Trek up, smart, to reach the top

 

Any impromptu unique trekking expedition, does elevate your confidence to win a challenge in harmony with Nature.

Once upon a time, in Bangalore, we plan a trip nearby, near Shivasamudra. Our driver suggested that we should stop by a temple on the way, which is on a hill top. We stopped by the Shiva temple, recommended by him. This seemed to have evolved by itself and it was a forest earlier. Now with well paved road so reaching there was easy.

It was a weekday, so there was no rush as such. We were early so maybe that could be the reason. I could see a steep path leading up a higher hill and this added to my curiosity bubble. We were told that, up there, one could get a panoramic view of this temple, the nearby hills and the valleys around. My cousin and I were enthusiastic but then there was one challenge. We looked down at our feet.

The Sun had started blazing its warmth a little too aggressively, when it was just 7.30 am. Only my cousin and I wanted to check out the view. The challenge was to trek uphill, barefoot, on the stony steps and then the rugged rocky path. Going back to the car to get the shoes would mean shelving the enthusiasm. While the rest of the family waited patiently, sitting under the shade of a peepal tree, we both wasted no time and began on our adventure.

The steps were nicely baked in the Sun rays, so we had to take quick steps. It was steep so it was not easy as it seemed initially. We actually thought that it was better to give up, but we pushed each other to keep moving. Reverse counting was a technique we tried for the sprite of motivation.

What if there is no next time to this place?

We paused to rest for a while after about 250 steps, it seems an equal number was welcoming us up. My feet were reddish already yet I didn’t want to give up. I looked up the sky, into the Sun.  There were these huge cirrus cottony white clouds that forced the majestic ball of fire play hide and seek. That was a perfect timing when the shadow of the clouds covered the steps with a cooling effect. That's it, we decided to play along and when the Sun hid, we paced faster. The clouds were our true angel friends.

After 20 minutes, we finally made it to the top and while I was gasping for breath, I sat on the rock to celebrate our achievement. The scenic beauty was picturesque and there was an echo point too. This was a surprise gift that awaited us here for coming this far and high. The hill top was muddy and rocky yet the mud was soothing to our feet. We were there for 10 minutes and then walking downhill. It took us just 15 minutes.

Later, the blisters that blessed my feet did relate my adventure., that healed in a day or two, easily. Trekking barefoot when it is very hot, is not recommended. Always go well-prepared. Ensure that you are well hydrated. Carry water and a cap always. Well given an unplanned situation, trust your instincts and follow the signs shown by Nature.