EXPLORE THE SAHYADRI's & TREK WITH CAPE COBRA's

IMPORTANT POINTS FOR TREKKING

2010-03-07T11:31:00.000-08:00

IMPORTANT TIPS FOR TREKKING:

We (cape cobras) are trekking since September 2009. As Rookie trekkers we will be covering various aspect of trekking that we know so far bcoz in a short span of 4months (this is been written) we have been to multiple forts and we have faced many challenges from the nature and we have tried our best to overcome it. And these tips are definitely gonna help you.

NEVER MESS OR NEVER TRY TO GO AGAINST MOTHER NATURE.

1. Plan and gather the information about where you are going with help of maps, google, blogs, wikipedia or friends who have already visited. Make maximum use of google maps & wikimapia which gives you enough info on the roads and towns closest to your trek location.
2. Always travel in numbers which will reduce chances of any major accident. It will improve chances of rescue.
3. If you are traveling alone prepare yourself well with maps, water, energy bars, medic and a lot more things.
4. Start trek early in the morning which will reduce water requirements and weight to carry.
5. Take only those things that you need.
6. One of my friends taught me how to pack sack. Fold your cloths as you fold your sleeping bag and then put them into your sack. When your sack is filled put it on floor and check whether it fells, if it fells down then fill it again.
7. Less the weight you carry more you are comfortable and more you will enjoy the trek.
8. If possible always take locals with you for help in direction, carrying extra luggage, preparing food & lot more.
9. Locals do have exact knowledge of the area, geographic diversities and water sources.
10. Don't try being over smart and over daring on the edges of the forts.
11. These forts are centuries old, we can not predict its strength at edges (we have experienced it)
12. Always wear full trousers and full shirt. It will reduce chances of snake bite, bees attack and other jungle threats. It will also reduce sunburn.
13. Always carry first aid kit.
14. Choose your shoes wisely. Good grip and light weight is good combination.
15. In Sahyadri most time BSNL & Vodafone gives good coverage. I know one accident at Raajmaachi where only Vodafone worked and were able to contact police.
16. If you are going out in forest area in Monsoon or just after it then beware of leeches.
17. If you are trekking in forest reserves then before sleeping do make fire which will last for whole night besides you. It will keep most of the creatures away.
18. While swimming in the water tanks on the fort be very careful. Make sure that everybody knows that you are swimming. Try not to swim deep in the tank. Just swim on the shore.
19. There is lots of information available online on how to fix the rope, how to give belay, how to make body harness from rope, how to tie different knots and much more. Do go through all or most of it.
20. Don't walk alone. Accidents do happen even to experienced and strong people. Be sure that if one happens to you, that someone is with you to immediately get help. If you are leaving your companions, even briefly make sure they no where you are going and someone waits for you to return...this includes going off in the forest for a call of nature.
21. If you are part of a trekking group, make sure that the Guide or Group Leader knows your plan and ask that a Porter accompanies you. Listen to advice. Ask about the trail ahead. Don't go, if the Guide or Group Leader tells you it is not safe to do so.
22. Always have at least a light jacket and some small snacks in your pack. The jacket is helpful when you stop for a rest as you will cool down quickly. An "emergency blanket", the lightweight, foil reflective type would have been very useful in making a shelter to reflect heat from the fire or simply wrap around her body.
23. If you are part of a group and feel that you must have some personal space and private time on the trail...make sure that you do not go ahead of the leader.... and know who is at the back of the group (support staff member) and make sure you do not get behind that person. If your Guide or Group Leader does not suggest this type of an arrangement....ask them. Everyone in the group should be aware of the guidelines (safety rules) recommended for the group's management. Don't perceive these guidelines to be limiting your personal freedom....they are for your safety and the safety of other group members.
24. Remember when one person fails to be guided by safety standards; they put others at risk that are part of the search and rescue team.
25. Always carry pocket knife, matchbox, water-purification tablets, torch and a compass for all your treks. You may never know when you will need it.
26. Always take near by police station and ambulance numbers.
27. When trekking, always watch where you are placing your feet. This will minimize the chance of stepping on a loose rock and spraining an ankle or stepping on a snake that's too lazy to get out of your way - It happens!
28. Many people are unaware that snakes are actually deaf. They can tell that something is coming their way by the amount of vibration that they feel through the ground. If you are in an area where you think that snakes might be active, do them the courtesy of letting them know you're coming by walking a little heavier. Just as a safety precaution a snakebite bandage should be carried in a pocket for quick access. You know what they say about Murphy's Law - The day you haven't got it is the day that you'll need it.
29. Think of your body as a kind of a vehicle. You will need to tune it, modify it, and fit it out with aftermarket accessories to suit off road conditions.
30. Choose a walking pace that you feel you could comfortably keep to for an hour. Try to keep to the same pace and try not to vary your speed unless absolutely necessary. Remember it's not a race.
31. Try to synchronize your breathing. Breathe in for two steps, breath out for two steps and so on. If this method works for you it will take you a lot further and use less energy. Your body will function a lot more efficiently.
32. Aim for regular rest breaks. A good rule of thumb is one ten minute break at the end of every one hour of trekking. If you are in a rhythm and are reasonably fit this should be ample.
33. Never underestimate the power of nature. There is a fine line between a friendly stream and a deadly torrent. This subject could be covered in great depth and eventually we'll provide a more comprehensive version, but for the time being here are a few points to keep in mind: Decide where you are going to cross based on your view from a vantage point or by consulting your topographic map.

