Me and this world - a tête-à-tête

It has been years that I started trekking.  My first memory of the trek dates back to 1991, when a group of school buddies decided to go for a one day monsoon trek. The most enthusiastic girl in the class was our leader. It was muddy trail, and by the time we returned almost everyone from the group had become an experienced trekker. It took a while for me to understand what this business was. But it was that day when I got high with my insignificance on this earth. A pinnacle as proud as a nose of Duke, told me that to respect is the only way to appreciate the Mother Nature. Several years have passed by; Trekking has become most integral part of my day today life. But the love for this place is ever growing. Every year when the sky clouds with a promise of monsoons and greener earth, every wanderer gives a shout to the other, "Hey, his nose awaits us". The plans are made, dates are fixed. Every other commitment is compromised and the wanderers set out on a

As Richard Bach says: “Your friends will know you better in the first minute you meet than your acquaintances will know you in a thousand years.” When you know you have found your flock, you are ready to fly with them anytime. The simplest thing you can do for someone is just be their friend. The birds with lenses wanted to do a photography tour of Induri Fort; Chakan Fort... another bird wanted to surrender at Bhamchandra Dongar And I was just enthusiastic about wandering. So there was a perfect exploring plan which was ready to be executed. On a Saturday morning, we left the city and rode on old NH4 towards Talegaon.  After a long time, I managed to catch a breakfast at McDonalds, Chinchwad. A Veg Muffin started one of the best days of my life.  After one more snacks break, we reached Talegaon. On Talegaon - Chakan road, at Village Induri, there is a small fortification built on Left hand side. This fortification was built by Khanderao Dabhade during 1720s.

Film: Amazing Spiderman (2012) I couldn't get the original dialogues word by word but here's the scene which impressed me the most. The scene is when Spideman attempts to rescue a scared kid stuck in the car hanging by the bridge. Spiderman offers his mask to the kid & tells him that the mask is magical, it would offer the strength (courage) to the kid to get out of his seat & move towards. The kid somehow believes and takes the mask & wears. Spiderman then helps the kid to reach atop the bridge & hands over to his dad. This scene portrays characteristics of a true friend. That they wont leave you when you need them, That they stand by you when you are at the lowest. That they help you in every possible way. They bring the best out of you, Give you strength  when you are weak and do every possible thing to make everything alright... The lesson from the childhood holds good everyday of our life: To Have A Friend, Be A Friend. No wonder at

Idea Floats… Four Jump in, one jumps out… Long lost friend is roped in… He pulls two more… A small group… Six set out on a Sunday early Morning… Highway Ride… Punctured Tyre… Street food & tea for breakfast… Final Destination… Walk in the Mud… Bike Ride in mud, to test the brand new tyres probably… Random Questions.. Out of context answers…  Ladders up the hill… All fog, zero visibility… Lots of Rain… Aloo Mash & Roti from the Tiffin Hogging Pithala Bhakari… Lots of Rain, Lost Avenues and Just a few snaps... Too many waterfalls… Only One making its point clear! And we reach base… Bike is washed & we start for pavilion. Some tea cups… With a promise to ourselves & friends that we will return soon…