Adventure creates new and inspiring memories
which reminds us that our journey is just the begining. Adventure is not that extreme or dangerous of an experience. On the contrary, it is an attitude that helps us face
the obstacles present in our daily routine. The challenges we have to deal with, the new and different options
that life offers, the thrill of the unknown always waiting for us; all represent an
adventure in itself that we just need to discover ourselves.
I got the wonderful opportunity to discover myself when I
joined as part of my Bronze level, I went to Rishikesh for the adventure trip. It was
an enriching experience that left an indelible imprint on my mind. Before
boarding the coach, we were given instructions regarding the safety measures
and a small first aid session was conducted. In the bus, we all danced and sang
till we reached our destination. A 15 minute walk down the hill took us to the
foothills of the Shivalik range where the camp Roof N Ride rested in the arms
of the nature.
The view of the valley and the small
perennial river flowing by the side of the camp was majestic. The camps were so
designed that each one of us could enjoy every moment of our stay, be it the camp fire, beach volley, or a quick
splash in the stream and then a nice sun tan.
We stayed in the swiss tents. The
morning tea along with the chilly winds were quiet enjoyable. The breakfast was
really appreciable as they cooked fresh vegetables grown on their farm. They
served delicious food in the buffet style.
We all were divided into two groups. I
was in the second group which was accompanied by Nivedita ma’am, Sonal mam and
kapoor sir. Pratibha ma’am and C.S.Yadav sir accompanied first group.
The first adventure of my group was
rock climbing and rappelling. We were 24 in the second group. We walked through
the village led by a guide. The life of the people there was quite simple and
serene. Watching the other camps, the green fields and the small stream flowing
along the way, we reached our rock climbing spot. There was an aashram named
Phoolchatti nearby. Brief introduction of the various equipments was given by
Arvind sir. One by one, we all experienced the thrill of hanging by a cliff of
40 feet height. The cheerup done by the whole team was mind blowing. I never
felt I was away from my home. In the mean time, we watched the scenic beauty
and collected some extraordinary looking seeds. We returned to the camp, had
lunch and within few minutes we were at the rafting spot. It was a 16 kms long
rafting journey starting from Shivpuri. Imagine freezing water trying to push
you off the boat like the bull do to a cowboy. We faced 4 rapids and at a point
we were asked to jump off the boats and do the body surfing. My heart skipped a
beat when I prepared myself for the cliff jumping. We returned by the evening,
shivering in our wet clothes.
THRILL OF ROCK CLIMBING AND RAFTING
The camp people
had prepared bonfire along with the hot tea and snacks. Everyone felt drowsy
and tired but still played antaakshiri and some music till late night. Finally,
we slept like dead in our tents till the valley bathed completely in the sun
rays.
I can not forget
the morning tea with the whole gang and then the yoga session. After that, we
all set to start for the trek to the waterfall. Along the roads of Mohanchatti,
we reached the waterfall.we jumped into the water, splashed it on everyone and
played with the falling drops joy in the form of shower. Our journey winded up
on a happy note with group photo sessions. During return journey, we stopped at
Dhuradhari Aashram and the Ganga ghats at Haridwaar. We offered prayers at the ghat
for the whole IAYP gang. Travelling for the whole night with a break at a hotel
for snacks and dinner, we reached AIT before the sun rise.
For me, this
trip was not less than any
educational trip. I understood the deeper and hidden meaning of an adventure
trip. It was not only about travelling, sight seeing and hanging by a rope but
it actually taught me to recognize my strengths ,weaknesses and accept myself
as a person. It requires intense concentration and focus, which is a great
mental workout. Moreover, the touch of nature and it’s beauty can heel any of
the wound. Those days without a cell phone, tv and PCs taught me to live with
myself. It was the best time for spiritual and emotional discovery.
Three Cheers for
IAYP............
Three cheers for
the entire team.........
“HIP HIP
HURRAYYYYYYYY.....................”
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