ಶಿ'ರಾಡಿ' ಮೇಳ - ೨೦೦೯

ಇದು ನನ್ನ ಹಳೆಯ ಬರಹ. ಪ್ರತಿ ಬಾರಿ ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಘಾಟಿ ರಸ್ತೆಯ ಬವಣೆ ಯಾರು ಕೇಳುವವರಿಲ್ಲ. ಈ ಬಾರಿಯೂ ಈ ರಸ್ತೆ ತನ್ನ ಪ್ರತಿ ವರ್ಷದ ವೈಭವಕ್ಕೆ ಮರಳಿದೆ. ಇತ್ತೀಚಿಗೆ ಮ್ಯಾಂಗನೀಸ್ ಲಾರಿಗಳು ಇಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೂ ಅವುಗಳ ಹಿಂದಿನ ಕೊಡುಗೆ ಅಪಾರ. ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಘಾಟಿ ರಸ್ತೆಯನ್ನು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಕಾಂಕ್ರಿಟ್ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆಂಬ ರೈಲು ಸುದ್ದಿ ಸುಮಾರು ೪ ವರ್ಷಗಳಿಂದ ಕೇಳಿಬರುತ್ತಿದೆ. ಆದರೆ ಹೆದ್ದಾರಿಯ ಸಂಖ್ಯೆಯನ್ನು ೪೮ ರಿಂದ ೭೫ ಕ್ಕೆ ಬದಲಾಯಿಸಿದ್ದು ಮಾತ್ರ ಇದುವರೆಗಿನ ಸಾಧನೆ. ಪ್ರತಿ ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ರಸ್ತೆ ಹಾಳಾಗುತ್ತದೆ ನಂತರ ಜನವರಿ ವೇಳೆಗೆ ಅರೆಬರೆ ಪ್ಯಾಚ್ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಾರೆ. ಒಟ್ಟಾರೆ ಇದಕ್ಕೆ ಶಾಶ್ವತ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಇನ್ನೂ ಗಗನ ಕುಸುಮವಾಗಿ ಉಳಿದಿದೆ :-(. ಯೆಲ್ಲಾಪುರ ಘಾಟಿಯಂತೆ, ಶಿರಾಡಿ ರಸ್ತೆಯನ್ನು ಉತ್ತಮ ನಿರ್ಮಾಣ ಕಂಪೆನಿಗೆ ಗುತ್ತಿಗೆಗೆ ನೀಡಿದರೆ ಸರಿ ಹೋಗಬಹುದು. ಆದರೆ ಇಲ್ಲಿಯ ಲೋಕಲ್ ಗುತ್ತಿಗೆದಾರರು ಭ್ರಷ್ಟರ ಜೇಬು ತುಂಬಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ ಎಂಬ ಸುದ್ಧಿ ಕೂಡ ಇದೆ. ಶಾಶ್ವತ ಪರಿಹಾರ ಕಂಡರೆ ಎಲ್ಲಿ ಇವರ ಜೇಬು ಬರಿದಾಗುವುದೋ ಎಂಬ ಅಳಲು ಇರಬಹುದು. ಇರಲಿ, ಈ ಬರಹವನ್ನು ಸುಮಾರು ನಾಲ್ಕು ವರ್ಷದ ಹಿಂದೆ ಬರೆದಿದ್ದು. ಈ ವರುಷಕ್ಕೂ ಸರಿಹೊಂದುವುದು. ಓದಿ ನಿಮ್ಮ ಅಭಿಪ್ರಾಯ ತಿಳಿಸಿ.

ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಹೆ(ಹೊಂಡ)ದ್ದಾರಿ-೪೮ಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಕ್ಲಿಷ್ಟವಾದ ಪ್ರಯಾಣ ಎಂದರೆ ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಘಾಟಿಯ ೪೦ ಕೀ.ಮಿ ಗಳು. ಇತ್ತೀಚಿಗೆ ಘಾಟಿ ಪ್ರಯಾಣಕ್ಕೆ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಅಯೋಗ್ಯವಾಗಿದೆ. ಬೇಡದ್ದಕ್ಕೆ ಖರ್ಚು ಮಾಡುವ ಸರ್ಕಾರಗಳಿಗೆ, ಈ ರಸ್ತೆಯನ್ನು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಕಾಂಕ್ರೀಟ್ ಮಾಡಲಿಕ್ಕೆ ಹಣವಿಲ್ಲ. ಆದ್ದರಿಂದ ಈ ರಸ್ತೆ ಕಾಂಕ್ರಿಟೀಕರಣಕ್ಕೆ ದೇಣಿಗೆ ಸಂಗ್ರಹಿಸಲು ಹಾಗೂ ಈ ರಸ್ತೆಯನ್ನು ಸದಾ ಸುದ್ದಿಯಲ್ಲಿಡಲು ಹೆದ್ದಾರಿ ಇಲಾಖೆ ತೀರ್ಮಾನಿಸಿದೆ. ಅದರಂತೆ ರಾಜ್ಯ ಮತ್ತು ಕೇಂದ್ರ ಸರಕಾರದ ಸಹಯೋಗದೊಂದಿಗೆ ಶಿ'ರಾಡಿ' ಮೇಳ - ೨೦೦೯ ಹಮ್ಮಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲು ತೀರ್ಮಾನಿಸಿದೆ. ಈ ಮೇಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಅನೇಕ ವಿಧದ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗಳು ಮತ್ತು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು ನಡೆಯಲಿದೆ ಅಂತ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಘೋಷಿಸಿದೆ. ಹಾಗೆ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮಳಿಗೆಗಳು ತಲೆ ಎತ್ತಲಿವೆ ಎಂದು ಅದು ಹೇಳಿದೆ. ಬಂದ ದೇಣಿಗೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿರಾಡಿಯನ್ನು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ದುರಸ್ತಿಗೊಳಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು ಎಂಬ ಭರವಸೆ(??) ಕೂಡ ನೀಡಿದೆ.

