The gap between postings has been because I've been travelling to Leh -- two days in a minibus, over a road where smooth tarseal would have been, as Gandhi rather disparagingly said of western culture, a good idea. In fairness, we did encounter a few sections of newly paved road; however, for most of the journey of over 400 km the road resembled a rough four-wheel drive track.
Still, this journey hasn't earned its reputation as one of the world's great road trips for nothing. The landscape is spectacular, the discomfort amply compensated. Here's a sample from early on the second day.
All content © 2014 Pete McGregor
it must be hard to believe the contrast with the plains down below.
ReplyDeleteIs this part of one of the Silk Roads?
Such an unforgiving looking landscape. Spectacular - but harsh.
ReplyDeleteNice steady hand for someone so jostled.
ReplyDeleteSuch a big place.
Kia ora Pete...superb! The contrasts between the cities and these scenes could be a bit almost overwhelming I would imagine. Hop you are well. Have delayed my Ruahine trip for a week as the wx forecast in the hillsis for rain and severe gales.
ReplyDeleteKia kaha e hoa...
Robb
RR, I'm not sure, but an exceptionally knowledgeable friend here in Leh pointed out that the city was part of the Silk Road routes. Whether that included Manali, I don't know, but with the limited Internet access here precludes thorough research. You've piqued my interest, though.
ReplyDeleteEC, yes, that sums it up well.
Zhoen, it's amazing what a fast shutter speed will freeze.
Kia ora Robb, and thanks! Wise move to postpone your trip -- mountains of any sort deserve respect in all senses. I'm fit and well and greatly enjoying Leh. All going well, in a few days I'm off into the Ladakh Range (snow leopard country, although not at this time of year). Could hardly be more different in character from the Ruahine -- it's utterly arid, here, with little pockets of green.