The River crossing🌊🥶- Of Me✨️ & Mountains⛰️

Blog 12

The Pindari glacier trek (PART G)

Have you ever experienced crossing an ice-cold river? I did, and it was a truly remarkable adventure. While I've crossed many rivers before, this particular crossing near Phurkia was exceptionally challenging and beautiful.

After a day of camping at a site just ahead of Phurkia, we decided to embark on a 4km trek to reach the basecamp at 12,500 feet, situated at a higher altitude. Before attempting the crossing, They had carefully assessed the river's flow, volume, and temperature. It was decided to cross early in the morning when the water flow was expected to be lower.

Excited and a bit nervous, I had been planning my crossing since the previous night. I devised what I thought was a brilliant strategy to keep my legs dry and warm in the icy water. Despite some doubts from others, I remained confident in my approach. The porters had secured a rope across the river, and our task was simply to navigate across without falling in.

One by one, with about two feet of space between us, we began our crossing. Each of us wore expressions of determination and awe as we moved through the water. It quickly became the most memorable experience of our entire trek.

Now, let me share my strategy: I wore waterproof pants and wrapped my legs with elastic I use for martial arts to keep the water out. Over this, I wore waterproof trekking shoes. However, the reality of the crossing was quite different—I was instructed to go barefoot. Despite this setback, my idea somewhat worked; although my feet got cold, it saved me. One disadvantage though, the tied pants restricted blood circulation, prompting me to remove them quickly once across. Afterward, I warmed my legs by the fire. 

During the crossing, I slipped and ended up sitting in the middle of the river—an unforgettable moment. Fortunately, my waterproof pants prevented me from becoming half-frozen. The slip occurred when my trek mates ahead of me tilted the rope slightly, causing me to lose balance.

After conquering the mighty river, we gathered around a fire.The water had been bitterly cold, leaving my legs slightly numb, but it was an exhilarating and fun experience despite the challenges.When a senior asked if I had become frozen while sitting in the middle of the river, I was relieved to say that my waterproof pants had saved me.

#intuitively flowing towards rivers nearby mountains !🌊⛰️✨️

Dakshitha

"Flowing Stories: Tales of the Savarna River" 🌊✨️

Blog 11

On a fine day, with the trekking shoes on, We headed towards the Misraspati village, the trail was well laid , dusty mountain roads, where I was fortunate to see some mountain bikers. There was a adventure vibe. The trek is of 10km (approx.), not a  tough one (only when it is not sunny!)

On the way, we saw a herd of goats, Countless tall trees, a peaceful ambience.

Finally, when we reached the entrance of the village, the sun was shining bright. A green village, with a prominant Nagdevta temple, and a mesmerising view of the surrounding mountains.

Without wasting any time, we started trekking downhill towards the River bed.

The main purpose of our visit was to know about the current condition of the Savarna river, and how it's resources were over-exploited by humans. 

The Savarna, once a vibrant tributary of the Swarna River, flowed gracefully through the verdant countryside, nourishing the land and its people for generations. Its waters were not merely a source of sustenance but a sanctuary for those seeking solace amidst the chaos of daily life. Students, drawn to its tranquil banks, found refuge in the gentle melody of its currents—a symphony of nature's own composition.

The relentless extraction of water through pipelines directed towards the city and the surrounding villages has left the river gasping for life, its once-thriving ecosystem teetering on the brink of collapse. Definitely, some action has to be taken to restore the river. 

But the journey towards restoration is not without its challenges. It demands collective effort and unwavering commitment from all stakeholders—from government bodies to grassroots organizations, from city dwellers to rural communities. For the Savarna River is more than just a body of water—it is a lifeline, a testament to the interconnectedness of all living beings.

Enchanted by the flowing water, I felt the time flew by, I wish so does the river flow by, for the decades to come.

#exploring_planet_bidholi🌏✨️

-Dakshitha