Epilogue:
Second Half of Year 2008: Two trekkers died in Vasota, A dead body found near Lohagad.
Mid-January 2009: Tikona mishap claims a trekker's life.
Early February 2009: Two trekkers missing from Torana trek, Four days later found dead in jungle.
General Public perception: Treks are always gangerous and risky.

This is the overall scenario so far. Here I would neither try to point fingers at anyone, nor try to tell what is to be done. In fact yesterday my mother was reading article on Torana mishap in Sakal-Muktpeeth and later complaining about the my Bhatkanti and treks' schedules round the year. So are my beloved friends and well wishers. This post is directed to those family members, friends, well wishers and to all of those who care for us. I was in dilemma whether I should explain them in person, but later had a thought of putting them in the words so that the same can prove helpful/useful to all Sahyadri's lovers, who search for an opportunity to get lost in Sahyadris every now and then, may they be beginners, intermediate level trekkers or the expert trek gurus.

Our definition for the trek is "Bhatkanti Unlimited". Although the word "unlimited" is related to the trek frequency and not the behaviour during the treks. Me and my fellow Bhataki Toli members (henceforth will be collectively referred as "we") never compromise on the trek plans well in advance. Google comes handy in this case.

Once the destination (mostly any fort) is finalised we search for the maximum information which is relevant to that fort/place. This info contains the travel mode, route, road conditions, time required to travel/trek, seasonal paths to reach (few paths are closed during mansoon), eatouts, water availability. Our main source of such information is blogs written by the previous visitors, as they always provide a first hand information. Next is the the water and food availabilty and the accomodation at that place if required. Most important thing is we notify the family members and friends about the place. We leave phone numbers of the members with them.



Packing: To get ready for the trek means packing. Good quality sack is always most important thing. The contents should eb easily accessible. If its a overnight trek then we always need an accomodation (or if its under the open sky adequate bedding and safety precautions from the wild animals, snakes, scorpios, etc). Our bedding is always self sufficient for one person, though its not a five star like sleeping bag. Essentials in the bag are safety knife, torch, spare batteries, matchbox, cellphone, spare cellphone battery, first aid kit, tissue papers, water bottles, light eatable, re-energizers like Glucon-D, glucose biscuits. Good quality shoes (no floaters) is an "albeit thing". If its in rainy season everything is to be packed in a waterproof way. We usually prefer the mobile phones from the different operators. (Our experience is good with TATA INDICOM as it has at least a weak signal in most of the areas, and its cheap too. Worth investing 1000 bucks. Note: we are not advertising for any one).

Travel Mode: The forts in Maharashtra are not easily accessible with a direct vehicle from the cities. So we extract proper information about the place and route. If its by the public transport then the time table is neccessary. Mostly we travel with our own bike or cars. And if its a bike then first, foremost RULE-0 is helmets compulsory. At times we arrange for extra helmets for the pillion riders and even refuse to take any member without a helemt. Next we find out the proper and shortest routes to reach therem, schedule our journey so as to avoid the night journey, calculate the time required to reach at the place considering the motorable and non-motorable road conditions. Everyone ensures the fuel level in the tanks and air pressure in the tyres. Tyres, brakes are checked for the suitability of the journey. Proper attention is given to check tyres for the hidden embedded objects which later may turn into cause of the punctures. We never compete speeds within ourselves or with the other vehicles on the road. In case of driving in the dark pillion has to keep a watch on the speed and warn rider about the overspeedings. Also he is to make sure that vehicles from behind are at safe distance while overtaking, because its difficult to judge the position of the following vehicle in the rear view mirrors. All proper signals are to be given while driving (be it a electric signals or hand signals). We always and rather proud to follow all traffic rules.

Actual Trek: When we reach at the base village we again ask the local people about the route to the peak. We always maintain a friendly relations with the local people. After all they are going to help us in case required. All काका, मामा, भाऊ, मावशी, ताई words are to be used to talk to them. We make them feel proud because of the information they have. While trekking "slow & steady" is the key. If anyone runs or makes a hurry then he tires early than anyone else. We always look back at try to remember few spots on the route so that they prove helpful while returning or backtracking. If cell phone do not have signals put it in offline modes or switch those off, as network search consumes battery faster. We don't hear music while trekking as whistles of the gusty winds and drum rhythm of thunders are more interesting than this hip-hop and rock bands, and saves our battery too. We never go for an out of reach spots, neither we try to challenge anyone of us to go for it. Rather if we feel its risky we refrain ourselves or other members from attempting a climb there. We use all means of साम, दाम, दंड, भेद to change the mind of the over confident member. But after all trek is all about thrills and adventure. If its a doable by a teamwork the leader does it first with the help of others and then he/she helps to do that for all members. We always remember we went there as a group or team and complete it as a single entity. The same trek can be completely different in different weather conditions. Rocks can be very slippery in monsoon while grasslands and small bushes are very weak after a winter season. We keep these situations in mind. We enjoy every view of Sahyadri but never challenge it. At some breath taking heights lying back on the stomach and creeping or duck-walking always proves helpful, as it helps to keep our body masses at a lower height (lower CG) and hence adding stability. Even on the edge of valley never stand upright, as you may feel drowsy because of the height or heavy wind may blow you. Always lay down to enjoy the valley view.

Overnight Stay: Appropriate bedding is essential. We clean campsites well before the sunsets, to avoid the risk of snake/insects. Also we carry a big stick with everyone of us (if not carry, find at the top). We don't go alone in the dark. At least group of 2 or 3 goes together with a torch and sticks. We always burn a fire around the campsite so that it is well lit for visibility, and wild animals or snakes and other insects do not roam around us. Fortunately none of my trekker friends require a alcohol to feel the trans. We feel it with trek's thrilling experience.

In case of water: Many of the forts have water cisterns or wells atop. Check its potability before drinking that water. To be more safe boil it or use liquid chlorine before you drink it. We avoid swimming in those as it may have water snakes or similar risks hidden. Even risk trapping mud at the bottom or unknown depth cannot be ignored. If its a sea, then listen to local people about low/high tide timings. Avoid swimming in the sea. Follow the indication flags on beaches.

After a stay: Clean the campsite. Carry all plastic to the city. To admit, we leave bio-degradable waste at one corner of campsite. Try to bring it in its original view. As far as possible do not leave any stray items behind except the fire ashes. As far as possible we try not to disturb the ecosystem of the place.

Prologue: Treks are thrilling, wonderful. Play safe, trek safe, spread the word. Generate more interest and awareness about safe and clean treks. Take the challenges but do not try to overpower the nature. Love mother nature. Worship her.
Sahyadri is our pride and it will remain in our hearts forever.

After reading this post I'm sure treks won't stop but the schedules will rejuvenite with more enthusiasm. Our friends, family and well wishers will continue to love and care for us.

P.S. : Any other missing points can be added as comments by the followers of this blog. All comments, suggestions are welcomed here. Also please share this post with everyone you know in the arena of trekking so as to bring awareness about safe and clean trekking.

हे दुर्गालंकृत सह्याद्री, मी लवकरच पुन्हा येईन...