Come forth into the light of things, let nature be your teacher. Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light. Friday, Saturday and Sunday i.e. 3rd, 4th and 5th June 2011 the day we were waiting for a long time!
So here is me (Anantha) creating an exclusive blog site to share the experience of the amazing memorable trek (probably of my lifetime) to Kemmanagundi organised by “Thomson Reuters Adventure community”.
A brief overview of the adventure community, which has successfully organized many adventure trips in the past. Kemmanagundi is a hill station in Chikkamagaluru district. It is located at a height of 1434m above sea level. Ringed by the Baba Budan Giri Range and blessed with silver cascades, mountain streams, and lush vegetation, Kemmangundi’s beautifully laid-out ornamental gardens and enchanting mountains and valleys views are a treat to the eye.
Here it goes the experience of Sheer Bliss with nature with the fusion of adventure:
The hype finally started after getting a final confirmation mail about the trek to Kemmanagundi. The body of the mail itself was so refreshing that one couldn’t resist from making it for the trip. This was the 2nd trek of mine with the community and we already had a group of folks who were energetic and full of life. Few to name were, Vijay Shivakumar (Alias Duplicate), Raghavendra (Alias 6 packs), Harsha (Alias Snake boy) etc. The Alias names and their funny incidence well it has a lot of story behind that and I need a separate blog for that!
Well well, back to topic, after receiving the mail I did a Google search to know about the weather, places of visit etc and the scariest thing at least for me “The Leech!” Furthermore, noted the places of visit such as “Kalhatti Falls, Z Point, Hebbe falls etc”. The snaps on the net were enough to get going. Got all my folks together and finally came the Friday evening.
Initially I had thought there might be around 20 to 25 people who would make for the trip like the last trek. Myself, Vijay Shivakumar started from the RMZ Titanium office on Friday at 22:00 IST to pinnacle building. The scheduled time for departure was 22:00 IST, but as usual we follow the Indian Standard Time! Reached the pinnacle building by 22:30 and we could see lot of faces with the enthusiasm and hunger to reach on TOP! But surprisingly there were around 33 folks who were readily waiting for the trek. A steep increase in number compared to last time though I felt it was a decent number where we could atleast stay as a group.
Few of us were waiting outside for the TT to arrive as again we need to know its IST that’s followed! Finally came the TT and to our surprise there was no music player nor a TV set to enjoy. Nevertheless it gives us a platform to perform and sing our self in the TT.
Enough of all these stuffs by beating around the bush let’s get to the point.
All folks assembled in the reception of pinnacle building office by around 22:45 and as expected we had a short discussion on the Dos and Don’ts by our commander in chief “Vijaya Kumar”. The real Vijay who is in charge of the trek. We had to sign the letter which indicated the trek was in the best interest and the usual document just like “Mutual fund investments are subject to market risk. Please read the offer document carefully before investing”!!! :)
The TT was outside and we boarded by 23:00. Initially it was all different groups in the cab till we introduced each other and came to know well though not to the extent of mingling with each other. Finally we reached Kengeri where one more person joined us. He is Mr. KrishnaMurthy alias "Kittaanna", Vijaya’s friend and a very experienced trekker... He later introduced him to us. It seems that Kittanna had trekked the 3rd highest peak in India. Well that’s an achievement that needs applause. Finally we started top head on the highway and our whole group started to charge on. We started to play antakshari by dividing the group and this proved that we don’t need any music system where our system is better than any! Played on till late midnight and fell asleep by 02:00. Was wondering if we had the charge to trek the next day after a heavy round of bass and music by us!
Saturday morning reached the travellers point of “Kalhatti” where we relaxed and refreshed our self. Passed time in some good photography. Later with the help of Kittaanna, Vijay and harsh we prepared a rice item and believe me it was too yummy. I agree a food taste goods for a hungry stomach but this was not the case though. Post the breakfast, we cleaned the vessel took up the backpack and started to trek by 09:30. Well starting the trek with a huge crowd needs some guidelines.
It was decided that Kittaanna will lead from the front and Vijay from the back. Started and stepped into the forest of Kalhatti.
It wasn’t quite dense though initially, but the scare of leech was stuck in all the peoples mind and in the legs as well! Trekked for an hour and tired as there were many new trekkers.
“Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.” The moment we started to reach the peak of the hill, it started to drizzle. Wow what a way to enjoy, drizzle all the way and trek! Couldn’t ask anything more for. Trekked till we reached the Kalhatti water fall which was our first pit stop. All the folks played in the waterfall as this was another way of cleansing the body, the other form of bath. Post this had a good roti with jam and chutney pudi (the local language for the mixed chutney powder). Nothing can beat that.
Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars... and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful. Everything is simply happy.
Post that started to reach the final destination the hill top and trekked. At some point of time it was like Vertical limit. We had to climb 85 degree altitude which was the toughest. No railings, No supporting bar! Just the small grass in the rescue. The climb was really tough but we are the real champs. We don’t give up easily. Finally managed to reach the hilltop by evening 05:30. The moment we reached the top the glory and the beauty made us forget the pain. Dashing and dancing clouds, breeze, drizzle made us feel like kings in the top of the world.
Forests, clouds and winds, stars and flowers - every form of animate or inanimate existence leaves its impress upon the soul of man.
Finally reached to a place where we found an abandoned house and a place to pitch our tent. Relaxed and had a good evening tea and started for the night trek. Though we didn’t go much farther just enjoyed the scenic beauty and walked back.
Played few fun games by the mean time Vijay prepared a yummy dinner. Pitch dark place and hot yummy dinner. Shared the food in the same plate and soon hit the sleeping tent and place as everyone was damn tired. It was just a representation to show that how a group of people can come together and become a team.
Sunday morning 06:00. Well tired looking faces and the chilling night. Can make out the reaction and cries of everyone “It was too cold last night”, “I wasn’t able to sleep in this cold”. Well this is the real trek life my dear children. By 8:00 we prepared breakfast and packed our bags. Started to trek back from the place at 09:30. The trek wasn’t as fast as it was Saturday but the cries continued like “How far we need to walk”, “Can’t the TT come here and pick us up”. One of the trek mate developed a cramp and had to be carried back. It was tough but that’s team work. WE NEVER GIVE UP ANYTHING. Its a team effort that we can relate more to work. During tougher times its the team members that comes together and help each other to achieve the goal. Walked to the Z Point and enjoyed the scenic beauty.
By the time we reached down hill it started to pour cats and dogs. We managed with the rain gear and walked till we reached the place where our TT was waiting for all the brave people. Got in and just crashed the seat.
We started and decided to have our lunch on the way, but unfortunately we weren’t able to find a good dhaba till evening 06:00. We had almost lost the appetite but managed to have a heavy lunch / Dinner. Started back to Bangalore on the way played dumb charades but not with that great enthusiasm. Soon everyone fall asleep till midnight 1:00 where we finally reached back pinnacle office building and everyone was dropped. The state of mind when you are in the city, compared to the peace and calmness you feel when you are engulfed by Mother Nature is indescribable. I enjoyed every bit of this journey & would like to venture out into the wild with this gang more often.
“Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean. Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success. That’s the secret of any team work."
