My first trip to Vaishnodevi was unimpressive. Climbing was hard, and it only served to highlight how badly out of shape I was, while my in-laws managed to cope so much better. Further, I hadn’t quite realized that the cave experience wouldn’t be the same as I had imagined, since the original cave was only opened at certain times a year, and that we only entered a newly created tunnel, one far easier to access, and hence more manageable with the crowds that thronged the mountain shrine. The resulting experience at the shrine, for barely a fraction of a second, hardly compared to what I had expected / imagined / heard about. So, for me, Vaishnodevi was like any other temple, nothing to write home about, something that was reflected (though not explicitly mentioned) in the blog post I wrote then.
I walked to Om Beach, early in the morning, hoping to commune in solitude with the sea and the sun. Instead, I found that I was the late riser.... the place was filled with activity.... with those who belonged there a lot more than I did.
Those early hours were when the boats otherwise silently parked on the sand came into their own, and fishermen went about their work....
While there were a few just setting off to the sea....
Most were already coming back with their catch....
And as I watched, I realized just how much the job entailed, apart from just catching the fish!
The hard work needed, just to get the boat to shore, was so immense.... and to push it on the sand seemed to require all their combined strength...
And that is when I also realized that these simple guys were also innovative, using greased blocks of wood to make their work easier....
They worked in unison, laying out the blocks of wood, greasing them, and then pulling the boat over them...
Though not all used wood.... this group used rubber tyres....
probably because they were cheaper? and easier to find and replace?
It still entailed a lot of work, though....
You can almost feel the effort that goes into getting that boat on shore!
After all that, their work wasn't yet done! They still had to get the fish off the nets...
And with fish as tiny as these, it surely wasn't an easy job either...
As the sun rose high and I finally headed inside in search of breakfast, I had a long day to look forward to. A day filled with travel, visiting places, doing things... and, taking one last look at the fishermen, still busy with their work, I wondered - What would the rest of their day be like?
Even while watching the fishermen, the skies behind, the sun rising, the mist settling, added as much to the scene as the men working. Which is why, this is my entry today for Skywatch Friday. For more beautiful skies from around the world, visit the Skywatch Page.
Thank you for visiting me at Wordpress.:) Love how you showed the process of what these fishermen do. The close ups are especially beautiful! Have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Jeannete!
DeleteLovely pictures Anuradha. Karnataka is one of my favorite states to travel in India. Have you been to Devbagh?
ReplyDeleteThanks Anvesha! Karnataka is indeed one of the most beautiful states to explore. I havent been to Devbagh yet. planned a couple of times, but hasnt yet worked out.
DeleteWow - those shots are so lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ladyfi!
DeleteThese are absolutely magnificent, just stunning images, each and everyone...you have enough just about to make a calendar ;)
ReplyDeleteThank you, Mary!
DeleteNice captures!
ReplyDeleteThanks Niranjan!
DeleteThanks so much!
ReplyDeleteAmazing flicks anuradha. Totally loved how you have put caption to every image. And really, Karnataka is a place to be.
ReplyDeleteVery Beautiful Clicks. Amazing view. I am sure it will be fun out there.
ReplyDelete