ಮೊದಲೇ ಹೇಳಿದಂತೆ ಅನೇಕ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗಳು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಕಾಲಕ್ಕೆ ತಕ್ಕಂತೆ ನಡೆಯಲಿವೆ. ಮೊದಲನೆ ಬಾರಿ ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟದ ತಪ್ಪಲಿನಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆಯುತ್ತಿರುವುದರಿಂದ ಅನೇಕ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಜಕರು ಪ್ರಾಯೋಜಕತೆಗೆ ಮುಂದೆ ಬಂದಿದ್ದಾರೆ. ಪಶ್ಚಿಮ ಘಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಣಿ ಮತ್ತು ರೆಸಾರ್ಟ್ ಸಂಸ್ಕೃತಿಯನ್ನು ಉತ್ತೇಜಿಸಲು ಗಣಿ ದೊರೆಗಳು ಬಹಳ ಹಣ ಸುರಿಯಲು ನಿರ್ಧರಿಸಿದ್ದಾರೆ. 

ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದ ಪ್ರಮುಖ ಪ್ರಾಯೋಜಕರು

೧) ಚಿತ್ರದುರ್ಗ-ತುಮಕೂರು ಸೀಮೆಯ ಗಣಿ ನಾಯಕರು.
೨) ಮಂಗಳೂರು ರಿಫೈನೆರಿ (MRPL)
೩) ನವಮಂಗಳೂರು ಬಂದರು ಮಂಡಳಿ (NMPT)
೪) ಭಾರತೀಯ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಹೆದ್ದಾರಿ ಪ್ರಾಧಿಕಾರ.
೫) ಸರ್ಕಾರಿ ಮತ್ತು ಖಾಸಗಿ ಬಸ್ಸು ಮಾಲೀಕರು
೬) ರೈಲ್ವೆ ಇಲಾಖೆ.

ಪ್ರಾಯೋಜಕರ ಕಿರು ಪರಿಚಯ:

೧) ಗಣಿ ನಾಯಕರು ಎಲ್ಲರಿಗೂ ಚಿರಪರಿಚಿತರು. ೨೦ ಟನ್ ಗಣಿ ಸಾಗಿಸುವ ಬದಲು ೪೦ ಟನ್ ಸಾಗಿಸಿ ಶಿ'ರಾಡಿ' ಶಬ್ದಕ್ಕೆ ಮಹತ್ವ ಕೊಟ್ಟವರು.
೨) ದಿನಕ್ಕೆ ೨೦೦ ಬುಲೆಟ್ ಟ್ಯಾಂಕರ್ ಗಳು ಶಿರಾಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಸಂಚರಿಸಲು ಕಾರಣಕರ್ತರಾದ MRPL ಅವರು ಕೂಡ ಘಾಟಿ ರಸ್ತೆ ಸುಸ್ಥಿತಿಗೆ ಕಾರಣರಾದವರಲ್ಲಿ ಒಬ್ಬರು.
೩) ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟವನ್ನು ಅತ್ಯಂತ ಸೂಕ್ಷ್ಮವಾಗಿ ವೀಕ್ಷಿಸಿದ ರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಹೆದ್ದಾರಿ ಪ್ರಾಧಿಕಾರ.
೪) ತನ್ನ ಸಮರ್ಥ್ಯಕ್ಕಿಂತಲೂ ಅಧಿಕ ಗಣಿ ರಫ್ತು ಮಾಡಿ ಸಾವಿರಾರು ಗಣಿ ಲಾರಿಗಳನ್ನು ಅತಿಥಿಯಂತೆ ಕಾಣುತ್ತಿರುವ NMPT
೫) ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ರೈಲುಗಳಿಗೆ ಅಡ್ಡಗಾಲು ಹಾಕುತ್ತಿರುವ ಸರಕಾರೀ ಮತ್ತು ಖಾಸಗಿ ಬಸ್ಸು ಮಾಲಕರು.
೬) ಕೊನೆಯದಾಗಿ ಎಲ್ಲ ಲಾಬಿಗಳಿಗೂ ಸೈ ಎನ್ನುವ ರೈಲ್ವೆ ಇಲಾಖೆ.

ವಿಶೇಷ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮಳಿಗೆಗಳು

೧) ಹಲವು ಪ್ರದೇಶದ ವಿಶೇಷ ಗಣಿಗಳ ಪರಿಚಯ.
೨) ಹೆದ್ದಾರಿ ಇಲಾಖೆ ಇಂದ ಗುಣಮಟ್ಟದ(?) ರಸ್ತೆ ಮಾಡುವುದು ಹೇಗೆ.
೩) ದೇಶದ ಪ್ರತಿಷ್ಟಿತ ವಾಹನ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯಿಂದ ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಘಾಟಿಗೆಂದೆ ತಯಾರಿಸಿದ ವಿಶೇಷ ವಾಹನಗಳ ಅನಾವರಣ.

ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗಳ ವಿವರ ಇಂತಿದೆ:
 
ಸೂಚನೆ: ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗಳಿಗೆ ಪ್ರವೇಶ ಶುಲ್ಕ ಇದೆ. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಗೆದ್ದವರಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ ಬಹುಮಾನಗಳು ಕೂಡ. 

ಬೇಸಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ - ೧: ಶಿರಾಡಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ರಸ್ತೆ ಹುಡುಕುವ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆ  ಎಲ್ಲ ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರಿಗೆ ಈ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಅವಕಾಶ ಇದೆ. ಅತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ವಿಸ್ತೀರ್ಣದಲ್ಲಿ ರಸ್ತೆ ಕಂಡು ಹಿಡಿದವರಿಗೆ ಬಹುಮಾನ.  ಸೂಚನೆ: ಸ್ವಲ್ಪವೂ ರಸ್ತೆ ಕಾಣದಿದ್ದರೆ ನಾವು ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರರಲ್ಲ.


ಬೇಸಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ - ೨: ಘಾಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ವೋಲ್ವೋ ಬಸ್ಸು ಚಾಲನೆ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆ
ಇದು ಈ ಬಾರಿಯ ವಿಶೇಷ. ಘಾಟಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇಳಿಯುವುದು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಸುಲಭವಾದ್ದರಿಂದ, ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆ ರೋಚಕತೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸಲು, ಘಾಟಿ ಏರುವ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆ ಹಮ್ಮಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲಾಗಿದೆ. ಗುಂಡ್ಯ ಫಾರೆಸ್ಟ್ ಗೇಟ್ ಇಂದ ಸಕಲೆಶಪುರದವರೆಗಿನ ೪೦ ಕೀ.ಮಿ ರಸ್ತೆ(ರಾಡಿ)ಯಲ್ಲಿ ಈ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆ.

ನಿಯಮಗಳು:

೧) ಬಸ್ಸು ಇಲಾಖೆ ವತಿಯಿಂದ ಒದಗಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು. ಒಟ್ಟಿಗೆ ಮೂರು ಬಸ್ಸುಗಳನ್ನು ಒದಗಿಸಲಾಗುವುದು.
೨) ಬಸ್ಸು ಪಲ್ಟಿ ಹೊಡೆದರೆ ಅದನ್ನು ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಸರಿಪಡಿಸುವ ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರಿ ಚಾಲಕರದ್ದು.
೩) ತಿರುವು ಮತ್ತು ಹೊಂಡಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಜೋರಾಗಿ ಓಡಿಸಿ ಬಸ್ಸು ಕಂದಕಕ್ಕೆ ಬಿದ್ದರೆ ನಾವು ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರರಲ್ಲ.
೪) ಬಸ್ಸಿನ ರೇರ್ ಇಂಜಿನ್ನಿಗೆ ಸ್ವಲ್ಪವೂ ಹಾನಿಯಗಕೂಡದು.
೫) ಘಾಟಿ ಮಧ್ಯೆ ಕೇವಲ ೩ ಬಾರಿ ಫರ್ಸ್ಟ್ ಗೆಯರ್ ಹಾಕುವ ಅವಕಾಶವಿದೆ.
೬) ಘಾಟಿ ಮಧ್ಯದಲ್ಲಿ ೬-ನೇ ಗೆಯರ್ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚು ಹೊತ್ತು ಚಲಾಯಿಸುವವರಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ ಬೋನಸ್ ಬಹುಮಾನ.
ವಿಶೇಷ ಸೂಚನೆ: ಗಣಿ ಲಾರಿ ಚಾಲಕರಿಗೆ ಮೊದಲ ಪ್ರಾಶಸ್ತ್ಯ

ಮಳೆಗಾಲ ವಿಶೇಷ: ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಘಾಟಿ ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ಕೆಸರುಮಯವಾಗುವುದರಿಂದ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗಳನ್ನು ಮೂರು ಭಾಗಗಳಾಗಿ ವಿಂಗಡಿಸಲಾಗಿದೆ.

೧) ಮೊದಲ ಹತ್ತು ಕೀ.ಮಿ ರಾಜಕೀಯ ವಿಶೇಷ:  ಮಂತ್ರಿ ಮಹೋದಯರಿಂದ ಮತ್ತು ರಾಜಕೀಯ ನಾಯಕರುಗಳಿಂದ ವಿಶೇಷ ಕೆಸರೆರಚಾಟದ ಮನೋರಂಜನೆ. ಈ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ಪ್ರವೇಶ ಶುಲ್ಕ ಇದೆ.

೨) ನಂತರದ ೨೦ ಕೀ.ಮಿ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಭತ್ತ ಬೆಳೆಯುವ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆ: ಆಯ್ದ ೨೦ ಪ್ರಗತಿಪರ ರೈತರನ್ನು ಆಯ್ಕೆ ಮಾಡಿ ಒಬ್ಬರಿಗೆ ೧ ಕೀ.ಮಿ ಗುತ್ತಿಗೆಯಂತೆ ಕೃಷಿ ಮಾಡಲು ಅನುಮತಿ ನೀಡಲಾಗುವುದು. ಅಧಿಕ ಇಳುವರಿ ತರುವ ೮ ರೈತರಿಗೆ ಮೂರು ಬಹುಮಾನಗಳು ಹಾಗು ೫ ಸಮಾಧಾನಕರ ಬಹುಮಾನುಗಳು ಇವೆ.

೩) ಕೊನೆಯ ೧೦ ಕೀ.ಮಿ ನಲ್ಲಿ ಬಾಳೆಗಿಡ ನೆಡುವ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆ: ಇಲ್ಲೂ ೨೦ ಮಂದಿಗೆ ಅವಕಾಶ. ಪಾರ್ಟಿ ೫೦೦ ಮೀ ಗೆ ಗುತ್ತಿಗೆ. ಬಹುಮಾನಗಳು ಭತ್ತ ಬೆಳೆಯುವ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಯಂತೆ.

ನಿಯಮಗಳು: 

೧) ಕೆಸರೆರಚಾಟದ ಸಮಯದಲ್ಲಿ ಕೆಸರು ವೀಕ್ಷಕರ ಮೇಲೆ ಬಿದ್ದರೆ ಆಯೋಜಕರು ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರರಲ್ಲ. ತುಂಬ ಬಿದ್ದರೆ ತಿರುಗಿ ನೀವು ಕೆಸರನ್ನು ಎಸೆಯಬಹುದು.
೨) ಕೃಷಿಗೆ ಬೇಕಾದ ಉಪಕರಣಗಳನ್ನು ರೈತರೇ ತರಬೇಕು.
೩) ಮಳೆಗಾಲದಲ್ಲಿ ಪ್ರವಾಹ ಬಿರುಗಾಳಿ ಸಾಮಾನ್ಯ. ಬೆಳೆ ನಷ್ಟವಾದರೆ ಆಯೋಜಕರು ಹೊಣೆ ಅಲ್ಲ.
೪) ಮಳೆ ಬರದಿದ್ದರೂ ಆಯೋಜಕರು ಹೊಣೆ ಅಲ್ಲ.
೫) ನೈಸರ್ಗಿಕ ಕೃಷಿಗೆ ಮಾತ್ರ ಅನುಮತಿ.

