Rainforest Retreat/ Cat shit coffee

A neighbour

Robusta Beans

After a restful day at Dubare and a lazy morning I was feeling a bit stronger and headed off in the direction of Madekiri. I was certain to make Madekiri irrespective of the terrain, but I wasnt certain to make the Rainforest Retreat.

Another densien

I didnt know which road I was on as I had followed directions from the locals and most of the roads I had used were not on the map. I expected to turn left and should have, as it was I followed the road back to Kushalnegar and the directions of a local. The climb wasnt too bad, certainly nowhere near as tough from Gokarna to Sirsi, but the quality of the road was much much worse and it took me three hours including a break for lunch. Madekiri sprawls busily over a number of ridges, I spent a little time in town trying to send some post and as it was 16:00 and only another 6km to the Rainforest retreat, even if there was no lodging I could make it back to town before dark so I decided to head off.

The road out was fabulous, especially after leaving the road and following the track here, it really is in the jungle. It was a fair bit from the road and I flagged down a van to ensure I hadn't missed the place and thats how I met Don, his pet name, we had an excellent chat that was sadly shortened by a jeep wanting past. Its not often I get to chat with the locals who dont repeat the same questions, he even new about Scotland and our loving relationship with the English and he pointed out the similarity with India, so as you can guess we got on.

Luckily the Rainforest Retreat had a room, a little more than I wanted to pay but its rather spiffing, right amongst the coffee and Cardamom, I had to carry the bike up some rock steps and over a couple of rickety bridges to get it to my room but nothing drastic. There is a service hut with a fire and hot water which is fabulous and Ill be washing all my dirty gear tomorrow, my wash with hot water tonight was excellent.

I met one of the owners, the woman, she was a little aloof, I suspect my enthusiastic arrival high wasn't refined enough for her, nevertheless (greetings earthling) the deal includes full board and some guided walks through the plantation. There were not so many views from the road on the way here sadly and I was pretty concentrated on the climb and avoiding the white and blue buses, who's drivers seem to think I am a target of some sort. There is one driver who I would be angry enough with to get medieval on his stupid ass. The truck drivers were pretty good today, with the exception of course the three wheeler Piagios but they are always crazy, I think the drivers all have a chip on their shoulders about having only three wheels.

This is by far the best place Ive stayed. The water is membrane filtered and a wonderful change from the clinically clean bottled stuff, the food is good, the tea could be better, the mint tea is fabulous. I also had some fresh Palm Toddy, which is excellent and good for you when its fresh but as the day goes on becomes more and more alcoholic Hurrah!

My first night was spent in the cottage which was fine, but the internal wall is open at the top which meant each time the couple in the room next to me farted, it sounded as though they were in bed with me, so I moved to the tent for the remainder of my stay which I think is the best place to sleep here.

I liked most of the people I met here, it seems to attract interesting groups, however it gets tiring telling the same story each night as more people arrive. I especially enjoyed Wanda's company, she guided me through the forest pointing out various birds and plants which was much better than going in a larger group.

Rabbe

Susan who's head can be seen in this picture was excellent company and had an brilliant sense of humour despite being Canadian. Rabbie is in the lead followed by the Turkish woman and Dutch guy, they and an English couple were the only ones that didnt interest me so much. There was a group of “Golden girls” from the states who were lots of fun and there was one bloke whos name embarrassingly escapes me, Mark I think who was very good company indeed.

There is a small local cat a Civit that eats various berries including the coffee, which is very highly prized, as once it has passed through the cats digestive tract its supposed to taste fabulous. I was telling this story and no one would believe me until one of the owners told the same story the next morning. It was funny and yes you had to be there.