11.00 pm in watch, all set and ready to leave for destination. It was one-night trek arranged by team Explorers Pune for 1500rs. As per schedule, we left Pune at 11.30 pm. Bus journey was quiescent I took hold on window seat. Rested calmly listening to I took a pill in Ibiza. Two hours later, we made quick stop in Satara. Then got down in village named "Bamnoli".
What do you expect to do in an unknown village at 3.30 am. Sleep? In a temple full of strangers backed by loud snores sleep was highly out of scope. Tossing and turning around I however dozed off with thought to retain bumper amount of energy under heavy mattress. Three hours under twinkling sky, gentle flow of wind, mosquito free environment what more a backpacker wants!
With precise sleep I rushed every corner to find washrooms. To my dismay there were none. Zero sign of it. After freshening up in open we briskly moved towards breakfast. Tea and Poha. Heading further examination we followed our way towards Vasota. In one hour boat ride nature did not fail to amaze it's beauty.
At 10 am we began mounting. It all looked very easy. Who knew further we went narrower it became. Short steps less distant. An unexpected reality hit me. Bright radiating sun rays. Sunday morning was shining at it's very best. Sharp edged steps, rugged road, unstoppable perspiration, slippy rocks, confined space and heat all pointed out towards difficulty. Any liquid or sips of Glucon-D didn't help. With three hours of unbeatable persistence I climbed up and reached top. The sight was mesmerizing. In the middle of triumph, I could feel an irritating sensation. Just to check if everything was fine I found leech on ankle. It too joined in celebration. Considering it's medical importance I tried not to react much but ounces of blood did not stop. Whole scene petrified me. Later it was detached successfully...
After sauntering top we had mouthwatering lunch by Explorers. We descended at rapid speed. Reached base in an hour. It was slowly getting dark. By now whole body was aching. Blurry eyesight. Clothes drenched with sweat. At 5 pm we headed back to Bamnoli via boat and encountered delightful sunset. 7 pm we departed village and ended trek with good memories.
