Rajmachi Night Trek

During the September Walk-A-Thon meeting it was decided that we will go for the Night trek to Rajmachi.  As we had to go by local and no arrangements were required it did not require any confirmation.  So anyone could join and decide to opt out.

A detailed mail was circulated to everyone for information.  Trek evening arrived and everyone has to gather at Pune railway station at 8:30PM.  There were 5 peoples supposed to join from Mumbai. Received a message in eveing that they all decided to opt out. There were 3/4 people to from Wai were also to join directly at Lonavala. Received confirmation that they started from Pune by car. 

Because of no confirmation one cannot predict the count of people.  Finally seven of us met at Shivaji Nagar and started for Lonavala.  Thanks to Kirloskar group, at Lonavala around 10 of them joined us and count at station was suddenly 17.  We decided to have tea and start the trek.  We decide to go the regular spot "Lonavala Bus Canteen" to have tea and asked Wai team to join there.  Every one had tea and in mean time Wai team also joined us there.  In Wai team two of them were from Pune itself. After small introduction/regular instructions we started the trek.   

Upper Desk Resort

We crossed the Lonavala i.e. Tungarli Dam, Upper deck resort.  And now we were left only 22 who were trekking.  While going upto Upper desk resort one has to ascend.  Now road was decending so bit easy.  Now it was dark we had to use our torch to check the route. Last few days it was raining in Lonavala region so we have to be bit careful.  There is the rareest possibility of having animal, but we decided that we will wait away from water flow.  Reason was, just in case if there is one it will be found near water source.

Nature's Wall

After around two and half hour walk lady who was first timer said she cannot walk any more and wish to go back.  This normally happens during the treks.  Everyone was encouraging her to continue.  It was 1:30AM and if she wishes to go back she had to climb all the route which we just came down.  We came to know that ahead there is some house where a vehicle is parked.  Thinking we have found the solution we asked her to carry on till the house.  This was near water source, and now we also wanted to go away from water stream.  We reached near so called house and found that it was a hut made for animals.  It was not at all possible to leave the lady there.  Luckily there was a lady doctor in our group.  She gave some medicines.  We asked her that if she is willing then we will surely take her to Rajmachi.  

We few only knowing that she has to return as well.  But no one mentioned that.  Trekking with lots of slow is more difficult.  So we had to devide the group in two.  Kirloskar group of ten decided to ahead.  And we started slow.  Everyone still telling lady not to worry and continue slow but steady.  We reached junction where one road goes to Rajmachi and other Velvand (Dhak Trek).  From here we had to ensure that she continues as the route goes through forest.  It was very Good! she had not yet given up.  Additional thanks to Wai couple who was continuously encouraging her to continue.

Streams

Streams

Enroute there is a stream where they kept a wire to help everyone cross.  Some decided to remove shoes (avoid getting wet) and walk through stream and few decided to jump.  Everyone crossed the stream.  Clock was ticking 3:30AM.  We had to climb up now.  Moon light was also good.  We decided to ascend fast.  After ascending for 20/30 min we were almost near Rajmachi.  We decided to continue as lady might take more time and there was no nice place where we can wait.  We were also sure that we are nearing.  And finally we reached a temple which just 2 kms before Rajmachi fort.  It was 4:15AM. The other group was already resting there.  

We decided to wait there.  To everyone's surprise the lady seemed comfortable.  And she also came by 5:00AM.  As plannned, we decided to wait till sunrise.  But there was not enough space for everyone so some of us wanted to climb up and wait at Rajmachi top.  Finally we decided to wait.  Everyone adjusted themselves inside temple. Group reached early had nearly 1 / 1.5 hrs sleep as well. 

Waterfall

Water Fall

Around 6:00AM in morning we decided to start so we can take some nice snaps. We took out our Cameras but soon it started raining.  We had to pack our camera again.  Now we started towards Rajmachi.  It was full of fog/clouds so nothing was visible.  We reached a spot from where we can see the waterfall starts at Lonavala.  We were on the other side now.  Between there was a very big vallay.  Luckily rain stopped and we could take some pictures.  But Manoranjan fort was still not completely visible.  

