This is how our year 2022 started
Why just parties, dance, dr*gs and hang0ver? There are other ways too. Today I am going to talk about UT member’s way to welcome a New Year 2022.
That call:
On 31st December night there was no plan for going outside as Section 144 was imposed in Maharashtra State. That day I logged in 2 PM shift, wished team members in advance. Working on my daily stuff, looking for trainings. I enrolled one of them and thought lets finish it this night.
Later at 6.00 in evening My friends Amol and Abhishek called me and asked if I am interested to do it again. Again? I asked them with a seriousness in my voice.
We were talking about climbing the Highest peak of Maharashtra State on 1646 meters from sea level, Mount Kalsubai.
4 years back did this night trek on 31st December 2017.
They said Yes, they want to do it but, only one of them can make it and I will be another one if I say Yes. I said why not? I was already late to board the bus leaving from here, I informed my Project team, discussed with them. Sent a message in Project group. I Packed my laptop in trekking bag, Yes… There is a separate bag always ready and packed with all my trekking stuff. Clothes, Med kit, Torch, Shoes, Relaxo, Power bank, charger, cap, hoodie, Hygiene stuff etc…
Decision to go:
I booked a Cab and reached at Another Boarding Location at Thane, My friend Abhishek was about to board at Kalyan. There was no place to sit, however we found a safe place to keep our bags and later other people adjusted us in their group.
The good start:
We reached at Kalsubai base village at 12.30 AM January 1st 2022. Wished everyone a new year, called the family members, loved ones, sent texts to colleagues. Had some refreshments, freshen up and started Climbing at 3.00 AM.
Although it was my second time, I started the way beginners do, it was my 10th trek of the Year 2021. And Since 2006 I have no counts of treks I have done till now. First hour was easy, then the rocky and slippery patches started, soil was wet at some places due to natural water streams, because of dew the grass was too slippery. As i said, I am always ready with the gears, my trekking shoes did great job , it maintained the grip on slippery stones.
There are around 5 ladders in your way, those iron ladders were also wet because of dew drops, the metal railing temperature was freezing the fingers and palms but we had to hold it tight because if someone slip from there, goes 10 feet down with minor scratches and fractures sometimes.
After crossing 3rd ladder, I realized the drinking water was over, we took a halt for 15 minutes, had lemonade and refilled my water bottles.
Around 5.45 AM, we reached on the last halt near the peak, summit was just 20 minutes away from there. We continued, reached on summit.. On the peak… there is it… The Great Kalsubai Temple. The temperature again dropped on that height and the freezing cold air was only challenge with which the first timers were struggling. But the excitement of welcoming new year sunrise was only goal became a reason to ignore all those challenges.
The new year sun rised with prosperity, health, wealth, success, love and full of happiness. We missed our friends who couldn’t join us.
Facilities near peak:
On Kalsubai peak, you get facilities like rented tents, tea, refreshments etc. Being a hardcore I avoid to use those facilities and carry my own stuff to keep the needs limited. It’s not picnic, it’s a trek. You are on mountain’s mercy… this is nature.
6.50 AM was the time mentioned for Sunrise but due to fog, we could not see sunrise. But wait, patience is the key… Waited for almost 15 minutes on the edge of rock, the sun slowly started appearing behind the clouds. Blue sky turned in to orange colour. The view was awesome it recalled 4 years old memory. All of us dropped our cameras and continued to watch the rising sun. Asked him to heal us, give us a strength, boost our optimism. And thanked almighty for all those excellent opportunities.
Finally, at 8.30 AM once Sun was up there above the clouds with full power, we took some group pics and started descending. Some of us were waiting to get inside the Kalsubai Temple. We took our breakfast and reached base village at 11.30 AM.
Here are some pictures of this memorable trek.
Also see: Our previous Kalsubai memories
Last halt near Summit: Helping Tea vendor while he was busy collecting cash.
First Sunlight: 6.50 AM (Nightspace, Auto)
Sunlight 7.00 AM (Auto)
Sunrise 7.10 AM (Auto)
Yes, it,s us: (Auto)
That pic: (Auto)
That pic: (Auto)
Kalsubai Temple: (Auto)
Microphotography:
Trek Leader:
Group Pic:
Thank you for being here with us, thank you for your support.
Thanks to LBYD for this trek:
LBYD Instagram:
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