TREK TO KALAVANTIN BURUJ………………………………….………………. (25/12/2011).

A trek that was waiting to be organized. A trek that satisfied one & all & and a trek that reignited the same passion & hunger for trekking in all of us. The decision to postpone the trek from 4^th to 25^th Dec. & to conquer Kalavantin Buruj instead of Prabalagad both proved to be blessing in disguise. The only glitch being, we were always running behind the time. In fact we reached Thakurwadi (base village) at around 10 a.m. & by the time we completed our breakfast & tea it was already 11 a.m. Without wasting any more time, we proceeded with a bunch of first timers.

            The sun was scorching its heat in upon us & soon conservation of water to last the entire day became really very important. Within an hour we were on top of the hill that preceded our final destination, from where a nice view of both Kalavantin & Prabalagad could be seen. A much needed halt & some lemon juice refreshment provided that ideal rest for freshers. From here on, the path seemed slightly confusing. But a little help form the local villagers put us on right track. In spite of this one of our batch lost their way, only to return back a fair bit of distance to find the correct path towards the pinnacle.

            Then came that ultimate halt from where the final frontier of Kalavantin started. We had our lunch (spicy veg.biryani) which gave the energy to put the right foot forward. The path ahead was filled with big rocky steps arranged in zigzag fashion. It was not that tough to climb but immense concentration required at each step & continuous dehydration made it slightly difficult. When we reached the top, we thought it was all over, until we realized that still the job was incomplete. The ultimate frontier of Kalavantin was a bit dicey & so those satisfied ones decided to rest while the enthusiastic ones completed the goal. The group pic at the pinnacle with the ‘Bhagwa Jhenda’ in the background was a moment to be captured.

            The descending journey was also an eventful one. The after effects of intense heat & dehydration were seen with some people vomiting, some experiencing cramps & muscle sprains. Big thanks to the villager who refreshed all of us with his strong black tea & also much needed water. Next we had a surprise for everyone as we distributed ‘Santa Hats’ on the occasion of ‘Christmas’ & that group photo with Kalavantin & Prabalgad in the background became an unforgettable moment of the trek.

            As the sun set, we quickly rushed to the base & by the time we left it was already 7 p.m. A smooth ride back to Ruia College & we had one more successful feather in HYBRID’S cap.

             Here we can’t forget the contribution of Saurabh Rane (WE). Thanks a lot once again for your generous help. Also I would like to thank the four pillars of ‘DURGASAKHA’ group- Subhodh, Madhura, Ajit & Chetan, whose help proved much essential in handling a huge group of 50 odd people.

            Finally with Kalavantin, it brought end to an eventful year for HYBRID. A year in which HYBRID spread its wings in true nature & gave its fellow trekkers many memorable moments to thrive on.

 But trekking cannot stop here & 2012 awaits us with many more pinnacles to conquer & many more hearts to win. 

            Here’s wishing a very ‘HAPPY AND PROSPEROUS NEW YEAR’ to all fellow trekkers.

                                                                                                                 HAPPY TREKKING

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      V.A.S.K.O.