Vasota - A Rejuvenating Experience!

After the long wait of about six months I finally got to get reconnected with nature with the trek to Vasota as a medium.I couldn't believe my ears when my parents gave a nod to this trek specially an overnight one since I had never done one before.I registered,but there was this faint fear of facing the unknown all over again.
With the intention of getting rid of this fear,I packed and was all set when we met at Kalva naka on Friday night as per the schedule.We had to go to satara by bus which was an eight hour journey ,followed by a bus ride again to a village called Bamnoli.From there on we had to take a boat ride or ferry ride of about to two hours to Indivali which happens to be the base of Vasota.
Bus ride was really energetic as almost everyone was playing antakshari till early morning.The second one was a bit bumpy at the bus was a bit overcrowded and we had to follow the ghats.Ferry ride was a total treat to the eyes as we were sailing through the beautiful koyna backwaters.The view is still embedded in my eyes.
The tents at base raised my spirits as this was the first time I was to spend the night in a tent.After deciding to go to new vasota and nageshwar temple(since there is a old vasota too) we started climbing at around 12 :30.With the usual observation,photo sessions and talking crap we reached the top at around 3 :30.The fort was just a temple and a few ruined structures.After lunch ,we started off for nageshwar temple.
Now for me this was a bit challenging thing to do as the route to this place was a bit narrow and I was told that while coming back it would be dark and we would be dependent on torches.I got scared as I thought I am not capable of covering this place given that I am a half blind.Anyway we reached nageshwar at around 5 45.The view of sunset was a breath taking experience as it was not just a bright orange ball disappearing behind the clouds but a mirage of light.I won't forget this for a long time now since after such a long walk ,just sitting there and looking at this miracle was rejuvenating.
We started descending immediately after sunset.We were a way too faster than the climb.We covered nageshwar to vasota in about 25 mins which was a relief as my fears were curbed .The descent to base was long and for me a bit difficult;Still exciting as it was dark and we were walking in the dark with the sole help of torch lights.I had never ever done this before and I am really glad that I did it because I never really thought I could do it in the first place.It was like a mission accomplished on coming back to the base.We spotted a saw scaled viper and another snake on the way back.
Back at the base,the group members cooked dinner which was a very coordinated effort .The food was simply great simply because it was hot and cooked by tired hands.Tiredness ruled and everyone went to sleep immediately after dinner.There were these leeches which got into people's shoes and sucked their blood without any indications.After watching this happen to a few people I was petrified so I slept like a zombie.
Sunday morning as expected was beautiful and naughty.Right from making tea to a totally crazy photo session every thing was fun.We got some extra time for this madness as the boat didn't come on time.While coming back we took a halt somewhere to visit a man made temple which was a nice place to be.Back to civilization ,It was the same way back with all smiling faces and tired eyes.
This trek was special because of the lightheartedness of the group members along with the beauty of the place.A complete package a discipline ,madness,endurance and primitive instincts.A place worth visiting especially when one needs to get out of the fast paced mechanical life to heal and bounce back.
Since I completed this trek successfully,now I am really hopeful about doing more in the near future.I can just keep my fingers crossed for now and be happy with with I experienced in the past two days.A long way to go!;)

Barack Hussien Obama ?

The much hyped US elections have at last come to an end.I am not much into politics and I turn deaf when it come to current affairs.So it is not strange if I cannot discuss the victory of Mr .Obama with my friends.But by some coincidence I saw his speech on you tube and was really impressed with his oratory skills.Since I didn't follow the election for the past few days I didn't know how to answer the question"what do u think ?will this benefit India in any possible way?"
In spite of total ignorance ,I have become his fan for 2 reasons- His way of thanking his immediate family and his mentioning Ms Cooper.The example was a simple one for "The President "of America but the message was conveyed in a beautiful way.I wont have any idea of his way of working in future because of my "love" for politics but still I am glad that even if it was by default I listened to what "The President" said.I don't know whether he is a good leader or not but he is definitely a very good orator.

DG

Fear of Happiness!

Well strange but this thing exists and it seems to be a very common emotion.People fear a lot when they are the happiest.They fear about what if this "happiness" does not last forever..Sometimes they are even scared to be happy and accept this to themselves.This is not only the case of those who are deprived of this privilege but also in case of those who are used to it.
What exactly is this?????Is it just the fear of the unknown that lies in the future or is it mere humility that is projected as fear.When a person feels low he/she either becomes positive by thinking of the nice times spent or expecting it in future or becomes overtly negative by falling a prey to self pity.But the other extreme end seems to produce a strange emotion altogether.Strange but true.
I would definitely like to know the intricacies of these reactions someday!Till then mere observation rules!

Loneliness!

Loneliness-the strangest thing I have ever experienced but still its the most integral part of me.I have tried a lot to understand this emotion but in vain!Its strange because it brings out the best and the worst in me.The most beautiful and the most dreadful thoughts emerge in this state of mind!I call it a state of mind ,the reason being-I can't say I am lonely because I have no one to understand me or share the precious thoughts or trivialities of life.In fact I am surrounded with my dearies and I am still haunted by this monster.I try to justify it by giving myriad reasons but reasons take a secondary place to this emotion.Its so strong that I forget everything else that matters.
I have tried to reason it with my mood swings but it doesn't make any sense.I have tried to curb it by trying to reach out to people both who are close and strangers but miraculously I cant reach them the way I usually do.I mean I do talk to them but the "connection" is totally absent.
I really want to know the reason behind this drudgery.Is it common to all????or is it a special thing reserved for me?????I would either like to fight it or get used to it.And I am trying my level best for a breakthrough.I guess its more of a process than a thing to be learnt overnight.Till then I will keep breaking my head and keep writing.Guess this is a very good way of expressing myself when I dont find anyone else to share my drudgery!

DG