We got many compliments on our, hand made walking poles. When we conveyed these messages to the maker , that is our old tiger, he just smiled with a look which said “No one can beat me in that”
From one week I was buttering my 9 years old nephew to accompany me on Kudremukh trek.
What’s trekking? was his first question. After buttering, enticing him with colorful pictures of mountain I some how convinced him to get permission from his parents. “You are too small”, “it’s raining”.. but nothing could hold him back. I wanted a partner and there he was making plans, dreaming and waiting for permission
Till last minute we thought we can’t make it but thanks to all my last minute planning, my nephew’s bubbling enthusiasm, we were able to pack our bags.
“Aba have given binoculars, they are pretty heavy, where I should keep it”
“On your head!!!. We are not taking all that. It’s not car drive, where you get on tourist place and click pictures , we have to carry our bags and walk, pack light”. I told him hoping I dont have to carry him on my back.
Deep down I knew it, he can slay it but was worried he will start with wining ,end up in crying and that will be my first local trek without summit.
We didn’t take jeep ride from the base camp, rather we walked, it was 20mins walk. He was all game for it.
Quick bag check at the base camp for plastic and we were all set.
“Are you tired?”, “Should I carry your bag?”…I was checking with this little guy every now and then. If I didn’t get any reply it meant, he is tired and his bag needs to be carried. He was hesitant but would end up saying, “yes, really appreciate it”. Then after few minutes he would say ” give me SNL, I will carry my bag” like a gentleman and sometimes I would end up saying “carry your bag, take it…..” followed by a long pause “you are ok right”. He would carry the bad and say “Yes, yes” He is real sweetheart at times, not always :).10KM one way, so it was 20KM trek
“So you mother-son duo are in your own?” I had to smile and correct them which would make my nephew giggle. Many patted his back seeing this passion and energy, I could see 2 little horns on nephews head which were results of his proud moment. There were few more kids, 2 girls and a boy of his age on the trail, the girls could make it but the later one couldnt.
We kept on walking, stopping on need basis to sip water or to eat some chocolates which were without their wrapper.
There were so many times I had to guide him on mountain rules. He would listen occasionally but most of the time would run like orangutan ,my one loud bark and he was back to being a sweet little boy, following the trail like a hard core trekker.
Leeches and my three falls on the slippery trail he enjoyed the most. There were so many leeches and we were planning to get one for his sister just to scare her away.
“You sure, leech bit your butt?” he asked giggling. “I am not sure, but there is something moving…” is all I could say.
By the time we reached home, he was scared with leech bite, stories of wild boar, mountain goat and leeches he saw on the trail. He might or may not be a professional trekker, I hope he will remember his first trek with his crazy aunt when he grows up.
SnL World !!! 