then saw elephants, giraffes, zebras, monkeys, ostriches, Crocodiles. so many kind of birds and their nests. Then we saw beautiful and thrilling scene, they arranged some lions and lionesses around the tent in the Africa.

And we saw cheethah, leapords and hyenas. After 10 minutes we were done with museum and entered into the Aquarim exhibit.In entrance of the aquarium there was big 3D painting showing how people do the fishing in sea. Then we saw small fishes in big tank. After that saw so many kind of fishes, corals, sea horses. They decorated the aquarium also very well. It was like we went into a shipreck under the sea. After sometime crossed a walk-in bridge, at the end of the bridge there was a tree house. Then we saw sharks, there was a great white shark also but it was small one. Then enterd into tunnel like we can see all fishes and sharks above us. There was white crocodile also, which we never saw crocodile before. So many sting rays also there, we touched one of that sting ray. It was smooth and soft like a jelly. We saw so many other fishes like nemo fish, lion fish, saw fish. We never saw this moving before, always sleeping. We bought our sovenier and got out from the aquarium around 3:48pm and started to homme around 4:05pm. We did little shopping an then we reached home around 8:00pm.

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Turpentine Creek Wild life Refuge

2023-02-26T14:53:00.001-08:00

We went to Turpentine Creek wild life refuge and Walmart museum on 12th February 2023.

Brief Summary:

Place: Turpentine Creek Wild life refuge

Location: Bentonville, Arkansas.

Distance: 41.3 miles

Members: Me, my wife and my daughter.

Duration: 1 hour 8 mins.

Experience:

We woke up around 6:30am and then got ready. We had our breakfast around 8:30am. Then started to wild life refuge around 8:56am. Actually based on our plan we have to start around half an hour before because we booked tickets for tram tour at 10:00am. If we miss the tour time then we have to wait one hour so we were worried about that. Climate was very good on that day , little chill wind was also there but overall we had good weather. We crossed the big bridge on the river. It was nice scenic view on the bridge. We saw boats on the river. Seems like few people are also doing kayaking and fishing. This refuge park was very far from the town and its located on small mountain. Around 10:01am we reached the refuge park. Immediately we entered the park and asked them about the tour they said that they were about to start if we go fast we can catch them. So we went quickly over there and we caught the tram tour on time. They started tour around 10:06am. They have so many lions, lioness, tigers and white tigers. In the tour we saw one Lion first. There was only one male lion and few female lions. The lion was sleeping. Not just in the refuge but we saw lions in some other zoo parks as well sleeping all the time. Actually a lion sleeps 18-20 hours per day. So we did not expect more than this, at least we saw little near than before.

After that saw some mountain lions and some wild cats. Then we saw many tigers, lionesses and some of them were cross breeds also like ligers, tigons and couple of other cross breeds also there. Also they are trying get the new cross breed of male tiger and female lion. So totally they have around 95 species in those 50 of them are tigers only. Some tigers are very active so we thought that we were there at right time. We felt little cold in the tram. The tour was ended around 10:45am, they dropped us at the starting point of the park only so that we can see the animals by walk. Actually they have Bears, Hyena, Black leopord and Jaguar. Along with these we saw few Tigers which we saw from tram. But we could not see all of them. Then we saw black leopard and jaguar, they were very actively roaming at that time. After that we went to see the bears, on the way to bears we saw the mountain lions and wild cats which we saw from tram. There were no bears, all of them were inside only because some people were cleaning over there.

So got back to see the tigers. Some tigers were sleeping but one tiger was very active when it saw us. While we were taking photos it was roaming very actively sometimes it was trying touching and pushing the net to catch us(but it could not as the fence was so strong). And also we did not see the hyena, when enquired about that they said that it sent to rehabilitation center. There was one only grizzly bear in separate small cave

but it was feeling very shy to come out. At last when we want to go out we saw small window for the bear cave so went to check our luck. Yes, we saw it very near from window it was eating something. We saw big nails and tooth of it, we felt very happy for that view of bear. We thought that we missed bears and felt little disappointment but we were happy when we saw it. We got out from refuge around 11:34am.Started to home around 11:40am and reached around 1:00pm. We had our lunch around 1:30pm and were thinking about what we can do remaining half day. We then decided to go to Walmart museum but not the original one because that was in renovating process but they moved all the stuff to another place except the Sam Walton Truck. Anyway we want to go for that also so we started around 2:30pm to Walmart museum. Around 3:00pm we reached there but it was little difficult to find out the ledger building. So we called them they said directions, it was two streets away from that renovating place and we reached there around 3:15pm.

We got to know how the big store Walmart has started. We read how many struggles Sam Walton has faced and how Walmart was evolved. We did not see the Sam Walton's truck only, missed it. We got out from the museum around 3:40pm. Then we started to home around 4:00pm and reached home around 4:30pm. We saw two different places in one day. We were very happy with that wild life refuge park and learned something from the museum because even though it was museum that was a success story from the struggle of one of the great business man. We have to remember the people like these and have to go forward with courage to achieve our dreams. This small one day trip gave us so many happy moments because it was first trip with our daughter and will never forget this trip. All is Well.

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S11 Team Camp 22

2022-12-03T18:30:00.002-08:00

We had done camp on 2nd December 2022. It is located in Pocahontas State Park.

Camp Location:

Name: Pocahontas Campground, Pocahontas State Park.

Distance: 30 miles from Henrico, Richmond (approx.)

Site type: Electric

Camp Team: Chetan, Karan, Keyur, Naman, Niraj, Ritesh, Suraj, Vamshi, Varun and me

Experience:

On our last match of the last tournament for the 2022 season, after losing the match we have decided to do a team get together and came up with camping plan. So seems like we started celebrating after our losses, but do not remember having get together when we won the tournaments. So we finalized to go for camping and to do at a near by place Pocahontas and many seem interested. We have booked two campsites and took the count of people coming in one month in advance. This was a first time winter camping for most of us. So everyone made sure to bring necessary gear (comforters, jackets, sleeping bags). Niraj, who is an expert in finding deals or reducing expenses to buy homes, came up with a Walmart link to find a cheaper effective sleeping bag. As S11 has history of people following others to buy things, soon Naman and Keyur also got the similar big yellow sleeping bags. Just a week before the camping date, we came up with list of things we need to bring. We were total 10 members. Chetan said Sachin, who always needs push from Chetan to confirm, is also coming. Naman who is very particular about each and every detail initiated a call on Wednesday (30th November) to take notes of who goes in which car, what to order for food and drinks, what to play, what to prepare at campsite. As usual when discussion was about food, Sachin jumped in came up with brilliant plan about whom to give the order and how to get it. Then when we were about to wrap-up the call, Sachin said his brilliant plan wont work out. We came up with alternate plan. Naman, like a regular project meeting assignment was writing the MOM of meeting and reading each line carefully multiple lines to make sure everything is covered and sent it to the group. He missed the date for the camping though ;). Being cold, we made plan to bring heaters, extension cords. Finally we have decided to meet at Wegmans at 3:30 pm on the camping day.

I went to the campsite around 1:30 to set some clues for treasure hunt and reached back around 3:20 pm. Niraj and Karan already reached the Wegman's parking. Chetan came to pick me up and that is when I realized Wegman's means Wawa gas station (at least for Chetan). So we went to Wawa gas station and by the time we reached Naman and Suraj, Niraj and Karan were already there. Oh forgot to mention, While I was at campsite, spoke to Sachin, who always has some last minute issues, said he would come late and asked us to carry on with the plan. Vamshi, who never spoke much after saying yes for camping, informed Naman he would would come after 4pm. Ritesh, Keyur and Varun joined us at the gas station after 10 minutes. We had the car passes already(checked in when I went earlier on the day. Around 4:30 pm we reached (all the 4 cars) the campsite. It was not a very cold weather that day and we still had sunlight. Started pitching up the tents(Chetan, Ritesh and mine). Chetan's and mine we pitched on campsite 81. Ritesh bhai on campsite 80. Chetan's and mine we pitched up in 5 - 10 mins. While Ritesh, Keyur, Naman still trying to pitch Ritesh's tent. Then we all except Niraj and Chetan started helping to pitch up Ritesh's new tent. Everyone was using their engineering mind to come up with their own ideas or interpretations of the user manual. We tried various combinations of the poles that were given to setup none of them were working. We were looking for our construction expert Varun to help us, but being the supervisor/manager he wanted us to pitch the tent then he would inspect. Finally with some luck we figured out and pitched up at least the basic structure of the tent and now struggling to fit the tent cover on the top. Then comes Niraj bhai who by that time had setup all the chairs at the other campsite, arranged the drinks and kept ready. Niraj is expert in making things work somehow, and he fitted the cover on one side and then we were able to do it on other side and finally tent was pitched up. Even though it was not the way we planned but it was great to see everyone trying their best to help each other to get the tent standing on the ground. Hope next season we all try our best in every match to win the tournaments.

The sense of satisfaction once we pitched up the tent was amazing. By the time we are done with the tent, Chetan who is our hardworking sincere boy has setup all the lights, audio speaker, put all the bedding in the tents, brought out all the items necessary for food and drinks. Naman who was worrying from the beginning about the cold was happy to see Suraj, who has brought all the items as we have planned, though very silent, has got a great heater. He setup the heater at the vegetarian tent (Ritesh's). It was round 5:30 everyone gathered at the non vegetarian campsite and slowly settling in for a wonderful evening at the base. Ritesh and Niraj were eager to start the drinks, we were waiting for Sachin and Vamshi who were supposed to start at 4:00 pm. Then we came to know Sachin is not coming, which was not surprising and Vamshi is coming and will reach in 15 minutes. Later on we came to know it was 15 minutes after 6:00 Vamshi would be reaching. After directions from Suraj, Naman, Chetan finally Vamshi arrived. We got the firewood and started campfire and started adjusting the chairs so that everyone gets the warmth of the fire. Boys started to have drink already and Ritesh has brought excellent Gobi Manchurian for veg starters. Niraj has brought boiled eggs and Naman opened non veg starters. Vamshi arrived by the time we are done with our starters. Ritesh bhai ("BOSS, Unbelievable") has taken the lead to engage the group in conversations and started with topic that every one should speak about the crush since childhood. We had interesting conversations especially from Karan and Chetan. Then we had many great conversations. While many of us are sitting, relaxing, enjoying the conversations, Niraj and Chetan were unstable, something bothering them and kept on trying to adjust the firewood on the campfire. Ritesh who was also watching them finally couldn't stop but to ask "Problem Kya hein?" . Niraj who was sitting on other side of the campfire, was not getting the heat and wanted 360 heat for which he decided to burn whatever it takes. He kept on adding firewood until he was satisfied. He did a great job and we had an excellent camp fire.

