Jaycees Photographer of the Year Contest: September 2008

This was one of my dream destination for an adventure that turned out to be mind blowing.

The Planning: One fine morning me and one of my daring fellow explorer Himesh decided to check out the rough route to this Waterfalls which is called as "DudhSagar" -Ocean of milk and ranks fifth highest waterfalls in the country. Another, equally enthusiastic expeditioner Savio could not make it.

Our Gear: My F2 Fiero bike which I now call "The WarHorse". A Canon Rebel-xti which my Bro Lino gifted me and which performs like a Volcano. Our rain suits, Helmet, An Umbrella, A hat, A tripod, A bottle of water and of course, Rock Determinantion.

The Journey upto Kulem Railway station:

We started from Panaji, when the clock struck 9:45am. The weather was just perfect. We headed to Ponda via the recently done Old Goa bypass. We reached Ponda in fairly good time after taking a shortcut at Priol. From Ponda, we proceeded along NH4A en route to Belgaum. We had to reach Usgao. and we took our first Halt at Molem. Here we had light snacks and juice for the Bike and then proceeded towards Kulem. On the way, we were greeted with a horde of Cows. Himesh had to forcibly stop them for me to get a nice picture.

Ultimately, we reached Kulem Station. and had to cross the manned gate, which was showing a red signal, waiting for a passing train. We had to wait for a while

until the Gates were opened. Immediately we crossed and took to the jungle. Initially, we had to take the bike up a steep slope full of stones. and and then the road smoothened up a bit. Here we encountered our first hurdle, a mud puddle. Not deep but quite slippery and almost a feet deep. Unable to gauge we had our first and the only fall of the adventure. Where I had let go the bike and water filled up in the silencor, But i managed to remove the water and had my bike roaring with life. There were who ferried you across but for a price running several hundered per person. The exact figure is not known. Also, the fall gave us a vital clue as to how these narrow paths have to be tackled. From then on Himesh who was riding pillion would always get off the bike whenever the need arose to prevent a slip. Bag and baggage our total load was around 300 kgs including the Bike. Here's a picture which shows our path which I now call Expr

ess Highway.

There were plenty of dangerous situations where a small tilt of balance could land us either in a ditch or a chilly water tens of feet down. We had to ride very cautiously. and whenever the bike got struck, Himesh and me had to apply our strength to get it across. A perfect example of team work in actual practice. More than once we thought of turning back but the adventure spirit would not cow down. On the way we found that the people who work in the fields and do other work walk a distance of 20 km back home everyday. No wonder the pristine air and the walk keeps them fit and healthy. Two of them even tried to help us get the bike across the tracks at a particular place. we also met a Railway employee who was on his daily round of checking the tracks on foot with his loyal dog. He directed us to take the route below the tunnel. This was the most challenging hurdle of all. Once we reached 46-000 the marks beside the tracks we had to take my bike in the stream and through a 10 meter long tunnel gushing with 2 feet deep water.

we literally had to think twice before attempting this feet. What if my bike got struck? what if the tyres burst? what if the bike refuses to start if the cold water enters the silencor? what if there are snakes or other unknown danger? these were some fears tormenting us. Take a look at this bridge where we took a short

break. There were lots of inconveniences for instance we had to wear the raincoats for 75 percent of the time. We were drenched to the feet.

Here are some more pictures as we prepare the bike to go ahead.

My WarHorse

which endured the worst of conditions.
Here is a picture of amazing streams.

which you will find throughout the sanctuary. Along with dense vegetation. The cold water seems to take away our tiredness and reassure us that things will be fine. Take a look at the patterns the forest displays.