01-Mar-2008 -- This is the third point in a journey by motorbike in India to visit 16 confluence points. The story starts at 22N 86E and follows on from 22N 85E. The next point in the series is 22N 83E.

On this kind of expedition there are high points and low points. If the previous day was a low then this was a high. We left the “hotel” and drove along the NH 6 to Deogarh. Then we took the NH 200 northwest to Kuchinda and Jharsuguda. The position of the road was the most obvious error that we found on the maps but at least it was there and went where we wanted it to go. AND there was a good road surface, it was not hot, there were no trucks and the countryside was very pretty.

We arrived at Jharsuguda at 2pm and decided to go straight to the point despite seeing a nice hotel. In hindsight this was a mistake as we should have taken a break and John could have ridden to the point without all the baggage on the back of his bike (mine had no pannier rack). The point was about 15 km north of the town. We knew that it was in the bed of the river Ib but not which road would take us to the riverbank at the right point. After one false start we found a road leading through a small village and down to the river. In the village a group were dancing to the accompaniment of a large drum. Near the river bank a large number of people were making clay bricks and living in small temporary houses made from these bricks. They were curious about our visit and very friendly. The point itself lay 500 metres from the grass across soft sand. It might be inaccessible during the rains. From the point to the water was a further 50 metres. The water was clear and cool and it was too tempting not to go for a swim.

Degree of Challenge:
2 – We were able to get within 500m to the point. (1= very easy - drive to the point; to 5= a death march – glad it is over)

Scenery:
4 – Attractive river site with green grass and trees along the margins. (Scale: 1= not interesting at all; 5= take your breath away)

Culture-social factors:
4 – Dancing in the village and brick-making activities added to the interest of the point. (Scale: 1=dull; 5= most stimulating)

After the point we returned to the town. As always cows have first priority on all Indian roads.