Vamshi was the only bachelor in the group, so naturally most of boys were interested in his future plans and marriage. Boys were curious about his bride selection, so far his luck and if using any apps to search and even they came up with their friend's success stories through these apps. Keyur ("basically, what I am trying to say is") has given his expert advice on to go for love or arranged marriage. Since we sat for quite sometime, we decided to play(or rather people obliged as they felt me took effort in setting it up) treasure hunt. Initially boys were struggling to get to the next level clues but once they got the hang of it (not sure if it is the game or the drink) they were very quick in finding the rest of the clues. Every one played great and nice participation. Winners are Team B (Chetan, Varun, Vamshi) and next Team A(Keyur, Naman, Karan) and then came Team C(Ritesh, Niraj, Suraj). Since I did not participate, I hope others enjoyed the hunt. This called for another round of drinks and everyone again gathered at the camp fire. Soon we were deep in conversations and obviously Elon Musk is one of it. Naman ("but again, you know") was very concerned about current team strength and was giving his ideas how to come back strong next year. It was around 8:15 pm we started to have food. Ritesh has brought Pav Bhaji with Bhaji in an instapot to keep it hot. The non-veg was made warm at the campfire. While having dinner, Ritesh bhai started the topic of ghosts and some of the boys felt uncomfortable. Ritesh bhai shared couple of excellent ghost stories from his personal experiences and these topics lead to many conversations with Naman and Varun discussing how Varun would advise his clients if he believes there can be ghost(or negative energy) in the buildings. Karan bhai, who we came to know was a great sport person, singer and crush for many girls during his school and college, was not comfortable with the discussions and changed the topic to favourite song. So everyone started to sing old 70s and 80 songs of Kishore Kumar. Suraj and Vamshi were silent, but were enjoying the lyrics while checking weather app on the phone.

It was around 11:15 pm, our Chetan, the sincere guy, started removing the trash, keeping the place clean. Then everyone chimed in and soon we all decided to go to sleep. Vegetarian tent - Ritesh, Keyur, Varun. Chetan's - Chetan, Naman, Niraj. Mine - Karan, Suraj, Vamshi and me. Naman who as usual worries made sure everyone has the necessary bedding to keep themselves warm. Actually we thought of playing cards, but with the effects of drinking some of the boys just settled with talking (for them it is) for others laughing at higher decibels. Around 1:30 am or so every one retired to their respective tents. We could hear the noises in the jungle along with human snores. It started raining from around 3:00 am. Around 6 am Niraj and me got up and taken bath as well. The restrooms were very clean and the water in the shower was very hot. By the time we were back Chetan was already outside and it was just drizzling. We decided to prepare soup as Others were still sleeping we don't have all the necessary gear for preparing tea. Niraj, Chetan, Suraj and me were the first batch to have the soup. Then Keyur, Karan, Ritesh everyone started coming in. It stopped raining but there was prediction that it will rain soon again. Niraj bhai started preparing tea. Boys were eagerly waiting to have it but Niraj took his own time to make sure everything was right and great. Finally everyone had their chance of having this wonderful tea. Meanwhile I was trying to prepare veg omelette, as obsessed with preparing something at campsite, but it turned out to be a disaster. We then decided to pack the tents and if have time before the rain comes will prepare Maggi (to please Naman who joined late to the tea party). Everyone started helping each other in packing the tents and soon we cleaned the area. This is one great thing about the team. At least apart from on the ground, every one be like part of one family and help each other out. After packing, we decided to go on a trail as the weather still seemed great and we had a great lake view. It started raining heavily and we went back to cars and started our way home. Around 10:20 am reached home. We had a great time and was a memorable experience. Hoping to keep this trend going on to get together once in a year. All is Well.

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S11 Team camp

2021-08-23T11:50:00.000-07:00

we had done camp on 21st August 2021. It is located in Shenandoah National Park.

Camp Location:

Name: Loft Mountain, Shenandoah National Park.

Distance: 100 miles from Henrico, Richmond (approx.)

Site type: Non-Electric

Camp Team: Chetan, Jigar, Keyur, Naman, Niraj, Sachin, Vishal and me

Experience:

It all started on one fine evening(two months before) after our evening practice. It had been a long time we had no team party or get-together. So one of our team member said about camping and couple of us showed interest and decided to go for camping. Chetan, our team's punctual and first responder booked the campground. Also created a separate group with all the enthusiasts. Not sure how much serious all are, just had the site ready and since two months to go, ignored it for the time. Just a week before the camping day, we started talking about it like do we want to go for it, how many are interested, timing of our next match, what all things are needed and so on. Six members were ready(all the initial interested ones) and we decided to go on with the plan. Sachin, as usual one of the most eager person to join any team event to help team bonding, invited couple of future s11 members to come along for the camp. We now have 8 members and planned who is going to get what and what we are going to do on the camping day. On 19th after our practice session, Sachin announced he would not be joining us due to some personal work. By now we got used to this sudden surprises from him, as he generally does these last minute changes after initially showing lot of interest and encouraging others to join. We are now back to 7. On 20th, a day before the D-day, Chetan and me got the necessary items for the camp. Next post our match we were about to start within 2 hours for the campsite, came to know that the two future S11 members are unable to join and we were only 5. Oh forgot to mention, Jigar called us on 20th asking about the camp plan and was looking for personal invitation, unfortunately we have not printed any invitation cards, but he being kind hearted agreed to join us. we are now 6 again. Chetan and Naman being very persuasive were after Sachin and Vishal to join us at any cost. Sachin mentioned his personal work got cancelled and thanks to efforts of Chetan and Naman, Vishal and Sachin agreed to join us. So we are now 8 again. This is not unusual for us , as it is exactly how we persuade to get 11 players for a match. Naman being our nutritionist (food expert) and caretaker to ensure everyone has got something to eat of their own choice, took the order from each one of us and got the food items from various restaurants. Me being picky and orthodox, he took extra care to ensure I eat something. So we decided to go in two cars, one Chetan's 4Runner and other Naman's Highlander. we left to our homes to rendezvous at my place at 2pm.

Chetan, our most punctual guy was ready and picked Sachin, Vishal, Jigar along with their belongings and instead of coming to my place waited for us at Rest Area(still unclear why they missed the exit, may be easy for nature call). Naman, our other driver along with conductor Niraj picked the food, then Keyur and came to my place around 2:10 pm. The car is already full with all the belongings and almost little space left to fit in mine. Keyur felt he and me need to sit on roof of the car so that the luggage can fit in. But Niraj, our jugaad expert somehow adjusted all the luggage and me and Keyur able to seat in the back seats of the car. Around 2:30pm we started from my place and went to Kroger to take beverages, ice bags. Keyur and me being kids(or treated like) driver and conductor went to get the beverages and got chocolate milk for us. we then met our other group at the Rest Area who by now are skeptical if we are going to make it. We then set out for the campsite. As there is literally no space in our car, Chetan and co took the next exit on I-64 to get firewood and additional ice-bags. On our way we had good debate on hindi vs gujarati songs. Keyur insisted on one gujarati song which Naman refused, but upon Niraj's additional support for Keyur, Naman put the song. Keyur was fully into the song while Naman waited for the chance to change it, but believe it or not, luck is with Naman, due to bad network in Keyur's mobile could not continue the song. Then Naman played some patriotic songs and topic moved to patriotism and one of the great warrior of India, Vikram Batra and movie released on him. By the time we realized we were in traffic jam and again we were discussing which vehicles would we allow to pass us and which we should not. Naman, kind-hearted allowed a big truck to cross us and gave him way in the jam. we waited for our other group to join us at exit 99 near the popcorn shop. This time it was our turn to wait. The other group arrived and we entered the skyline drive and went towards the campsite. It was Single lane and even though Naman was driving good, due to sensors in his car we came to know that he was crossing the line(it beeps whenever lane is crossed). We saw a deer on the way, standing on the side of the road, lucky enough, thanks to sensors Naman was within the lane. Soon we reached the campsite at 5:23 pm. We booked two campsites, expecting both to be on opposite side but to our surprise they are not and they were one behind the other with a road in between.

We pitched our tents, unloaded the luggage from the cars. Chetan being an expert camper, had set everything ready to eat, for sitting around the campsite. Everyone being hungry readily sat with their drink and plates to eat. Me being like a touch-me-not for the non-vegetarian food, Keyur did the serving for us(Vishal, Jigar, Keyur, me) and Sachin and Chetan for others. Naman felt happy that everyone got their share and liked the food. Somehow the conversation went onto ships and Naman being a ex Merchant Ship Engineer got reminded of his old days. He was so passionate to explain his experiences and how the life of an Ship Engineer would be. Everyone were asking rapid fire questions about the job(only what they want to know) but Naman being so excited about people asking him about Ship, went on to tell what he wanted to say mostly technical, which went over our head for most part except for Keyur who seems to be knowledgeable of it. Naman was so involved in explaining he lost control of bottle in his hand. since then everyone was more keen on making sure he does not hold anything or anything near him than listening to what he is saying. Overall it was very informative session. Niraj was quiet throughout the session, as though like a parent observing the kids talk and play. we are done with one round of dinner. Chetan, Niraj started to setup the campfire. Jigar, the Uno expert giving KT to Sachin about the game. we were playing Uno while Niraj gathering all the dried sticks and chetan arranging the firewood. with lot of effort, oil they succeeded in setting up the campfire and it was dark already. Since they were only three chairs others waited for their turn in someone got up for nature or personal phone call. We had good fruitful discussions about the future strategies for Suprising 11, while Chetan is busy cleaning the area for fear of bears might join us. The restrooms are very close to the campsite so it made life easy for many of us to walk in the night. Around 8:45 pm we had our final round of dinner. Food was good and as we were making lot of noise discussing about our strategies we decided to go to amphitheater where there is no sound restriction. It was a long adventurous walk through the woods with plants and trees on both sides. For Keyur every plant seemed like poison-ivy. Sachin the brave person always in the middle of the group so that if anything attacks he would not be the first one. we reached the amphitheater around 10:00 pm. We were the only ones there. Started conversations on various topics about Shenandoah, valleys, Chetan's new dog, Sachin's analysis (he wants people to listen to his pre and post match analysis), my night vision binoculars, everyone's struggle to convince their life partner to join this trip. Being tired we decided to go back to our tent.

