Kayak Boat experience at Panshet near Pune

This was a nice Sunday morning. We started from our house in Pune around 8 am in the morning. Reached Panshet at around 9.30 am. Panshet is around 45 Kms away from the heart of Pune. It is off the Sinhgad Road. Panshet is the name of a dam and supplies drinking water to the Pune city.

We were 5 persons + 3 kids. So the plan was to enjoy the natural surroundings, play with the kids, have a heavy breakfast and come back home after noon. As usual, as soon as we reached Panshet everyone was hungry.

A little bit about how to locate the best boating location in Panshet. There are quite a few locations here from where one can do boating. The best one is the biggest one. It has a covered parking lot, a small restaurant. When you reach Panshet, you will find many different boards pointing towards boating locations. At the main junction, there are 2 roads - and each one of them leads to a different boat club. The turn to the left takes us to this good place with parking etc.

Once there, we ordered tea and breakfast. The food at the place is not that great. So its better if you take some home made bread/butter or any other breakfast. Whatever food is available is very costly and probably extremely un-hygienic.

There are some small horse, camel, elephant shaped games for kids. All 3 of them loved those :-) But everyone was now looking forward to the real stuff: Boating.

We first tried the simplest option. A large ride for all 8 of us in a medium paced motor-boat. It was for around 15 minutes. Very nice, clam, relaxing and enjoyable. The kids loved it, too. We were able to dip our hands in the river bed and sprinkle some of that water in the boat. The water was blueish and clean at most of the places in the river bed.

Next, we tried a speed boat with all of us in there along with the kids. This was a wonderful experience for us, but a scary one for the kids. I personally didn't find it worth the cost (of 60 Rs per person). But it was good fun.

I next asked them what other options are available for boating. He said - speed boat for a couple. A scooter boat - which is a very high speed boat with their driver and a passenger. I had seen a friend riding this earlier, and he had lots of fun. The guys then mentioned about a boat known as Kayak. They said, it takes you alone in the river bed. And that's what spurred me on. On asking further details, they said that it does not run on any fuel. And needs a paddle which is used to move the boat in the water.

I knew instantly that I was excited. I asked them to put it in the water. Since there was no fuel involved, the cost for 15 minutes was very less - 30 Rs. This was even better. I sat in the kayak - this was not easy though. It had a very small weight. And there were holes in the kayak for the water to flow in/out. It was somehow able to maintain its buoyancy. Being a very good swimmer and having the life jacket on - gave me enough confidence. For people who don't know how to swim, it can be a dangerous option.

I started with the paddle. 4 years ago, at the same spot, I had tried a rowing boat with 3 other people on board. We had erred at that point - in the sense that we did not try to understand the technique. There were also synchronization problems. And hence, this time round, I knew what should not be done :-) First, I tried to control the kayak by randomly moving the paddle in the water once to my left and then right. I realized that if not controlled, I would keep round and round in circles. Hence I tried to focus on how to crack the technique. I realized the following two tacts:

1. I stuck my legs to the grooves. This gave me some more force to use on the paddle. I pushed my legs while paddling and it was very helpful.

2. I made sure that while paddling on the right hand side, the paddle touched the outer border of the boat on that side. And then the same on the left. This was crucial because now, there was no randomness and I knew I was onto something special.

Very soon, I was traveling at quite a good speed, and in almost a straight line. For the first time, I looked around me. I was amazed by the beauty of the nature. Away from the busy roads, traffic and noise, away from the tensions of day to day routines, here I was - surrounded by a beautiful blue river bed. In the middle of lush green mountains. Birds singing sweet sounds. Clean air, no pollution, pure bliss. To top all that, I was out there on my own, without any fuel and having learned and mastered something new and adventurous, it gave me a phenomenal kick. I promised myself that this was only the first of many many times that I would go kayaking.

I knew that the time was limited and hence tried to turn reverse. Just paddled on the left hand side. After rotating by 180 degrees, I started on my way back. In the middle, I just used to stop, drop the paddle and just relax. Enjoyed the moment, the surroundings, the quiet and the nature. Finally, there was another boat passing by and the driver shouted at me saying my time was already over. On coming back, I was surprised that I could even park the kayak without many hassles. I told everyone that this was one of my most enjoyable moments ever and I had already started thinking about when should I go kayaking next?

