One step closer…

My first overnight trek!
Date: 6 – 7 Feb 2016
Destination: Prabalgad
Location: Between Matheran and Panvel

‘Outdoor activity’ can never be associated with me. Nobody would. At least not till the day I met my husband.
I have finally accepted that opposites do attract. If that were untrue, he and I would never be a couple!
He has always been a nature lover and his excitement for adventure does rub off on people!
In the last two years, I have done two small treks, both with him. I must say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and what do you know, it wasn’t as tough as I’d feared!
It’s only when we DO, do we realise our potential, what we are capable of. The feeling of pride from within is amazing!
So what if it is only a mini mountain, nothing is too small ever. Each such mini accomplishments will finally lead to Mt. Everest.
With four others, we set off in the late evening, the trekking gear secured on our shoulders.
The climb to our night-halt(Machi-Prabal) took us an hour and a half with water breaks, talks and jokes! The prospect of setting up tents had me in high spirits! My extreme excitement had me in the lead, tripping and panting, yet pushing myself beyond limits. After all, I had my new trekking shoes on!
Once we reached the clearing, we scanned the area for the perfect tent pitch. Suddenly I felt as though I had been transported to the grounds that hosted the Quidditch Final where Harry and the Weasley family carried out the same activity!!
The place, as I was informed, that for years was a small cottage, is now converted to something similar to a mini hotel. The local family residing there did provide us with good food, extra tents including pillows, bed spreads, all of this at very reasonable prices. They have even built Indian toilets with water arrangements. No such facilities were previously available.
The problem with commercialising a place is that it loses its true meaning and purpose. People expect more, demand more.
The whole idea behind going for an over night trek is to experience nature at its best. To gaze upon the cluster of bright stars, to gift our ears the absence of honking and screeching, to hug the cold breeze blowing around. Basically, things you seldom experience in a city.
What can possibly spoil such a wonderful night?? I’ll tell you!! Groups of people who take the pains of climbing all the way to the top, only to play music and talk in such volumes that could beat a loudspeaker! Such people convert nature trips to picnics and make life miserable for others.
My sincere message to you people: Be thoughtful. Go there, where you belong. Let nature be Her. We don’t need you defacing Her.
All in all it was a joyous trip and an enriching one with the guys filling me in on stories of their past trekking experiences.
Dear Mother Nature, it is we who are responsible for conserving your beauty and protecting you. From today, you can add me onto the list of those who sincerely care for you.
Everyone out there, take the first step yourself. Lead! The others will follow.
Let us keep the world we live in, BEAUTIFUL!
Special thanks to the gang for this wonderful opportunity! A new group ‘Prabal’ gets added to our whatsapp today! Cheers to all our future treks!! 🙂