One Step At A Time

Dear Sir,

Thanks a lot for the lovely feedback. I developed pneumonia on the last day of the trip on my way back. After that I kept assuming it was allergic and went on my trip to Masinagudi. It was only when even the strongest of anti-allergic tablets did not work, that I went to the pulmonologist. It was just my obstinacy and will power - call it what you will - that dragged me through. I was determined to travel before I become completely incapable of it.

It was very unfortunate that I could not get a ticket for the helicopter. In fact only 2 people out of our group of 16 got it. A couple of them went on horseback and 3-4 of them trekked uphill (22 kms) and back. Since none of these options was suitable of me, I put it off for another time. Those of us who could not make it went to Triyugnath temple where Shiva and Parvati are said to have got married in the presence of Vishnu and Lakshmi. That was also a beautiful place.

Next day everyone climbed up to Tunganath, the highest Shiva temple. I tried, but my legs would not carry me. Another lady with altitude sickness also stayed at the base with me. We walked around enjoying the serene mountains on all sides, sat in a dhaba, chatted and spent the time in a very pleasant mood. Maybe another time if I get the opportunity and my body cooperates.

There is a trip by helicopter being planned to Kedarnath this Sep. Let us see if it works out. Just 4 days after we visited Kedarnath, when we were at Badri, we got the news of the helicopter crash at Kedarnath.

Whenever I get the invitation, I shall go.

 

It is a vicious cycle. People stop coming. So others stop coming. The new comers do not know us or don't relate to us maybe, so responses are very limited. So the interest in posting is less. And the cycle continues. We cannot 'make' the old timers come back. But it will be nice if we could build up new connections and bonds with the newer lot. Please resume your activities here.

 

Dear Balajee,

You are right. In this case, the spirit was definitely stronger than all the aches and pains. In fact the sight of pregnant women and old men being supported on both sides by younger people who were coming down the hill was what was the turning point for me - I had sat down for rest and was seriously considering giving up. An elderly couple - French - came by just at that moment and egged us (me and my friend) on.

I won't be surprised if you do consider yourself a teenager. The mind remains sweet 16. It is only the body that acts up from time to time reminding us of 'age'. But it is essential to shut it up from time to time and push one's limits.

 

Hey Mistt! So good to see you here. Come on a long holiday and use it to travel around India. Of course it would need many such holidays to do justice to all that is there to be seen here. Thanks a ton for your good wishes.

 

I so agree with what your grandmom said. From personal experience, I can only say that no matter how unwelcome, all that has happened in the past has worked out for the best. If I extend the logic, then I can only conclude that what is happening or what happens in the future will also be for the best.