Lower Khodra Dam overflowing Mt.Abu

Just received a phone call from the school. Hey, man, the dam's waiting for you. I would have probably headed right away but to whether the weather had got my goat. The mist hasn't lifted this whole week and the drizzle and heavy downpours have been continuous. If there is a lull in the climate I'll head for Paddy's Bridge to get some snaps. Will also make a trip to the lake I believe there are now only three feet to go. Hopefully, I'll have the snaps up by this evening, till then adieu.

SPORTS DAY [ 29th SEPTEMBER,2008 ] ST.MARY'S MOUNT ABU

 ST.MARY'S MOUNT ABU

Bruno, one of the school dogs

Clicked Plummy on the way to school

The field is prepared for sports rehearsal

11 feet yet to go, Lower Kodra Dam

What a day.

 Drove up the winding, misty road to school this afternoon. Fog everywhere, water on my lashes, hair wet with spray. By the time I crossed the chapel gates, I was already drowning in memories. Feels like yesterday.

 I can still see myself sneaking out, bunking limits, dodging that dreaded one-way ticket home. Once skipped lunch, ran like a madman to the lake for Bird of Paradise eggs. Brother Keane caught me on the wall behind the bogs. Thought I was dead. Couldn’t even talk, so I pulled the two eggs out of my mouth and showed him. He just shook his head and waved me off. Another ticket earned, never crashed. Lucky me.

 Met Mr James at the refectory. Discussed the poor monsoon. Water supply has already dwindled to once every three days, two hours only. Two baths a week—Thursday, Sunday. Three minutes flat. Funny thing, those quick scrubs were heaven. Came out brand new. Some lads even tried sneaking in extras. Mad times.

 Walked to the primary field—servants were busy marking lanes, fixing everything for tomorrow. Sports Day. Anticipation already fills the air.

 September always brings it—the Concert one day, Sports Day the next. Our own Olympics, only louder, crazier, better. The thrill of winning Cock House, the pride, the sweat, the noise. Nothing like it.

 And the relay… no outsider has ever beaten us. Not once. I’d like to see an Olympian try on our soil.

 Snapped a few photos. Looking at them now, they’re more than just pictures. Their voices. Shouts, whistles, drums, the entire school roaring.

 Do you remember? The butterflies before your race? The mad rush down the track? That mix of exhaustion and glory at the finish line? Close your eyes—you’ll hear it.

 Sports Day was never just about running. It was about us. About belonging. About spirit. And standing here today, I feel it all over again.