A Mountain calling

Boredom was at its peak, when I decided to go trekking for the first time, three years ago. I randomly chose a trekking group online and registered for the trek to Vikatgad Peb Fort, about 2,100 feet above sea level in Raigad district, of Maharashtra, India.

The entire week was spent in anxiousness about several things. This was my first trip after I returned from the Andaman’s with a fractured ankle. I was secretly worrying about my frequent lower back pain due to spondylosis and what if I get into complications like heat stroke and exhaustion as my water intake was poorest. I did not share my trekking plan to anyone at home or among friends, for the fear about what if the entire thing would become a blunder if I failed.

Well I had one week with me to prepare for this trek, which I began whole-heartedly. I started regular jogging, drinking water every half hour, reworked my diet chart, resting my back as often as possible. Personally my energy levels have always been quite high so I knew I wouldn’t be tired or anything but the fear that my lower back would dump me somewhere on the way up was constantly hitting me. If I failed halfway, one of the trek members would have to discontinue his trek and attend to me, which I would not let happen. I reminded myself that I am a brave girl and I have come out a survivor at the worst of times in life. This too I definitely can do. That gave me some confidence, smiling I pulled over the bedsheet, and slept for a few hours.

Early morning at 5am, I reached the gathering spot with butterflies in my stomach. A group of 14-15, all in their best of youth, I felt secretly out of place. Aiming at a fort located at 2100 feet above, we initiated our climb after a set of instructions from out trek leader. Thankfully, I did not fail anywhere, at many junctures I was leading the group. Due to my over-enthusiastic and no-patience nature, while the group would wait to relax or take pics, I would keep walking leaving them far behind. I enjoyed the company of two young engineering lads who reminded me of my son, yacking all the way to the top.

The trek was a moderate one, along deep ravines and cliffs with narrow routes with beautiful views of the mountains. A nice cave temple was on the way. There was also a forest, walking through rocky climbs. The locals shared that the great Shivaji Maharaj used the caves on the fort as silos for grain storage. The clean and green sorroundings after the monsoon made the picture look splendid. Also the temperatures were low in humidity due to the winter weather making it a delightful trek experience. At certain points, the trek offered adventurous activities like ladder climbing, bridge crossing and ridge walking etc.

Overall, My first trekking experience was truly an enchanting experience, and thereafter I did several treks within Maharashtra.

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