Back in India -- Maiden Voyage of the Bolero

We are ever so grateful that we've been able to purchase a beautifully rugged four-wheel vehicle, designed in India for Indian roads. The Bolero is particularly well suited for the mountainous roads of Garhwal, where we hope to travel extensively over the next few months

To understate the case, driving conditions here are more challenging and unpredictable than those we experience on the roads of British Columbia! So, it was with trepidation that I ventured from the Bolero showroom into Dehradun traffic on Tuesday to begin the 35 km drive up to Mussoorie. Happily, motorcycle driving experience combined with the amazing handling qualities of the Bolero, meant that I was much more comfortable than I had anticipated.

Still, there was much need for some mountain driving practice under relatively relaxed conditions...

So on Thursday, along with good friends Will and Kate Friesen, we did a day trip that offered us the opportunity to savor the views from "Tingling Point", and to drive to within a kilometer of the temple and Forest Rest House in the deodar forest at Deosari. The latter was a popular hiking destination for us in the 60's, when all 16 miles had to be hiked on foot. Will and I were able to re-live some memories and share them with Kate and Lynn. Here's a slide show that documents our adventure on Thursday.