we reached our tent, Vishal wanted all of us to stay near the campfire but, people decided to hit the tent for sleep. Keyur, Niraj, Naman, Jigar and me in one tent and Chetan, Sachin and Vishal in another. Keyur actually had brought two comforters for extra cushion for comfort but unfortunately we distributed all the comforters across the tent base. Soon we five hit our sacks and Naman our Dj put some light music which was on and off due to network issue kept us awake instead of sleep. Soon some of us went to sleep and now we could hear all the sounds of woods(insects, flies) along with ours(snoring). it was like a sound competition among the insects, flies and us. I guess we all know the winner. There was heavy wind flowing and it felt little cold to some of us. With some difficulty we all were able to sleep except for few times need to wake up for nature call. Around 6:30 am except Niraj we all got up and got freshened. Naman and Keyur still want to sleep andso decided to stay in the tent. By this time Chetan as usual our first responder was ready and then Jigar , Vishal Sachin and me we all went in car to shelter where we can take shower. unfortunately none of us had coins to turn on the shower. Sachin, who was half sleepy got freshened there along with Vishal. Jigar and me came back to tent walking. On our way we went to amphitheater again to enjoy the spectacular view of the Shenandoah valley. Finally Niraj also got up. we all were ready for our morning chai. Chetan again has set everything ready for preparing chai and Maggie for breakfast. Jigar our chai chef, started preparing the tea with ginger. Naman wanted less sugar and Jigar wanted more sugar. the debate seemed like not going to end. Keyur came to our rescue and settled it. Finally chai was ready and everyone enjoyed it. On the other hand, me persistent with the small stove(though not necessary) had prepared soup. Since we have firewood left from the previous night, decided to put the campfire again. Niraj, once again the wildlife wanderer brought the dried sticks and Chetan set the campfire. The only missing person was Sachin who was on phone for a long time. Initially we thought it was his life partner as he was talking for hours, later we came to know it was one of our other team member. Meanwhile Keyur being a responsible person went and handed over his Chai as others were trying to drink it. Unfortunately Sachin do not drink Chai and Keyur felt disappointed. Naman then prepared Maggie with great effort as though he was preparing biryani. It was very good. We all had Maggie and some of us had tea once again, this time with less ginger. Keyur was not satisfied though. I went to bring corn and Keyur was coming from the restroom. we were talking about how to roast them and all of a sudden he shouted Snake. we both were about to step on a small rattle snake. It was not perturbed by us and was moving slowly towards the bushes. Keyur started calling others. Soon everyone gathered and started analyzing about the snake. There were so many snake experts amongst us. It slowly went to the bushes. Chetan, Sachin and Vishal were there until the last sight of it and bid farewell to it. we then roasted corn on the campfire grill. Niraj and keyur took all the efforts in make it a fine roast. It was delicious. Naman added lemon to it for extra flavour. Meanwhile conversation started about cars and everyone turned towards Chetan's 4runner as it was completely customized. Niraj and Chetan went for a test drive. We started playing Uno again. By this time Sachin also became a pro in that. As usual Vishal always won the game. we completed couple of games but Niraj and Chetan had not returned. Felt like Niraj has went to car shop to purchase a new car. They were back and wrapped up our luggage and tent. We throwed away the trash in the allotted bear proof trash cans and left for home in the same cars as we started. Reached home around 1:45 pm. It was an amazing and wonderful trip with all the team members. All is well.

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Motts Run Reservoir

2021-07-17T21:43:00.000-07:00

We had done hike to Motts Run Reservoir on June 27th 2021. It is located in Fredericksburg,

Virginia State.

Hike Location:

Name: Motts Run Reservoir

Distance: 63.7 miles from Henrico (approx.)

Total hiking distance: 5.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 605 ft.

Hike Team: me and my wife.

Hiking Experience:

We woke up at 5:30am. We have tried to get up around 4:30am but we could not do it. We got freshened, packed the breakfast and lunch and started around 7:15am. The hike location is around 1 hour 15 minutes journey from our home. The weather was sunny along with the cool breeze. We took country side road instead of interstate highway. We saw beautiful farms, fields, gardens, cows, horses and excellent houses and villas also. Some houses have extraordinary environment with lakes and farms. The entire road had beautiful scenic views on either side. To enjoy these things we always look for country side road only. Around 8:40am we have reached hike location. we saw two parking lots over there, one is at entrance of the location another one is near the river for that parking lot we to cross the first one. Initially we had lot of confusion about the trail. The instructions which we got from the net are not clear. We have to follow the red blazed trail that is Mile run trail. we have searched for the trail for sometime but we could not find it so we asked about it to bikers passing by and they guided us which way we have to go.

Then we started our hike around 8:50am After following that trail for sometime we felt like we were missing our trail because we saw the red color marked trees but we are going different trail. We understood that we were following some other trail which 8 miles hike trail. Then we moved to 5 miles hike trail and continued our journey. After 0.3miles we have reached the Lake view trail that is green blazed trail which lies on left side of the Mile run trail. We climbed down on that trail for 0.4 miles and saw beautiful lake view. The view of the lake was really beautiful. Then we were heading back to the mile run trail. While coming back from the Lake view trail it was very steep and it was nice workout for us. then in 5 minutes we have reached the Mile run trail. This hike very nice hike, the trail not a narrowed trail this time. We saw so many other hikers and bicycle riders also. In some places wooden benches also.

After we walked for 1.2 miles we have reached the Laurel trail that is purple blazed trail. We climbed down to the Laurel trail. It is 0.2 miles distance to the lake. This time we saw different view of the lake. We saw people fishing and there were so many fallen trees in the water. Then after 5 minutes we came back to the Mile run trail. Not only on the lake but during the entire trail also we saw so many fallen trees. After sometime we crossed a small wooden bridge and then after some distance from that bridge there were two small benches on the left side of the trail. Then we crossed another small wooden bridge also. But this bridge is not very strong like the before one, it was shaking while walking on it. After sometime of walking we have reached the creek of the Mile Run trail. We saw big stream also over there, saw so many small fishes in that stream. We had breakfast around 10:30am there and spent sometime over there. We liked the stream, fishes and water sound. We felt very pleasant environment over there. After 10 minutes we started our hike again, now we have to reach Turkey Ridge trail for that we were retracing our steps on Mile Run trail.

After Half an hour we have reached the intersection of Mile Run trail and Turkey Ridge trail which is yellow blazed trail. On this trail we were completely climbing down, we saw so many benches on the left side of this trail. The entire view of that benches and that place was just like a classroom. we were so surprised and did not understood why the benches were arranged like classroom in a hiking place. After half an hour of walking we have reached the yacht around 11:30am. At that place also we saw some benches here also they arranged those like in the classroom, also that looked like a camping area. From that place the scenery was simply excellent. We took so many snaps of that place, and took rest for sometime on that yacht. Then we saw some people were doing boating and fishing over there. We thought that those boats are their own so if we want to do boating we have to get our own boat. But anyway our hiking was done we have decided to ask in the counter about the boating. At that recreation area we so many kayak boats and motor boats, we have decided to take motor boat if there is any availability. We went to the counter and asked there about the motor boats, they said a good news that we can take a boat for rent over there only. Then we took a boat for 2 hours. We have started the boating around 12:15pm.

We thought boat driving is little bit difficult but it was so easy. There were 5 forward speeds, 3 reverse speeds and only one handle and we have to operate left and right. With cool breeze and the water splashing sound the ride was amazing. It was very huge lake we have took so many snaps and videos there while on the boat. The scenery, weather and the view of the lake simply beautiful. We saw deer at one side of the lake, initially we didn't expect any deers or bears in this hike because it was very crowded hike, another side we saw one small turtle also. After sometime around 1:00pm we had our lunch in that boat in the middle of that lake with cold breeze. We had never done so much easy boating like this.

We saw so many people fishing in that lake, we took big round around the lake. After 2 hours around 2:10pm we returned the boat. We enjoyed this easy funny boating a lot. We returned to the parking lot around 2:15pm and started our way back to home. We did not feel much tired, when we were coming back from lake view trail and laurel view trail we felt little bit difficult but walked on the normal plain road more time than that. We expected the lake view and stream views but we do not have any idea about the boating. It was really a surprise to us. We have never done boating like this on big lake. We reached home around 3:20pm. We enjoyed this hike a lot and we have came back from there with so many wonderful memories with us. All is Well.

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Pennsylvania Trip

2021-07-10T11:32:00.023-07:00

We went to Pennsylvania on July 2nd 2021.(Independence Day weekend).

Brief Summary:

Place: Pennsylvania.

Location: Pennsylvania.

Distance: 316 miles.

Members: Me, my wife and my friends.

Transport: Audi Q3.

Duration: 5 hours 34 minutes.

Experience:

Day 1 - Cabin:

On 2nd July we woke up around 6:30am. Around 10:00am I went to airport, parked our car there and brought the rental car. we started at 11:16am. First we went to the Indian store to get some vegetables and few other items. We decided to cook all our favorite delicious items at the site.

We started our journey to cabin around 12:38pm. Before the start of or journey we brought the food for lunch. Around 1:20pm we had our lunch. First we drove on the interstate for about an hour and then our journey was completely on mountain road. On the way we saw so many horses, cows, farms and fields. We saw so many beautiful sceneries as well. Weather was so good as well. It was not too sunny on that day. There were trees on either side of the road and were intertwined and look like beautiful arches. Sometimes we passed the road in between two mountains. After sometime we reached the city of Pennsylvania. Before we reached the cabin we saw so many types of cabins which made us think how our cabin will look like. We thought our cabin might be in middle of the trees and in a lonely place. While we were thinking like that, suddenly we got doubt if were we travelling on wrong direction, because we were still on the narrow road and seems like we were reaching the dead end. The road was not suited for travelling in a car. After sometime we entered into very narrow road still we did not see our cabin but within 2 minutes we saw our cabin in the middle of the trees and it was in completely a lonely place like exactly how we thought about it. We reached our cabin around 5:45pm.We entered into cabin and put all the luggage in the living room and checked rooms, beds, water, electricity and everything to see if they are in good condition or not. Yes they were in really good condition we really liked it very much. Then we reached our car in the parking spot in front of the cabin.

Then we saw a pavement into the cabin. Beside the cabin there was a big ground, in that ground there was a picnic bench and a big fire pit and some chairs. On the left side of the cabin there was an old fashioned bore pump and beside of it there was a small stream. The entrance door of the cabin was like creaky net door and there was hall before the main entrance. there was a another picnic bench and so many out door games also there. In the main hall there was big sofa and a tea table, left side of the hall there was one bedroom. In the hall under the TV there was a wooden box with some indoor board games. After the hall there was a kitchen after that one full bath and another bedroom also there. In the hall there was a staircase to the another bedroom with half bath. In that bedroom there was an antique wooden box with full of teddy bears. Other side of the bed there was a closet with extra comforters and pillows and one wooden bench also there. Around 7:30pm our friends arrived. They also took a look around the cabin and liked it as well. We had our dinner around 10:00pm. Then we saw a movie until 12:30am and around 12:45am we fell asleep.

