Mussoorie & Surrounding Area

We spent 3 nights in Mussoorie, the only place on our itinerary where we didn't actually have a plan to do anything specific. No monuments or temples to see, just a chill out time before our final 48 hr marathon before heading home. These 3 days were good for our bodies as we had had several long days and short nights and needed some rest. Randy and I were both fighting a bit of a cold, James and Merv's stomachs were not 100%. Over the 3 days, we wandered down to the bazar a couple times, took a taxi to Kempty Falls one afternoon (as described by Randy above), took a tour of Woodstock School another morning. The only early morning we planned was a drive out to Dhanolti, a small village approx 25 km out in the mountains. The hope was for great views of the mountains but again, just like in Kathmandu, it was too hazy and smokey. There were several small forest fires in the area mucking up the air. Nevertheless, it was a great drive with some great scenery. By day 3, I must admit I was getting itchy feet, I was ready to get going. Or tour so far had been BANG - BANG - BANG and this aimless time was getting old.

The town of Mussoorie stretches out across the ridges of these mountains, approx. 6,500 feet above sea level.

The population of about 20,000 grows to around 100,000 during the summer months as people vacation here to escape the heat of the plains.

The Clock Tower, one of the landmarks in Mussoorie.

Merv, schocked to discover that it was actually here in India, not in the Southern USA as he had grown up believing! Go figure!!!

Love some of the signs. We weren't always quick enough with the camera to catch them all.

Jimmy, our vegetarian, attempts to sneak away with this cow.

Even the poorest of folks were always ready with a smile.

Fresh roasted corn-on-a-cob. Smelled great!

I am sooooo tired. I just want to go home!!!!

This is at Kempty Falls, another landmark around Mussoorie. The nice green manicured lawn to the right is actually scummy green water!

The view from the Falls.

Looking at Kempty Falls from across the valley.

Some one lost their lunch!!!!!!

Our taxi got a flat on the way back from Kempty Falls. Better on the way up then on the way down!

Merv helped change the tire and discovered the lug nuts were not as tight as he would have liked. He made sure the new ones were!!

Randy, hot and tired! It was only 34 C (94 F) instead of 43 C (115 F).

The daily collecting of water by the lady of the house. Never take your water tap for granted!

Drove out to Dhanolti, a small village about 25 km out into the mountains outside Mussoorie.

Some folks drive, others ride.

A lot of monkeys in this area. A lot of "dumpster diving"

This was actually a "Hotel". You could book one of the stripped tents as your room.The bigger green building was a restaurant.

A construction worker.

Randy got his sandals fixed here. They took out his old insoles and glued in new leather ones for $4 USD.

This little man was carrying a big load up a steep hill.

A very cool looking tree. Would have made some good climbing a few years ago!

Some more cute kids.

Another heavy load, using his head to bear the weight.