Jeep trails to Coorg

Jeep trails coorg 12th and 13th October 2019

Organized by Bangalore Jeep Club(BJC)

We embarked on our journey to be part of jeep trail to Coorg at 5.30 am to catch up with fellow jeepers at Dhruvathare restaurant on Bangalore - Mangalore highway about 145 kms from our place. After taking a few pictures of our Jeeps and spending some time talking to each other, we had a delicious breakfast buying coupons at the first floor.

 

Mr. Nikhil Jaspal, the FCA trail boss briefed us after our breakfast.The briefing gave details about the trail route, position of crew members, sweep cars and a car with a one-man shutter-bug called Abhishek armed with his drone and a simple mobile phone. 

Narayan who loves his black Jeep Compass is a compulsive house keeping guy with an eye for detail, started giving the JC a good dusting and this prompted me to take out my make-up kit for a last minute touch with the lipstick!! Big boss Jaspal with an eye of a hawk did not miss this sight !! 

At about 9.30am the trial was flagged off.

We took state highway via Arakalagudu and Holenarasipura and reached Kasaragali homestay for lunch. We were welcomed by a cup of refreshing kaffir lime juice. It was time to get introduced to all the fellow Jeepers, many like us their first trail and some seasoned trail veterans. While each one gave a brief introduction, there was hunger pangs for many as it was past 1.30pm

But luch had to wait for a group photograph. Ignoring the blazing sun, as a family, everyone stood for the moment. And then finally, the the lunch bell sounded and all made a bee-line. When one is hungry, everything taste so good. Isn't it?

Then we headed towards our first off road driving towards Patla hills, a trailer of  what was to come the next day. No fuss for the Jeep, just consumed the dirt track like "makhan" to reach the top of Patla Hill. A breathtaking view of the valley on all sides from the top and engulfing clouds was an exhilarating experience. All the mobiles and cameras were busy capturing the exquisite lush scenery.

Reluctantly we drove down after spending some time there and headed towards Bisle Ghat viewpoint which was equally mesmerizing.

We then drove to our homestay Jagate Mist for a much needed break and were welcomed with piping hot coffee.

The event for the evening was a campfire dinner and party time. The night that followed was one of the trail highlights. We celebrated Narayan's birthday and were overwhelmed with the arrangements from a beautiful cake to dedicating a lovely evening to him.

We both felt  blessed, amongst our extended family of enthusiastic Jeepers. The warmth and affection from our fellow Jeepers and their families was heartwarming. We sang, danced and had fun. A simple setting under a starlit sky, quaint atmosphere, a brilliant campfire, the fog slowly coming down, and picturesque pale-yellow moon made the dinner heavenly. It will be etched as a beautiful, ethereal night in our memory for years to come.

We drove back to Jagate Mist home stay at about 10.45 pm, the rooms were comfortable, and we had a good overnight stay.

Waking up to the fresh earthy, muddy smell of rain and a bright day, I spent some time in the property taking pictures of the two friendly puppies who posed for my camera, wagging their tails. The surrounding was quite beautiful facing a mountain, the trees and plants all around. We checked out of our room and headed towards Kasaragali homestay for breakfast.  Yet again a splendid spread, good food and finished with coffee from the gardens. This is Jeep Life! Good friends, families, simple but loving food, great camaraderie and a great machine - The Jeep.

While a group of Jeepers went nearby for a photo shoot, we spent a little time in Kasaragali homestay meandering a small patch of paddy field, the plain lawns on a bright sunny day, a photographer’s paradise!

At about 9.45 we all left for our 2^nd days adventure, off-roading to Mandalpatti. On the way we had a small break in a bridge above a small stream making the entire ambience beautiful.

The Mandalpatti trail was quite challenging but doable. After all, the limiting factor was not the machine but the mind of the driver. Narayan was enjoying the tough drive. We reached the first level where other Jeepers have parked their Jeeps. Two 4x4 and one 4x2 Jeepers went further to the top of the Mandalpatti peak.  Spending some time, we drove back giving way to commercial jeeps and motorbikes.

We reached the downhill and waited for others to join. For lunch, catering service was organized by Bala. It was really a very sunny afternoon, temperature raising up and 2.15pm on the clock. The caterer suggested a beautiful location nearby stream. Once everyone reached downhill, we headed towards the stream. Carrying and helping the caterer, we trekked on the large and small rocks, shaped oval, round, by the banks of the river stream and each one found a rock to rest their bottom and settle for lunch. Hot steaming delicious food was served in eco friendly palm plates.

 

After lunch, I went and dipped my legs in the stream water, the cool refreshing water took away all the tiredness of a thrilling drive.Tiny mud colored fish playfully pecked my  feet giving me a foot spa in the mountain stream. Sitting on a rock, enjoying the nature, lost in the splendid surroundings, we family of Jeepers spent a memorable afternoon.

It was time for us to bid goodbye. A quick briefing by the crew and we started our walk towards our Jeeps, a sense of fulfillment and gratification engulfing each one. We thoroughly enjoyed the warmth, affection and brotherhood of the Jeeper's family. We wish to thank every member of the Jeep family who made this event possible. Look forward to many more weekends with such vibrant and enthusiastic team. Our special thanks to Bala, Anil, Amritha and Nikhil Jaspal. We appreciate Abhishek who took all the pain to capture the beautiful moments of Jeep trails.

Signing off

Jayanthi Narayan

Bangalore