Kudremukh

Time: 1997
Place: Kudremukh
Company: Giri, Guru, Madhu, Diwakar
Highlights: River bath at Dharmasthala. Started mountain climbing trek from Navooru. Constant rain stopped us. A farmer allowed us to stay at an out-house. Started early morning again. Exhausted within couple of hours due to the steepness. By 10 am, we were over the clouds. By 1 pm, we found a dilapidated shelter house with no doors, which was at the base of last stretch of Kudremukh. By 2 pm, it started raining again But we climbed on. Amidst leeches stuck to embarrassing places in the body, amidst eating bread and jam on dripping rain, with blood all over shoes, and socks soggy wet, we climbed on. But then, the chill started and two of us started shivering uncontrollably. Two came down to shelter-house, while three continued. They went to the peak, of course no visibility, and started back. Met a tiger on their way back. It acknowledged them and went its way. Almost lost way in pitch darkness. Next day, downhill trek to Belthangadi amidst beautiful sceneries. Bus to Hornadu. Back to Bangalore. An unforgettable trip.