Day 2 - Laurel Caves and Living treasure animal park :

Next day , it was Saturday we woke up around 5:30am and got ready. we had our breakfast around 8:30am. Then we started to Laurel Caves. It was our first attraction in this trip and it was one hour away from our cabin.

We saw so many white horses in the beautiful farms on our way, it was just like a movie scene. We reached caves around 10:55am. These caves are very huge and very deep. They arranged the caves with very beautiful lights. These lights gave awesome look to the caves. Some places in the caves are very slippery. In the caves some ways were very narrow and low height also. Our knees almost touched the ground. We saw different glowing bacteria also , it was coming from the cave's walls liquid. These bacteria are harmless and just glow in the dark. When we went deep down to the caves it was getting cold. This was one of the sand cave in the world. Because of some chemical reactions the cave walls are transforming into sand. We enjoyed the caves a lot. This was different experience than with other caves. We came out from the caves around 12:32pm.

We started to Falling Water around 12:40pm. But the Falling water entry tickets are sold out so we planned to go to the Seven spring Adventure park. We reached the park around 1:40pm , we enquired about pass, activities timings and everything so it was too late to take the pass, even if we take the pass we cannot complete all the activities so we decided to go to the Living treasures animal park. We had our lunch around 2:30pm on picnic table. Then around 3:15pm we started to go to Zoo. We took the entrance tickets for the zoo. In the zoo we saw a big tortoise first, it was really a big one and was eating carrots. The shell of the tortoise was very hard it was not doing anything even though we tapped on it. Then we saw the deers, ducks, camels, bysons, horses, bears, tigers, wolves and birds, some kind of reptiles as well.

We fed some of these animals. It was very nice experience we had while we were feeding to the animals. We enjoyed a lot with those. And some kind of animals and ducks are gentle only but when we go near to them with food they were very aggressive, sometimes they were eating and poking our fingers. We did not get hurt but it was funny experience. There we saw Ponies also and kids were riding them. Our friend's son also rode those. It was a lovely moment for them too. Then we saw so many types of birds like eagles, owls, parrots, peacocks swans and so many kinds of hen also were there. I never seen before these many kind of hen. We went to zoo in perfect time I think as all the animals were very active. Especially the grizzly bears and wolves are very active and they were roaming very fast in their boundaries and also bears and wolves were big in size. We saw two tigers there one was white and other one was Bengal tiger,

they are also huge but they were just resting. We saw so many kinds of monkeys also and as usual they were very active and aggressive with funny acts. Even though we know how the monkey will behave we did not get bore unknowingly we spent a lot of time near those cages. We saw many zoos before but we enjoyed this one a lot. We never fed animals like this. The animals also were very active and seems like happy to see humans. We came out from zoo around 5:20pm and we reached our cabin around 6:00pm. We decided to put campfire and make some barbecue items. Then we pitched our tent. The ground was very smooth with soft grass so it does not took much time to pitch the tent. Then the campfire, it took a lot of time for us to arrange it because of the cloudy weather the wood took too long time to burn. But at last we arranged the campfire. Meanwhile we were cooking some barbecue stuff to eat. After sometime everything was setup- the camp fire, hot and spicy food, tent. We sat around the fire, eating food and were talking about the caves, zoo and entire our trip of that day. Then we went into the tent and played couple of card games. After sometime it started getting cold, so we went into the cabin and had dinner around 10:00pm. We started to plan our next day of our trip. We had a plan to go to Seven spring Adventure Park , so we booked our tickets online to the park and for adventure activities. Then we watched a movie and slept around 12:00am.

Day-3: Seven Spring Adventure park

The next day morning we woke up around 6:00am and had our breakfast around 10:15am. Then we started to Seven Spring Adventure Park around 10:50am.

We reached the park around 11:15am. Then we entered into the ticket counter, we already booked for all day pass for all the activities so we got the wrist bands(passes) for the entrance to all the activities. Once we came out from the counter we started our adventure activities in the park. In the park we saw big ground first, everybody were roaming, taking photos and kids were playing games over there. There are some rides and water activities and some indoor games also there. First we decided to do water activities. Water activities are little away from the rides, we did one and half mile hike also for that. We saw big lake over there, we wore the life jackets first and did the water car riding, paddle boats, paddle cycling. This paddle cycling was a different one, we never saw it before anywhere, it was very interesting one but we have to ride it slowly. Then we did all other rides also. While we were doing kayaking we sung songs like in the old movies and we had the perfect weather also at that time, cloudy and cool soothing wind.

We enjoyed a lot with water rides. Then we were ready to go down to do the other activities in the park. There was a ride called alpine slide to go down. In this ride we have to ride our car on the slide. It was really funny and adventurous, we all enjoyed this ride a lot. Once we came down in front of our eyes we saw so many outdoor and indoor activities. We plan to do outdoor activities first then after lunch indoor activities. Then we did the Chair lift there, we saw amazing views, mountains and we saw people who were doing the alpine slide. While we were doing chair lift ride we thought that we can do the alpine slide one more time once we reached there but there was long queue so we did not do that. Then we all did the trampoline thing and kids did the Rockwall climbing. We had packed our lunch from the cabin so we had our lunch on park bench around 3:00pm. Then we went to play indoor games. First we started playing indoor games with Miniature golf, it was very funny and little bit difficult to hit the ball into the hole in one shot.

Sometimes it took too many shots to hit the ball but we all are enjoyed it. Next we went to play Bowling, this was a favorite indoor game for me and my wife. We really enjoyed to play this game with our friends it was like competition between us. Then kids wanted to play in swimming pool but we did not allow as there are already too many people in the pool and felt it might not be safe. Then we went to play Arcade games. We bought four cards and we all played got many coupons to buy toys. After that before we bought the toys we had our dinner around 8:10pm. Then we went to buy with the coupons, there was a big line to change the coupons into points to the card and finally we got our points to the cards then bought small toys with all the points. We played these Arcade games very quickly because it was getting time to get a place to watch the fire works. Then we came down to watch fireworks around 9:10pm and finally we got the perfect place on ground to watch. Around 9:30pm they started the fire works and for 15 minutes continuously they lit up the fireworks . We watched the fireworks before also many times in different places but these were really different and beautiful and also sitting on the ground and watching that was a perfect view. We watched fireworks before in Disney land in Florida but we like these fireworks more. Then we reached the cabin around 10:25pm. We packed all our stuff and talked about our entire 3 days trip. Then the next day we had a plan to see the Laurel state park and the waterfalls. Then we slept around 1:15am.

Day-4 Laurel hill state park

The next day morning we woke up around 7:00am. That was the last day of our trip so we were all busy in packing all our stuff to vacate the cabin.

Around 10:15am we had our breakfast then we packed all the stuff and placed those in our car and last we were ready to leave. We stayed in this cabin for 3 days only but when we were leaving we felt like it was our home. We played games here, enjoyed the small outdoor games activities, did camping, cooked delicious items. We enjoyed a lot in this cabin. Around 11:40am we vacated our cabin and started to Laurel hill state park. While we were going in that route we saw the horses and beautiful scenic views one last time. In 15 minutes around 12:00pm we reached the Laurel hill state park. We saw there was a big lake and so many people were playing over there. We parked our car in parking lot and went there to see what type activities are there.

There we saw all the water activities only and also we already done those in Seven Spring park. Even though if we want to do those again there was a pretty big line to the tickets so we did not go there. Previously at the cabin we came to know there was beautiful waterfall in that park, we searched for nearly 20 minutes and then finally we got the information that we have to do the small hike to see that falls. Then we started hiking to the falls around 12:24pm. It was the first time we did the hiking without shoes but without a problem because it was not very steep. We used the sticks as support for us. We talked about our entire trip while we were walking. While we were talking we heard the water sound after sometime, reached the waterfalls. The falls really are beautiful but these falls are not natural, they are man made. But they built it very beautifully, almost looks like natural falls. The water was very cold, in that hot weather we enjoyed the temperature of water, we felt so fresh. We took lot of photos there and then started to go back. We reached the parking lot and started to go home around 1:40pm. We had our lunch in Taco bell and reached airport. We returned the rental car and drove home in our car. Reached home around 7:00pm.

We really enjoyed this trip very much. We stayed in excellent vintage cabin, saw different places, had thrilling experiences, saw beautiful scenic views, did different activities and played lot of games. We happily spent these holidays with our friends, collected so many beautiful memories and happily reached our home with those. All is Well.

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Little Devils Stairs

2021-06-26T19:21:00.003-07:00

We had done hike to Little Devil's Stairs on 20th June 2021 . It is located in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia State.

Hike Location

Name: Little Devils Stairs

Distance: 102 miles from Henrico (approx.)

Total hiking distance: 6.0 miles

Elevation Gain: 1480 ft.

Hike Team: me and my wife.

Hiking Experience:

We woke up at 5:00am. We tried to get up at 4:30am but could not do it. We got freshened, packed lunch and breakfast nd started around 6:40am. It is two hours distance from home. The weather was cloudy and the temperature was normal.

On our way we saw so many horses and cows grazing. As we have taken country side road, we saw so many green farms and fields all the way along. It was very pleasant to watch these sceneries in the early morning. We were about to reach the parking lot then we saw a deer. We reached the hiking place around 8:48am. We started the hike around 8:55am. We followed the blue blazed trail to the left of the parking lot. Initially there were some stairs going down and then there was a stream with many rocks and less water. As we hiked further the trail was so narrow only one person can walk and it was surrounded by many huge trees on either side of the trail. It was a muddy trail and got steeper. There was a water stream flowing down besides the trail. We crossed this stream several times to follow our trail. It was like a zig zag crossing the streams. There were huge rocks on the trail and we climbed on the rocks to proceed further. It has been long time climbed such huge rocks. The slope of the trail is also very high felt like almost we are crawling on our knees. It was quite challenging but we enjoyed it as there was stream flowing beside us. The sound of the water, birds chirping, green trees made us feel as though we are in jungle and adventurous.

The trees are very tall and wide. Many a times we used to lose our trail and search for the blue mark to find it again. Almost for 2 and half miles the trail is covered with rocks. Sometimes we need to climb between two rocks to move further. After hiking for about an hour we had our breakfast on one of the rocks beside small waterfall. Around 10am we continued our hike. There were many fallen trees besides the trail but did not block it. The water in the stream is very cold and it was fun crossing it though it was slippery. There were many earth worms all over the place. Some of the rocks were very slippery because of the streams, so while we were climbing we almost have to walk on four legs like an animal. At one point we were climbing a big slippery rock and there was no place to put our hand and push our self to go up, the rock was so soft that we just have to give pressure with our feet and climb. I crossed that easily but my wife was too afraid to climb that. There was another rock to the left of this slippery rock. My wife decided to hold both the rocks and climb between them. She got half the way and reached her left hand to top of the rock to pull herself.

