After discussion for a few minutes, we decided to try the other route, which is supposed to be narrow but short by 3 kms. We trekked again on the track for another 1/2 kms and took a narrow path that goes into the jungle. The time was 5:45 and we didnt note that!
After just a few meters, the got the real taste of the jungle.
Immediately after this, there were some split decisions among the gang. Some wanted to continue and some wanted to return. But we still moved ahead.
The path vanished at some places and many places it looked like a path of the rain water and its been never used.
Now the Blood suckers started in full flow. Once we checked the shoes, and there were 5 to 9 leaches all over. I took one from my hair.
as you can see the group is moving forward, and we were running out of time. I too cant afford to be lagging behind. So no time can be spent in pics. The tank bag on one shoulder, the cam bag on the other shoulder, it was diffficult to climb on roots and rocks, as the bags swings. I grabbed them on both my hands and ran to join the group. Slowly one by one was feeling like turning back.
At times we would here sounds of vehicles, but later we came to knwo that they were bees buzzing around.
Around 7 it became completely dark, but we could no see the top of the hill which is say another 1/2 half up. The path became steep and dark. Then we saw 2 big, really BIG beehives, hanging right om the trek route. We cant afford taking the risk of passing arounf them, because is we distrub a single branch in that tree, then we would be dead. Already the blood sucker are in full swing sucking beneath the socks and shoes.
The unanimous decision was made to return. Now we need to use the torches. Climbing down was no easy, the rocks with algae where very slippery and few fell down too. Luckily no major cramps.
by 8 we reached the tracks. As I took a forst few steps on the rail. I would feel leaches bursting below my shoes. Stopped for a second and plucked a few. but many were left. Through the next 1/2 kms we made sure that we didnt take the eyes off the track, a slip on the rail now will hirt us more.
by 8:30 we reached the platform, every one removed the socks and threw is away. Stripped the T-shorts and Pants and started plucking the leaches. The Railway workers helped with some salt to kill the leaches. This is to make sure that the leaches dont cling to them later.
Looking at our condition they offered us some rice and tomato gravy. we mixed to together and ate it. We forced Rs500 to the 12 year old kid who made us the food. We were told that around 11:30 a engine will pass by and the workers have requested the station master to make it stop by so the workers can move. They said they can take us too. We were more than happy slept there in the platform.
Around 11 they woke us up and asked us to come with them. Now we noticed the 2 of our guys ve developed blistes on their legs. We helped walk to the spot. Then arounf 11:45 the train came but it failed to stop. With much disaapointment and very less energy, we walked back. The next train is at 4:30, the mangalore express that will stop at Kukke.
Around 4 the station master woke us up. we moved to the other side. This time the train stopped and got into the small connecting space between the engine and the other compartments. There were 20 ppl in that small place.
The Train reached Kukke at 5:30 am. We took the jeep to the bus station. Had food at the hotel. The next bus to Sakleshpur was at 7 and the time was just 6. After a few discussion we decided to take a jeep back. This is save us 1 hr and Also the jeep will be much faster than the bus. we reached the Saklespura hotel by 9. Checked for more leaches.
we then Gulped a quarter of wisky and had a sound sleep.
We woke up by 3:30, refreshed up and drove back to bangalore
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