Yellow flowers

 We started ahead.  It was lush green everywhere.  Between some patches you could see complete Yellow or Pink full of flowers.  The scene was as if someone filled Yello/Pink color.  Now we started ascending.  After climbing for around half an hour we reach a temple.  This is also one more place where one can stay at night.  Rain was playing hide and seek with us.  We all were hungry by now.  As it was raining we decided to open our bags and have some breakfast.  After having our breakfast we decided to climb up Manoranjan fort.  It was very nice.  At some places it was very slippery so we had to climb carefully.  We reached the entrance.  Weather was foggy at fort which felt as if we are entering clouds.

Manoranjan

Due to fog/cloudy weather we are not sure how much we had to ascend.  We started climbing ahead.  We have seen two ponds.  Symbol of Shivaji Maharaj's forts that each fort has some or the other water source.  We climbed almost for 45 min but nothing was visible.  So we decided to get down.  We were worried, if it starts raining heavily then it will be difficult for us to climb down.  We came back to same temple.  By now other members also came there.  They were planning to climb the Shivvardhan fort.  But because of past experience we opted out.

Cloudy, Temple at Rajmachi Mid-way

Few of members decided not to come up.  So all of them were waiting at Udhewadi village.  We reached down had tea.  The lady who had problems last night was also there.  We decided to send her by some vehicle.  After enquiry we came to know that there are no vehicles at Udhewadi.  One should go back to lonavala atleast half distance where some vehicle drivers come and picks up.  After lots of discussion we booked the vehicle.  And it was decided that all those who came by car will go. 

The lady was asked to start return journey along with 4 others, as it will be easy to return before it becomes hot.  Luckily weather was still very nice.  Drizzling showers making it nice for trekking.  Clock was ticking 9:30 and by now all of us were reached down.  Everyone wanted to climb down by Karjat side.  After discussion it was decided that 4 of us will go back by Lonavala route.  And remaining 13 of them will go via Karjat side.  

Nature's Wall

Now our return journey started.  Four of us Bokil kaka, Shaunak, Vidish and myself. In night could not take any photos, so we decided to do photography and return ASAP.  We took many photographs while returning.  On return journey we never felt that this was the same lady who wanted to go back.  She was walking with a nice pace.  We decided to continue as we have to walk fully upto Lonavala.  On one side the fort is like a big wall.  And on other side we could see a big vally.  All this scenic view cannot be explained in words.

We had to climb the last patch now.  It was too hot and we were too tired and addition to that we had to walk on the road, so it was difficult.  We managed to reach top and rain shower welcomed us.  We reached Tungarli dam, by now we had finished all our water stock. We continued our journey and reached Lonavala station.  

RajMachi from Lonavala

Four : On return journey

We found that Lonavala-Pune local is already on platform.  Me and Vidish wanted to buy chikki so we went to other side.  We were looking for a nearest shop as we both don't wanted to walk any more.  Finally we found the shop.  It started raining heavily.  We decided to enjoy the rain.  By the time we reached the station we both were completely drenched.  It felt really nice.. we needed this because we were too tired.  We reached platform and easily caught the local.  And reached to Shivaji Nagar.  We wanted to have some tea but no one was in mood to walk so silently we went to pick up our bykes and returned home.

After having bath at home I don't remember anything.  Got up at night around 9:00PM (Nice sleep of 4 hrs) had dinner and again went back to sleep.  Overall it was really a wonderful experience.

Jarandeshwar & Pateshwar Trek

We had the July Walk-a-thon meeting on 10 July. Trek decided was the Jarandeshwar & Pateshwar Trek.  This time in meeting all peoples who accepted to join trek were those who have holidays on Saturday & Sunday. So it was decided to have the trek on Sat so one can take rest on Sun. So now planning and confirmation process started. Initially only 4 members there. But the decision was that whatever is the number of peoples we will surely go for the trek.  Suddenly Vaijanath Huddar mentioned that he is having many confirmations. The message for him was (looking at past exp) get Rs 300/- as confirmation. And we will not be refund in case of cancellation.

Till this time we were not sure how many of us will go.  We also thought of going on 20^th. Suddenly as per Huddar’s confirmation count reached to 35, an alarm raised.  I had confirmation from 5/6 ppl already, so now we had to finalize the bus and so the count. Finally we decided that we will not increase number, by then Vaijanath had confirmed to 37 ppl with many others following up with money, but had to deny all of them as but had limited seats and we don't wanted two buses.  I had reserved 2/3 seats for accommodating the people for last minute.  This can also be kept vacant for urgency.  So everything was finalized and Trek will be happening on Saturday!!!

