In Search of the Jewelled Fort-Ratangad.

It was that time again when Trekmates India group organised another trek to Ratangad fort,Igatpuriin the month of June.I had seen the pictures of earlier trek to that fort and had always wanted to go there as the fort looked so beautiful with the lush green grass,yellow blooms and the flowing streams.This time around I did not want to miss it so I had registered myself well in advance. I was also very excited to wear my brand new Quetchua trekking shoes.It was an overnight trek and so I was picked up at 12 midnight from Mulund, right outside my building gate.Made a few new friends in the bus and had an exciting game of antakshari.After the halt at 3 am for garam chai-coffeee we made our way towards Ratanwadi,the base village.We reached there at 5.30 am and were welcomed by so many barking dogs.There was a little time to freshen up before breakfast at a villagers house.We had a glimpse of the well-maintained farms and there was lush greenery all around.The morning sun was hardly visible and there were grey and black clouds in the sky.We were happy as it meant it was going to rain but that was not to be.We had poha and tea and walked back to the nearby Amruteshwar Shiva temple which was very similar to the Ambareshwar Shiva temple at Ambernath which I had visited recently on my photo walk.After the photo session there we had the introduction round and began our trek towards the fort.
The way to the fort was an easy walk for most of the time.We walked through open spaces through forest area and noticed a few dry streams on the way.The co-lead, Sandesh told me that the streams were all dry now due to the lack of rain but earlier they had waded through the streams during their earlier treks.As it was not raining it was a bit hot but overall the climate was cool.We halted at a few places for rest and to capture the beauty of the surrounding mountains that were covered in fog.We had to cross the one lonely stream on our way to the top.We had to climb four metal ladders on our way up.It was a bit scary and difficult to climb up those ladders as a drizzle had made the ladder and the nearby area slippery.The way to the top was fun as I had a chat with old and new trekker mates and also made plans for future treks.At one point three of us girls sat on a branch for a photo up and the branch gave away with a huge crack,thankfully we did not fall behind or hurt ourselves too badly.We had a good laugh and continued on our way up.We had a halt at a plateau where we had our mandatory group photo.It was truly beautiful there with the mountains surrounding us from all sides.It was mesmerizing!We could see the Ratangad fort covered in fog.
Once on the top,we toured around and clicked pictures.There as fog all around and we made our way towards Nedhe(the hole in the mountain)We had a narrow path to take up to Nedhe.The place was breath-takingly beautiful and we could see the fog all around.Lush greenery surrounded us and the view from the top was unbelievable.We can only wonder at the beauty of nature and it is an awesome feeling to be there in the lap of nature.These are the moments that make trekking so memorable.Once there we were shocked when our group lead Manoj showed us the steep route we had to take back to the cave.We thought he was kidding and then he and the co leads kept motivating us saying that they were there to guide us and it was really no big deal.We had no other option but to take the steep route for our descend.I had my heart in my mouth and started descending.As they had promised,the leads and co-leads made sure that each and every one of us made a safe descend.The way down was a rocky and steep path so most of the way we slid down on our backs and bottoms.After that again a long walk back to the cave at the entrance where we rested.Some of the trekkers had hot maggi noodles (Rs.40 a plate)and some had lemon juice(Rs.20 a glass) at the cave where a couple of villagers had set shop.We saw a few monkeys there too.Though I did not have the noodles, I am sure it must have tasted heavenly up there in the cool winds with the wonderful view.Instructions about the game of mafia was given and we decided to play the game in the bus as we had to begin with the descend soon with our leader Manoj saying-Come on trekmates,we have to move now!
Once again we took the ladder route and made our long journey towards Ratanwadi .We were famished and eager to eat hot lunch.My feet were crying for mercy and I like the others wanted a relief so we all halted near the flowing stream.we took off our shoes and immersed our tired feet into the cool waters.What a heavenly feeling that was!One of my trekker friends had to throw her shoes as they had completely worn out and there was a gaping hole in one.She made the rest of the trek with one of the leads' rubber chappals.I was glad my new shoes did not bite me or trouble me.One of the leads had specifically told us to wear durable shoes for the monsoon treks and I had bought a new pair that same week.On my way down I had a fall twice and landed on my bottom without much harm done fortunately.Even without the rains the route down had become a bit slippery so it was good that the rains had not made it worse.Though we wanted to stay at the stream longer we could not as our stomachs were growling.Hot and simple lunch of jeera rice,chapatis,two types of vegetables and daal was awaiting us.We changed and freshened up and had lunch and made our way back to Mumbai.Some of the trekkers slept on their way back (like me) while the rest played a boisterous and action packed game of Mafia.Though I have played the game earlier before and did not like it I felt I had to play it next time around as it sounded like great fun.I still remember all their shouts and accusations through out the game.I am glad I got the much-needed rest in the bus on our way back.We halted for tea at the highway and I reached home at 9.30 pm.had a shower and had a body ache that lasted for a couple of days.The trek to Ratangad had been a thrilling and challenging one for me.After seeing the pictures I cannot believe we really made it as it looked so tough.I missed seeing the flowing streams and the yellow blooms but then there is always another time .Looking forward to go on a bike ride (as pillion-rider)with fellow trekmates soon.Was glad I took the trek to Ratangad which is true to its name,a jewel among the forts.Trek Mates India group.as always, did not disappoint and I had a memorable trek.The leads and co-leads really take great pains to make each trekker feel comfortable and safe throughout the trek.Hats off to them!

