About two weeks back, an animated Ms Frost interrupted my peaceful breakfast session with an invitation of sorts to an adventure trek and god knows why I said YES even though some of my best buddies preferred to say no to the whole affair.
The eagerly anticipated trek was supposed to get underway with all us “trekkies” gathering at the Dadar station. The signs were quite ominous as Ms Frost and Lil Hobbit made me wait for a freakin 900 seconds on the wrong platform.
The 3 idiots finally met all set for a 2 hour train journey, which actually turned out to be a love train for some sexually charged gay men. Somehow, I managed to make my way through the compartment — saving my precious izzat — carrying on my back my supplies I needed for the weekend.
Ms Frost, after abandoning us at Dadar Station for a seat in ladies coach, joined us as could not stay away from us for long. Finally, we reached Karjat at 12.15 am not before some heated debates, to put it mildly, on all that there is to talk.
At Karjat, we were greeted by jovial volunteers of the Aasamant group, Santosh and Vaibhav, surrounded by the rest of the trekkers. It was out of the frying pan into the fire kind of a situation as our designated rick to our “5 star hotel” gave me a sore back. Strike one Frost!
After much struggle, we touched base at a typical desi style inn complete with no beds, no sofa, no TV, no AC and yes No bathrooms — even POWs get them these days man! Strike two Frost!
We found our spot to sleep and laid down our Rs 100 raj gaddi (sleeping mat). The spot turned out to be a nightmare for me as the person next to me started snoring and what supposed to be 4 hour sleep turned into 5 minutes. Strike three Frost!
Next day kicked off with a hot cutting and biscuits (Anna’s chai 5/5 compared to this one). Before venturing onto the mountains, we had a formal intro with the group.
The first advice to me from Ms Frost (mentor) was to speak less and use nose for breathing to save energy basically silent mode. We were making our way through roads and stones until we stopped for my first pic of trek. Drizzle on and off made the trek even more pleasant. On my way we had glimpses of anthill, dragonfly, spidey, dogs. We missed out small snake..
Before we reach to our breakfast point my left shoe started to give me a sign of trouble coming in my way. Well, at least the breakfast was yummy — spicy poha (Jain of course). Also at the same spot I lifted Chelsea with a bullock cart. Displaying my super strength, putting an end to Frost’s famous dialogue “Ek phook maroongi and saala tu udd jayega”.
The trek finally resumed after breakfast through proper hilly areas. Forgot to mention about Lord of the Swings (Movin) snap here.
It’s now where I felt the real trek started. I ran out of luck on hilly areas and lost my left foot sole.
I learned a very important lesson as to how to use your hands and proper footing while you are climbing. Also necessary to take the right route even though it’s lengthy. We reached at the top of Peth fort and entered cave-like place where there was a temple. About 50 steps later and we reached at our final destination.
A guide explained in Marathi how the fort was actually captured and lost by Marathas in ancient times. Me and Ms Frost were the only ones who could not understand Marathi (sorry Raj) so we had to depend on Santosh translation.
The view was amazing from the top and surprisingly we were offered delicious cake by Aasamant group.
After that the toughest part of my trek started — the descent — which earlier I considered a piece of cake. By this time I had lost my left shoe with only top remaining. My foot was wide open for bruises.
The first 15 steps while going down were a bit scary. Need another 2-3 more treks and I will overcome the fear of height. Not to mention I was a bit slow compared to my professional friends but it was fun nevertheless. In Pain I Believe.
As per plan, I drew first blood after falling down giving me a nice battle scar.
The agony continued to pile on as my second sole gave way. Now I was in a hurry to get down and finally get rid of my fuckin shoes. The trek ended around 2 PM.
Getting rid of my shoes was highlight of the day. After changing clothes I had to wait for my special jain sabji for half an hour not before taking roti and rice and sitting idle waiting for sabji. The wait was worth and had amazing jain spicy sabji reminding me of my grandpa’s place.
We reached Karjat station and realized that I need to buy pair of chappals, Ms Frost forgot her rain coat, Vaibhav lost his glares and the worst was yet to come. A 1 day old friend lost his HTC desire HD phone.
I got new lovely chappals for 80 bucks and boarded the train back to Mumbai.
Things learned from my first trek
Trek Shoes: Be Wise, Don’t take LEVIS
Trek Bag: Carry light weight clothes. Proper trek bag is also important for balance
At the end, I would like to thank Hobbit, who had been really helpful throughout the trek. Three cheers to Aasamant volunteers Santosh and Vaibhav for taking immense care of me and making sure I get tasty Jain food.
Last but not the least Ms Frost for my first trek, the unending Gujju jokes, Gujju galis (some new ones), fights, excellent insights, being the camera person and all in all for being a great friend. Here’s to our first and many more adventures in future.
