Cramped in the cauldron

I am just back from a weekend trip and could not help not writing about it. Weekend trip... hmm...generally these tend to be relaxing and soothing....but not this time. I am just back from a trek at the Grand Canyon! It was defnitely one of the most challenging treks I have ever done. On another note... I do feel lighter (what do you expect - every ounce of fat in my body has disappeared...haha!) in the head... some sense of achievement somewhere.

The trek was with a large group of 25 people and I knew only a handful of them prior to the trip. So, I was destined to meet new people and I did... and there were quite a few characters :) I did have a lot of fun walking down and up the canyon. Penning down my thoughts about the hike, although this post is not intended to be a travelogue nor an account of all the fun I had and the friends I made.

I picked up my cell and dialled home...Rrrriinnnng

Me: Hello Mom...called to inform u that I am going on a trek.
Mom: With family?
Me: Yes, but they are not trekking
Mom: Where to? Start the climb early so that you can come down early and take rest.
Me: Err...I am actually doing the other way round...I am going down and then coming up.
Mom: (kinda confused) what?
Me: I am climbing down a ditch and then climbing back up.
Mom: @@^$^$!! (Well... she said something in Kannada which meant - r u nuts? y cant u climb up and down a hill like everybody else)

Well, this was just the start of the differences...the canyon is defnitely different! and not only that...it is difficult!

One look at the canyon and I can bet - there wont be a soul on this planet who will not be mesmerized by its majesty and vastness. It's just miraculous. Regardless of the scientific explanations...I cannot comprehend the geography nor the topology of the canyon...it is just unbelievable. The width, depth, formations and the colors of the canyon are amazing. Seems like someone was very angry with mother Earth and gave her a few scars! Thats the only way this could have been formed! Never in my wildest imagination did I think that this ditch would leave me stunned. I am surely privileged to have experienced it!

A few hours flight and more than a few hours drive and I was right on the edge of the canyon; staring and staring....and staring. I probably could have done the same thing the whole day without being bored. Though I must say, it looks the same from almost all angles - yet it is amazing to witness it.

We started the trek at 7:40 AM from the South Kaibab trail head on the South rim of the canyon... we were attempting to have a date with the Colardo and then come back up to the rim within a day - a seemingly aggresive target; bordering on insane when we consider that it was a small group of 23 people! The climb down was very energetic...everyone was excited and the canyon (with all its vagaries) made it more exhilarating. It was fun to go down the canyon...the trail made its way right into the stomach of the canyon...and the canyon was very friendly and so was the climate and we raced down.

By the time we hit the Colarado, it was about 11:30 AM and the Sun was beaming in all its glory; and none could resist the lure of the green waters...A few of us ran in first...YIKES! ...only to run back out in 30 secs! The water was freeezing cold! It's unbeleivable how the water could be so cold when Mr.Sun was beating down on it in full intensity! After a few more short excursions into the water, we settled beside a stream and gobbled up our lunch. Lunch time was very relaxing... though it was my first time out with this group, it felt very comfortable and the socializing was fun.

We stocked ourselves with water and began the ascent at about 12:45 PM. I was very confident at this point and was moving briskly. Wanted to scale it in about 6 hours; that should qualify as, I thought conquering the canyon; actually - cauldron is a better word...for all practical purposes - the grand canyon is a natural cauldron and it did feel like one at noon.

It was about 3 PM when I reached "Indian Garden"; the half way point and I was still going strong. The large group had split up into 3 small pockets by now, but more importanly everyone was looking in the same direction. After about 15 mins rest - I set out on the final leg of the hike (about 4.5 miles). Its amazing how soon the weather turns around in this grand cauldron...it was about 3:30 PM when the clouds set in. It became gloomy almost instantaneously and the wind had picked up a lot of speed. There was dust/sand in the air and I could hardly open my eyes against it. The wind did not help the hike either as it was blowing in the wrong direction for my comfort. The weather forecast was for thunderstorms and I could see lightning and also hear the heavens roar! The friendly canyon was giving way to the nastier one. I was also very anxious about my wife and daughter who were all by themselves on the top...that was one more motivation to keep pushing.

