Munnar , Kerala

We are staying at the Olive Brook Retreat about 1000 meters above sea level nestled in the Western Ghats. As we have done in the past, we just came across this place as we searched along the higher roads using a Auto rickshaw /Tuk Tuk and as chance would have it, here we are for a few days. Olive Brook Retreat has a similiar ambience as did the Lake Palace on Periyar Lake in the Thekkady Tiger reserve. The rooms here are nicely appointed with beds we have been dreaming of.  The staff are professionally trained in Hotel management and practice GhandiGi directive regarding Guests in India.

I'm recuperating in the mountains. I think my shoulder is almost healed from my crash in the waves last month. The cool fresh mountain air and the aroma of the surrounding cardamom plants is intoxicating the gardener here is fantastic and the most varieties of beautiful flowers. We woke to the sound of birds singing. One elusive bird sounds like a person whistling. Rob is getting up tomorrow to video and record the sounds at 5:30. He is in love with the birds. Watch for it on Facebook 

Yesterday we walked 5 km into the valley below throught the tea plantation.

Giant boulders are everywhere. They plant white oak trees for shade for the tea.

Rob's nickname in Kumily is rockman, due to his need to build barbecues here in Kerala. 

Rob can't help himself, he really likes gardening.

We walked all through this valley of tea.

This whole valley is tea plantations in the lower areas and cardamom higher up. Coffee and Cocoa here and there.

Poinsettia are everywhere as are over 500  indigenous flowers and 500 different bird species adding to our visual and listening experiences.