When things don't move as you want; many trekkers head to mountains :-)Mahuli being nearest and still offering good enough climb for trekkers around mumbai; I headed there on this saturday. People cursed me for cancelling similar plans two times in last one month. I asked novix people to join me or rather they persuaded me to plan nice climb. I had visted same place 2/3 years back and that too in the same time of the year. Life had been cosy and work being dull; only things that kept me busy was internet(reddit/HN/delicious/stumbleupon) and IPL. Sometimes I started thinking only interestring discussion about technology I had were with totally strangers online or novix people. Treks,Mountains,Nature whips you hardest and at the same time provide you the cushion you want; a getway from stale views,perspectives and offers such grand views on your life that you start thinking what I could have been or rather what I could be. Let get me started :-)
Started with the first train to Kasara from Thane. Once we left Kalyan; it was the breeze I longed for so long. Titwala,khadawali and region around it looked so much changed. It used to be quite green or less human habitated when we were in school; I was telling Kunal and Lilesh about this. 5.55 AM and we were at Asangaon station. By 6.10 we were in Shahapur town. Early morning we enjoyed tea and Kunal managed to buy some fruits; that helped later on. There is a not so regular bus service from Shahapur Bus depot to Mahuli base and back. We finally reached Mahuli base by 7.15 or so. After bit of enquiry,photosession and confusion of the route we finally started the climb at 8.15 am. Sun was out and was treating us with heavdy dose of vitamin D as well as UV rays.
Me,Kunal,Lilesh and Sanket; we all started with good speed. We mananged to reach good height in 45-50 minutes. Sanket was on his first trek and I seriously thought what a pity for a guy; he dont know what lies ahead. I mean it wasnt easy to climb up in May on almost barren hills. Only thing that can move you up is your genuine interest in this kind of sport. Fitness wasnt much in question as it was max 3 hour trek. After 2 hours of climb we were almost on the finish line but Sanket was struggling because of the heat. He vomitted and then he felt better. We trudged him to the top in next 45-50 minutes. More than Half of the job was done. Soon we reached water hole and met some family out there enjoying their weekend.
Mahuli has dense cover of trees and is the right place to visit because of availibily of ripe fruits like mangoes and balck berries/jambhul etc. We had our share of fun while climbing up. Manged to see 5 ft long snake; some red ants building structures using leaves and some white excretion. Just thought then to put one placket there saying "ANTS at work". After reaching top and relaxing a bit; met group of local boys who had come there with full preparation to stay atop for next two days.We then headed away from the water hole and settled under a tree with huge shadow. Next 2 hours went in lunch,pulling each others legs and some rest. At 3 pm we decided to trek back as there was bus at 5 pm at base village. We reached base village in 75 minutes and then rested for some time after getting cleaned ourself at borewell.
Return journey was smooth and I reached home by 7.45 pm so it was much needed,quick,easy trek this time