As I chugged along in this mystical environment, out of nowhere, my legs stopped moving, felt like they were caught in a vice like grip...I could not move and just fell on the floor writhing in pain...both my legs felt like they were being twisted at weird angles and the pain was excuriating. I struggled for a minute or so till the pain subsided. A few more minutes of heavy breaths later it struck to me that I had just experienced cramps!!! I never had gone through them before but now I knew!! It had accounted for a big chunk of my confidence!

Lying on the floor of the cauldron with gigantic rocky walls on all sides and a mean looking black sky above - it suddenly dawned on me that I had taken the canyon lightly...I felt like a non-entity; a tiny speck lying helplessly in the belly of the cauldron. It was overwhelming and daunting. This particular moment is just etched in my memory. My grudge against the canyon had reduced...6 hours target was already out of the window. The revised target was just to make it up to the rim! I stood up and started my trudge up with nimble steps..after about 10 mins, I was again on the floor rolling about in pain and this time, the cramp had gripped both legs at multiple places and it was paralyzing. I was rolling about in pain when friends arrived. They gave me some salt and electrolyte which I quickly abosorbed. In about 10 mins, I felt like I could stand on my feet again. I was itching to resume the journey and I did. It was a painful ascent. Each step was an effort and was accompained with a lot of pain. But I was not going to give up. I trudged on - literally dragging myself ... I am gonna make it, I thought....I am gonna see my family before 8 PM...I had to push and I knew I would do that.

One incident I must mention - as we were laboring along..pulling each other and scaling the canyon inch by inch...I heard some commotion behind and it sounded like a herd of mules charging at us... I stopped (stopping myself was similar to stopping a 10 wheel truck...had to apply brakes and then come to a halt gradually and it took about 5 seconds) and turned around and to my surprise it was not a herd of mules but 2 well built gentlemen on a jogging spree. It was incredible. Here we are, trudging on one of the most challenging terrains on the planet and out come these 2 jokers, who seemed to think of the canyon as the next door jogging track! Jokers - they were indeed - a joke on humanity! How can there be so many irregularities in mankind!! My brain was too occupied to think more about this and went back to concentrating on my body...ok, move on!! Whip!! Whip!!

It was about 7:15 PM when I dragged my legs over the final step...I had done it...The releif, satisfaction and happiness had no bounds! I had made it in 11.5 hours...All of a sudden the cramp was missing though the knee hurt badly. The war was over (it was a war between my mind and body) - ceasefire atlast!! I limped to a corner and just crashed. What an experience - I thought. I was glad I made it back up albeit a bit jaded!

No doubt - my toughest hike in terms of endurance and will power. I have definitely done steeper hikes than this...but 16 miles in a day - down and up the cauldron in extreme weather...enduring excuriating pain...that will take some beating!

It was about 10 PM when the last of the group made it back up....everyone was understandly sore and squeezed of the last drop of energy. Kudos to all of them; to make it back up on the same day - a remarkable achievement for all 23 members and it was pleasantly surprising that all of them made it up; to hike another day in another place!

An amazing 12 hours of my life...a very mystical place but my memories of the canyon will always have that pain associated with them!

GoldenGate_MuirWoods

Golden Gate Bridge and Muir Woods
Saturday - 5/23

Rrrrriiiiiinnnnnngggg!!!....##$&!!!...Click!!

Well, the alarm did go off promptly (as it always does) and I promptly silenced it (as I always do ;-) ). 6:30 AM is an unearthly hour for me...am sure it's the same for many, but I dare say that; it's not for my beloved wife!!

It was almost a month since my wife and kid had landed in the U.S and we had never had the chance to go out and explore the country. Work - both at home and office and our little angel had kept us busy througout. A long weekend (Memorial day!!) was just the thing I was waiting for! I had planned to take them out and being close to SFO - the obvious destination (for a first outing) was Golden Gate bridge! I had been to the place three years ago and was taken in by the structure!
Muir woods - a few miles away was also an ideal place to walk around with Lenya. So, the plan was set for half a day's outing! Golden gate Bridge and Muir Woods!

"We will leave by 9:00 AM so that we can be back by 4 PM. We will have lunch at any good place on our way back" I said excitedly only to notice the grin on my wife's face - which meant "You and 9:00 AM, lets see..huh!!" She was sure we cant leave before 10:30 AM considering my good habit of "late to bed, late to rise".