Tuesday evening!!! I was told “Not to go for trek or take me along” aka my wife.  Just last Sunday only I went for trek, so it was very difficult to get the permission/convince her for next trek.  But on last Sunday only while returning from trek I told her that I might have to go on Saturday. After checking with everyone I asked her to join.  She was very happy, as this was the first time when she was joining me for trekking.  But on Thursday evening only she was down with cough & cold, so this time also I missed here company. 

T-Day!!!  Saturday!!! Bus driver has reached at 4:45AM, and was following up with me. I had to remove all my packed bag (protections from rain) and call Sunit to inform bus arrival. Bus started from Akurdi and reached Aundh at 5:45AM. By the time all seniors waiting at Aundh were angry for not starting on time. At Sancheti only one person boarded. I thought, now we will not have complete count. But someone said, people will be joining at Jade office. Now we reached at Jade office and there we had almost 35 ppl boarded and actual trek started. So many of them from Jade global I was not sure if they will like my intervention.  I was about to ask Vaijanath to start conversation and important money collection.

If I being earlier, would have opted to keep quite.  Now I have changed a lot, I cannot keep quite. So I decide to start main work.  Additionally, we are so called organizer so no option. So here I started collecting money.  We have given Bus driver full authority to choose route for Satara, I guess this was the mistake. But I don't wanted this one more additional responsibility.  Any way he has chosen a longest route possible, and bus only reached at Katraj lake, at 7:00AM. By this time, we have finished collection program. Now everyone wanted to have tea. You don't learn from your mistakes, I gave driver again this responsibility to stop at his preferred location. Once bus crossed all hotels, and headed to Khambataki ghat everyone started shouting on me. Now no option left with me/other so journey continued.

Antakshari! A common program which is played in group we also started playing that.  Oh! Forgot to mention we also had one round of introduction.  Kanade sir, when you introduce personalities like him you feel you have not done anything.  I always feel proud that I belong to a group where there are many such people comes. Sorry! Coming back to Antakshari we made two groups, one person only I remember from other group was KK.  Three ladies were leading singers from our group.  Enjoyment was on its full.

Finally! We stopped for Breakfast & Tea.  One dish for everyone is our rule.  So we decided to order Wada-Pav.  We were late and again one addition, person did not had sufficient Pav to serve us Wada-Pav.  Anyway Pav was delivered and we could finish everything in 45 minutes (we had planned for 30 min break).  Here we found that the youngest person is 22 yrs and Senior most person 67 years old. 

We reached at the base. Good I have checked on the Google map on how to reach. Seems there are more than two ways to reach Jarandeshwar.  Finally we reached Jarandeshwar base.  Missed to mention that, at hotel we had met the “Pune Mountaineers” group who was taking school picnic (2 buses) to develop the liking for trekking in kids. So at base we met the group again. 

When we got down it was drizzling best weather for trekking.  So we started climbing up. Before starting we ensured to give the instructions to everyone. And why it is important we found while returning, as one of us missed and came down without informing anyone in group.  Jarandeshwar view from mid was very good. The top was already covered in clouds. In 30 minutes only it seemed that we reached at top.  But in clouds you can’t understand the height.  We had to climb more.  The last person was now not visible, so we decided to move ahead and wait where trek finishes.  At last we finished and reached at temple in 45 minutes.  There was afternoon aarti going on, as if we plan and came for aarti only.  So by the time aarti finished everyone reached at top.  The first time trekkers required almost double time.  But the feel of achievement was seen on their faces. 

Suddenly, someone mentioned that near temple there is small hotel (cannot call tapari, but can be called home converted in tea coffee stall) where we can get tea.  Though it looked small but many of us adjusted ourselves and had a very nice tea.  This was required as it was still drizzling.  Rain was playing hide and seek.  We decided to climb down.  When counted the heads it was 42.  One person was missing.  Now search started.  I guess he missed us when we went for tea.  Anyway the group who took more time asked to climb down.  I guess person was climbing down and no network even for BSNL.  After everyone’s agreement we decided to climb down.  Now myself and Vaijnath opted for getting down fast and find the missing person.  We were too angry, but we had instructed if you miss wait for us at base where bus was parked.  From base only we asked Kanade sir to be at last and ensure everyone reaches down.  And he ensured both times that everyone reaches and does not stop in between.  When climbed down half received call that person has safely reached down and followed the instruction of reaching near bus.  Now we were relaxed and slowed down our speed.

