Assam Day 3

Today we went for a wonderful two hour ride around the area, partly on the course used for the Endurance Rides put on here. From the field where we mounted up, it was just a short ride up the lanes to come out on the banks of the Brahmaputra River, one of the major rivers of Asia.  We were told it is 8 miles across when ‘full’.  We rode on the beach in deep sand, passing some boats being built, then went up on a dyke that led back towards the tea plantations.  We wound around through fields and past villages and schools, finally re-entering the tea gardens, where we were met by a car with the grooms to hold our horses while we took a breather and had a drink.  I could get used to this!  Koszaar seldom gives me a break like this, I’m lucky if I can snatch a sip.  Then around and about the tea plantation; you can go for miles just winding around the various plantings.  We were told that for the Endurance rides, they get permission to ride through all the adjoining tea gardens, so they can string out a very long trail with excellent footing throughout.  I’m getting quite fond of Ginger, now that I’ve started to understand him.  He gets a little frustrated when he isn’t allowed to go fast—that’s a situation I’m used to!  I wore Chris Thomson’s helmet cam throughout, but it was very bouncy—viewing the video is likely to make people seasick!  I’ll have to edit and see if I can salvage anything…

After returning home and having lunch, we were taken in the afternoon to visit a “weaving centre”.  Assam is famous for its silk, including a variety (That I don’t know how to spell!) that is unique to this province.  We were told about th weaving process, and the silkworm cultivation, and the traditional uses of the various patterns..fabulous!

 

Not much time left here—we fly out tomorrow at 2:20 pm.  SO much to see in this fascinating place!  I wish we could stay here longer…  I may get another short ride in tomorrow, then it will be off to Delhi…

Barb hopes somebody is passing the news onto Grant.