Monday 15 December 2014

Rajgad To Torana : A Dream Come True



It was mid of September when we had trekked last.  After a long deliberation, we finalized Rajgad Torana Trek. With lot of additions and deletions seven of us confirmed. Anirudh, Chandan, Anant, Ram, Kalyani , Sharvari and me were the final seven.
Preparations began with loads of messages on what’s app.  Anirudh meticulously mentioned the program on the group. We listed out the items to be taken after getting information from other friends who had completed this trek. I came up with the idea that each one of us bring one food item for all. And as soon as the messages started popping up I realized, the idea was a super flop.  There was a great confusion . Everyone was bringing everything for all. 
We gathered at Rajaram bridge at 6 am in the morning on Saturday the 6th  December 2014. Seven of us in three cars because Chandan had a brilliant idea of logistics. We do not cross Chandan and Anirudh about logistics, since they are employed by multinational companies. If multinational companies are able to prosper due to their expertise, we must utilize their services (they are free of cost also).
We reached Rajgad around 8 am. Anirudh, Chandan and Ram left in three cars to Torana. They were supposed to park two cars at the foot of Torana and return in one car. The idea was, when we descend from Torana on the next day, we would be extremely tired. Hence if we have two cars at the foot of Torana, we can return comfortably and pick up the car parked at Rajgad Fort on the way.
As three of them left, me and Anant went on our enquiry mission. We had to fix the arrangements for lunch, dinner and guide. We were told that there will be no food on Rajgad. Hence we ordered the food from the foot itself. However as we climbed the top we realized that there were people who provided the food on the top as well. However the food quality was excellent hence no regrets. Second part was about the guide which we were thoroughly misguided. We were told that we do not need a guide in the first place. Secondly if we insist,  we will find one on the top of Rajgad. We trusted and did not fix the guide. This proved to be a major mistake later.
Three men returned in one car at 9.00 am. We waited till they finished the breakfast and we set off to our expedition at 9.30 am. Climbing Rajgad was the first part of our mission. The trail was beautiful and pleasure sum. I had been to Rajgad last year too. It had a different look all together. Nature wears different costumes every time you visit it. Last year it was in the month of September hence this handsome fort was draped in yellow flowers. It looked marvelous. This time it was dry but elegant again. There was greenery all around but that golden attire had disappeared. 
L to R Anant, Anirudh, Ashwini, Kalyani, Sharvari, Chandan and Ram

We reached Rajgad around 11.45 am. We were told earlier that we should reserve a place for us to sleep as soon as we reach. We went to the Temple and found that around 50 trekkers had already occupied it. Hence we started looking for other places. There was another shelter, Daru Kothar. As I peeped in, I realized that  there were children inside. I was told by the leader that they are vacating the place in a few minutes. When they  vacated it, the place looked dirty. There were wrappers and left over food all around. I approached the leader and requested him in as much polite tone as I could ( which is really unlikely of me) that it will be nice if we cleaned the place together. The leader was smart. He told me not to worry and instructed the children that they must pick up the garbage and leave the place in the same condition in which they had taken over. This was useful. With the help of this group we made this place ultra clean.  Swatch Bharat Abhiyaan rocks!

We spread our foam rolls and relaxed for a while. A person came with the food from the bottom of the fort which we had ordered in the morning.  The food was excellent and steaming hot. Thanks to Mr. Purohit from Aranya Dhaam. 


 After the sumptuous meal we relaxed for some more time.  Anant is always fully charged on the trek. He proposed to go to Suvela Machi. Any place on Rajgad is a long walk of around 1 hour. Realizing that I need to conserve my energy for the next day, I opted out. However, since there were backpacks to look after, I stayed back with the pretext that I am making a huge sacrifice else who will look after our belongings and the place we had secured with great care for the night halt. Anirundh also stayed back with me. We took rest for some more time. It was very cold inside hence we decided to sit in the Sun. The Sun made us worm.  As we chatted for some time, the team returned from Suvela Machi with the tea vendor. After the tea,  all of us set out to the Padmavati Talav which is just in front of us. We chatted for some time. Ram came up with the series “Ya Valana Var”.  All of us expressed the feelings. And Kalyani made us spellbound by saying she felt Nishbda ( Short of words). You rock Kalyani. 


