A TREKKING EXPERIENCE – Moments with nature !!!
On (21-9-2013),
This Saturday morning as the day
began, a group of youth set out to travel with sneakers
and boots on their feet, leaving
behind the noise of the town life. Meeting like a flock of birds around 5.30 am at Andheri station, we managed to get all the important formalities of
ticketing done, paid heed to some important instructions, took some time to buy
some snacks/eateries/foodstuffs as needed. We began with a wonderful prayer and the
grace of God was felt within us. And with excitement filled in our hearts our maiden journey begins to explore the ever-so-wonderful intended destination called Matheran .With a strength of about 61 enthusiasts carrying heavy bags and
travel kit on their shoulders one could imagine the trek to be challenging, adventurous and a fun-loving one. We were like one
big happy family.These group of young people knew they were going for a trek
but they may have never expected it to turn out in the way it did.
Are you curious to know who they
were actually? They are no strangers, they are the youth of our parish (HOLY FAMILY
CHURCH), who went trekking to heights unknown. This was organized by the parish youth
group.
Joyous were our hearts right from
the start to discover the true essence of
Matheran- A place where evergreen and lushful trees lead the way to a
rainforest and as you go ahead traversing through the dense forest it leads you up to the Peb
Fort. That is where we wanted to reach [coz, it carries all the essence of trekking]. Our journey began from Andheri with
a train trip to Nerul station.On reaching Matheran station we refreshed
ourselves with tea and some awesome hot Vada Pav's. A walk about half an hour
from the roadside took us towards the trek route and finally we reached the
foothills of the Peb Fort.
Loads of excitement, amusement and thrills added to the experience as we began our journey there onwards. It was beyond our imagination how peaceful the
atmosphere was therein, it was enough to tranquil our hearts. We were able to see the
greenery & enchanting sceneries around. Cameras, cell phones etc were put to good use over here to capture
the beauty of Mother nature. We walked right through from Matheran station to
the highest altitude that we possibly could dare to go and not risk our lives. This trek-route appeared through the steep pathways which ascends gradually
through the thick forest and beautiful mountainous sceneries.
We were lured by the beauty of nature, the view was
simply fascinating, everywhere that we looked it was just captivating. We moved in gently through cultivated fields and small villages upon overcoming few initial
trails. It was fun
interacting with locals and small kids therein. Walking on paddy terraces we
could spot animals like cows, hens, ducks, dogs and monkey's. And we could feel
the pressure on our legs as everyone of us started climbing up. We stayed on and off the
trails while the trek was on and swiftly walked through beautiful foothills, some
people were scared of heights, but with an helping hand we could build up their
confidence and maintain a safe and sound feeling. We came across some creatures like chameleon, black bugs, big red
ants and beautiful butterflies. Looking at those wild creatures the girls in
the group screamed but the boys didn’t budge.
There were thrills of sheer
adventure amidst the rainforest. Almost everyone could feel the thrill of being
there. With the golden morning sun above, the water-touched leaves and grasses
appeared in a crimson look. Mother Nature inundated our passion at the same
time was abducting our minds. It was so ironic to know that the weather
forecast which indicated rainfall didn't prove to be right as we were all the
time under the burning sun (Although there were some shots of drizzles
experienced), which was the only disappointment i could think of, you couldn’t
imagine if it were to rain.....that would certainly add to some mega-Fun but
nevertheless you can't expect much when Indian weather is such.
With the people moving upwards through pure green
forests and lush lavender fields, the trek seemed dramatic when we all were sweating and that was showing on our brow- you could tell by looking at everyone's face. Our bags seemed heavier and it was a bit scarier with the loosely
bound stones. But even in these rough moments, we never fumbled our steps.
