The pandemic numbers started weaning at New Delhi and the urge to climb to higher abode again kicked inside us. The run to the hills ensures closeness to the nature's oxygen tanks. The mere thought of filling up the lungs acted as an alarm to wake me up at 0330 hours of 10 Jun. I wanted to burn the rubber early and reach the destination well within day light. Winding up the house, securing plants and fish for the long holiday kept pushing the time. Finally at 0600 hours we were all loaded and set the pace for Shimla and beyond.
The road blockades around Delhi merits circumventing around and this meant an extra 100 kms into the journey. The first 3 hours of a long drive are crucial to gain the best distance. The drive was fast and *Green Mamba* clocked speed with ease. Renault Duster is a sturdy car at speeds more than 100 kmph and grips well on the tar. I tested it up to 140 kmph and there was no hard feeling as the engine ran silently. The car has not been serviced since Sep 2019 as it has clocked less miles but held good.
We missed our first pit stop at Neelkanth, Karnal and the smooth traffic flow meant that we surged ahead to find a decent pit stop at one of many Mannat Havelis. A quick and light breakfast with tea leaves in Milk shaped us towards Chandigarh.
A venerable senior from the Foxtrot Squadron, NDA was cruising ahead of us and recommended a stop at *Nik Bakers* at *Dera Bassi*. This was worth the stop but we again found milk ruling the coffee 
!! We are too hooked to the *Masala Teas* and *Less Froth Cappuccinos*. Welcome to the milk rich Haryana and Punjab 
.
474 kilometers later, we checked into a flat which we have hired at Naldehra, Shimla for the sojourn and to go around the area's villages. The valley is simply superb and weather very pleasant. The evening fell across the vast expanse of hills and hills only to be ruled by scattered lights which seems to put stars on Earth. There are beautifully colored houses spread over the hills and winding roads pass through high trees visible from our perch up in the hills.
We set up the home in this new place and the *Green Mamba* began its rest calming it's heated engine.
Pristine is the exact word for where we have reached this time though the construction has sheared a part and hallowed the untouched status.
We are looking forward to gulping some rare fresh oxygen, local fruits and meeting with some great local people including settlers. This is the first time that we are also trying a *VLOG* and would share the link once the movie is ready 🥰
🏽.
Have a great time folks, be safe, *Wear Masks* (we wore all through the drive), *Wash Hands* and *Maintain Social Distance*.
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