A very campy affair

As the train slowly trudge on, the vast expanses of the city made way for the greens of the hills, that were dotted with waterfalls and covered by clouds and mist. Wherever you saw the eyes were greeted with the soothing greens of the paddy fields and streams of water and the grey skies. The hills in all its greenery and splendour.

As the train pulled into the station it was time for the next part of the journey. Packed into a six-seater that was filled over its capacity, the vehicle made it way up serpentine roads that twisted and turned against waterfalls and green foliage, sight that at once seemed familiar of a life once lived a long time ago but still seem fresh in the memories. The misty mountains (if I can call them that), mesmerised and at once held you in awe. The air crisp and fresh as light drizzle fell. This the beauty of the old highway, which you once took before the advent of the expressway.

Then it was time for the final leg of the journey, in a rickety rick, through pothole strewn roads, if you could even call them that. Every dip into a pothole causing the rick and it occupant shaken, if not stirred, a toll that the back and butt were made to pay. But then the sight of the vastness of the water body left you in awe, its beauty and power, leaving you wondering how something so vast could be so powerful, could be so beautiful, could be so enticing. The water reflecting the greyness of the skies, along vast green mountains and foliage, leaving you astounded at what stood in front of you.

The roads went up and down and twisted and turned, and all you could think is what an awesome route it would make to train on with all its slopes and rolling terrain. The topography beautiful, the weather perfect, the perfect running weather. Every route marker left you calculating the time you would take to cover the distance of you just run it, which on the face of it seemed quite simple. 

After a long arduous journey, felt by the back, butt and knees, the campsite came in view. All through the journey the mind kept screaming, are we there yet, not  truly at the destination. The campsite beautiful, with coloured tents against the backdrop of the lake on one side and the mountains on the other side. You felt like home, cause somewhere beyond those mountains lay a place that you will always hold dear to you. 

The surprise to the birthday boy was pleasant, as he was not told about your presence as you dilly dallied on whether you would even make it. So once the surprise revealed and bags stored away, it was time for the celebration to begin. There was wine (the only alcohol you drank), beers and breezers, and music and dances and dance performances, and satiating the hunger with some nicely cooked barbecued chicken and paneer.

After a quick dinner, and some late night chatting, it was time to retreat to the tents. The air outside cool and breezy against the skin, sent shivers, causing you tremble. The tent small and quaint, meant for two, seemed a bit claustrophobic with the presence of both its occupants. It trembled and shook, with the gushing of the breeze, with the sound of the rain as it fell all around you. Sleep seemed to have been disturbed from all this din. But then it was an experience to be had, an experience like none other that you had ever experienced.

The next morning brought an exploration to the shore, the place that lay hidden in the dark, hidden from plain view. The sight that lay before the eye begged to be captured for all prosperity. So there were preening and posing and selfie taking. Trying to make most of nature’s bountiful, a beautiful natural backdrop for some amazing pics.

But then, every good thing has to come to an end, and so did this experience. So after the accounts were settled and the outstanding amounts paid, it was time to make the journey back, through the sites that were viewed before. But not before  some more photo-take-outing and a choreographed dance. So finally, when all was said and done, it was back home with a heart and mind filled with memories.

P.S. Thank you Kamal and Raj for inviting and being part of this adventure, this experience, and Parag for making me tag along.

Do give this place, Paradise Cove, a look, if you wish to go out camping. Beautiful, homely, with wonderful hospitality and delicious, homely food and people.