Aruvikkara is about 16 kms. north of Trivandrum. Gifted with lavish scenic beauty, the place has an ancient temple dedicated to Goddess Durga, at the edge of a cool river. Devotees feed the sacred fishes in the stream, which are so tamed that they take food almost direct from their hands. Near the temple there is picturesque water fall. The river has been dammed u to form a reservoir. This Aruvikkara dam is a very beautiful place and ideal for picnics. This reservoir supplies water to Trivandrum city in every season.
Pulayanarkotta: This beauty spot is 8 kms. north west of Trivandrum is near Veli Lake. A fine reserve forest and a TB Sanatorium are here. The place, it is believed was once the seat of a powerful Adivasi King.
Check out the pictures from our Shop Trip last week on the Endeavor out of Seaforth Landing. Great weather, Flat Ocean, and a great group of Anglers for the Charter. Ahi, Dorado, Skippies, some Yellowtail, and a Couple of Nice Albacore rounded the catch. It was a Classic Fall Offshore Trip.
Karnataka is famous for art and architecture and the designs, decorations and tile work etc. are unique and fascinating at Bidar. Sharaza Darwaza is the second gateway to the Fort and there is a excellent tile work on the outer walls. Gumbad Darwaza is the door way and it is famous for its architecture.
Rangin Mahal: To the left to the Gumbad Darwaza steps lead upto the Color Palace, Mohammad Shah took refuge in the Shah Burz adjoining the Gumbad. The King felt that it was auspicious to live there so the rooms were built into the Rangin Mahal. Mother of peal has been used lavishly for making floral designs with granite carvings.
Bob, here’s the story I sent Peter at the Billfish Foundation , I have more pic’s and info if you need it. thanks, MD
Wes Davis is a typical 10 year old boy. He loves to fish. But what makes him unique is that once certified by the IGFA, he will be the youngest individual ever to complete a Billfish Royal Slam. In July, 2005, at the age of 6, Wes was able to land his first billfish, a short billed spearfish aboard the Sea Genie II with Capt. Gene Vanderhoek, known as “Uncle” Gene, who had known Wes since he was just over a year old.
The white marlin followed in September, 2005 off the Oregon Inlet, North Carolina aboard the “Qualifier” with Capt. Fin Gaddy. In February, 2007, two Atlantic sailfish were landed with Capt. Norm Welter on the “Double Up”. This was followed by a Pacific Blue Marlin with “Uncle” Gene on the Sea Genie II in July, 2007. In 2008, they ventured to Zihuatanejo, Mexico where Wes caught three Pacific Sailfish.
Later that year, in July, Wes caught his swordfish with Capt. Norm Welter, out of Fort Lauderdale. This year, in January, their adventure took them to Pinas Bay, Panama where the black marlin was landed with Capt. Isauro aboard the “Florida”. With only two fish to go to complete the slam, Mark and Wes journeyed to Cabo San Lucas in August where Wes fished aboard Paul Bender’s “Summertime” with Capt. Martin Vigil. There he caught three striped marlin
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The trip to Caracas, Venezuela had been planned and in September, Wes, his dad Mark, Capt. Gene and Charles Bunk, another Royal Slam member, made the trip. Most of the billfish Wes had caught to get to this point in the quest for his slam had been relatively cooperative. This one must have been pay back because it was epic. There, off of the La Guaira Bank, he landed a 300 lb. Atlantic Blue Marlin with Capt. Bubba Carter, aboard “Tijereta” , his toughest battle to date, catching the fish on 30 lb. line, in 8 foot swells and with 30 mph winds. But after almost 2 hours of fighting, the giant was tagged and released.
What made this week even more incredible in Venezuela was that Capt. Vanderhoek, at age 55, completed his first Billfish Royal Slam, Additionally, Mark Davis, completed his second and third Billfish Royal Slam. It was a memorable trip for all.
All of the fish Wes caught to make up the slam were tagged and released with the exception of the swordfish.
