The Mountains can heal you

My hands swollen due to the cold. I could not feel my face. My lips fell numb. My nose dripping throughout making it difficult to breath. My legs were telling me to rest but my heart kept telling me to take that one more step. Looking down meant, the fear of height gripping you rather than the experiencing the joy of climbing up so far. But, don’t be afraid. Fight your fear. For fear is only as deep as you allow it to be in your mind. Every point I reached on my upward climb made me feel like I had reached the peak only to discover that there was more to go. Then suddenly there was nothing more to climb. My eyes narrow squinted due to the winds blowing could finally see the rays of the sun playing with the mist to display the range of mountains slowly with passing of time. Looking into the horizon, I saw some mountains stark and rugged while the others showed their beautiful snowcapped peaks.

The mountains are calling and I must go ~ J Munir
PC: Tulika Wadhi-Jha

As soon as I reached, I wanted to sit and relax on the rocks overlooking the mountains. I was wonderstruck by the majestic mountains. They stood rock solid for years. They stood their ground in all kinds of weather. Isn’t life somewhat to be live like that? For me it was not about climbing the summit to Kedarkantha peak. I guess it was more about what I learned or rather unlearned while trying to climb up. After all, just occasionally, you encounter things, your paths cross, and though you may part again quite soon, your life has changed in some indefinable way. The mountains did that to me.

The Landscape as you trek

Simply put, the mountain culture heals you. After all mountains create a powerful protective culture that is capable to insulate you from the harsh pressures of the modern world.  There is something about the community dinning with people, about sharing food with one another, about people slowing down to chat with you, about endless laughter, about the carefree mind not occupied with the daily hassles, about living under a tiny tent roof yet being content, about protecting one another while walking, about meeting people that inspire you. These are the mysterious and magical ways of the mountains. They conquer your heart and soul. Not to let the grip slowly loosen out with time rather to hold onto firmly with each passing day. It is the place and our changing perspectives in the mountains that heal us.

The candid fun in the mountains. 

The mountains did heal me and teach me.

On the first day as we were walking up to our first campsite at Juda Ka Talaab, I understood that we live far too much in the future. While climbing up most of us saw the long steep climb upwards taking away our energy and zeal. That is when I re-learnt that living in the moment is a more beautiful thing. Just taking that next step is all that matters. We let our future take away too much from our present. Such that we don’t live in the present to enjoy the wind riffling our hair, the leaves rustling, the birds chirping, aimless wandering along the path of angelic white butterflies or plucking fresh Red Rhododendrons to eat. Be in the moment. Be alive. Be present.

Red Rhododendrons

After we reach our first campsite, Juda Ka Tallab. I soon discovered that it was three or more ponds not interconnected but as years passed by, they morphed into one big pond that we see today. For just as the bounty keeps evolving, you are meant to be malleable. Keep looking at your reflection occasionally; unpeeling and growing to take new forms and shape. Always showing yourself you can be your better self.

Be a reflection of those that you admire 

 As we bid our goodbyes to our first campsite and proceeded to walk towards the next Kedarkantha base camp our tryst with the snow finally happened. Imagine all this while snow was eluding us. That is when you feel that the happiness in little moments is for real. The sheer joy of experiencing something that is at the back of your mind every minute, every step of the way is unprecedented. For thoughts are never honest, what you experience is.

A volcano of a sunset

The next day was a blur. We woke up (never slept really) at 2am to ensure we start our summit climb on time. I was late for the briefing before the start of the summit climb. I was so hassled that I felt my energy would run out soon. That is the day, I told myself to have the designated time for the right things at the right time. I do fail on most days still but I have made a start to say the least.

Majestic Mountains

Soon enough your thoughts start to fade away when you encounter sheer beauty of walking in the night. You get a new burst of energy. The stars feel like diamonds in the sky. You almost want to transform into that little girl who could pluck stars from the sky, like in the fantasy books read to you at night. You almost want to look up and walk along the path not missing a single sight. For not, everything you love stays forever. You must learn to make peace with that.

Lonely bridge 

Slowly and suddenly, the sun starts to rise and shine. As the night breaks into the day. As the stars, disappear to bring out the clouds. I just stood there on the bridge, under the tree, by the stream and then just like spring, embraced the new. With that thought, I started my final climb to the summit.

