Our destination on Tuesday was Sattal (Seven Lakes) in the Kumaon region of the Himalayan foothills, 200 miles northeast of New Delhi.

The drive from the Corbett area was a long switchbacky route, much like the road from Dehra Dun to Mussoorie. It follows steep, densely forested hillsides with great views down to the plains below. Our route took us through the resort town of Nainital.

Nainital is a former British hill station (like Mussoorie) that has become a resort destination for the burgeoning group of middle class Indians (also like Mussoorie). While setting is spectacular, the natural beauty is obscured by the hotels that cover the hillsides and the place is overrun with tourists.

After a short walk around Naini Lake, we headed down to Sattal. Unlike the crowds and congestion of Nainital, Sattal was peaceful and serene. The hillsides enfold a series of small beautiful lakes. My grandfather (Ted Mumby) held month-long training camps at Sattal during the hot Indian summers and athletes would attend from all over India. The Mumby brothers traveled to the camp for a week or two during school breaks and Dad has fond memories of the place.

The main lake at Sattal. A beautiful setting... err... except for the goofy-looking paddleboats.

The main lake at Sattal. A beautiful setting... err... except for the goofy-looking paddleboats.

Although there have been changes, my impression was that it looks much the same as it did 68 years ago. The house where Ted stayed is still there. We could also see the terraces where the basketball court, sleeping tents, and dining area were located. The dry lakebed that was used as a track is also still there. Even though he was only 15 at the time, Dad’s memory of the place was amazingly accurate.

This is the house where Dad's father stayed during training camp.

This is the house where Dad's father stayed during training camp.

Behind us is the dry lake bed (Sukital) they used for track and field.

Behind us is the dry lake bed (Sukital) they used for track and field.

Another place we visited in Sattal was the Sat-Tal Christian Ashram, which was established by the famous evangelist E. Stanley Jones in 1930. The Ashram is up the hill from the camp and the Mumbys visited there occasionally and met Dr. Jones. While we were poking around, the current director (Rev. R. S. Verma) came out and invited us in to tea. Apparently the place is still going strong and has space for 150 shishyas (disciples) for sessions that last a month.

Standing in front of the original Ashram building where Dad met E. Stanley Jones.

Standing in front of the original Ashram building where Dad met E. Stanley Jones.