She was holding the rock and coming slowly and suddenly she was about put her hand on a SNAKE...!! She started shouting and climbing down instantly. I did not see that snake and I don't know what is happening and why she was shouting. She ran away so fast 10 steps down and then she told me. Obviously, now she had only one way to come up even though it was difficult for her. Now she is no more afraid of the rock, as her fear of the snake was much more. She was so frightened at that time, but later we felt it was so funny her reaction. After that we continued climbing, crossing the stream many times. Small plants and stream were glittering with thin rays of sunlight which escaped the leaves of the tall and wide trees. It was very beautiful scene to watch. After sometime we saw big waterfall. It was pretty far from our trail. There was no any proper route to go near that waterfall. We saw it from our trail only and we moved on. We were traversing the hill and now our trail got separated from the stream.

We continued further and no more rocks on the trail and no more climbing just walking on the narrow road. Soon we reached an intersection with the fire road with yellow blazed trail. We have to continue our hike on that road for almost 4 miles. So we took another break around 11:16am, had some food and around 11:25am we started again. So far we have hiked uphill and now this trail is complete downhill and it is covered with small stones making it hard to walk. There were no more water noises of the stream, no huge rocks and no snakes along this trail. Being wide we did not feel like it was hike and was not enjoyable. we sung some songs and remembered our way uphill and incident with the snake. Around 1:05 pm we reached the parking lot. We had our lunch on the way to home and reached home around 3:00 pm. We really had a great time compared to our previous hikes we have done and still cannot forget those memorable moments with waterfall, rocks, streams and all. We enjoyed this hike a lot. All is Well.

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Harbor View

2021-06-15T12:24:00.000-07:00

We went to Harbor View RV Campground on May 28th 2021.(Memorial Day Weekend)

Brief Summary:

Place: Harbor View RV Campground.

Location: Virginia.

Distance: 60 miles approx.

Members: Me and my wife.

Transport: Class A Motorhome.

Stay: 28 May 2021 - 31 May 2021

Experience:

We have been thinking to do camping in RV at least once for the past 2-3 years. Having seen many RV campers beside our tent camping, we thought that we need to rent a RV no matter what and get the experience of life in a RV. Around February when the pandemic situation was improving we decided to go for camping and to compensate for not being able to do any camping/outing over the past year planned to take an RV. As a first step started looking for campsites. Most of the sites are full and could not get any spot for couple of days. But we did not lose hope and luckily we got one spot which was available in Harbor View RV Campground. Even though we have booked it, to make sure the campsite was really booked on our name, have called them and confirmed. Then with no further delay started googling which RV is best suited for us and how and where to book it. Just like looking for a new apartment when changing location, with more excitement we started looking at multiple RVs. Soon came across Outdoorsy where the RV owners post their vehicles for rent. This is just like Turo app for cars(we once rented a smartForTwo car using Turo). Again started looking at various RVs especially the interior layout, length, and should we drive or tag it to our car. We finally decided to drive the RV instead of tagging it and found 2018 Jayco Alante which is 26 feet in length. It is smaller in comparison to general RVs but for us two we felt this would be perfect. So we booked the RV through Outdoorsy for 28th to 31st May. Ae were waiting anxiously for the Owner to confirm our request. we got the confirmation from the Owner in a week. Our Joy was endless. By the time our camping dates arrived, We spoke with the Owner regarding what all the things would be provided, how RV works, and a week prior to our D day we went and saw the RV. It was simply majestic. The Owner is around 70 miles from our place and 60 miles from the campsite. So the plan is to take our car to the Owner's place, drop it there, pickup the RV and go to camping. We thought a lot about what to carry, what to leave behind and done with our packing. Finally the day has arrived.

We started around 8:30 am in the morning on 28th May from home. We have taken Biryani previous night and kept it for the next day afternoon as by the time we reach camping it would be lunch time and also we cannot get the food in the morning time. We had our home made breakfast in the morning. Around 10 am we reached the Owner's place. He was very helpful and gave full details once again how to operate the RV, pipe connections, operations inside the RV. Around 11 am we started our long awaited dream of driving an RV. It was about 60 miles from there to the campsite but due to narrow roads and traffic it took us about 1 hour 15 mins to reach the campsite. The driving experience is awesome, For once we were sitting at so high position could see the road ahead and traffic lights even there are vehicles in front of us. The drive was very smooth, The gear system is attached to steering unlike having it to the side. One good thing is we placed all our stuff in the RV in such a way that while driving the items do not roll off. That is one thing we need to be careful. We reached around 12:20 pm the campsite.

After completing the check-in formalities the campsite guards showed us our campsite. It was not very far from their office. We parked the RV in the designated spot and then deployed the auto retractable Jacks for the RV to stand on Jacks instead on the tires. we then hooked up the electric cable first. Ensured that internal lights and other things operate as normal. Then setup the water hose from the city water pump. Finally connected the Sewer pump to the outlet provided in the campsite. So there are three things provided on the campsite, a electric hookup, city water pump for drinking/cooking and drainage outlet. Around 1:30 pm all the setup is done and all set to spend the next three days in this wonderful RV and campground. We slide out the living area which has the Sofa and the dining table along with the bedroom with nice queen size cozy bed. From Interior the RV has a bunk bed which can be moved up and down and located above the driving seat. Then have the Sofa to relax and watch the TV (connected to the opposite end). The Sofa can be extended to bed. Beside the TV we have the Wash basin with two basins. and then the kitchen with three burners. One small micro wave, Oven. and then the refrigerator with two doors , space enough to keep the food stuff. beside the sofa we have the dining table with two soft cushions to sit. Then have a small bathroom with shower and basin with cupboard. Then the bedroom with proper ventilation and adjustable fan. There are many cupboards to put our items of kitchen, clothes. It has nice centralized AC unit and both provision for both Hot and Cold water. we were provided with utensils, towels just like any hotel room. we are also provided with DVD player along with lot of DVDs. In the exterior we have the Awning - which is like a Canopy/window share attached to the RV. There are many storage spaces to the exterior just like we have storage spaces in a bus. we have the folding table along with five foldable camping chairs. Then we have the outdoor camping grill along with gasoline. We have slide out the awning and setup the table and the grill.

After exploring the RV inside and outside(to some extent) we then had our lunch around 2pm. It was wonderful experience sitting on the dining table watching movie in an RV and enjoying the view from the glass window. We took some rest and then decided to take a walk around the campsite to explore the area. The campground is not very large and has lot of RVs and all the sites were full. There was a huge lawn on one side of the campground and other side all the Rigs(another name for RV). There were wide variety of RVs and some have decorated their RV and site spectacularly. we returned to RV and then got ready to grill something on the outdoor griddle. It slowly started drizzling and enjoyed hot food in the light drizzle. Then it started raining heavily. Unfortunately it was raining the whole night and next day. So we stayed indoors. which was one big advantage having an RV, as it is like being at home. As we cannot go outside we played various board games which were provided. we sat on the bunk bed and played. It was amazing experience as though sitting on a tree house except surrounded by glass and walls of the vehicle. Then prepared our dinner, it felt as though we are at home and preparing our food. We had our dinner watching some good old movie, we have taken our laptop and connected to DVD player with HDMI cable(provided by the Owner). The weather is very cold and being muddy roads there are many damps across the campgrounds. but we are determined to go out to enjoy the colorful light decorations of other campers. It was still drizzling and we had a little night walk through the trails. It was a chilling wonderful experience. we returned to our RV and took rest for the night.

Next day morning we got up around 7:30 am. The little bathroom is just large enough for a person to do his job. The shower was splendid and amazed by the way they all are arranged. After getting refreshed had our breakfast. It was raining heavily so we stayed indoors. Played couple of other games. watched some movies. Then had our lunch. we had planned a very great traditional menu for the three days. we had a delicious ice-cream post lunch. we took some rest and then went to the office in the rain to see what else do they have to offer us. The office was closed and we could see they have swimming pool, mini golf, volleyball court and couple of other games we do not know. Being cold we could not linger much longer and returned to our mini home. Watched some funny episodes in laptop. we have got lights to decorate the RV but due to rain we arranged the lights interior across the Sofa window. Then had our dinner and retired to bed.

On Sunday morning as usual we got up in morning, refreshed and had our breakfast. It was still drizzling but got out took some pictures in the cold weather and then sat in the camp chairs observing other campers. Most of the campers have electric golf carts for moving across the campground and it is very useful in these situations. That added to our wish list, hoping one day we might be able to rent that as well. There were pets around, some group of people have setup a canopy and arranged like a wedding reception with elegant curtains and flower gardens. Simply thrilled to see wonderful creative ideas of the fellow campers. we had our another delicious lunch and post lunch there was a live music show arranged by the campground team. By this time there was no rain and temperature was little warmer then in the morning. we had a long walk along throughout the campground. Walked the entire campground, saw various RVs, decorations. There was a pond to the back side of our site. Then we played the flying saucer in the large lawn infront of us. Great experience to play in the open green area. We got tired after some time. The decided to have something on the outdoor grill. After our dinner we watched movie. Then we packed most of our stuff as next day we need to check-out and then retired to bed.

On the last day of our trip, we got up little early and after our breakfast went to the office which was open this time. The weather was good and could see sun after two days. There were some wonderful paintings drawn by one of the camper. We took golf puts and balls from the office and played mini golf. There were 9 holes. Some of them were challenging. The side walls are not tall enough to stop the ball so need to chase the balls that went off the course. Then we came back and played with the volleyball, provided by our Owner, beside our RV. we prepared our lunch, planning to have it while driving back home in our car. Then we emptied the sewer tank, filled the water tank and removed the hooks. Pulled the jacks up and then finally we are ready to leave. we then checked-out and left around 12:15 pm from the campsite. Again enjoyed the driving experience of such a wonderful motorhome. Returned the RV, moved our stuff from RV to our car and then we started our journey to home in car. we had lunch on the way. It was a wonderful experience overall to stay in a RV. Even though it was raining, we were able to enjoy the most and definitely a lifetime experience for us. Able to strike one item from our wish list. On our way home we talked about how was the camping what went well, how to make it more exciting next time if we plan to etc. we reached home around 3:30 pm. It was memorable experience. we enjoyed it thoroughly. All is well.