With each passing step, fear was an ever-resounding companion. I was wondering if fear ever leaves you. For fear grips you like leeches, holding on, until you to breakdown. I was countering my thoughts, taking them away to the mountains on the horizon. For with each mountain, that stood rock solid, I had come to understand of grit and perseverance. Grit is like having stamina. The stamina to see your future unfold. Grit is living life like a marathon, not a sprint. So, with my grit, I finally made to the top. Quite literally and figuratively.

For fear is only as deep as the mind allows

PS: My first trek was with India Hikes. I would suggest them to everyone after a fabulous experience, to say the least. India Hikes ensures safety is their top priority. Duty bound trek leader and his very efficient team displaying sound knowledge and exemplary mountain spirit. Very efficient and organized.   

The Parsi Duo in Pune - Dorabjee & Kayani

I made a vow and hoped to keep it. Distractions along the way could prove fatal.

So there I was, early in the morning ready to leave for Pune on an empty stomach. Not sure if I could hold on to my own words. After all I had a simple plan. Bawa no nasto at Dorabjee’s!

In the early days, we would all squeeze into a big car to begin our journey to the Atash Behram. As soon as the car started my mom and aunts would begin the journey by remembering the God with ‘Shno Thare Ahure Mazdao’. Well, all I could dream of was a breakfast feast fit for the Kings.

As soon as we reach; I would always try to beat my brother and all my cousins to the table since I was the slowest eater of the house. It was like my second name. Mom would chant it at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Only chocolates were an exception. As soon as I would climb into the chair, the table would be filled with the breakfast spread. With a million options to the way you’d want your eggs; charvelu (scrambled), aakhi dar nu (sunny side up), meva ni akoori (burji), tamota par eedu, pora (omelets), kalaiji ma eedu and much more. And the best part you could gorge on bheja (brains), kalaiji (liver), febsu (offal) and even get sweet surprises like  crispy tareli boi with piping hot rotli and toddy.

To curb by hunger pangs with all the thoughts of food passing by, I grabbed a cold coffee to accompany me on the long drive. Not before long, I stood ahead of something grand that had been an institution for years. The old bungalow had such a charm. I chose to sit by the window.

Having it all planned in my head I dished out the orders as soon as we got there; Akuri, Bheja na cutlets, Bheja Masala, Mutton liver masala and Chicken Biryani. At 11 am it seemed like a Bawa nasto brunch loaded with cholesterol.

The Akuri was soft, luscious and fluffy.  The bheja na cutlets a melt in the mouth madness with the protein being let alone to do the talking with minimal ginger-garlic seasoning. The bheja masala on the other hand was all about bites of onion tomato masala accompanied by creamy bheja. The liver masala best cooked slow on natural wood fire was a delight while the biryani was flavorful but missed the creamy potatoes in them.  The meal was hardly complete without having the custard pudding; however must say I have had much better ones at home made by mom.

It was like having breakfast on the porch of a bungalow and being transported to an idyllic world far way.

As we bid adieu to one iconic establishment we walked the alleys to reach another, the omnipresent Biscuit King in Pune  – Kayani Bakery. My Pune trips always have a mission. To get truck loads of biscuit goodness back home. More times than less getting biscuits feels like getting into a battle field, only that here most times you come out as a winner with bags filled. 

You must sample the classic buttery English cookie that the British left behind in the able hands of Parsis, the Shrewsbury. I like mine dunked in a mug of cold coffee. But there is much more beyond the humble Shrewsbury. I’d place my bet on the Ginger biscuit and mawa cake. Though, a recent entrant that is climbing my favorites chart is the Chocolate orange cookies.

All I was itching to do now is sit in the car and dive in to be consumed by buttery goodness. 

A flowery fairy tale, Kaas

It had to be this year. Each year I would plan to go to Kaas to see the exemplary floral display and then September would stare at me in the eye. This year saw me in a similar situation but I had vowed to go. So there I was, confirming myself for the Jumpstart Outdoors trip.

The day soon arrived, bags packed ready to go road tripping in the Sahyadri for the next two days. The drive was quite comfortable even though it took us 6 hour to reach Satara from Bombay.  We checked in had lunch and were ready to go.

On the way to the Sajjangad fort

The road to Thoseghar falls was flanked by windmill farms, small family homes and cattle grazing merrily.  Just about at the beginning of the Konkan region, the falls show all their majestic might with water falling at a 1000 feet surrounded by lush greens, an incredible pictorial sight. The next was to conquer the mighty Sajjangad fort. For one has to climb a hundred steps to reach the gate of the fort, but once you are at the edge overlooking the valley, you will be amazed to see the landscape that is being painted before your eyes. Well, the day ended with a treat for my sore Bombay eyes.

