As luck would have it, I had to go to Theni on work. Planned to stay a day longer so I could collect here. Reached Theni on Monday (21st Feb). Was off at 4 :00 Pm to collect.
The first spot was a small stream. Collections here yielded
Devario malabaricus (???)
Travancoria Sp
Schistura cf.semiarmatus (Closest I can get with Id)
And a Garra Sp.
The substrate was primarily rocks and pebbles. No vegetation.The stream was'nt very fast flowing. All the Travancoria Sp were collected from around a boulder under a small cascade.
Meghamalai was a 4 hour drive from here. Since twas already past 6 Pm by the time collection ended, I decided to get as close to Meghamalai and halt there as ascending after dark is not recommended. Bloody elephants all around.
Stayed in a small town bout 30 kms from Meghamalai called Chinnamanoor. Not too much to write 'bout.
I didnt have Famouse Grouse for company this time. So had to stick to the local brandy. Indian whisky is only for people with brave hearts or spare eyes and kidneys. You will be lucky if you wake up with the aforementioned parts intact.
A nice dinner , fish filled sleep and a broken alarm clock later, the drive up the hill started. Now the car was a hatchback and had no clue what it was gonna face. That road would ve put a Humvee to shame. It was not a road for most parts. Just rocks and pebbles strewn 'bout pretending to be flat surfaces.A 2 hour drive for 30 kms. That should say it all.
Once at the top, we checked out the streams. 2 turned out to be empty. Pesticides again??? The third one luckily proved to be much better.
Garra Sp
Love the caudal on this one.My first impression was an Indoreonectes Sp. Sent some specimens for Id.
The spot.
This is when the damn rain gods decided to play spoil sport. Extremely heavy rain. Ran back to the car and nothing could be seen outside. Waited for sometime but had no choice but to reluctantly head back. A wet 3 hour journey later, we were back in the room.
The tea estates.
Since we hadnt had breakfast, we decided to really indulge with the lunch. Here s some pics of how my favorite food is made. (Hope Jools doesnt mind)
The making of a Parotta
Wheat flour.
It is then spread out.
Several moments of torture later, it takes this shape.
On the pan with some omelette's for company.
Bon appetit
Here s another form it can take when cut into fine pieces. Eggs,random vegetables ,sauce etc are added and then
I know it looks like it came out through the derrière of a venomous reptile but trust me, its delicious.
Definitely not for the hygiene fanatics. Only for those whose taste buds control their hands,mouths and wallets.
Lunch, a small siesta and a none too willing bath later, twas farewell time.
Meghamalai definitely warrants a 2 day trip. Lots and lotsa small hills and streams around this almost untouched area.
Soon is the only word I can think of now.
Ps : For Viktor
