Boat ride | Ankola
Clicked in April 2006 / Around Ankola (*album)
Open sea, countless waves, the company of good friends and an intense face… Gowrish, the fisherman’s helper (Srini and his brother are seen in the background).
The first thing in the morning on arrival at Ankola was a boat ride thanks to my friend Srini. Despite advice from the fisherman and Srini to leave my camera behind I took it onboard the small fishing boat and in the end it was worth the risk.
I never realised that fishing boats could be that small and with no life jacket on I was scared, worried and also a bit excited. Photography during the ride was hard as I found it difficult to manaeuver in the constricted space. Adding to that, I had one of the oars (which was in continuous motion) just millimeters away. Every few seconds or so it would nudge me in the face making it impossible for me to take any pictures without risking damage to my equipment.
I breathed a sigh of relief when we stopped after a while. While the others enjoyed the scenery I got busy clicking. The fisherman shared his knowledge about the geography of the area and also some interesting facts about his village. I was surprised to know that sale of alcohol was banned in his village, and it was the people who got together and made the local panchayat enforce it.
PS: I seem to have misplaced my Ankola trip notes when I shifted to my new home. I hope to write in detail when (or if) I find them.
