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.
On our recent summer vacation, we woke up at Cherai to heavy rains. These weren't the usual summer rains where it rained now and then, but the skies opened up with a vengeance, and made it impossible for us go explore the area. I opted instead, for exploring the resort, and enjoying the peace, since most people were enjoying the cosy comforts of the resort, indoors! Walking towards the backwaters, the sight of these lone fishermen made me stop and watch them for a while, appreciating their hard work, and their perseverance.
This isn't a black and white photo, but the dark clouds and the fog make it appear so |
These were the only two men, out in the backwaters in the rain, doing their job....
Even while I struggled with my umbrella, which threatened to blow away every moment, and my camera, trying to keep it safe from the rain, I tried to capture them at work - one busy rowing, the other, throwing the net out, reeling it in, and emptying it of the fish caught in it, and repeating the process over and over again. In the midst of all this, one of them noticed me, and waved out!
And before I end, here is one last photo, one I think is my best capture of the lot! What do you think?
I must have watched these fishermen for about an hour, but they would have been out in the rain, for hours, and hadn't finished by the time I left. It really makes you appreciate them, doesn't it?
Beautiful set of photographs..
ReplyDeleteThank you, Meghana!
Deletefirst of all beautiful picturesssssss... and yeah they are working harddd...
ReplyDeleteBikram
Thanks Bikram!
Deletesimple images that tell a compelling story of perseverance. great capture! first time here and already liking it!
ReplyDeletegood work!
stop by our blog Aalayam - it's a fun space that features a ton of inspirational ideas.
~deepa
Thank you so much, Deepa, and welcome here! Hope to see you here regularly now!
DeleteNice monsoon frames!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Niranjan! well, the monsoon hasnt set in here yet, so making the most of my pics!
Deleteyou are doing really good job...
ReplyDeleteThank you!
Deletenice shoot, especially the last photo click is awesome
ReplyDelete