My First Trek

I remember having looked at trekking as an alien thing; and trekkers as aliens. I was in my early college days back then, when we used to see those guys with backpacks double in size of out college sack, and a rolled up mattress like thing popping out of those backpacks. They'd typically be wearing trackpants with militari print, or capris, and some old, worn out t-shirt. Their hair would be undone, they would be wearing a watch bigger than their wrist, and their shoes would seem like they are cut out of rock.

They seemed strange. While our faces displayed irritation because of the crowded trains and stressful journeys, their faces meant all excitement. We never understood; I, never understood why someone would go and sweat the hell out of his body, tire himself wandering in some hills, instead of watching a movie, playing cricket, or just eating out with friends. I mean, there are so many easy and rewarding ways to spend a holiday. I never understood; only until I stepped in those rock-cut shoes.

It was a hot and sunny summer day when a friend of mine called me up asking if I was interested in going to Karnala Fort. Karnala is around 80 kms from Thane and he said we can go and come back in half a day. Since it is a bird sanctuary as well, we thought we could do some bird watching and climb the fort as well if we wish to. As I said, 'trekking' seemed alien then, and I was not SO willing initially. But then out of curiosity, if I may say, I said yes, we will go tomorrow. I love to travel and see new places, so I could build up the excitement pretty soon for myself.

At 5:30 am the next day, we were off to Karnala. Just the 2 of us in my darling M800 which sadly isn't with me anymore. We reached Karnala in just over an hour. We parked the car, paid the entry fee, and went inside. It is a fairly dense forest. Some caged birds are kept at the start of the trail. Then one way is marked as the way to the fort. But there is another way to the fort as well, which is the 'Mor Taka Trail'. Out of pure 'kida' we ventured to that trail, thinking that we will see some rare birds and discover something which not many must be aware of. 'Ideal time for bird-watching is actually 1 hour prior to and after sunrise', I was told by the friend who was with me. So, we were late. It was 7:30 then. It was quite bright already. We walked for more than 2 hours, stopping at every little chirp that we heard, only to find a sparrow or a cuckoo.

I realized at one point, that we had come to the same spot which we passed by, some time ago. Then my friend said that the same spot is where we took a turn from, even before that. We sensed a problem. In Marathi, this happening is termed as 'Chakwaa'; where a person loses his/her way somehow, like he/she was mesmorised, and keeps wandering around the same area and coming back to it. We were not mesmorised or hypnotized; we were just... lost. Lost while we went on taking photographs, trying to climb trees, or just doing balancing acts on the rocks. We decided to break the loop and so we turned in the direction of the pinnacle and started walking. We climbed a steep slope somehow which brought us to the main trail. Relieved; were we, finally. In next 30 minutes, we were on the top of the fort. At the base of the thumb shaped pinnacle. The view from the top was worthwhile. Absolutely amazing.

Coming back was relatively easier, and smooth. We came down drenched with sweat and tired as hell. I struggled to drive my car as my calfs and knees pained badly. We came home late in the afternoon and slept for hours. My first trek was a terrific one. Really a terrific one. A not-so-difficult trek seemed a so-difficult trek to me. 'If this is what those guys with huge backpacks do in the mountains; then this is not for me certainly', I thought to myself, 'I mean it was fun; it was tiring as well, but I don't feel like doing this every alternate weekend'. These thoughts were like the early vapors of barbeque, which disappeared very soon, leaving the heavenly taste behind; the heavenly taste of pleasure, heavenly taste of peace, and of purity. I couldn't wait for my next treks thereafter. Sharing pictures, telling stories went on. But somehow I had missed writing about my first trek experience.

My first trek had stunned me. But it had stunned me for good.