Niddle hole at Suvela Machi I missed it guys

As the sun was about to set, we proceeded back to pavilion. After the sunset, Moon appeared slowly. Mother earth was glittering in the full moon night. The moon looked like a gigantic lantern. The moonlight was soothing and elevated our spirits. Our food had already arrived. We finished our dinner at 8.00 pm and started the Antakshari episode. After a while, everyone decided to go to bed to rise early next day. We slept for a while and some trekkers started arriving in the night.  With lot of disturbance, we could hardly manage to sleep.

We had originally planned to wake up at 4.30am and  proceed to Torana at 5.00 am. However, since we overslept, we started our journey only at 6.30 am. There was a young  boy who agreed to show us the way to Sanjeevani Machi.  We did not find any guide to accompany us till Torana.
The boy walked effortlessly with us. He accompanied us till the end of Sanjivani Machi. You need to take U turn and reach the other side of the hill which connects the hill ranges in the direction of Torana. The view was breathtaking.  East has turned red on arrival of the Sun. The west on the opposite side was pale while bidding farewell to the moon. Viewing Sun and Moon facing each other was a lifetime experience. At the same time Torna was welcoming us and Rajgad was bidding good bye. 

 
Sunrise
As we started descending from Rajgad we wanted to be sure that we were on the right track. We did not see anybody close. There was a elderly woman on the hill across. Anant shouted at her to ask if we would reach Torana on this path. The woman shouted back saying yes we were on the right path. We took the rout through bushes and kept walking. After a walk of about one hour we halted for breakfast. Everybody opened his own bags and brought out the eatables. Chivda for all, fruits for all, khakara for all and it went on. My super flop idea was showing the results now. Ram made it compulsory for us to eat one apple each since he had brought a dozen apples, of course for “All”.

With stomachs heavy and slightly lighter bags we continued our walk. Most of the walk had very less climb. It was more or less flat and shady. It was very pleasant and comfortable. After a walk of another 30 minutes we reached a tar road. We crossed this tar road and entered the bushes again. Our next destination was a small hut as indicated by our young guide. We could see this place from far. We reached this hut in about 40 minutes. There were some men and women sitting outside. We confirmed the rout with them. They told us that we should keep walking on the same route and should locate another hut. We were excited that we had been able to manage it without the guide so far. 
A long walk, destination Torana

As we kept walking and crossing a few more hillocks the journey turned more interesting. Engrossed in walking we soon realized, that we had started descending the hill instead of climbing it. Moreover, Torna was nowhere in site. After much deliberation everyone was convinced that we were lost. Fortunately we saw a woman grazing her cattle at a distance. Anant again asked her at the top of his voice if we were on the rout to Torna. And to our dismay she confirmed that we were on the wrong path. Hence it was clear that we had to climb the descend we just took, go back till we find a junction. This proved to be a major mistake. A loss of energy,  a loss of one and half hours and morale down by 50%.  Chandan , Anirudh and Ram entered the bushes and made their way on the top of one hillock and they screamed, they could see Torana at a distance. Rest of us followed them. After a walk of another 30 minutes or so, we met a group of trekkers for the first time.  They were coming from Torana in pursuit of  Rajgad. 

We walked for some more time. The route was enchanting.  And here it was,  a junction of dilemmas. There were three routes. One going straight. But we were not sure if it would start descending instead of taking us to Torana. Second rout was on our right and third rout was towards extreme right which would change the direction later. Since none of us were sure of which route to take, we were not able to reach a consensus. Hence walked about 5 minutes on each route. This was a loss of another 20-30 minutes. Finally we decided to walk straight. After a walk of about 15 minutes we finally reached another hut. This was the second landmark. We halted at this place and decided to correct our mistake. We urged a villager living there to come with us till Torana. He agreed for Rs. 450. We started walking again after satisfying the thirst of water, buttermilk and tea for each member.  We were unaware of the route hence we were under the impression that we will reach within an hour or so. Soon we realized that this was not that simple. The rout was turning out to be more and more complicated and challenging. The sun was blazing on the top of our heads now. The companion whom we admired at the beginning of our journey in the morning no more looked adorable to us. 