👇Check the photos link below so that you can see more photos.👇

Photos

Potato Lollipops

2020-02-18T07:29:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1)Potatoes-3
2)Onions -2
3)Rusk biscuits - one big packet
4)Ginger garlic paste
5)Red chilli powder - 1 and 1/2 table spoon
6)Coriander powder - 1 table spoon
7)coriander leaves
8)Fennel seeds - 1 table spoon
9)All purpose flour/Maida - 4 table spoons
10)Oil - for deep fry
11)salt - as per taste
12)Tooth picks

Procedure:

1. Boil the potatoes and smash them.
2. Add finely chopped onions, coriander leaves to the smashed potatoes.
3. Take 20 to 25 rusk biscuits and grind them to powder.
4. Take 4 to 5 table spoons of the rusk powder and add it to the potatoes mixture.
5. Add red chilli powder, coriander powder, coriander leaves, salt and ginger garlic paste to the above mixture and keep it aside.
6. Then take remaining rusk powder in a plate and add fennel seeds to it and keep it aside.
7. Now take maida in bowl, add water to it and make it as running mixture.
8. Then take oil in a pan and heat it.
9. Take small amount of potato mixture, make it as a dough and dip it into the maida liquid and role it in the rusk powder.
10. Repeat the process (from step 9) and make similar balls.
11. Now put the balls into hot oil one at a time and deep fry them until they turn into light brown color.
12. Continue until all the balls are fried.
13. Poke the toothpicks to the fried balls.
14. Serve the hot Potato Lollipops with favorite sauce and Enjoy.
Photos

Gobi Chou Colle

2020-02-09T02:12:00.000-08:00

Ingredients:

1) Cabbage - 200 gms

2) Onion - 1

3) Tomatoes - 2

4) green chillies - 4 to 5

5) Cauliflower - 15 florets

6) Ginger - 1/2 inch

7) Garlic - 3 to 4 flakes

8) Curry leaves

9) Ginger paste - 1 table spoon

10) Garlic Paste - 1 table spoon

11) Urad dal - 1 tea spoon

12) Chana dal - 1 tea spoon

13) Cumin seeds - 1 tea spoon

14) Mustard seeds - 1 tea spoon

15) Turmeric Powder - 1/2 tea spoon

16) Red Chilli Powder - 1 table spoon

17) Coriander Powder - 1 table spoon

18) Cumin Powder -1 table spoon

19) oil

20) salt - as per taste

21) Coriander leaves

Procedure:

1. Finely chop Cabbage, onion, tomatoes, ginger, garlic and green chillies.

2. Boil the florets and keep them aside.

3. Take 2 spoons of oil in a pan and heat it.

4. Add all chopped ingredients into the pan and fry them until they turn light brown color.

5. Keep the fried vegetables aside, let them cool and then grind them into fine thick paste.

7. Now take 2 spoons of oil in a pan and heat it.

8. Add mustard seeds, cumin seeds, urad dal and chana dal to the heated pan.

9. After they splutter add ginger, garlic paste and curry leaves to it and fry them until they turn into golden color.

10.Then add the boiled cauliflower florets to it and slightly fry them.

11.Add the paste to the florets and add 1 glass of water and mix it well.

12.Now add coriander powder, cumin powder, red chilli powder, turmeric powder and mix them well.

13.Add salt to it and close the lid and let it cook for 6 to 8 minutes.

14.Then decorate it with coriander leaves.

15.Serve the hot Gobi Chou Colle and enjoy.

Photos

Hightop Mountains

2019-08-16T13:11:00.002-07:00

We had done hike to Hightop Mountain on 3rd August 2019 . It is located in Shenandoah National Park, Virginia State.

Hike Location

Name: Hightop Mountain
Distance: 81 miles from Henrico (approx)
Total hiking distance: 5.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1480 ft
Hike Team: me and my wife.

Hiking Experience: We woke up around 4:45 am. The hiking trail is one and half hour distance from home. We started around 6:05 am.

The weather was little cold and along with cool breeze. We saw fog on the grass, on trees along our way. Due to fog sometimes we could not see the road clearly. Normally we can not look at the sun directly but that day because of the fog we could see shape of the sun. We saw many cows and one deer on our way. We reached our hiking place around 7:32 am and parked our car on left side of the road. Then we went to the right side of the road and entered into the trail. There we have to look properly for trail road because it was almost covered with trees which was not easy to recognize. This trail was very narrow that one after another has to walk and not side by side. Slowly the trail started getting steep and wide as well. The trail was surrounded by many big trees and some kind of small flowers on both sides. Some of the trees were fallen on the trail, we went under them. Then after 20 minutes we reached another hightop mountain parking area on the skyline dr. On the other side of the road we have our trail. This trail was very nice and beautiful. The trees on both sides of that trail are almost connected and looks like an arch.

Few patches of the trail had very smooth and soft sand as though it was like nature's carpet in the jungle. We saw many big rocks on either side of the trail. Then we walked the rocky patch for sometime. Gradually the trail was getting steep. We saw various different flowers and there was a pleasant smell in the air. We thought it was from some kind of trees or flowers. Then we reached two camping areas when we were almost near our first view point, but no campers were there even though it just looked like campground. Then we reached the first view pint, it was big and wide but it was almost covered with trees it was impossible to see the full view of the valley from there. So next went to second view point and we reached there around 9:25 am . It was spectacular and beautiful. We saw many mountains, valleys and clouds. It was almost sunny but with very cool breeze. We liked the weather over there.We wished to live in such places. Then we had our breakfast around 9:35 am. After watching spectacular scenarios, we started to parking lot around 9:45 am. We were going down the steep, remembering all the things what we saw and talked while we came through the same trail.

We sang so many song while we were going down. We were hoping that the amazing smell would come again. We crossed the second parking area and then we saw some people just started their hiking. Then we saw couple of people were doing the same hike. While they were crossing us they said that they saw a bear. We were so much excited about that bear. We had been checking all over the way we were going. Then suddenly after 10 minutes we saw really huge bear standing just to the right of our trail. I got a full glimpse of the bear along with four legs and my wife saw only it's face, and we both took speed walk backwards from that big bear. We were frightened. My wife got almost freaked out. We did not expect the bear to be so huge and that too so close to the trail. It was almost like standing in front of us. Then after 5 minutes we decided to go forward and started our walk very very slow. We were checking all of our sides while we were going. We lost the bear and never saw it again. It might have went deep into the jungle. Then around 11:09 am we reached our car. We started to home around 11:12 am. We reached our home around 1:00 pm. This hike gave so many memorable moments. We saw many beautiful sceneries. We had a terrible moment with that bear. We enjoyed a lot. All is Well.

Photos

Ragged Mountains

2019-08-03T15:55:00.000-07:00

We had done hike to Ragged Mountains on 28th July 2019 . It is located in Charlettsville, Virginia State.

Hike Location:

Name: Ragged Mountains
Distance: 61 miles from Henrico (approx)
Total hiking distance: 6.1 miles
Elevation Gain: 980 ft
Hike Team: me and my wife.

Hiking Experience: We woke up around 4:45 am and packed our breakfast, water bags and started around 5:59 am. The hiking area is one hour distance from our home. On our way , we saw two horses one white and one is brown one.

After that when we were about to reach parking lot we saw two deers and one of those is baby deer with dots. We were surprised because it was the first time we saw deer with white spots outside of zoo. We reached the parking lot around 6:58 am. By the time we reached we were the only one in that parking lot.It was little sunny along with cold air. We started our hike around 7:05 am. The trail was nice and little narrow but it is enough for two people to walk side by side. Then it got steep, like we almost touch our knees to our chin. The trail is completely covered with rocks and trees's roots But that was not so bad after 12 minutes as we reached the flat trail. We saw many big and large trees and the half of the trail in this hike is covered with big roots of these trees. We got two wooden sticks for us which were quite helpful while walking along the trail. Then we saw reservoir ,it was so beautiful. After sometime we saw one statue of a man holding a big gun. The statue just looked like a real hunter. Then we saw the upper loop trail board and followed that way. After some time we crossed two big private houses. Then after a while of walking we reached bear statue. There were two bears, one of them is baby one. The statue is so beautiful.

It was almost like a real bear. Soon we saw one mile mark on a two person wooden bench and then we saw a lake to the right of the trail. The lake is very big and beautiful. Actually the hike was doing a big loop around the lake. We saw many fish in that lake and the water is glittering because of the sunlight. It was a beautiful scenery to watch. Sometimes the trail was getting narrow and after couple of yards hiking the trails becomes wide again. We then reached the eagle statue. It was spectacular like almost a real eagle holding fish in its beak. Behind the statue in 10 steps ahead we saw a small wooden bridge. Then the trail was little off from the lake into the woods but the lake can be seen throughout. We saw a big wooden bridge. After that we saw a fallen tree in the middle of the trail. We saw two mile mark on chair. The trail was so beautiful and the ambiance of the nature was very nice. Then we saw a owl statue and that was so perfect in sculpture. Then after a while the trail came little closer to the lake .We saw the little 3 mile chair. The trees were shining in the sunlight even the dead and fallen trees along with the woods, everything looked so pleasant. The green leaves were glowing like emerald stones in the sunlight at the same time the dried leaves were shining like ruby stones.

We saw a small stream and there was a small wooden log on the steam to cross it. We saw the 4 mile chair and had our breakfast around 9:35 am. Then we reached to the floating bridge. It was very big and so strong.The bridge was made connection to the other side of the trail. The lake was so beautiful on that bridge. After the bridge the trail was little slippery for few steps. Then we saw 5 mile chair ,then we saw 4 big trees joined at trunk. All of them were very big and long. After sometime we saw 6 mile chair. The hike distance is 6.1 miles, but we walked for some more time, it was nearly 1 mile more. Then we came out from forest and we saw the reservoir and a big bridge, we took some pictures on the bridge. Some people were doing kayaking over there we saw many kayaking boats too. Slowly the climate was getting hot. And then we were little confused about the hiking trail. Then we went in wrong direction for a while after that we changed our direction to other side as we saw another parking area. There were two parking areas. From that parking area we saw the trail but we were not sure as the trail was so steep and leading into the woods. We did not know how to go for the other parking area where we parked our car.

We asked some kayaks about the correct way to another parking area. They said there are two way one way is the main road area which we took initially and came back and another one is to follow the steep trail and will take more time. Then we chose the main road one. While walking on main road we saw a trail towards our left into the forest and decided to take that. Soon after walking couple of steps we saw the trail splitting into two trails and felt like we already seen it before. Then we went through the trail(towards the right) and yes we already went through that trail when started our hike ,from there only we saw the reservoir. Then we recognized our trail and the way to parking area. So we happily went along that path. We saw the place where we got the wooden sticks and we threw back them there. After 10 minutes we reached the parking area around 10:55 am. We started to our home around 10:57 am. We liked this hike very much, we did a big loop around the beautiful lake and saw many statues. They were really nice sculptures and great art, they almost looked like the real ones. We started our hike in cold weather but after our hike was complete it was very hot. We reached our home around 12:11 pm. We had a great time with this hike and we collected lot of memorable moments. We enjoyed a lot. All is Well.
Photos

Powhatan State Park

2019-07-07T08:22:00.000-07:00

We had done camp on 29th June 2019. It is located in Virginia State.