It was a chilly morning and sure enough, I hugged the pillow till 7:00 AM. And then it was all catching up to do. Brush the teeth, bath, Get the baby ready, pick up the supplies, baby's accessories, breakfast...the list was endless! All these and a few arguments later we were ready to embark!

10:45 AM: "Please fasten your seat belt" - the GPS started off with its customary greeting and we were on our way. I had heard a lot of negatives about driving within SFO on those up and down lanes and was kind of feeling uneasy, but the nerves settled within a few minutes time and we were breezing on the freeway (101 North). The traffic was real slow going in to SFO. So, we had a lot of time to look around as we snailed along on 19th avenue. The street was lined with matchbox sized structures sticking to each other and holding on (somehow!!) flaunting all kinds of colors! All buildings looked old and antique. The digicam was going click click in wife's hands :)!!

A few turns and twists later, we were facing the legendary Golden Gate Bridge! It's an amazing structure. It's just daunting to see such a gigantic structure stand tall over the ocean! It was a cloudy day and that made the scene even more beautiful. We rode over the bridge and then I turned over and parked. I wanted to capture the Golden gate in all its pride going through the clouds! The baby was asleep and so we left her in the car (yes we did!!!!) and we got off with the camera. It was chiiiilllllly!!! Wife struggled to confront it, she packed herself in her sweats but was still shivering! We took a few collld photos and went back to the comfort of the car.

Howzzit feel??? - I asked and she said..."its just a bridge"!!!!!

Just a bridge? $##!!!!!!... well, yes it's just a bridge...but it runs more than a mile long with 6 lanes! It is over 700 ft tall and took 4 years to build. But that's how she felt. I still am puzzled by her reaction. She is one tough girl to impress!! - you can take my word for it...phew!!
It was noon and the growling in the stomach was increasing by the minute. My lady was very hungry as she had skipped breakfast. We had passed Golden gate bridge and were on our way to Muir Woods...Just when I was getting restless about not finding an eatout..voila!!...there it was....SUBWAY! I love the subs and she doesn't mind it...so, without any doubts, I drove in. We took the baby (who was still sleeping) in her car seat and settled in a cozy corner inside the subway. As in most places, the vegie choices are minimal...we ordered 2 half subs, chips and started devouring them. The place was empty when we went in but started filling up and was almost full within a few minutes. What timing!! Could not help notice the number of Indians around. Talk about moving to a new country and a new culture!! I am sure they would be thinking the same seeing us. I think the Americans would be feeling alienated and cornered in their own land!! Jai ho!!! Just when we were finishing off our subs...our angel woke up...and you bet - she did make her presence felt! She was hungry tooo and she let us know that in no uncertain sounds - waaaaaaahhhhhhhhh ...flat out!!!

I grabbed the car seat and both of us rushed out of the subway outlet and into the car. Mommy refuelled her as I munched on the chips! Our short little lunch break was over and off we went in search of Muir woods. The GPS had been of real help...its a must have when you dont know your geography!! But it does make you go nuts sometimes....specially when there are roads close to each other and neither you nor the GPS can decide which one! Fortunately the road signs were pretty clear and we had adequate fuel tanked up and so getting lost and finding the way back was more fun than concern.

Muir Woods - One of the few surviving Redwood forests...I knew it was a nice and clean place with huge trees. It seems like a good place to trek/hike and camp (I hope I get a chance to do that - someday!). It was a pleasant drive till Muir Woods, but it was not so pleasant finding a parking! Saturday afternoon - I should have expected that...all the designated parking areas were full and after 15 minutes of hunting for a parking space, I found a vacant spot off the curb and I slipped my car in. It was about a mile down from the entrance to Muir Woods!!! Our next major task was to wrap the baby. The weather had gotten a little better but it was still a little too cold for the little one. She had pooped on the way and so, we had to clean her. She was half sleepy from the journey and was cranky. All in all, it took about 15 minutes to deck her up. We put her in the stroller, all packed. She looked like an eskimo (a cute one, though!) in her white woollen coat! We burdened the stroller with some junk food for us and were soon on the road to Muir Woods. I had grabbed the Digital Cam, so madam had no choice, but to carry the bulky Camcorder ;)