ಚಳಿಗಾಲ ವಿಶೇಷ: ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಹೈವೆ ಕಂಬಳ
ಸಂಪೂರ್ಣ ೪೦ ಕೀ.ಮಿ. ವ್ಯಾಪ್ತಿಯಲ್ಲಿ ಕಂಬಳ ನಡೆಯಲಿದೆ. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಕೋಣಗಳನ್ನು ಸೊಗಸಾಗಿ ಸಿಂಗಾರ ಮಾಡಿದವರಿಗೂ ವಿಶೇಷ ಬಹುಮಾನಗಳಿವೆ.

ಹಾಗೆ ರಾತ್ರಿಯಂದು ವಿಶೇಷ ಯಕ್ಷಗಾನ ಮೇಳ ನಡೆಯಲಿವೆ. ಮುಖ್ಯವಾದವು ಶಿರಾಡಿ ಮಹಿಮೆ, ಗಣಿ ಕೈಲಾಸ ಮುಂತಾದವು.

ಸೂಚನೆ: ಕಂಬಳದಲ್ಲಿ ಭಾಗವಹಿಸುವವರು ಹೊಂಡದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಜಾಗೃತರಾಗಿರಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ವಿನಂತಿ. ಹಾಗೆಯೇ ಕಂದಕಗಳು ಇರುವುದರಿಂದ ಕೋಣಗಳನ್ನು ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ನಿದಾನವಾಗಿ ಹೊಡೆಯುವುದು. ಮುಗ್ಗರಿಸಿ ಬಿದ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ಅಥವಾ ಕಂದಕಕ್ಕೆ ಬಿದ್ದಲ್ಲಿ ಆಯೋಜಕರು ಜವಾಬ್ದಾರರಲ್ಲ.

ಪ್ರವೇಶ ಶುಲ್ಕ:

೧) ರಸ್ತೆ ಹುಡುಕುವ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗೆ ೨ ಮೂಟೆ ಸಿಮೆಂಟ್ ಅಥವಾ ಅದಕ್ಕೆ ಸಮಾನಾಂತರವಾದ ಜಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲ್ಲು.
೨) ವೋಲ್ವೋ ಬಸ್ ಚಾಲನೆ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗೆ ೮ ಮೂಟೆ ಸಿಮೆಂಟ್ ಮತ್ತು ಅಪಘಾತ ಠೇವಣಿ ೨ ಲೋಡ್ ಜಲ್ಲಿ ಕಲ್ಲು. ಬಸ್ಸು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಘಾಟಿ ಹತ್ತಿದರೆ ಠೇವಣಿ ವಾಪಾಸ್ ಮಾಡಲಾಗುವುದು.
೩) ಕೆಸರೆರಚಾಟದ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಕ್ಕೆ ೧ ಮೂಟೆ ಸಿಮೆಂಟ್.
೪) ಕೃಷಿ ಮತ್ತು ಬಾಲೆ ನೆಡುವ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗೆ ೪ ಮೂಟೆ ಸಿಮೆಂಟ್.
೫) ಕಂಬಳಕ್ಕೆ ೬ ಮೂಟೆ ಸಿಮೆಂಟ್ ಮತ್ತು ವೀಕ್ಷಣೆಗೆ ೨ ಮೂಟೆ ಸಿಮೆಂಟ್. ಕೋಣಗಳಿಗೆ ಪ್ರವೇಶ ಶುಲ್ಕ ಇಲ್ಲ.
೬) ಯಕ್ಷಗಾನಕ್ಕೆ ೧ ಮೂಟೆ ಸಿಮೆಂಟ್
೭) ಪ್ರತಿ ವ್ಯಾಪಾರ ಮಳಿಗೆಗೆ ದಿನಕ್ಕೆ ೨ ಮೂಟೆ ಸಿಮೆಂಟ್ ಬಾಡಿಗೆ ಇದೆ.

ಬಹುಮಾನಗಳು:

ಮೊದಲನೆಯ ಬಹುಮಾನ: ೫ ಟನ್ ವಿಶೇಷ ಗಣಿ ಮಣ್ಣು (ಮಣ್ಣು ಹೊತ್ತು ಕೊಂಡು ಹೋಗಲು ತಮ್ಮದೇ ವಾಹನಗಳನ್ನು ತರಬೇಕಾಗಿ ವಿನಂತಿ)
ಎರಡನೆಯ ಬಹುಮಾನ: ೦.೫ ಬಾರೆಲ್ ಕಚ್ಚಾ ತೈಲ.
ಮೂರನೆಯ ಬಹುಮಾನ: NMPT ವತಿಯಿಂದ ವಿಶೇಷ ರಫ್ತು ಕೂಪನ್.
೫ ಸಮಾಧಾನಕರ ಬಹುಮಾನುಗಳು: ಬಸ್ಸು ಮಾಲಿಕರಿಂದ ವಿಶೇಷ ರಿಯಾಯಿತಿ ಕೂಪನ್.

ಬಂಪರ್ ಬಹುಮಾನ:
ಅಧಿಕ ಸ್ಪರ್ಧೆಗಳಲ್ಲಿ ಗೆದ್ದವರಿಗೆ ಗಣಿ ಪ್ರದೇಶಗಳಿಗೆ ವಿಶೇಷ ಪ್ರವಾಸ.

ಬಹುಮಾನ ವಿತರಕರು: ರಾಜ್ಯದ ಗಣಿ ಶ್ರೇಷ್ಠ ನಾಯಕರು.
ವಿತರಣೆ ದಿನ: ವರುಷದ ಕೊನೆಯ ದಿನ.

ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರಲ್ಲಿ ವಿನಂತಿ: ಬಂದ ಬಹುಮಾನಗಳನ್ನು ಆಯೋಜಕರಿಗೆ ಒಪ್ಪಿಸಿದರೆ ಶಿರಾಡಿ ದುರಸ್ತಿ ಕಾರ್ಯ ಮತ್ತಷ್ಟು ಚುರುಕುಗೊಳ್ಳುತ್ತದೆ. ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರು ಈ ವಿಷಯವನ್ನು ಉದಾರ ಮನಸ್ಸಿನಿಂದ ಪರಿಗಣಿಸಬೇಕಾಗಿ ವಿನಂತಿ. ಹಾಗೆ ಎಲ್ಲ ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮಗಳು ಯಶಸ್ವಿಯಾಗಲು ಸಾರ್ವಜನಿಕರ ಸಹಕಾರ ಕೋರುತ್ತೇವೆ.

