Exchanging the Mountains for the Sea shore

July 6, 2009
Location: Fort Cochin, Kerala State, India
Accomplishments: We cycled 20 KM from Adimaly mountain town to Fort Cochin on the coast.

Cycling down a large hill in theory sounds easy and relaxing. As we start the journey of exchanging the mountain for the sea shore, we begin a long series of narrow hairpin turns. The scenery is amazing; waterfalls in all directions with the jungle threatening to overtake the road. As much as I want to stare and take in all the sights of scenery, it takes all of my concentration to conrol my bicycle and wind carefully around each turn. It begins raining heavy. Around the next curve, we see that a car has slid off the road. Luckely, it went over where the cliff wasn't too steep. A large truck is pulling it out with a chain. Let this be our lesson to be careful.

And carefully I go. Occasionally a wild bus comes from behind. We pull off on the muddy side, stop, and let it pass. A two way road winding up the mountains, so narrow! When we reach Kothagalomon, we celebrate our skillful ride with Chappati, vegetable curry, and chai tea. From now to teh coast the road will be flat. Flat, but traffic thickens and we find ourselves darting around people, rickshaws, cows, buses--CRAZY! Stop and go, fast and slow. Then all cars and traffic comes to a hault when they have to pay a toll to cross a bridge. A friendly trucker waves for us to pass everyone. We don't have to pay the toll! We are cyclers! Crossing the bridge onto the island of Fort Cochin is easy since the traffic is held back.

Arriving in Cochin, a man on a motorcycle rides along side us.
"You need a place? A room? I have nice clean room. For you only 200 rupees! Please just come and see!"

Initally, I am unsure since the hotel is not in our guidebook.

"Ok! We will have a look," Steve agrees before I can protest.

Just on the edge of town, the man stops in front of a large blue building. He welcomes us and indroduces us to his wife. He shows me the room. It is immaculate! Better yet, right next door is a veg hotel (restaurant, not a place to stay).

I lay here now, comfortable, watching the Discovery channel, reflecting on our accomplishments. Good night! I look forward to exploring the island tomorrow and meeting the sea!