As we gathered our wit, whatever was left, we started counting our steps. The bags felt heavier and each one of us started thinking, which items could have been avoided while packing. I came to the conclusion that I did not need any item inside my backpack except water bottle. 
Destination far from achieving

We kept climbing this mighty fort. We were told that we will enter the fort from Budhala Machi and will then need to walk all through the Balekilla to descend. The fort really looked challenging now. We reached the first rock patch. It was difficult. We had to literally crawl on our arms and feet.  The guide was very helpful he ensured that everyone climbed safely. Sharvari is the youngest of the group  ( 14 years) yet I must admit, toughest too. She never complained, never grumbled or never allowed us to take her backpack.
We climbed again and to my dismay there was another rock patch. This looked enormous. My legs were trembling and was not sure if I will be able to climb it. However with great difficulty I somehow managed to climb. After reaching the top I realized, this one was easier than the first one.
We carried on for some more time. It was another hour and we reached at the foot of Budhla Machi. We had to climb the ladder which was along the wall. As we climbed up there was hardly any place to land. With great difficulty we managed to reach a place under the ceiling of Budhalal Machi. This was a great relief.   

On climbing another rock patch, the guide finally declared that we had entered the fort. Though it was a joyous moment, we had no energy left to rejoice. We were soon met by a vender selling lemon drink. We drank two glasses each and tried to regain some energy. We were now told that it was a walk of another hour or so to reach the temple at the top of the fort. There were some difficult patches however it was better than what we had already faced. We kept going inch by inch and managed to enter the fort premises at around 3.00 pm. All of us were totally exhausted. Most of us rested  on the floor deciding not to get up for at least an hour. Another round of Lemon Juice was extremely useful.  As we rejuvenated, our brains started working too. We realized that each one of us had brought chivada for all and one onion each. Anant had saved one lemon too from the previous day’s meal. It was a great idea to mix everyone’s chivada. Chandan cut onions with great expertise. We mixed it well and enjoyed this bhel. It was the best meal we ever had so far.
Well deserved nap on completion of mission Torana

 We started descending Torana at 4.30 pm.  Torana is one fort you must take very seriously. Some of the parts consist of  extremely dangerous descents. We had to rush now since Sun would set any time and we would have to complete the final leg of our trek in dark. We rushed as much we could.
As we made our way though the fields it was delightful to see our cars parked opposite to the Police Station. It was 6.30 pm when we finally sat down at a tea stall to celebrate the accomplishment.
This trek was extremely educative for me. We kept talking about it for the next two days on whats app.  Ram felt his laptop bag very light the next day. Kalyani was overwhelmed about  all “Vihangam Drushya” (beautiful seanary) she saw. We did not hear from Sharvari but her mom confirmed, she truly enjoyed the trek.  Anant and Chandan will laugh it off as usual but I am sure they are still thinking about those moments of dilemma, exhaustion and accomplishment. I now feel that I can do almost everything in life. There is no greater challenge I am scared of now.  Anirudh as usual has already started planning the next trek for the group.
 
Tired yet feeling accomplished
Had I known this trek is so difficult, I would have never gone on it. Yet I am willing to go on the same trek again and again after completing it. I set out to write this blog so that more people will go on this route without repeating our mistakes. It is a good idea to start early in the morning. Or take a night halt in one of those huts on the way. It is necessary to carry enough water rather that carrying food for all, bedding and extra pair of clothes. Keep your back pack as much light as you can. Conserve your energy till the end. And don’t worry about giving up. You cannot quit it half way through since there is nowhere to go.
The moon lit nights, horrifying rock patches and first sight of Budhala Machi were the best parts of the trek. We laughed and giggled all thought the trek. We were carefree in the lap of these forts.  The forts guard you all through the route. I sincerely feel, every trekker should dream about taking this challenge at least once. I dreamt and my dream has come true.

Tuesday 30 September 2014

Cycle to Work : My Take



I have been cycling to work once a week for last six years now. It has been a great journey so far and I feel confident now that it can work. There are people who are not convinced about it and hesitate to try it out hence thought it will be a good idea to share my story to so that you can make your story. 