One by one everyone reached down where the bus was there.  Now it was time for trek-lunch (name given by Vaijanath).  We had taken for everyone a packet of “Methi Thepale” and “Puran Poli + Gul Poli”.  After lunch we had to head for Pateshwar.  On the way we noticed that our water bottles are empty.  On road I did not “find any place where we can get water.  We were about to reach the main road I asked driver to stop.  I wanted to check if we can get water anywhere.  Luckily we stopped near water filtration plant.  We have filled all our bottles and now we were ready for climbing Pateshwar.  

We had to check if our bus will reach top.  So we enquired and people had different opinions.  We had to cross Degaon to reach Pateshwar, so we decided we will ask someone there.  People mentioned that it is possible for taking bus.  It seemed single lane road.  Any way we were on our way to Pateshwar from Degaon.  Now there was a inclined sharp turn and I guess driver was on phone.  He missed the motion and bus stopped.  Driver declared bus cannot go ahead and we should get down there.  Now one more problem was to turn the bus.  Now we had to search the place where we can turn the bus.  We had to take bus in reverse for almost 1 to 2 kms.  One place driver tried but tires were slipping because of wet grass.  Again reverse we found a place where there was a possibility of taking a turn.  Driver has not taken the turn correctly and instead of going on rock went to water.  Now we were little worried if bus will come out.  Driver something else in his mind.  He has taken a full turn in good speed and bus was on road.  Three of us (Vaijanath, KK & myself) were relieved as we were not sure of this.  But again we were lucky.  It was good decision of ours to take the turn during day light.  Otherwise it was not possible when it becomes dark.  We asked driver to relax and decided to climb up. 

So we started climbing Pateshwar.  I was sure that we will reach with the last team.  But no one was visible.  We have spent almost 45 minutes in this bus turning activity.  We had taken all sorts of short cuts and started climbing.  There were few village peoples who guided us.  Till now no one was visible from our group.  We had to reach and come back before it gets too dark.  Because when we started it was almost 5:00PM.  And we were not sure of distance.  We reached at the place up to where there was the road.  All small vehicles can come up to this place.  This was also not a very big place.  We had to head towards Pateshwar temple.  We just stopped once and continued our walking.  We tried to see the other side of Pateshwar and there was a very nice view.  Complete valley on one side and almost like valley on the side from where we were climbing.  Some PP were taken while resting for 2 min and we started again.  Valley side there was too much wind and other side no wind.  Then road goes towards forest like area.  Now it seemed dark when we entered that area.  We started walking in hurry.  Finally we reached near pond.  A beautiful place and pond had few of Lotus flowers.  We headed to temple, by this time our group has reached and all were busy taking photographs. 

I was told that there are caves at top.  We started searching but then we were told not to go there as it was becoming dark and it will be difficult for us to find road.  We opted to return back.  Few of us had plan to go to Sajjangad.  So we started returning back.  Kanade sir this time told me and Vaijanath to be at last. We started climbing down and reached before it became too dark.  Now the decision was to go for Sajjangad or not.  Many of us were interested to go to Sajjangad but looking at timings I was forced to decide to go back to Pune.  We required tea badly, but could not stop at 2/3 restaurants as it was too muddy.  After that for long time there was no hotel on the road.  All the hotels were coming on the other side of the road and we don’t wanted to go other side.  Finally we found one and had tea.  The last thing that was pending was to do final calculations.  Everyone was tired and resting by now.  There seemed a feel of satisfaction on everyone’s face.  Everyone started discussing about the next trek. 

I reached home and when the last lady who got down at last stop, informed me that she reached safely. Now, I can say that trek was completed.  I was knowing here this is not the end of the day for Kanade Sir.  As it was Saturday after Fool-Noon, Pune-Sinhgad moon light walk was pending.  I mentioned this to the some of them.  I know people nowJ.  Kanade sir went for the moon light walk and completed it. 

This is how we completed the J&P trek.  I made many new friends and now I can plan for trekking with them.  :)  Happy Trekking everyone!!!