Minute the minute, feet the feet we walked on taking careful steps. We were
accompanied by the scent of the grass and leaves and also the rhythmic sounds of
the waterfalls. Few of them opened their umbrellas, perhaps they didn’t want the
direct Sunlight to excite their melanin pigment and make their skin any darker
(..Laughing). The wait of not reaching the destiny yet, made some of us
impatient. But we still travelled our way undettered, singing and laughing. We sang a medley that was like a continuous mix of songs
like Dur/Anjaane Kyoon(Strings), OH Carol, Maria Pitache and some other
miscellaneous songs, and also made some weird noises of morning birds..espescially, of
the Cuckoo. The caressing winds just picked us high. The forest breeze was so
pure, unlike the town life that we live. We also used the external speakers of
the mobile phones to our benefit and started dancing to the musical beats
around the rocks. "Feel this Moment" absolutely sounded thematic to
what we were doing there. For most of them it was more like a picnic than a
trek, and that was the way how we set it off to a level of having great fun, frolic and excitement.
Walking through the woods was
quite adventurous. Our unstoppable walk was possible only because of
enthusiastic people who were reasonably fit and healthy. Speaking with each
other was quite an illuminating experience. We were engaged in deep conversation exchanging thoughts and views. The trekking group was very energetic and jolly-good .Indeed, it felt like we
all were a part of a big family- HOLY FAMILY : ) .
Lead by encouraging leaders like Leevan and team, who made us walk
till no end…feeling tired was no excuse during this Trek, Being brave and sporty was an important aspect , and everyone truly lived up to the expectation showing a good trekking spirit so far. The trails were now to
get pass through black thorny and
prickly bushes. We could overcome almost all trails. Dancing and singing on the
path we finally reached a place where the leaves were foggy in the morning
mist. With the help of the creepers we could climb the rocks. We also spotted
some beautiful flowers.
At a point we thought that we had lost our way
until a pedestrian who was spotted at the nearby village directed the way towards the gushing waterfalls that meet the land. On reaching there we realized that we couldn't give this spot a miss- for it was an amazing place. To play on the cold rocks & dwell in the beauty. The
sound of the waves from the gushing waterfalls just absorbed ourselves into this
water body. We bathed ourselves in its purity. Swam through slowly running
streams until our stomach could feel the need to eat. After 2 to 3 hours of
walking on steep land we took a break for lunch.We had our lunch from the
picnic tiffin that we had carried along with us. When all the energy that was lost, was finally regained,
we carried onwards to test our might. Took our own time to wash hands. Felt relaxed and spent some quality time together as we bathed under the cold
waterfalls that was gushing down through the rocks,was a good idea to be able to cool our warm body. Also, few interesting underwater clicks and some of them near the boundaries were the reason for some nice Picture Perfect moments. Everyone could partake in
the romance of the weather and the atmosphere there. And the momentum was great
even during the time when we decided to retreat ourselves, slowly and hastily
we made it to the urban roads of Matheran easily.
When i go to think of it, It is so amazing to know that we lived a
moment with the true spirit of nature. This was indeed a time for us to enjoy,
to be just like a child,
to rest on the chest of the
mountains,
to lay on the belly of the
flowing waters,
and to give into the arms of our
benevolent nature and seek serenity forever after.
It was indeed a seamless blend of
exciting experiences and adventures that one may always think about. Time was
ticking but we did all things grand and enjoyed as much as possible.
All enjoyed this holiday by the
shining lustrous rocks, waterfalls, landscapes, high-rise mountains. An experience to live by the alluring nature a day
remains special for everyone of us. We explored some of the most
fascinating landscapes and forest culture. Everything was so perfect on this
day, even the weather seemed to favour us somehow. It was truly a fortune
bestowed upon us by time and God. Such an adventurous trek was worth a many things, giving us a
marvelous experience that would be forever etched to our minds and never leave the minds of the people who bore
witness to it. This was a trek that left a feeling that we didn’t want to go
back home but stay there in the woods always. And here i am writing this all for you sitting at Home! :)
Your’s Sincerely,
Samir (Sam)
Alvares