As the sun looks up early morning

The next morning we headed for the alluring landscapes of Kaas. I must say was indeed happy that everyone in the bus chose to keep their windows open. As the bus started the climb there was a certain nip in the air. The cool misty breeze of the early morning could transport you to a happy place. Along the drive as the sun was rising we took a halt to catch a glimpse.  And what a stunning sight it was. The sun had just started to peek from the corner of the mountain and the village below was covered in mist. I was glad to capture the beautiful moment. Well the morning had indeed started on a happy note. As we drove along the route, we started to catch glimpses of flowers blossom in patches along the way.

And then there was finally the sight of the plateau that guarantees a major adrenalin rush. As you step out of the bus the golden early morning sunlight greets you with warmth hugging arms giving you a glimpse of the flowers indicating the beautiful bounty that lay ahead.

Topli Karvy

A walk along the guided pathways and you are distant enough to explore the bounty to your liking. Open yourself and be receptive to The solitude..The mist in the air..The cool breeze engulfing you and bringing along the flower perfume on the way.. Marvel the sheer beauty of the flowers.. The multiple colors that sooth your eyes and the omnipresent yellow of the sonki flowers along with mauve balsams the flock together.

Greater Cat Ears

Nature has its ways. To make you pause and enlighten you, that everything can be accomplished at a steady pace. The rush and haste that we fill our lives with are indeed not accomplishments, just a way to fill our days.
So every once in a while I let nature do the talking and just be a keen listener.

Few pointers/tips for future planners

      1. The best time period is from 15th – 30th Sept as suggested by a local from Satara who comes each year to the Kaas plateau

      2. The Kaas plateau does have a bounty of flowers but do stop along the way up at multiple locations as you drive towards Kaas plateau. You will be amazed to find rare variety of flowers blossom who are shy at the attention they get at the plateau. You could do this while returning to your hotel

      3.  Do go with a botanist to complete your experience.

      4.  Leave very early at about 5.30 am. As the day proceeds, you will see a surge in the number of people

      5.  Always walk along the marked areas. Do not cross into the fields as you may step and destroy some of the rare ones. Also, there are lots of snakes around this area

      6. The ecosystem around Kaas is fragile. It is our responsibility to protect it for future generations. Lend a helping hand by picking up any plastic bottles and plastic bags that you see along the way and contribute to the Swach Bharat agenda by not littering.

Two Feet and a Heartbeat Walking

Some connections are just meant to be. Just like Sydney and me. At the first glance, the city feels like a dynamic, diverse and multicultural potpourri of flavours. But take a closer look and you experience immense calm from the laid back, chilled out vibe of the locals. And so the next morning I lathered on the sunscreen and put on my sunglasses, ready for a couple of hours of bliss by the Bondi beach. But plans have a way of changing themselves, and I ended up walking to witness some of the most breathtaking views. You can see it from my eyes here. The Bronte to Coogee coastal walk route.

1. A walk characterized by the towering limestone cliffs

To marvel at the beauty crafted by nature

2. Scan the Ocean to my heart’s content

As far and wide as my eyes could take me

 

3. Crisp air to accompany me

where the smell of the water is in the air, the taste of it in my mouth and the mist that kisses my cheeks from the breeze flowing over the ocean waters

4. Mesmerizing Brilliant Blue Skies

 sketched with cute cotton candy looking clouds

5. The charming blue-and-yellow Macaws

 with their playful demeanor 

6. Catching up with life

Amid the vast mighty ocean, with not another soul in sight

7. Stop for a swim by the ocean

in the most idyllic infinity pool settings

8.  Catch a glimpse of a graffiti artist at work

 9. A treasure, the Waverley Cemetery

10. Pure natural surroundings

That heal you, both physically and mentally

10. Read a book at the island beach

which is secluded by the deeply incised gully and sheer sandstone rocks on either sides

11. Discover exotic and native plant species

like the bottle brush tree, an Australian beauty

12. Catch a glimpse of the full moon over the ocean
at the end of your walk

Tip: As Roberto Bolano says " Every few hundred feet the world changes",  so stay at multiple places across Sydney like the CBD, Eastern suburbs, Northern suburbs and the Blue Mountains. 

*This trip was sponsored by Tourism Australia