The next time was only 10 minutes away :-) And even more enjoyable. Details to follow in the next post.

Cheers,
- Ashutosh

New free mobile product in India - MeraMobi

This was launched during the seminar Mobile Conversations at Mumbai on 19th September 2008.

Its a free mobile application. It requires GPRS enabled and activated on the handset for it to be used. The revenue model is Advertising. Although, I think, it is possible to monetize in another way. They can tie up with the the restaurants and generate some revenue from such channels every month. The menus might be dynamic, I am not sure. The current category of menus is:

- News (Finance, India, World, Sport)
- Cricket Field (Lice, Schedule, News)
- Cinema (News, Reviews and Previews)
- Money Matters (Index, Get Quote, Analysis, News, Favorites)
- My City (Mumbai) *Food and Drinks, Events, Movies)
- StarGaze

They are currently serving only one ad - for 94.3 - My FM. The other ads are of the promoter group - Dainik Bhaskar.

Let's keep a watch on how they market the product, how their user base grows and how many advertisers are they able to sign with.

In my opinion, they are direct competitors to Mobikon's Konekt

Cheers,
- Tosh

Australia vs. India Cricket Test Series

Hi There!

Its been a long gap, and soon cricket will be back to business. The Champions Trophy was postponed due to the security concerns in Pakistan. The Champions League was postponed earlier because it came dangerously close to the Champions Trophy. And hence the Indian cricketers got a very well deserved break from the high intensity international games.

What I liked was that - most of them played for their national (Ranji) teams. And many of them will play the Irani Trophy - The winner of last year's Ranji Trophy (Delhi) vs. the Rest of India team. That will be one hell of an interesting match to follow. It will pitch e.g. Ishant vs. Sachin and that would be awesome to watch.

I have been a big fan of young blood in the India cricket teams. And hence I believe, Sachin Tenulkar, Rahul Dravid, Saurav Ganguly and VVS Laxman should all be asked to go away. Especially because most of them have been in terrible batting form of late. Sachin has been good in ODIs but poor in tests. He has been extremely unfit and sometimes he has hidden that fact (e.g. South Africa series at home). Rahul Dravid has been the lowest in confidence ever. Saurav has been mediocre. And Laxman - although doesn't get out, he has not been able to force the run-rate issue. Even though he plays with the tail. Which makes him look like a selfish individual rather than a team-mate who is willing to risk his wicket for the country.

And hence I like the idea of leaving Saurav out of the team for Irani Trophy. I would also have loved to hear the notices sent out to Sachin - to stay fitter. To VVS - to score briskly and to Rahul - to hang up his boots or face the axe. I really hope that the new selection committee of BCCI is as good as the previous two. And have a vision for the future.

About the test series - Ahh, I just cannot wait for it to begin. Because of intolerable foreign conditions - both on and off the field - India has been a tough place for visitors to win test series. Australia failed to do it twice under Steve Waugh - who dubbed it as his Final Frontier. But finally, they were able achieve the feat under Ricky Ponting when they were here the last time. Hence I think the mental barrier has been broken for the visiting teams. And I predict that the result might be in favour of the visitors, this time too. And although my head says Australia, my heart still goes for India :-)

On paper, Australia look weak - Few of their pacers have experience of Test matches in India. None of their middle order and spinners have played here earlier. Still, the extended break has meant, they get more time to acclimatize. And they will do so very well. They have an aura of confidence nowadays, which makes them a candidate to bounce back from any situation - a belief that comes handy in test matches more as compared to one dayers or 20-20. In terms of individual players, I think Ricky Ponting, Matthew Hayden, Brett Lee and Shane Watson will be the ones to watch out.

Indians will have a very strong opening pair followed by a weak and out-of-confidence middle order. The two spinners are too old and have no new weapons. In my opinion, they will be able to force wickets only on a draconian pitch. The fast bowling looks stronger and their wicket keeper is their main weapon. In my two decades of cricket following, I have not been impressed by anyone as much as by Mahendra Singh Dhoni. He has an aura about himself - his youth, confidence and risk apetite makes him a very dangerous player for the opposition. He has yet to establish himself big time as a Test batsman, but I think the time is not far when he will shine there as well. And this could be that series. Overall, India's fragile middle order along with their old spinners are their weak links.

Let's enjoy the series and hope that it is remembered more for cricket than for extraneous issues. Unlike the last time these two sides met.

Cheers,
- Tosh

My India XI cricket team for the One day game/s against Pakistan

1. Virendra Sehwag
2. Gautam Gambhir
3. Yousuf Pathan
4. Rohit Sharma
5. Yuvraj Singh
6. Mahendrea Singh Dhoni
7. Piyush Chawla
8. Praveen Kumar
9. P P Ojha
10. Ishant Sharma
11. Manpreet Goni

On a faster track, they can choose Irfan instead of Yousuf or Ojha.

This looks like a young, athletic, team studded with many all rounders. Which makes me believe that it will a strong team and a difficult one to beat - going ahead.

Cheers,
- Tosh

Review of a resort Shantivan on Pune Panshet road

Posted here on mouthshut.com

Pros: Close to the nature, Near from the city, Economical, Open spaces
Cons: Lots of mosquitos, not enough fun options, not good for night stay

Shantivan is a nice place on the banks of the Mutha river. The location is at the most one hour drive away from the city. Once you are there you can choose to relax, trek, go boating, meditate, play with
your kids, organize camps/group activities. Shantivan is located on the Pune Panshet road. While traveling towards Sinhagad on the Pune-Sinhagad road, you will find a bifurcation just before the base of the Sinhagad fort.

The road on the right hand side goes to Panshet. On this road, travel for 4-5 Kms. and you will find Shantivan on the right hand side of the road. There is a lot of parking space available. An entry fee of Rs. 50/- per head and you are inside the place. Near the entrance, we found a lots of rabbits stuffed in two small cages. Walk further down the pathway and there are lots of knowledge rooms. One is the Jungle room where you can find photographs and descriptions of a number of wild animals and birds. Another is a Science room where you can see some photographs, static models and write-ups on science.

There is a photograph of a telescope, but I would have loved to see a real telescope there. There are a number of activity grounds/halls. These are used for group activities like Yoga/meditation camps, corporate trainings, etc. That seems to be USP of this place. Even while we were visiting, there was a group of around 200 college students who had been camping there through the day. Another attraction is the Lake View which is the road that leads to the Mutha river. Since it was late in the evening, we did not go there. However, I had heard that the boating facilities are nice. In and around the place, there are lots of plantations of different fruit/flower plants. The place is lush green and fairly well maintained.

The lawns were not mowed, though. There are a couple of grounds for small kids. They will love jumping, hanging on the bars and sliding down the various items there. We did not stay there during the night but that would not have been comfortable. The place had lots of mosquitoes and insects. Especially if you are with a family and kids, think twice before planning a night stay. There was a food counter but it served only Pav Bhaji. The entire place was quite clean though. This includes the rest rooms, etc. The room charges were very reasonable - around 400 per room. We could not see the rooms from inside since we were there only for a few hours. We could also see a number of tents which were available for camping in the night. One advantage is the beauty of the scenic location despite being close enough from the city. You can enjoy the hills, the trees, the river, the dam, the lake (Khadakwasala), etc.

Overall, I would rate the place very highly for going on a one day picnic. I will not advice the place for a night stay, though I have not stayed there. It is definitely not a place you would want to visit if you only have a few hours in hand (which is the mistake that I did). There are not many activities that you can do - as against the other cultural villages. Overall, a good place for either a complete rest or for a group picnic where you plan and execute your activities.

Price Range: Down to earth
Ideal for: Large groups

Cheers,
- Tosh

I support Jaipur's Rajasthan Royals

This has been my most favourite team in the Indian Premier League ever since the begining. Rajasthan Royals from Jaipur. Shane Warne leads it from the front. Shane Watson is their star performer. When Younis Khan joins in, that will make them even stronger.

They are the most inexpensive team and are sitting pretty on top of the table currently.

Shane Warne has complete control being the captain and the coach, which really helps.

RR..RR!

Cheers,
- Tosh

Current Favourite pastime - Indian Cricket League

Indian Cricket League

Come home every evening, and a game is on from 7 pm to 10 pm. Great commentators. 3 hour game. No strings attached - since its club cricket.

The only downside - It is mostly an oldies' league. It still rocks because I would rate them 100% on innovation.

Cheers,
- Tosh

Will India Play Five Bowlers @ Adelaide?

It will be a very interesting, bold and positive move. I will be very much looking forward to this. If India do play 5 bowlers, it will send a message to Australia that they want to win the match and are willing to take a calculated risk for that. I think its a gamble worth taking. Especially when you have Dhoni and Pathan at No. 6 & 7.

My Indian team for the third and final test to be played on Thursday 24th January, 2008 in Adelaide would be:

1. Virendra Sehwag
2. Dinesh Karthik
3. Rahul Dravid
4. Sachin Tendulkar
5. V.V.S. Laxman
6. Mahendra Singh Dhoni
7. Irfan Pathan
8. Anil Kumble
9. R. P. Singh
10. Harbhajan Singh
11. Ishant Sharma.

Cheers and All The Best
- Tosh

The Good, The Bad & The Ugly side of Indian Cricket

The Good:

1. Ishant Sharma was called up as a reserve fast bowler in case the only two available seamers got injured at the 11th hour of the first Test match against Pakistan in Ferozshah Kotla, Delhi. When he was not selected, he was released and sent back to play for his Ranji state team. I have never seen such a dynamic move from the Indian Cricket Board and if any, it is just another welcome sign that the things are moving forward. Note - the same plan is already in place for the second Test match against Pakistan to be played on the Eden Gardens in Kolkatta.

2. Anil Kumble was named as the captain for the Indian Test team. Positives - He has a relentless attitude while bowling, which will rub off very well on the other team members. Secondly, he has a great work ethic - unlike the Prince Of Kolkatta, who was a good leader but not the best example for the youngsters when it came down to discipline. Thirdly, its a long awaited recognition of the pivotal role Anil Kumble has played in most of the Test match wins for India. He is undoubtedly one of the world's most under-rated cricketers. His actions speak more than his words.

3. Saurav Ganguly was not underutilized as a seamer. Its very well known that under his own captaincy, he was reluctant to play the role of the third seamer. Now that he has been pressurized for a place in the team, he has responded brilliantly. It adds the much needed all-rounder angle which has been missing in the Indian Test team ever since players like Kapil Dev, Ravi Shastri and Manoj Prabhakar retired.

The Bad:


1. No coach since the past so many months.
2. No media manager.
3. No grooming at the Test level for a young and promising all-rounder. Examples - Pravin Kumar, Sanjay Bangar, etc. Lack of vision.

The Ugly:

All 4 middle order batsmen are old. The selection panel is looking only at the short term while completely ignoring the long term - this is very dangerous. The least they can do is - Make it a rule that in any Test match, only the 3 of these four should be in the playing eleven - Rahul Dravid, Sachin Tendulkar, Saurav Ganguly, VVS Laxman. The lack of such creative strategies means that after a few years, Indian middle order will be inexperienced, and very vulnerable especially outside the sub-continent. Poor planning.

Cheers,
- Tosh

Solar electricity generators from Ammini

http://ammini.com/prod_solar_power_system.php

I have one installed at my home - Generates AC current from solar energy. Powers most simple home appliances like lights, fans, TV, DTH set top boxes (e.g. Tata Sky), etc. Generates around 200 to 400 Watt hours per day - although they claim to generate output of 600Wh. Total cost including taxes - Rs. 85,000/-

Should you buy it? Yes - only if you are a big solar/clean-environment fan. No - if you are looking at reducing the cost of power that you buy from electricity boards. The reduction in costs - if any - might not be visible in the initial 15-20 years after installation. For me, the satisfaction of being able to independently power up my house (at least for sometime every day) is simply amazing.

Cheers,
- Tosh