I started cycling to work in the end of 2008. I read a small write-up  in the newspaper about a Software professional who cycles to work. Inspired by her story, I picked up my daughter’s bicycle one morning and hit the road. It took me real long. However it was so satisfying that I started doing this regularly.  After a few days, I realized that, my sweet daughter was in trouble at the idea of losing her bicycle to my new venture of cycling. Each day after reaching home from school she would check on her bicycle first.
I then realized the need for buying a new geared bicycle. There it was, my brand new La-Sovereign which I proudly took to office the next day. It was only 7 kms  one way. I started enjoying my rides and felt really proud when people stared at me in dismay. The children would look and me in disbelief since they never saw an elderly woman riding a bicycle.
This went on for a few years. Since I am a Rotarian I was invited to join the Rotary Cycle Group.  After a few months also met a group of Doctors who cycled every Wednesday morning to Taljai. This opened a whole new world of cycling to me. I learnt slowly about gear, types of bicycles, bicycle maintenance and various cycling related activities.
My pride of cycling was crushed in a moment as soon as I learnt about how people ventured out to Goa, Kanyakumari and Leh on two wheels.  I continued to cycle to work on week day and explore the nearby places in Pune on weekends. As I look back, I feel, cycling has opened new doors to the beautiful natural landscape to me. I enjoy pedaling on two wheels and reach out to the nature. But at the same time since I realize if I do not contribute my bit to save it I will not have this opportunity for long enough. Hence with this selfish instinct I continue to cut through the traffic of Pune to reach my office on my bicycle. There are some myths about cycling to office due to which people do not ride their cycles to office. Hence here is my version of cycling to office.
Cycling to office has several advantages.
·         It saves time in peak traffic hours: I have proved it several times. I have started with my another colleagues in the evening at 6 pm on my cycle and my colleague in a car. We hit Prabhat road exactly at same time. About a couple of days ago I took the same time as a bus took on the same route.
·         No need to spend time on workouts: Your commute time is also used for the exercise since you are burning enough calories. Hence you do not have to spend additional time on workouts.
·         Save Oil: You are helping the nation by saving fuel. Remember you may be rich enough to burn fuel but your country is not.
·         Leave the green planet behind: I want to handover a cleaner environment to my children.

At the same time there are certain myths about cycling to office.
  • ·         It is dangerous.
  • ·         You perspire and stink through the day.
  • ·         Traveling long distance
  • ·         Carrying Laptop, office bag etc.

Though some of these problems are genuine, there are ways to tackle all of these.  Though there is no right or wrong way, I can only describe my way.

I always wear a helmet whenever I am on the saddle. The helmet provides protection from being ill-treated on road. People take you seriously and treat you with basic respect. They know you are literate and are a serious cyclist. So guys cycling gear is not for the direct protection but protecting you indirectly. If people recognize you as a serious cyclist, they stay away from you and you are automatically protected. Hope you get my point.

I normally keep a set of office wear in my office cabinet. This helps me carry less weight on bicycle. I travel on my cycle twice a week. Hence rest of the days I can replace the clothes or other accessories.
We do not have a shower facility. However for Pune weather, you can manage without a shower. There are other ways in which you can overcome this problem. You may like to enroll in a Gym near your office, change over and reach office.

There is a genuine problem for those who travel 30-40 kms one way. In such cases it may be appropriate to travel one way on cycle and return by say a company bus or take a lift or use public transport.  Repeat the same activity next day in a reverse order. This may be slightly inconvenient but certainly worth the effort.
I have seen several people carring laptops on their backs. You may use the carrier or pannier too.

Two pedals and one saddle are the best company I ever found. The entire experience is really enjoyable. I have met very interesting people on this journey. You meet truck drivers who are otherwise rowdy but try to slow down and keep a safe distance till they pass by a cycle. There are people who wave and you. Children look at you as if you are an alien and flash a rejuvenating smile.  Policemen enquire, where you came from and make way for you.  

My experience of cycling to work is fabulous. I wish more cyclists take up to it and make this city cycle safe. The whole new world can open up for you, the doors to freedom, meditation and zeal, and the doors to humanity and warmth of life. Above all cycling will certainly teach you one important life’s lesson. “Pedal or perish”.