ಅಧಿಕ ಮಾಹಿತಿ: ನಿಮ್ಮ ಸಮೀಪದ ಹೆದ್ದಾರಿ ಅಥವಾ ಲೋಕೋ(ಅ)ಪಯೋಗಿ ಇಲಾಖೆಯನ್ನು ಸಂಪರ್ಕಿಸಿ!!

ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಯ ನೆನಪುಗಳು

ಜೋಗದಲ್ಲಿ ಮುದ್ದಾದ ಬೆಕ್ಕನ್ನು ಕಂಡಾಗ ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಅಚ್ಚುಮೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಬೆಕ್ಕು ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀಯ ನೆನಪು ಕಾಡಿತು. ಆ ನೆನಪಿಗಾಗಿ ಈ ಸಣ್ಣ ಗೀಚು.

ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ

ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ವರ್ಷಗಳ ಹಿಂದೆ ಮೈಸೂರು ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಊರಿಗೆ ಬಂದಾಗ, ನಮ್ಮ ಜೊತೆ ನೀನು ಕೂಡ ಮನೆ ಸದಸ್ಯೆಯಾದೆ. ಎಲ್ಲಿಂದಲೋ ಬಂದವಳು ಕಡೆಗೆ ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯೇ ನಿನಗೆ ವಾಸಸ್ಥಳವಾಯಿತು. ಬೆಕ್ಕುಗಳೆಂದರೆ ಸಿಟ್ಟಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ಅಪ್ಪನ ಮನ ಗೆದ್ದೆ. ಸಣ್ಣವಳಿದ್ದಾಗ ನಿನ್ನ ಜೊತೆ ಆಡಿದ್ದು ಈಗಲೂ ನೆನಪಿದೆ. ಮನೆ ಮಂದಿ ತಿನ್ನುವುದೆಲ್ಲವನ್ನೂ ನೀನು ತಿನ್ನುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ. ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಮಾಂಸಾಹಾರ ಇಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೂ ಬೇಜಾರು ಪಟ್ಟುಕೊಳ್ಳದೆ ಅನ್ಯರ ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ತಿಂದು ಮತ್ತೆ ಮನೆಗೆ ವಾಪಾಸಾಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ. ಮನೆಯಲ್ಲಿ ಇರುವಷ್ಟು ದಿನ ಒಂದು ದಿನವೂ ಹಾಲನ್ನು ಕದ್ದು ಕಳ್ಳ ಬೆಕ್ಕು ಎಂದೆಣಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಅಮ್ಮ ತೋಟಕ್ಕೆ ಹೋದಾಗ ಅವರ ಹಿಂದೆಯೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ. ಆರು ಬಾರಿ ಅಮ್ಮ ಕೂಡ ಆಗಿದ್ದೆ. ನಿನ್ನ ಒಂದು ಮರಿ, ಗಂಡು ಬೆಕ್ಕಿನ ಅಟ್ಟಹಾಸಕ್ಕೆ ಬಲಿಯಾದಾಗ ಮನೆಯವರಿಗೆ ಆದ ಬೇಸರ ಅಷ್ಟಿಷ್ಟಲ್ಲ. ಆದರೆ ನಿನ್ನ ಮಕ್ಕಳೋ, ಒಂದು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿ ಬದುಕದೆ ನಿನಗಿಂತ ಮೊದಲೇ ತೀರಿಕೊಂಡವು.  ಆದರೂ ನೀನು ಗಟ್ಟಿಮುಟ್ಟಾಗಿದ್ದೆ. ಕಾಲಾನಂತರ ನಿನಗೇನಾಯಿತೋ ಕಣ್ಣು ಮಂದವಾಗತೊಡಗಿತು. ಮನೆ ಬಿಟ್ಟು ಹೋಗುತ್ತಲೇ ಇರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಕಣ್ಣು ಮಂದವಾಗಿದ್ದರೂ ಗುಂಡನನ್ನು ಅದ್ಯಾಕೆ ಹೆದರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆಯೋ ನಾ ಕಾಣೆ. ಎಷ್ಟೇ ಕಷ್ಟವಾದರೂ ಮನೆಯೊಳಗೆ ಹೇಸಿಗೆ ಮಾಡುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ. ಕಣ್ಣು ಸರಿಯಾಗಿಲ್ಲದಿದ್ದರೂ ಮನೆಯ ಪರಿಚಯ ನಿನಗೆ ಚೆನ್ನಾಗೆ ಅರಿವಿತ್ತು. ಮನೆಯ ಯಾವುದೇ ಭಾಗಕ್ಕೂ ಯಾವುದೇ ಅಂಜಿಕೆಯಿಲ್ಲದೆ, ಸಂದೇಹವಿಲ್ಲದೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ. 

ಅಂದು ಶುಕ್ರವಾರ ರಾತ್ರಿ ಮೇ ೨೨, ೨೦೦೯. ಸ್ವಲ್ಪ ಮೊಂಡುತನ ತೋರಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದ ನಿನ್ನನ್ನು ಕಿರಿಯಕ್ಕ ಸಣ್ಣಗೆ ಜೋರು ಮಾಡಿದಳೆಂದು ಪಂಪ್-ಹೌಸ್ ತನಕ ಓಡಿ ಹೋದೆ. ಅಲ್ಲಿ ನಾಯಿಗಳು ಬೊಗಳುತ್ತಿದ್ದವು. ನಿನಗೆ ಕಣ್ಣು ಬೇರೆ ಕಾಣಿಸುತ್ತಿರಲಿಲ್ಲ ಆದರೂ ಅಲ್ಲಿ ತನಕ ಯಾಕೆ ಹೋದೆಯೋ ಯಾರಿಗೆ ಗೊತ್ತು. ಹೆಚ್ಚೆಂದರೆ ಮನೆಯ ಹೊರಗೆ ಹೋಗುತ್ತಿದ್ದೆ. ಬೆಳಗ್ಗೆ ಪೂರ್ತಿ ಹುಡುಕಿದರೂ ನಿನ್ನನ್ನು ನೋಡಲಾಗದೆ ಅಮ್ಮ ತಳಮಳಿಸುತ್ತಿದ್ದರು. ಕಡೆಗೆ ನೀನು ಸಿಕ್ಕಿದ್ದು ಹೆಣವಾಗಿ ಪಂಪ್-ಹೌಸ್ ಬಳಿ. ನಾಲ್ಕು ವರ್ಷ ನಮ್ಮ ಮನೆಯ ಮುದ್ದಿನ ಸದಸ್ಯೆಯಾಗಿ ಇದ್ದವಳು, ತೀರಿಕೊಂಡಾಗ ನಮಗೆ ಆದ ದುಃಖ ಅಷ್ಟಿಷ್ಟಲ್ಲ. ಈಗಲೂ ನಿನ್ನ ನೆನಪು ನಮಗೆ ಆಗಾಗ ಕಾಡುತ್ತದೆ.

