Crank’s Ridge
By Rummuser. Filed in History, Nostalgia, People |Tags: Almora, Crank's Ridge, Danny Kaye, Dena Kaye, Louis Armstrong, When the Saints go marching in
When a friend sent me a link to a YouTube link for a video on Louis Armstrong and Danny Kaye singing ‘When The Saints Go Marching In’, it brought back so many memories to me that I wanted to share some with some of my younger friends.
I forwarded the link to some who are jazz enthusiasts and one of them Sandeep, promptly got back to me about how much Danny Kaye reminded him of ‘Crank’s Ridge”. Apparently Danny Kaye’s daughter, Dena Kaye set up a hospital there which is operational even today.
Sandeep, a keen runner, trekker, mountaineer and an enthusiastic, if somewhat irregular blogger, decided to blog about what this chain of memories brought back to him and has written a fascinating blog – “Up On Crank’s Ridge: Where It’s Always 1969.”
You can learn a lot about Almora, the town nearest to Crank’s Ridge if you google for it as you can about Crank’s Ridge itself. I have been to Almora but not to Crank’s Ridge. When it was suggested that I go there by my friend in Almora, I as usual joked about the name and said I want nothing to do with Cranks. Apparently, even before all the notables mentioned by Sandeep discovered Almora, it was called Crank’s Ridge either after some British Colonial named Crank, which is quite likely, or due to the British calling it so, because cranks kept going there. I would not know. It however appears that before too long, I may just find out.
Sandeep plans to settle down close to Crank’s Ridge and has promised me a hut in a corner of his estate where I could quietly meditate on my navel. He promises me that, while all the money that would be collected from devotees visiting me will be kept by him, he will not interfere with the female devotees. What a considerate friend to have!
Monday, September 21st 2009 at 20:03 |
Thanks, Ramana. You are most welcome to the female devotees if we may manage to snag any! You certainly look like a babaji already. And I am looking forward to taking you up to Crank’s Ridge. If all goes well, we will do it next year.
I am trying to figure out which movie that Louis Armstrong/Danny Kaye clip is from. They acted together in a few movies.
Rummuser Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 19:11
Five Pennies.
Monday, September 21st 2009 at 20:16 |
A call to all “Hippies” in this group. Meet me at Cranks’s Ridge. Rummy going to be there singing “Kum By All”
Hit it Rummy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Rummuser Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 19:10
Naughty, naughty! Maynard, just come over and see what happens.
Tuesday, September 22nd 2009 at 01:20 |
They don’t make them like Danny and Louie anymore. Great video – thanks for the memory.
Rummuser Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 19:06
My pleasure.
Tuesday, September 22nd 2009 at 11:45 |
Almora! That’s in Uttarakhand, isn’t it?
Rummuser Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 19:00
Yes Maam. One of the most scenic places in India and the people are simple, hospitable and cheerful.
gaelikaa Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 03:32
Well……that’s great!
Tuesday, September 22nd 2009 at 13:03 |
It is from the movie “Five Pennies”, 1959.
Will there be bus tours for the widows of the world?
Rummuser Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 18:59
For you, limousine tour.
Wednesday, September 23rd 2009 at 18:32 |
Be careful, we female devotees can be a lot to handle. I loved the video and the post. I have once again, had my mind opened to history and to places that I did not know.
Rummuser Reply:
September 23rd, 2009 at 18:58
I am glad that you learned something. I too will learn once I become a Swami!
Thursday, September 24th 2009 at 08:17 |
Is it difficult to get to Crank’s Ridge from where you are? More importantly, think carefully, what will your readers do whilst you contemplate thoust navel?
Rummuser Reply:
September 24th, 2009 at 19:39
Nothing is difficult. With the kind of attractions that Sandeep promises, I will swim the deepest seas and climb the highest mountains(!) to reach there.
Perhaps my readers too can come and join us. A new Hippy colony!
Thursday, September 24th 2009 at 23:12 |
Hello to all those interested in getting to Crank’s Ridge. The place is not difficult to get there. It is a 9 hour drive or overnight train journey from New Delhi. Just letting everyone know
Saturday, October 31st 2009 at 14:02 |
I really enjoyed Crank Ridge its fantastic.Thanks Sandeep for giving the address of how reach the destination.