All three of us were very conscious of this being the last day of our 2016 trip to Ranikhet. So we tried to do everything right, starting with an early morning walk, where unlike most of the previous days, I accompanied the folks instead of lazing for a couple of extra hours. Glad I went along because PHOTOS! I also got to capture birdsong on video on the Go Pro – will get to editing / sharing the video / audio at some point I’m sure.
The walk was followed by breakfast and then on our way to lunch we stopped over at the CSD to pick up packets of snacks for our drive back to Delhi the next day. Lunch was planned at Valley View Homestay, which is run by Saby Aunty and Jasbir Uncle who have been friends with my parents for decades. They have a dozen doggies and a beautiful location and a gazillion plants and fruit trees and herbs and it’s just perfect. During the winters, early mornings, you can see the snow-capped peaks of the Panchachuli Range from the loos. I’ve loved their home since I first laid eyes on it many years ago as a teenager. It’s absolutely wonderful that Saby aunty has extended the warmth of her home to strangers who come to live at the home stay now. I love visiting.
After lunch we were back at our room to pack for departure the next day. Both Mom and I were complaining loudly that we didn’t really want to go back to Delhi. Dad was bemused because we do this each time we visit Ranikhet. Even though the place isn’t what it used to be – as most things are bound to change over time – we love Ranikhet and the nostalgia we associate with it.
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