Twilight HDR of Kaup Beach Light House

I barely had any time during Ganesh Chaturthi visit to my native place. During the festival day, I hardly found any time in midst of savoring grand food at home :D. Eventually, during evening, I payed a brief visit to Kaup beach. Not the best of season to visit since majority of time sky is covered with clouds. Nevertheless, the beach looks so enthusiastic and fearful during monsoon season. This time, the shore lines intruded shops even ;-). There is lot to learn from those waves which strike the shore with tremendous energy.

So here is 5 exposure HDR, of Kaup beach light house during twilight time. I am happy with image except that 7 exposures would have spiced up the picture still more ;-). Regarding sharpness, that is max I can get from kit lens. I did not apply any post processing for sharpness. This time, I performed some selective color correction around rocks and light house area. Lastly, I learned to use scissors tool in GIMP ;-).

MY LOVELY HOMETOWN BEACH!

Settings:

Camera: Canon EOS 550D
Lens: 18-55mm kit lens
Focal Length: 55mm
Focus: Manual
Aperture: f/8
ISO: 200
Picture Style: Neutral
White Balance: Cloudy
Metering: Center weighted average
No of images: 5
Exposures: -2.-1,0,+1,+2 (8s for middle one)
ML Firmware: v2.3
Softwares: Luminance HDR (Fatal operator), GIMP

I have few timelapse too from Kaup beach as well as my hometown. Will club most of them into single video after accumulating sufficient amount. As of now, that day seems to be bit far!

After reaching Bangalore, I was excited to see 20k view count on my blogger site :-). The blog which was started just as time-pass has seen enormous amount visitors [20k is not small number ;-)]. This blog will still remain as time-pass yard for me and no plans for serious writing ;-). I just want to share some thoughts for getting valuable feedback especially in photography area. One more thing I am happy about is most of the views are from google search [So google has promoted by blogs in its search index :-)]. I also have some old blogs which is not yet uploaded to blogger. Stay tuned for many more travel write-up!

Guddattu Shri Vinayaka Temple, Kundapur Taluk, Udupi DIstrict

Last year during Ganesha Chaturthi day, I shared video of Southadka Mahaganapathy temple near Kokkada. This year, I am sharing very short video of Guddattu Shri Vinayaka Temple located in Kundapur Taluk, Udupi district of Karnataka. The temple is a picturesque destination surrounded by lush greenery. The ganesha here originated from boulder and the daily offerings are done to same boulder sight. Hope you will enjoy the video and have a wonderful festival celebration!

After long break, I am uploading again to YouTube. It was difficult to find time in middle of work. The video was shot in Canon SX210IS and hence only 720p available :-).

Read my blog on Ganapathy temples of Coastal Karnataka to get more details on this temple: http://paadooru.blogspot.com/2012/09/prominent-ganapathy-temples-of-coastal.html

The Horizon

This picture was taken around 2 years back during our casual visit to Malpe Beach near Udupi. This is not reflections of winter Sun but peak summer Sun (around April). The dark spots you see at far end are small islands nearby Malpe Beach. There is also a light house in that area. Earlier, we could visit that place now authorities do not permit. We can only visit Tonsepar (St.Mary's island). This was just random shot which was bit under-exposed. The under exposing of the image sometimes creates great effect as one below. Also the picture was taken during golden hour. During the time frame Sun shows off with superb colors with the help of atmosphere. Apart from colors and reflections, I love the horizon too and hence the title ;-). Hope you enjoy the image.

Golden Hour at malpe beach!

Thinking of Horizon, I remember beautiful music by SoundLift and Andy Blueman "The Horizonte". Both are uplifting musics. The magic of Andy and SoundLift is the intelligent blending of orchestral music and synthesizers. Of the two, SoundLift's version has slight edge over Andy Blueman's work in my opinion. Hear and enjoy the musics if you wish

1) SoundLift - Horizonte (Andy Blueman Intro mix): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mfof2N3WEC8

2) SoundLift - Horizonte (SoundLift's Original mix): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHIMBq2_Big

A day long stay in Majestic Jog Falls

24 August 2013

It's finally time to visit the famous Jog Falls :-). Planned just a week ago, we had tough time to find some lodging due to flurry of tourists. Also all of us were chasing nasty bugs in office at the last moment. Whatever may be was the reason, we decided to visit Jog falls for a day. The plan was to reach Sagar, get refreshed and travel to Jog falls. There was room crunch at Sagar too :(. My uncle helped me to book a room at Sagar and eventually travel seemed seamless. Albeit, there was hesitation until all of us reached KSRTC bus stop ;-). You can also book train till Talaguppa if you plan beforehand. Since we planned just 3-4 days prior to journey, there was no possibility of getting train ticket.

We had booked tickets in sleeper bus till Sagar. My uncle had booked a lodge for us to refresh in Sagar through his colleague. There was an option to book a stay near Jog itself, however they turned up to be too expensive to afford. Instead, Sagar is best option and from there one could find frequent buses plying towards Jog Falls. We boarded the bus and it finally took off from Majestic bus stand at 10:20PM. Barring some initial hiccup, the journey was very smooth. The beds were neat and very good condition too. The bus stopped at Kamat Upahar near Dabaspet for brief break. Around 6:15AM, we reached Sagar. The journey was smooth however with deficient sleep. The bus dropped us exactly near lodge which is nearby NH-206 and 3kms away from town limit towards Shivamogga. The road condition seemed relatively good. The NH-206 runs between Tumkur and Honnavar. The road is known to be Bangalore-Honnavar highway but technically should be Tumkur-Honnavar highway.

