Friends
A thousand pardons for not posting earlier. Well here we go...
I had made up my mind, that this time I was going to meet all these special people who have so much fun at Jappa meets. My back unfortunately went for a six, but still, against doctors orders, I did make it.
The first thing that struck me, as I drove in were the sight and smell of my first love - Equestrian. After parking my car, I spend more than a few minutes just taking in the familiar sights and sounds of the stables around me. Beautiful and noble creatures, those horses.
I reluctantly detached myself to head towards the OK Corral. Where guys were whacking away at targets of all sizes and shapes in the distance. The dust puffed up here and there, with shooters peering over their sights to check out their hits or misses.
The very briefest of eye contact and I recognized our Zen Master - Brihaji. hands clasped we stared at each other grinning, no words were spoken, none were necessary. Hell, we met for the first time at Jappa,in this life, but we know each other from way..way back. Get the drift?
From the horizon, strolled in the Doc! And the years seem to melt, it was almost like a time warp, he hadn't changed a whit. We commenced talking from where we had left off...so many years ago...talking what else? But guns off course.
Kshitij and his friends had organized the meet to the T.
NK007, walked in with a can of bear which he matter of factly handed over to me for a swig, which regretfully I had to pass on to a more deserving worthy, who promptly irrigated his throat. By then my stomach was feeling like my throat was cut.
We grabbed lunch, hooking our legs over the railings or sitting on sawn off tree trunks.
A magnificent tom cat, strolled in amongst us, royal and aloof, he briefly acknowledged the pat I gave his furry back. Then with quick twirl of his tail he sedately moved on to catch his next royal appointment.
We were then treated to some splendid riding from youngsters who were smartly attired in modern riding gear. Heck during my days, I rode in 'Jodhpurs' and pith hats' (Sola Hat works - Calcutta).
From a measured walk they stepped it up to a trot and then moved on to a brisk canter. At that point you could gauge who measured up and those who didn't . I smiled to myself wryly and forgivingly- I too once rode like a sack of potatoes. Fear is the Key to becoming a good rider. It's only when you fall and get back into the saddle - many times over, only then the ugly duckling turns into a graceful swan.
A brief chat with Essdee and company, a quick photo shoot and I was off heading westwards again to Satara.
Fantastic time I had, looking for the next one? Most certainly.