During my visit to Pune in February 2005, Pune
chapter of IRFCA arranged a trip to Monkey Hill. Apurva, Ashish, Hrishikesh,
John and myself boarded Sinhagad Express at 6 AM and landed in Monkey Hill after
about an hour and 15 minutes.
Shailesh and Shashanka (we have more than one
Shashanka on the forum) were coming from Mumbai to join us couple of hours
later. So Pune folks decided to explore third line while I waited at Monkey Hill
to receive the duo and explore surrounding area.
Current and future generations will carry the name forward.
Rail-fanning is great as long as you do not take undue risks like standing
in front of oncoming train as seen in this picture.
But this may be illusion because....
Indrayani (??) passes by. Run away tracks can be seen on the left.
Better view of runaway track.
A good Samaritan fixes the leaking water pipe. He tells me, there are many leaks
like this in Bhor ghat. Sounds fishy, isn't it? BTW, water pipes are the sole
source of drinking water for crew working on track maintenance.
He was returning home after night shift. I
casually asked if he had a good sleep and he replied affirmatively while
yawning.
Life in ghat.
Janata dwelling in ghat is waiting for the same train that Mumbai duo will be
coming in from.
Soon everyone joined me at Monkey Hill. Shailesh talking to Apurva.
Ashish, Hrishikesh, Apurva, Shailesh and Shashanka. The guy on track is unknown.
John and Hrishikesh facing camera.
John sitting near (his favorite spot) advanced starter at MHC.
Driver to stop beyond this board (but before the signal).
Smoke from brake shoes.
Panoramic view from MHC cabin.
Hrishikesh, Shailesh, Shashanka and myself
hitched a ride to Karjat and enjoyed nice Batata Vada outside station. (26
pieces between just four of us).
Two historical pieces at Karjat yard.
John and Ashish came to Pune station to send me off.
A scene very common in India, burning incense sticks.
How's that?
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