A 15 minute walk and we were at the entrance of Muir Woods. The place was crowded with all kinds of people. It kind of felt over populated. But still, the vastness of the woods is such that it could accomodate many more. The entrance was spacious. There were also two stalls set up...a souvenior shop and a makeshift snack centre. Though the idea of munching on a snack or sipping a coffee was inviting, We decided to give the snack a skip and went ahead. Two tickets of 5$ each and we were handed a receipt and a leaflet which explained the different trails available. There were three hiking routes available of half an hour, one hour and one and half hour. The shortest route was an obvoius choice for us as we had the baby and that was the only route which had level floor to push the stroller. It was a groovy place...greenary allround. Huge trees, formed a canopy and the place was just about perfect for a quite stroll with the family. The weather had gotten better as well. 3 minutes in to the stroll and Lenya started acting cranky. She got restless and did not want to be in the stroller. I think she also figured out that she was not at home and was excited to look around. She wanted to be carried and was probably hungry as well. We decided to carry her in turns and went ahead. We did click a lot of pictures and it was always mommy and daughter or daddy and daughter. It was a nice and relaxing stroll amidst the greenary inspite of the crowd. Could not help compare it with the various places back home in India. One place that came to my mind was "Kodachaadri". Though our stroll was nowhere near as exciting or tough as a trek to Kodachhadri, the feel of the woods was similar. How I miss those treks!!!!

We went about the winding path stopping at places where there was some information dispalyed. We both like reading such information placards. It's nice to get to know about the place you are visting. As we strolled along (taking pictures regualarly!), we found one spot where a lot of people had queued up to take photographs. It was an enclosure between two closely spaced trees. It was indeed a nice place to pose for the camera. Since we had not yet taken a pic of all the three of us, I decided that this would be the right place. We just hung around waiting for the others to finish. When our turn came, I releived myself all the stuff I was carrying and all the three of us posed for the camera. We thanked the person who took our photograph and carried on on our stroll all happy! We went ahead talking about the surroundings and how clean they had maintained it and enjoying the greenary around. After about 10 minutes (or it felt!), the unthinkable happenned!

"Where's the Camcorder? - she asked..!!!! oh!..s***!!!!! a moments silence and I just took off!...I had put down the camcorder along with other baggage before posing for the family photograph and had forgotten to pick it up!!...I was out of breath but was furiously retracing our path....it seemed to be eternaly long...I was feeling awful, felt like the sky was falling over my head (quote - courtesy Asterix*). After about 5 mins which seemed like 5 light years, I reached the spot where we had taken the photo and to my horror, the camcorder was not there. All my hopes were searching for other hopes! Utterly dejected, I started my jog back...at that point, I did wish that the sky fall on my head! My mind was furiously looking for ways to get it back. My eyes were scanning every passing person with suspicion. I had no idea how my wife would take it. I was sure she would be devastated and livid! The only sane option I could think at that point was to check the visitor's desk hoping some good samaritan would have found my Sony Sony DCR-SR220 and left it at the visitor centre. I trudged back to my wife. She could not beleive what had happenned. I had lost every interest in the surroundings and the stroll. I asked her to meet me at the Vistor Desk and I raced ahead.

There it was - pretty but sitting lonely on top of a table in the visitor's desk!!!!!.....It was a huge releif!!!!! Someone indeed had found it and deposited the camcorder at the the vistor's desk...a good samaritan indeed!!!! We collected the camcorder, then sat down for a while - enjoying our happiness (releif, I should say) with a cup of coffee. The coffee was horrible, but was still refreshing for our situation. My quota of running for the day was not yet finished. Since we had parked a mile down the road, I asked wife to stay put and ran down to the car. It was about 4:00 PM by the time we left Muir Woods, but the fun wasn't over yet! We decided to visit a nearby beach - Muir Beach. But, we could just not find it!!...the GPS was of no use and the sign boards seemed to take us in circles!..After a few concentric excurions, we decided to give up and head home.

The journey back home was uneventful barring a few problems with the GPS. We reached home hungry and promptly emptied the refrigerator :)