Leaving the unwanted stuff apart, we were ready for breakfast around 8:30AM. I was very much hungry too! There is a vegetarian restaurant nearby lodge which serves limited variety of breakfast. The breakfast quality and taste was very good albeit the high price. The price was somewhat matching Bangalore standards :-) but we had very tasty and hefty breakfast. Few hours after refreshment, we took an auto towards Sagar private bus stand. We waited in bus stand for some time to catch the bus. Few minutes later, the bus arrived and we were ready to start. The bus was jam packed with college students who get down after 3 stops.

Jog is around 30kms from Sagar. It was drizzling in Sagar and as we traveled deeper into Malnad towards Western ghats, the rains got stronger at times. However not the vigor which could be seen during July monsoon season. The scene from Sagar to Jog is absolutely stunning as expected. The beautiful streams, lush green paddy fields, well built roads and of-course the rains were simply marvelous to watch. The travel from Talaguppa to Jog was absolutely mind blowing with western ghats and rivulets. The riads were also in good condition. We could have stopped at many spots if we had own arrangements. Even then I enjoyed from inside the bus to full extent. The bus had stamp of Non-Stop service but was stopping everywhere :-).

2kms before Jog, there is a deviation from NH-206 to reach waterfall site. The interior roads are not so good but manageable. It was around 10AM we reached Jog Falls. It is required to buy a ticket of Rs.5 to enter the premises. The ticket is valid for entire day though. Jog falls comprises of 4 water plunges namely Raja, Rani, Roarer, Rocket. When we neared view point, the falls was completely covered under clouds and mist :(. We could not view anything at all. Few minutes later, clouds faded away and we could somewhat see all of them except Raja. The powerful plummet of Raja water falls coupled with narrow gorge, creates huge mist cover around it which does not fade away so easily. Either Sun or strong winds only can blow them away.

A taxi driver was compelling us to show some of the view points nearby through which can see falls bit close. I knew about British Bungalow view from many people who visited the place. After brief discussion among ourselves, we decided to hire the taxi. He promised that if we notice only mist for most our time, we need not have to pay for him. The British Bungalow view is around 6kms from main view point. One has to travel again along NH-206 to reach the place. When we alighted at this place, we saw only mist again :(. The driver re-iterated that we would see the falls very soon clearly. Both Rajesh and Sudhir started staring at me since I was the person who convinced them to hire :D. Fortunately the clouds and mist faded away and bright SUN turned up after few minutes :-). What a ravishing sight to watch with Rani, Roarer and Rocket. They were so clearly visible with roaring sound. The velocity was not as much during the time water let out from Linganamakki reservoir, however it was considerable. The Raja falls is located sideways and visible only from view point few steps down. An unfortunate incident during past week had forced the authorities to close the view point path :(. Few drunk people tried to execute some sort of adventure by crossing the Raja falls. All of them fell into the deep gorge without being traced. It is difficult to understand why is it not possible for people to just enjoy landscapes than engaging in nasty stuffs :(. Those lives are no more, however there are huge number of people who get affected by such incidents especially local businessmen.

VIEW FROM BRITISH BUNGALOW

TOP OF RANI FALLS

Meanwhile, we had very nice views of all waterfalls except the Raja falls for the reasons stated above. Next the driver carried us to a view point near Rani falls. We had closeup feel of the Rani falls. Absoultely stunning nature in between dense western ghats. There was also abandoned bungalow nearby site. After the small journey, we were back in Jog falls main site. At a few distance from Jog falls view point, one could even have glance of Sharavati River valley. The source of water in Jog Falls is the Sharavati River itself stored in Linganamakki reservoir. The excess water from reservoir actually brings back the glory of jog falls. The river finally joins Arabian Sea in Honavar which is 60kms from here. Not to mention, the Sharavati River basin in Honavar is picturesque destination with beautiful nature.

There are two more waterfalls nearby which are only alive during monsoon. One is gerusoppa falls and other Gowri shankar falls. Both seemed non-reachable. The gerusoppa falls can only be enjoyed from view point and not possible to reach nearby. It was only 12:30PM when we finished our short view journey. We wanted to spend entire day near jog falls due to mist cover. We were hoping atleast for few minutes we could have full view of waterfalls. As expected, even nature did not betray us. The waterfalls was completely unmasked and we had fantastic view of all of the four :-). That was really gorgeous sight! We took some snaps from slightly elevated point nearby a bungalow.

SHARAVATI RIVER VALLEY WITH LOVELY RAIN FORESTS!

DISTANT GERUSOPPA FALLS

GOWRI SHANKAR FALLS

VIEW FROM NEARBY BUNGALOW

VIEW FROM PLATFORM

This cat seemed to have hefty food and was drowsing under rarely visited Sun. The cat was very much friendly and stayed even if went nearby it.

LETHARGIC CAT

We had packed food packets to relieve our intermittent hunger. A monkey saw our food cover and started following us :D. We all had umbrellas to chase it away. The monkey did not leave us for very long time :-). Somehow Sudhir managed to cheat the monkey by disguising the food packet from monkey's sight. Through out the pursue, the monkey was threatening us to hand over the food packet but we were also ready with umbrellas :D. It also got raged by camera's flash ;-). Fortunately, it was alone. Had it been in group, we would have given up easily. Sudhir's trick and pouring rain eventually made monkey to lose battle. But we really appreciated its persistence before giving up.

GUYS YOU HAVE BEEN RAIDED, HAND OVER FOOD COVER!

FINAL WARNING! HAND OVER OR FACE THE BATTLE :D

Time for lunch ;-). We went to have lunch at nearby Mayura hotel. There are also lots of local vendors inside Jog premises, however Mayura was best option. The charge was Rs.60/- but food was not good. We had no option since we were very much hungry. After having lunch, we walked towards resting place nearby. There were lots of monkeys here! The number was high since many people were having packed lunch here. However a guard nearby used to chase monkeys away and hence they never dared to enter the resting place. Despite of that, they were waiting outside the place despite of heavy rains hoping for some share!