Tuesday 23 September 2014

शाब्दिक चकमक




सकाळी सात ची वेळ. स्थळ चांदणी चौक. एक दुचाकी स्वार माझ्या सायकल शेजारून मोबाईल वर बोलत बोलत जातो. त्याला मी हटकते. “अहो फोन वर बोलताना गाडी चालवू नका. तो “ अर्जंट कॉल होता.” मी, अहो असेच अर्जंट कॉल घेत राहिलात तर तुम्हाला यमराजाचाच  अर्जंट कॉल येईल. दुचाकी स्वार खजील. 
 
अशीच सकाळची वेळ. ऑफिसला जाण्याची घाई. सिग्नल ला माझी गाडी थांबते. पलीकडच्या गाडीतून चालक साहेब मुखरस भूमातेला अर्पण करतात. मी गाडीची काच खाली घेऊन म्हणते, तुम्ही थुंकलात?” ते चालक महाशय “ तुमच्या गाडीवर नाही हो, जमिनीवर.” मी “ अहो मग तर आणखी वाईट. ती भूमाता नाही का आपली? आपल्या आई वर कोणी थुंकतो का? इतक्यात सिग्नल आणि चालकाचा चेहरा रंग बदलतात. 

अशीच एक मध्यान्हीची वेळ. माझ्या गाडी समोर नगरसेवक अशी पाटी लावलेली गाडी रस्त्याच्या उलट बाजूने येऊन उभी. मी गाडी जवळ नेवून थांबवते व दार उघडून बाहेर येते. मालक व चालक संभ्रमित. मी जाऊन मालकांना गाडी मागे घेण्यास सांगते. ते स्तब्ध. आता मला बौद्धिक घेणे भाग पडते. “ कस आहे साहेब, आपल्या देशात रस्त्याचे दोन भाग केले आहेत. एक जाण्यासाठी आणि दुसरा येण्यासाठी. तुम्ही रस्त्याच्या वाहतुकीच्या विरुद्ध दिशेने म्हणजे चुकीच्या दिशेने गाडी चालावताय म्हणून मागे घ्या. तो माणूस हात जोडून म्हणतो. “ताई, आमचे घर विरुद्ध दिशेला बांधलय काय करणार.” This time Ashwini shocks and Nagarsevak  rocks.  बरोबर आहे. महापालिकेने नगरसेवकांची तरी सोय बघायला नको? कसेही रस्ते बांधतात लेकाचे. 

अशीच संध्याकाळी घरी जाण्याची घाई. मी सायकल track वर सायकल वर स्वार. इतक्यात दुचाकी स्वार  सायकल  track वर आलेला पाहून मी त्याला बाहेर काढते व मार्गस्थ होते. तो चरफडतो. थोड्या वेळाने सायकल  track संपल्या मुळे मी रस्त्यावर त्याच दुचाकी स्वाराच्या शेजारी. तो माझ्या कडे तुच्छ कटाक्ष टाकून म्हणतो “ आता तुम्ही का आलात आमच्या रस्त्यावर. आता मला भाषण देणे भागच. “ कसे आहे साहेब, तुम्हाला माहितेय ना?, जर तुम्ही रल्वेने प्रवास करत असाल आणि   general compartment  चे असाल तर तुम्हाला रिझर्व मधे प्रवेश नाही. परंतु जर तुम्ही रिझर्व चे असाल तर तुम्हाला general  किवा रिझर्व काहीही चालते. समजले का तुम्हाला? तो मनुष्य चक्रावून, “प्राध्यापक वाटते.” आणि डोक्याला हात लावून पसार. मी माझ्या सायकल वर स्वार. 

माझ्या घरच्यांना माझी प्रचंड काळजी वाटते. अशा आगाऊ पणा  मुळे  मी संकटात येईन अशी चिंता त्यांना सतत सतावते. पण मी तरी काय करू. हे सर्व खर तर आपण सर्वानीच केले पाहिजे. पण आपल्याला वेळ नसतो, किवा भिडस्त पणा  नडतो किवा its none of my business अशी भावना.
एकंदर काय. ते एकटे मोदी काय काय करणार हो. म्हणून आपला मुंगीचा भार उचलण्याचा हा प्रयत्न.  

सुधारस

सौ. सुधा गणेश सोवनी  त्यांना मी जेव्हा प्रथम भेटले तेव्हाच त्यांचा प्रेमात पडले.  आणि आमचे हे प्रेमाचे सुंदर नाते बघता बघता सव्वीस वर्षांचे...