The Avalabetta trek holds a special place in my heart due to the wonderful people I met and the thrill of reaching the summit!

The trek was through the forest. At first, I kept pace with others, but after climbing about 50 steps, my heart started thumping hard, and I took my first break. Thereafter, I climbed a few steps and took breaks of about 2-3 minutes, had a sip of water, or popped a candy. Abhay kept an eye on me and encouraged me to keep moving. The shade of the forest trees kept me cool, and I happily moved at my own pace. I met a group of teenagers, Rahul, Nitin, and others, while sitting on the steps at a point, and we cheered each other.

Finally, I was out of the forest onto the open path, and Abhay was happy I made it there. This was another path for cars to reach the temple. From the car park to the temple was a flight of steps made of stone. It was a steep climb with high-rise steps. Abhay made me sit on a boulder and, with my consent, went ahead with the others. Soon, I saw a family with elderly folks proceeding towards the temple; encouraged, I tagged along.

As I trailed behind, I stumbled upon a serene spot with shade, offering a welcome respite. I also saw Radhika and her friends trudging toward the temple. I told her to inform Abhay that I would be sitting in the rooms. I lay down to rest my back. After five minutes, suddenly huge monkeys were running around. I got up startled. I called Rahul and the group for help as they were passing by. Together, we reached the temple of Lord Shiva and paused for a few minutes.

The boys offered to help if I was going ahead, I took their offer and started the trek to the top…!! Excited to reach the top, I held Nitin’s hand and started climbing the stairs. These steps were high in height, making it strenuous to climb. I climbed two flights and stopped. I found a spot of shade and plonked there, asking the boys to move ahead. Again, Radhika and the group crossed my path. They urged me to continue. I said I’d join soon, and they should move ahead. Barely had I taken a sip of water when Rewati and the group offered me help. I resisted. They persisted, showing a willingness to carry me to the top. Feeling awkward, I asked them to check the actual distance. Lokesh ran up and returned quickly to say: “Ma’am, you’ve to climb only these 10 steps, then it’s flat and your group is there.”

I was enthused. I got up, handed my bag to Rewati, and Ganesh took my stick. I grasped the railing on the side and took steady steps forward. Indeed, in another 10 steps, I was at the top, and it was flat. I took a deep breath, absorbing the scenery. Looking to the left, I saw big boulders and my group members. I caught Abhay’s eye and screamed!! Abhay also screamed…You made it, you made it!! 😊 Rewati captured our excitement in videos and photos. I was thrilled to be at the top!!

I started the downward journey ahead of the group as I’d take breaks. Till the temple, I had some company with other trekkers. After that, I could take the path through the forest or walk down the road for vehicles. A group of six boys passed by. I asked them for the downward path, and they said they would walk down the road. One of them asked me to join them, and I agreed. We happily chatted and started walking. But their speed was faster than mine. However, Aman slowed down and kept me company, enquiring if I wanted to drink water or eat a fruit. Aman and I had friendly chats. He shared that they had come for the trek on the spur of the moment during their exams.

At the end, my trek mates joined us. Seeing me safe with my group, Aman joined his friends. We all had buttermilk at the local vendor. Once again, I thanked Aman and his friends and went home. I’m eternally grateful to all the youngsters I met on that day for being kind, sensitive, encouraging, and considerate towards me. Three cheers to them!!! 😊