After a combination of air, train(Delhi to Haldwani) and road (Kathgodam to Gwaldam) travel we finally reached Gwaldam, the base camp for the trek. The initial three days (including the one when we arrived) were for acclimatization wherein we did a small trek one day and rock climbing the other. It was fun. Our itinerary looked like the following thereafter.
Hailstrom, Day 1, Bedini Bugyal
Day 1- Minoo taking a beating
Day 3"Dude, can you please switch off that alarm?, it's from your phone right?" These were the words, that woke me up for the first time. Next time I woke up, the sleeping bags beneath me were empty again, except my best friend's. The way he slept calmly, without any worries made me proud. I rushed out, grabbing my tooth paste and brush after giving a kick on his butt shouting 'wake up asshole' in the loudest of my voice. The moment I reached there, I had to join the line and I decided to keep my brush and paste in my pocket. Fast forward - Jogging, stretching , Yoga. Yes! Yoga, where the leader proudly announced, 'let's meditate!' It was beautiful. It was a serene morning. The chilling breeze, the chirping birds and then there is me, who hasn't brushed! The meditation was really good and I felt 'fresh' after that. On the way back, it rained cats and dogs.
DAY 2Woke up to the sound of the YHAI volunteer , shouting for everyone to wake up. It took the empty sleeping bags beneath, for me to realize that I was a little late. Ran to the washroom and freshened up, only to find everyone already assembled in the front. They were standing in rows of three. To my right, near the cliff, the staff was distributing tea. Now I have two options. Either rush and join the group or enjoy the tea. I made the ideal decision and found myself in the assembly with a cup of tea in one hand. The camp understood!