Camp Location:

Name: Powhatan State Park.

Distance: 19 miles from Henrico, Richmond (approx)
Site type: Electric
Camp Team: me and my wife.
Camp Items: Camp Stove, Gas, Charcoal, Lighter, Food items, Table Cloth, fire wood, tent, Sleeping bag, Cutlery, Trays, Water, Torches, Lantern, Small fan, Small table, Dutch Oven,Pillows,Two coolers.

Camping Experience:
We started around 3:30 pm from home. The weather was very hot. This campground is very near to us. Around 4:00 pm we reached Powhatan State Park. We went to the park office for check in but it was closed and nobody were there.

Then we were getting back to the entrance and suddenly we saw one lady is coming from the office.Then we got back to the office again. She explained everything about that park and we checked in. Around 4:32 pm we reached our campsite. Our campsite was very nice.That day it was very hot but we did not feel that much heat because the campsite was surrounded by large trees and cool breeze. The site has clean area for tent. Entire site was fully covered with small stones. There were Wooden picnic table, fire pit and grill on top of it for barbecue, electric hook up, water hook up and place for car parking at the camp site.First we pitched our tent . Then brought out all food items and coolers from the car. We made Camp fire Nachos and Lasagna on that day. We arranged all things for Camp fire Nachos and we placed them in dutch oven. We put dutch oven on the heated charcoal and few coal pieces placed on lid of the dutch oven. This is the first time we have used dutch oven. We were very much excited to taste the food made in dutch oven. After 15 minutes the Camp fire Nachos were ready to eat. These nachos were so good and very tasty. The taste was very different in this vessel. We liked it very much. Then we ate BBQ marshmallows.

After that we went for walk, spent sometime in the chilled weather. One side of our campsite we saw many children playing over there, some doing cycling,some were simply jumping in their personal small pool.It was fun to watch kids enjoying in the open wild space. And another side of our campsite we saw two old couple.The old man simply sat before his campfire and was drinking some coffee or cool drink and the old lady took her small pets and went for walk. After sometime we saw them sitting together in front of campfire and eating. We felt very happy watching the old couple and living their life and words are not sufficient to express these sightings. Actually, it was like we saw our future stages related to us. In first stage we are going to have many responsibilities. And in the second stage we want be live like that old couple.While we were talking all these things, the camp officer stopped by with a small corn snake in her hand. She told about the camp fire in that park to us and welcomed us to there. Then we started to arrange all things for Lasagna.We placed all ingredients in dutch oven one by one like layers and placed the oven on heated coal. After half an hour around 9:00 pm we had our dinner as Lasagna it was so tasty.After our dinner we put all the food and cooking items in the car. Then we went for walk, while we were walking we decided to go to that park campfire and saw a man who is working in that park.

We went to him and asked about campfire, he said campfire was already done at 8:30 pm. In a little while we missed it, then we continued our walk for another sometime and we reached our tent around 10:15 pm. We arranged our small fan to the roof of tent and saw many stars from inside the tent.We watched a movie in the tent. Then we slept around 11:40 pm. In the mid night the tent went so cold because of the weather and little fan. We had very good sleep that night.Next day morning we woke up around 5:30 am with birds chirping.It was like we do not need any alarm for awake.The sunrise was very beautiful to watch. We done our morning chores and had our breakfast around 7:25 am. We packed the tent and all the things around 8:00 am. We started to home around 8:15 am because of the weather, it's getting so hot. We dumped all trash on our way and reached home around 9:00 am. This time we enjoyed a lot, we tried new things and new food items. We woke up with beautiful birds natural music. We started our day very pleasant and we collected more beautiful memories.All is Well.
Photos

Gobi Dumplings

2019-07-07T07:38:00.000-07:00

Ingredients:

1) Idli Batter - 2 cups
2) All purpose flour - 2 cups
3) Rice flour - 1/2 cup
4) Red Chilli Powder - 1 table spoon
5) Ginger Paste - 1 table spoon
6) Garlic Paste - 1 table spoon
7) Cauliflower - 12 florets
8) Onions - 1
9) Ginger - 50 gms
10) Garlic - 4 cloves
11) Bell peppers - 3 (1 red, 1 yellow, 1 orange)
12) Tomato Chilli Sauce - 1 table spoon
13) Vinegar - 1 tea spoon
14) Schezwan sauce - 1 tea spoon
15) Oil - for deep fry
16) Salt - as per taste

Procedure:

1. Boil the florets and drain the water and keep them aside.
2. Take idli batter in a bowl, add All purpose Flour, Rice Flour, Chilli powder, Ginger Paste, Garlic Paste, Salt to it and mix thoroughly until the thickened uniform mixture is formed.
3. Add florets to the mixture and mix it well and keep it aside for 10 mins.
4. Meanwhile finely chop Onion, Ginger, Garlic and the Bell Peppers.
5. Take oil in pan for deep fry and heat it.
6. Once oil is heated, wet your hands with water/oil and take a small lump from the mixture having the floret and put in heated oil gently.
7. Keep adding the lumps until the pan is full of the lumps.
8. Fry them until they turn golden yellow.
9. Once all the florets are fried keep the fried ones aside, take a small pan and add 1 table spoon of oil and heat it.
10. Add all the chopped items to it and fry them until the onions turn golden brown.
11. Add salt to it and mix all the ingredients well.
12. Add the fried Gobi dumplings to the pan and fry them for 2 mins.
13. Add Tomato Chilli sauce, vinegar, Schezwan sauce to it and mix thoroughly and heat for 5 mins.
14. Hot Gobi Dumplings are ready to serve.
Photos

Smoky Mountains

2019-06-05T14:00:00.001-07:00

We went to Smoky Mountains on May 25th 2019.(Memorial Day Weekend)

Brief Summary:
Place: Smoky Mountains.
Location: Tennessee.
Distance: 423 miles.
Members: Me and my wife.
Transport: Nissan Versa.
Duration: 7 hours.

Experience:
On 25th May we started around evening 5:45 pm from home, still it was sunny on that day but the weather was not so hot.We had our dinner around 8:00 pm in the car.We booked a cabin in Smoky Mountains.Around 1:05 am we reached cabin . Our cabin number is 6. We have good drive way to our cabin. We parked our car in front of the cabin. There were nearly 10 cabins around us.We entered into the cabin.Cabin was so beautiful.

We once looked at the entire cabin except the balcony because there were lot of insects. Then we slept around 1:20 am. The next morning we woke up around 6:00 am. After sometime we went into balcony we have Jacuzzi over there along with beautiful river view. The scenery was very beautiful from our balcony. We liked it very much. We used the Jacuzzi entire 3 days every morning and evening.My wife liked it so much.This is for the first time my wife experienced Jacuzzi. We got out after sometime and had our breakfast around 8:20 am. Then we started to Clingman's Dome around 8:56 am. We reached around 9:44 am. Then we did hike 0.5 miles to reach Dome. We nearly took 20 minutes as it was very steep, steeper rather than our normal hikes. We got tired but not so much that we had to stop. Around 10:10 am we reached Dome.From that top it was a great view of the Smoky Mountains.

Some of the mountains were covered with small clouds and some of them were shining in the sun light. It was beautiful to see. We spent sometime over there and we reached the parking around 10:40 am. Then we started to the Dollywood Theme Park. On the way to the theme park we saw a baby bear on the tree. We reached Theme Park around 11:44 am. We parked our car and we saw a tram which was taking people into the park we also went into the park by the tram. We took our tickets for two days to Dollywood. The Theme Park was so crowded, everyone was enjoying their weekend.There are many rides to do for the older as well as for kids. We also did 4 rides over there. First we did big ride in the entire park named Wild Eagle. That ride was so crazy, there were lot of twists and turns and we could experience how it feels when Eagle really swoops down in a jiffy from such great heights to catch its prey. We enjoyed a lot with that ride, then we did another ride called Fire Chaser Express. It was for the first time we experienced reverse drive, the cart was going backwards direction before it halted. Then around 2:30 pm we had our lunch. We went for another ride called Dare Devils Falls. This ride splashes into water ride but not fully a water ride. We enjoyed a lot with this ride as we were almost wet when it slid into the water pool. We still had some time left before we go on our next ride. So we had Dippin' Dots in the hot sunny climate. The atmosphere is very lively in the park with lot of crowded cheering, wandering, dancing, playing music. We took Dollywood express train.

It showed us the entire theme park. It was a pleasant ride. We could see the dark smoke puffed from the steam engine. Then we got back to our parking by the tram around 6:15 pm.Then around 7:40 pm we reached our cabin. There was a river flowing across the road as we drove to the cabin. The river was so beautiful. Many people were doing fishing ,hiking and camping over there. We had our dinner around 8:40 pm and then we discovered chess board on the dining table and took some time to find the chess pieces. We played one game and slept around 11:00 pm.
The next day morning we woke up around 7:40 am. We had our breakfast around 8:40 am. We then started to Gatlinburg Space Needle around 9:05 am. We reached to Space Needle around 10:18 am. We parked our car near to the space needle. Then we went to the counter, got our tickets and waited for 10 minutes for elevator to arrive. It is like an observation tower with an altitude of 407 feet. We went to observation deck around 10:25 am which is at 400th feet. We have 360 degrees view of Smoky Mountains from there.

That was wonderful view we captured in our mobile cameras.From the observation deck we saw many carts, doing rides to the top. That name is Gatlinburg SkyLift park, actually it was in our plan but we did not expect that it would be so near to the space needle. After sometime we got down from the tower around 10:38 am. Then we started to SkyLift park on foot. We reached around 10:45 am. we stood in the line for almost 45 minutes, then we sat down on the cart. It took exactly 4 minutes to reach the top. We reached to the top around 11:42 am. There was a big sky bridge, the bridge was so beautiful and some part of the floor of the bridge had glass bottom so we can see the valley right beneath us. My wife was so afraid to cross the bridge as the bridge was shaking while we were walking and she did not dare see through the glass floor. After walking slowly with my wife we reached other end of bridge. The view from the deck was wonderful. We captured some photos and got back to the first end of bridge again walking slowly with my wife. Then when I asked her "do you want to go again?" she said NO. That was our memorable and funny moment and a little frightened moment for my wife.
Then we got into cart for riding us down and we reached our parking around 12:45 pm. Around 12:50 pm we started to Splash Country and reached around 1:30 pm.

