From Loha Jung to Raun Gadera, 10 May 2007

We got up at Base camp with the sun and the regal peak of Nanda Ghunti. Breathtaking. One felt a surge of enthusiasm despite the dampened clothes and spirit. The children dressed and ran to the nearby Devi and Shiva temple. We gathered around after breakfast to be addressed by the organizers. “ Show respect to the Himalayas. Avoid littering, drink water in small gulps but keep yourself hydrated. On Day 3 of your trail you will be climbing half a foot higher with every step you take. Show respect and you will get it back.” The same sentiments are expressed on the base of the main tree in Loha Jung in almost Chaucer-like quaint English.

We by then have several ceremonies of our own: the adoption of Liz by Ayesha, the initiation of the Medicine woman Aparna and her assistants, family photos in the backdrop of Nanda Ghunti and a group photo of our band of women all set to scale new heights.

And then we found out, as Preeti said, why we have legs. It was a 7 km walk that was amazing. Through dense forest green woods of pines, up and down narrow rocky trails, restful meadows etc. Our paths were paved with silver, shiny rocks, trees with artistic mushroom growth, soft lichen and moss covered boughs. We stopped once in a while to look at the carpet of trees below, the mountains looming around us, and the awesome song and dance of the sun, clouds in the blue skies above us. Everything seemed to come together and damp clothes, cold camps aside, we knew it was a privilege to be part of this. We passed by villagers who were it was plain to see living a life very basic in nature. Jobs were few and most of the men were army personnel. One army chap on vacation showed us how he had channeled the stream to power his flourmill.

Talking of streams—I now know how sweet water can be. The streams were cool, clean, fresh and satiated our thirst like an answer to a prayer. Every gulp of the water was fulfilling. Our stops to look here and there had us lagging behind and we lost our way a bit just as we were about to reach Camp I—we climbed down a steep hill and used stepping stones in the stream to crossover to camp. We made it—our first day of trekking—our legs were already weary but it’s long way to go baby!