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!;)