The water park was fully crowded, as everyone came to enjoy cool water splash in the hot summer. All the lockers were full and after sometime we were able to find one. We first did a big ride in Splash Country named Swift Water Run.After long wait in the line we finally got our chance. We took a dual tube and passed through a huge tunnel which slid us down to the pool with a thud. Then we did another big ride named Big Bear Plunge. It has 4 different water tubes with different colors. We have done two out of the four. These rides were great and it was so much fun. We liked them very much. After that we did two small rides over there. Then we had our lunch around 4:30 pm. we changed our dress, got refreshed and came back to the parking 5:35 pm. We set our GPS route to our cabin but around 5:50 pm on our way we saw Gatlinburg Mountain Coaster. It was looking great and we decided to do that coaster ride. We enjoyed a lot with this ride, It was not a high elevated ride as such but it was a long ride. We had to drive our self in this which made it much more fun. Then we reached parking around 6:15 pm. On our way to the cabin we saw 4 Elks in one ground. We stopped the car took pictures and then returned to car. We reached cabin around 7:53 pm. We had our dinner around 9:30 pm and we slept around 11:30 pm.

The next day morning we woke up around 6:15 am. We were ready by around 7 am and we took some photos of cabin and river. Then we did checkout the cabin around 8:00 am. We started to Gatlinburg. We reached around 9:15 am. We went to Starbucks had our breakfast around 9:30 am. There were many interesting things around us in that area. So we decided to see some of them. First we went to Ripley's Believe It or Not around 9:45 am. It is like a museum, It is an American franchise founded by Robert Ripley. We saw so many strange and unusual stuff and things in the museum, really it was very interesting.Then we came out from that around 11:10 am. Next we went to Haunted adventure around 11:50 am.It was like walk-in thriller house. After sometime around 11:25 am we went into the Haunted house.

It was very big house decorated with haunted stuff and things. Once you go inside the house was in full dark. It was so scary to my wife. Then around 11:55 am we came out from haunted adventure. After that we went to 5D show around 12:00 pm.The show began around 12:10 am and we came out from 5D show 12:30 am. We were not fully happy with this show because there was no any difference between 4D and 5D. We expected something new in 5D but it was same like 4D. Then around 12:35 pm we started to Cades Cove. On our way to Cades cove we saw 4 pea hens. Then around 1:40 pm we reached Cades Cove.The Cades Cove is like a valley in Great Smoky Mountain National Park which we can view by driving across.Initially we saw 4 horses and then some pea hens, 4 bears and 2 Elks. It was very long loop ride. We were moving very slow to keenly observe the animals. There are no fences at all and it is like a wild life preserve. We liked it, we did not saw many animals over there but we liked it as it felt like a safari. We came out from Cades Cove around 4:00. Had our lunch at pigeon forge around 4:18 pm. After that we wanted to see any attractions or any rides in pigeon forget. There were so many attractions but we did not like them much as we had already done similar rides did not have any interest on these. We then decided to start to home. We started around 4:50 pm to our home. We had our dinner around 7:30 pm. Then we reached our home around 11:30 pm.

This trip was so much memorable to us. We did rides, saw beauty of nature along with mountains. We liked the cabin very much. This was our first time experience with cabin. In 3 days of our trip we felt the cabin was our home. We did not want to leave the cabin while we were checking out. We could not leave that atmosphere, such a beautiful scenery and all. This trip was a good memory to my wife because she did the rides for the first time. We collected very beautiful memories and completed our trip with so much enjoyment along with playing our favorite songs in car when we are on our journey. All is Well.
👇Check the photos link below so that you can see more photos.👇
Photos

Manassas Gap

2019-05-06T07:51:00.000-07:00

We had done hike to Manassas Gap on 4th May 2019 .It is located in Linden,Virginia.

Hike Location
Name: Manassas Gap
Distance: 122 miles from Herndon (approx)
Total hiking distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1055 ft
Hike Team: me and my wife.

Hiking Experience: We decided to hike early morning this season and so got up around 4:20 am and then started around 5:34 am for the destination which is around 2 hours from our place. It was dark still by the time we started. We reached the parking lot around 7:45 am. There were few cars at the parking lot by the time we reached. It was cloudy with no wind. We started the hike around 7:50 am. The hike started with wooden bridge across a stream with flowing water due to previous night heavy downpour.

The trail was very narrow with small plants and huge trees on either side of the trail. It was on Appalachian Trail (white blazed trail - A.T.).The trail was full of slippery stones and moss. The climate was just apt for our hike and leaves of the trees were shining in green colour as they were wet. Trail was steep. At some places there was mud on the trail covered with leaves making it little difficult to hike. Soon the trail got wider, with steep still remaining the same. It started drizzling though initially we thought it was the water on the leaves. The rain was on and off as we hiked further. We decided not to turn back until we are done with the hike. There were wooden steps on the trail. As we climbed further the trail took lot of turns and suddenly the steep increased as we carefully climbed the slippery rocks. So far we have not seen any companion on our way. As we walked further there were stone walls to our left which were little damaged and seems like they were used to contain the cattle. The trail got straight and we were passing in midst of trees. It was good relief. Due to the huge tree cover we just experienced few drops of rain. we saw couple of deers at a distance which quickly disappeared into the woods.

There were beautiful flowers with various colors on the side of the trail which made it more scenic. We continued our path on the A.T. As we were enjoying the hike in such a wonderful atmosphere all of sudden we heard some heavy breathing and foot steps. we were startled and turned to see our first fellow hiker pacing steadily and he quickly crossed us and went ahead. There was a stream which is passing by on the side of the trail. At some points there were huge trees with large trunks on the middle of the trail appeared as though blocking the way. we went ahead with steady pace and soon we reached our destination point the Manassas Gap Shelter at 9:22 am. It was a wooden shelter with one room and has picnic table and fire pit. There was Register as well in the shelter. We had our breakfast around 9:25 am. By this time we could experience the heat of Sun as the clouds moved away. It was great experience to hike all the way and have breakfast in the middle of the jungle echoed by bird songs.

Around 9:35 am we signed the register and started to return. We just need to retrace our steps to reach the parking lot. While returning we saw many hikers long the path along with their pets.It was downhill for most of the time. With scorching heat from the Sun,slippery rocks and muddy path the descent was not easy as we thought. Slowly we walked down and was surprised to learn that we have hiked all that way up couple of hours before. It was a great feeling of achievement and we continued further. Around 10:45 am reached the parking lot. By the time we reached , there were couple of elder people helping the hikers with food and drinks. There were so many cars now being parked and it was almost full. We did couple of exercises to relax our muscles and left for home around 10:50 am. we thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our hike, discussed about our experience, as this was our first hike of this season and had our lunch around 12:30 pm in the car itself and reached home around 1:00 pm. It was a great memorable experience. All is Well.
Photos

Punukulu (Dosa Batter)

2019-04-22T12:35:00.003-07:00

Ingredients

1) Dosa Batter - 2 cups
2) All purpose Flour - 2 cups
3) Ginger Paste - 1 spoon
4) Garlic Paste - 1 spoon
5) Red Chilli Powder - 1 spoon
6) Butter Milk - 1/4th glass
7) Salt - 1and half spoon
8) Oil - as needed for Deep Fry.

Procedure
1) Take Dosa Batter👉(Click here to see preparation) into bowl.
2) Add All purpose flour, ginger, garlic paste and red chilli powder to it and mix thoroughly.
3) Add slowly buttermilk and mix while adding butter milk to avoid lumps.
4) Add Salt and continuously mix for consistency and keep it aside.
5) Take oil in pan and heat it.
6) Once the oil is heated , wet your hand with water and take the batter (small dumpling size) and pour it into oil.
7) Continue adding dumplings to the oil , as per needed or until the batter is complete.
8) Once the dumplings turn golden yellow colour , take them out from oil into paper so that it absorbs the oil.
9) Hot Punukulu are hot and ready to serve.
This goes very well with Spicy Red Chutney 👉(Click here to see preparation).

Photos

Spicy Red Chutney

2019-04-22T12:30:00.001-07:00

Ingredients
1) Large Tomatoes - 2
2) Green Chillies - 5
3) Garlic Paste - 2 table spoons
4) Ginger Paste - 2 table spoons
5) Red Chilli Powder - 1 tea spoons
6) Curry Leaves - 4
7) Mustard Seeds - 2 gms
8) Urad Dal - 2 gms
9) Oil - 3 tea spoons
10) Salt - as per taste
11) Coriander Leaves - 5

Procedure
1) Take a pan, pour 2 tea spoons oil in it and heat it.
2) Once the oil is heated add chopped tomatoes(can cut into big chunks).
3) Add sliced green chillies and coriander leaves and mix it well.
4) Add Garlic Paste and Ginger paste and thoroughly mix all the ingredients.
5) Heat it on medium flame until the mixture thickens.
6) Add Red Chilli powder and salt and mix well.
7) Take the mixture and keep it aside to cool it down.
8) Then blend the mixture into fine paste and add some water for consistency.
9) Take it from the blender into a bowl.
10) Take 1 tea spoon of oil in pan and heat it.
11) Add Mustard seeds and Urad dal to it.
12) Once the mustard seeds splutter add it to the paste from the blender.
13) Add Coriander leaves for Garnish
14) Spicy Red Chutney is ready to serve.

Photos

Passion Strike

Bella Vista Ride

Slaughter Pen Trail

Whitaker Trail

Yellow Rock Trail

Wild Animal Safari

Brief Summary:

Experience:

Dickerson park zoo and Fantastic Caves - Missouri Trip (Part III)

Brief Summery:

Experience:

20th February Dickerson Park Zoo and Fantastic Caverns:

Snake World - Missouri trip (Part II)

Brief Summery:

Experience:

19th February Snake World:

Wonders of Wildlife Museum and Aquarium - Missouri Trip (part I)

Experience:

Turpentine Creek Wild life Refuge

Brief Summary:

Experience:

S11 Team Camp 22

S11 Team camp

Motts Run Reservoir

Pennsylvania Trip

Brief Summary:

Experience:

Day 1 - Cabin:

Day 2 - Laurel Caves and Living treasure animal park :

Little Devils Stairs

Harbor View

Potato Lollipops

Gobi Chou Colle

Hightop Mountains

Ragged Mountains

Powhatan State Park

Camp Location:

Gobi Dumplings

Ingredients:

Procedure:

Smoky Mountains

Manassas Gap

Punukulu (Dosa Batter)

Spicy Red Chutney

20th February
Dickerson Park Zoo and Fantastic Caverns:

19th February
Snake World: