Drive to Mulshi

Sometimes you just want to drive. Out. Far from the concrete and steel of the city and into the arms of nature.

We drove to Mulshi, and further on towards Tamhini Ghat last weekend for pretty much the same reason. We started from our home in Pune at breaking dawn and later, stopped by a bridge along the way to enjoy the sunrise. 

Mulshi arrived an hour and a half later. The ride was bumpy and thereby slower than we’d have liked, but the crisp morning air and the sweet chirping of the birds made up for the lack of speed. Sort of.

We parked along the shoulder of the winding road, and stepped out to enjoy the scenery. I think we all got our measure of joy out there in the open. 

The big guy stood captivated by the tranquil beauty of the surroundings and the placid Mulshi Lake fringed by the Sahyadri Hills.

The little lad was mesmerized by a clump of Touch-Me-Nots he discovered along the roadside. We had to tear him away from it after 10 whole minutes of ‘putting the leaves to sleep’. (I will admit I joined him in that endeavour and fully enjoyed it too.)

And my heart travelled a short distance with these bikes before it returned with a happy grin.

We drove on up to Tamhini Ghat till the rumbling in our tummies persuaded us to hurry back home. 

Sometimes you just want to drive. In. Far from the raw beauty that is nature and into the arms of dusty civilization – all for a hot, greasy, caffeine-infused, thoroughly satisfying meal.

The drive back was faster, with hunger pressing its full weight on the accelerator. We returned by 10 am, with an amazing drive behind us and a much-awaited McDonald’s meal in front of us. 

Thinking back, I know that this is what made me happy.

And that this is what made me happier. (Till I felt full, at least)

I’m hoping that there will be many more such drives, and many, many more such breakfasts in the future. I have my fingers crossed.