Here are some beautiful trek moments captured at Ratangad.Some of the photographs are courtesy my trekker friends.

When The Winds Echoed

It was during this month last year that I began my trekking journey. So glad that I took to trekking which has opened a new world for me, a world of fun, serenity, friendships and that connect with myself and nature. This monsoon I decided to celebrate my trekking anniversary with another monsoon trek.
I was all set to go for the trek to Garbett point , Matheran which was organised by my old trekker mates Sai and Jaal.I had been there last when I was a school kid so I was really excited to go there again (but really speaking, every trek gets me excited!)
So I took the Karjat local early in the am at 6 and rested and looked around to see if there were any other trekkers.I saw a couple of girls who were on their way for a trek and surprisingly,they did not even know the details about the trek they were taking!I got talking with another girl during the journey and found that Mary was also on her way to the same trek.We got talking and were so engrossed in doing so that we nearly missed our station!Thankfully we got down at Bhivpuri just a few seconds before the train left the platform!I heard the sentence in the trek details....If you miss the train ,you miss the trek.We just almost missed it! But then,I later found out that they did wait for those who missed their trains so we waited for two other groups that did not make it on time.There were a few familiar faces at the station and many new ones among the 42 trekkers.We had breakfast of spicy missal-pau and hot chai-coffee and left for the trek after the introduction round.There was a cool breeze blowing and dark clouds hovering about in the sky so we all thought that this would be a wet trek,but that did not happen.When we began there was a slight drizzle and after that our raincoats stayed put in our backpacks,and yes,I nearly lost my head buff while packing my raincoat away!The way towards Garbett point was picturesque and there was a cool breeze blowing but yet the sun's heat was also hash so we had a halt at the nearby school on the way and some trekkers made the most of the well we passed by.The school was in a dismal condition and I really wish there were better facilities provided for villagers for better education.

As we kept ascending, the route got a bit tougher and there were rocky patches towards the end.Mary was finding it difficult to make the long climb and luckily she got to hitch-hike on a local villagers bike.The village lads were an enthusiastic lot and they tried to follow us and posed for pictures as they climbed on trees to pluck black berries.Before that we halted at a plateau where we went on a clicking spree as the place was too good to be true!We were literally surrounded by mountains and we could see the Garbett point before us.We had our lunch and after that it was time for games.Interestingly one of my trekker friends,Once we reached the plateau area we played games like City walk, Hanuman-Krishna(the most hilarious game!) and the number buzz .Thanks to Jaal and Sai who brought out the kid in each one of us. We all enjoyed the games and at the end of it all I had an ache in my jaws after all that hearty laughter.When I went back to school on Monday I taught my class kids the above games and they too loved them! So,after the game session we began our ascend once more and on the way saw a tree with green fruit which the boyz used for playing catch.The final patch was a bit steep and rocky but we made it with the help of our leads and once we reached the top it was a great feeling.The view from the top was excellent and more than that on our way up we could actually feel ourselves being pushed by the winds and hear the winds echoing in our ears.Once more there was a photo session and a few games of catch with the green fruit-balls.

The view from the top of Garbett point was breath-takingly beautiful!We all felt at peace and did not feel the tiredness and fatigue of the long climb up.The area was fenced and once again we could see the beautiful mountains all around us.After another photo session we made our way down towards Matheran.We walked for a bit with trees surrounding us and reached the tracks of the famous mini train. We took a ride through long winding roads and reached Neral station where we had tea and snacks(batatawada-sambar and meduwada-sambar)and then bid our friends adieu.I enjoyed the last bit of company with a few fellow trekkers on the local train to Thane.Mary was unwell as the long trek and the ride through the ghats had made her nauseous.Reached home earlier than expected and was really pleased.Had a warm,relaxing bath and a sound sleep.It was surprising to know that the next day I did not have any ache in my body or joints and that was a wonderful feeling.Back in my class I shared my trekking adventure with my class kids and taught them three of the games we played at the trek.How they loved it!Looking forward to more exciting treks and gaming sessions with my trekker friends.