WE ARE SHIVERING IN RAIN BUT NO ONE IS GIVING FOOD!

After lunch, it started to rain heavily. It is impossible to get view of falls in rain since cloud covers entire area. Time for small nap ;-). We had power nap on benches of resting place. We had alternate sessions of nap so that at-least one will be awake to look after luggage :-). 45 minutes later, the sight became fully clear and it remained clear till 4PM. Later the rain started pouring again. It was time to say goodbye to beautiful waterfall site. We had in tea nearby shop and I cannot resist churumuri during Monsoon weather :D. Me and Rajesh had churumuri which was relatively expensive too! We caught bus to Sagar and it started around 5PM. Some pictures after clear sight.

SHOT FROM VIEW POINT

DELIGHTFUL  JOG FALLS

The bus takes detour and enters Mahatma Gandhi power station to pick up employees of the power station. Later it reaches Kargal to pick up passengers from there before finally taking normal coarse to Sagar. Throughout the journey I enjoyed the paddy fields, streams and beautiful western ghats. We really missed those spots since we did not have private arrangements. Nevertheless, we had great time in Jog falls. Around 7PM, we reached Sagar town. We had healthy 2 more hrs to catch bus. We wandered around the town for sometime before having dinner in one of the restaurants. The food was good. Eventually it is time to say goodbye to gorgeous Malnad region. We plan to visit again when authorities let out huge pile of water from Linganamakki dam which may happen only next year!

Some milky ways

I could not grab full milky way of Jog falls since it was open sight. Despite the overcast weather, the open space could not bring down the exposure to at-least .5s. Also the falls was not plummeting with huge amount of water and hence at-least 5 second exposure was required to capture flow. A ND filter would have served the purpose which I did not have. Eventually I took some close-up milky way with tele lens which can go upto f/45 @300mm. Some pictures blurred out, since it was difficult to hold camera steady due to heavy lens weight. I required tripod here.

CLOSE UP MILKY WAY!

THIS CAME OUT GOOD HANDHELD!

When to visit:

Watch out for the water outflow from Linganamakki dam in newspaper. When the dam authorities let out huge amounts of amount of water, start immediately :D. Of-course it will be raining heavily too! You need to compromise on certain things in life ;-).

Stay:

Stay in Sagar and make sure you book lodge in advance. There is flurry of visitors during these seasons. Jog accommodation is too costly. Make 3 day plan. Don't miss the magnificent boat ride along Sharavati river backwater to Sigandhur Chowdeshwari temple (around 60kms from Sagar I believe). We could not visit the place since we did not have own arrangements. One more day better stay in Sirsi which is 70kms from Sagar to visit Unchalli falls and Magodu falls near Yellapur, an hour journey from Sirsi. Whatever may be the  complexity, visit during monsoon season ;-).

Whats special this time?

1) HDRs and Panorama documented here.

2) The clouds and mist intermittently enveloping and de-enveloping falls, provided perfect setup for timelapse ;-) along with sneaking Sun. It is short but I hope its sweet ;-). Do watch it!

3) Here is the compilation of videos shot during our visit. Hope you enjoy the same

HDR and Panorama during Shivanasamudra revisit with cheap CPL filter

Visitors were not allowed to step down during my last visit to Shivanasamudra. That was quite obvious too! Also I had to face ire of our usual travel gang when I went alone :D. Hence time to revisit the falls to have some excursion :-). I carried my cheap CPL filter with me since the day was hazy and believe me, it did very very good job. Almost removed 70% of haze in picture when used 90 degree from SUN axis! I was really excited since sky did not turn white in pictures :-). Most of the pictures which were shot at an angle ranging from 30-90 degrees from Sun's axis had clearly exposed SKY :-). Will share some pictures at some point later in blog.

We had hired taxi to visit Shivanasamudra and Talakaadu this time. I faced wrath of mother when traveled alone in bike last time :D. This time we were four and hence taxi would be convenient and cheap. More than our expectation, we had full fun at Bharachukki falls with water and monkeys :-). The boys enjoyed in water and I enjoyed with camera ;-). I have lot of milky ways too ;-). We had coracle ride close to main waterfall and completely drenched :D.

Back to primary topic ;-). The first is HDR shot of one of our friend watching one of divisions of Bharachukki falls. This is 5 bracketed HDR shot ranging from -2 to +2 in increments of +1EV. The camera light meter was exposing only the water but not our friend and hence I grabbed HDR shot ;-). In composed final image we have both person and waterfall properly exposed! The bright sky is magic of CPL filter ;-).

FRIEND LOOKING INTO THE WATERFALLS!

Settings:

Camera: Canon EOS 550D
Lens: 18-55mm kit lens
Focal Length: 18mm
Focus: Manual
Aperture: f/11
ISO: 100
Picture Style: Neutral
White Balance: Daylight
Metering: Center weighted average
No of images: 5
Exposures: -2.-1,0,+1,+2 (1/30s for middle one)
ML Firmware: v2.3
Softwares: Luminance HDR (Fatal operator), GIMP

While stepping up back from Bharachukki falls, I was tempted to capture full view of Bharachukki falls. Again 18mm was not enough :(. The only option was to take multiple shots and stitch them. This is 6 shot panorama picture. The weird sky is again because of CPL filter! The sky is bit weird mainly because the camera was not at proper angle from which CPL filter could be used faithfully from axis of SUN. Of-course due to changing position, it was impossible too! The final image stitched with Hugin panorama creator did turn out very well ;-). The settings were f/11 (Av mode), ISO 100 and 'daylight' white balance. Hope you will enjoy the image. The image is best viewed in full size.

PANORAMA OF BHARACHUKKI FALLS

In order to know how CPL filters work, you need to know the light physics with electromagnetic waves. There are lot articles in internet if you are interested ;-). I will be using the filter in future extensively after seeing results especially in Kaup beach :-). I did buy it long time back. Just wondering what I was doing keeping it idle. Fortunately at-least I am enlightened now ;-)

Comments and critiques are always welcome.