The widest part of a river can often be the safest because this is where it is often shallowest and slowest.
If you find a dry crossing beware of slippery moss covered rocks and logs.
Don't underestimate distance if you have to jump.
Undo the harness of your pack to enable a quick escape if you fall in.
If you have to wade across, try to face upstream as it will be much easier to keep balance.
Use a strong stick or trekking pole to keep balance while crossing.
It is usually better to keep your boots on. Crossing a river barefoot over slippery submerged rocks can be both dangerous and EXTREMELY painful.
34. Trekking - Gear check list
the following is an extended checklist. It includes all the gear that you are likely to need. Of course if you were to carry it all your pack would probably weigh a lot more than you would prefer. The idea is to select from the list the items that you are most likely to need and leave the rest at home. This list signifies the importance of having compact, lightweight gear. The lighter and more compact your equipment, the more you are able to carry and consequently, the better prepared you will be to handle any given situation. This is particularly important if you plan to do multi-day solo treks.
Experience is always the best teacher. Eventually you will refine the list below to suit your own individual system.
NOTE: Items that are marked with * may be considered optional if alternative equipment/methods are being used or only required in specific situations such as cold climates etc. The equipment list below is a guide only and commonsense should prevail when packing for a specific outdoor adventure.

Personal clothing
* Hiking boots
* Hiking socks
* Trekking pole/s *
* Underwear
* Hiking pants
* T-shirt with wicking qualities
* Fleece Sweater
* Wind stopper jacket
* Gore-Tex pants & jacket
* Hat
* Shorts *
* Gaiters *
* Fleece pants *
* Vest *
* Beanie *
* Gloves*
* Thermals: Top, pants, gloves, socks, balaclava *

Personal gear
* Rucksack/backpack
* Weatherproof pack cover
* Tent - can be shared
* Sleeping mat
* Ground sheet/footprint
* Sleeping bag
* Sleeping bag liner *
* Inflatable pillow *
* Mug
* Knife, fork, spoon
* Food
* Bag for rubbish
* First aid kit
* Swiss army knife
* Head torch
* Spare batteries & globes
* Water bottles - 4X 1ltr
* Sunglasses
* Sun block SPF 30+
* Insect repellent - tropical strength
* Sewing repair kit
* Toothpaste & toothbrush
* Toilet paper
* Toilet trowel
* Water purification tablets *
* Trek towel *
* Camera & accessories *

Group gear
* Fuel stove & service kit
* Fuel
* Matches in waterproof container
* Cook set incl. pots, bowls & plates
* Tea towel/s
* Topographical map/s
* Compass
* Track notes/guide book
* Waterproof map case
* Mobile phone *

35. Building a fire in the wrong place will not only destroy the surrounding plants, it will also destroy the living organisms and microbes that live in the soil beneath, rendering that patch of soil useless for supporting plant life for a long time afterward. In addition, the natural beauty of the area is also scared. A good place to set a camp fire is on sand or gravel. This will have minimal environmental impact and when you've finished with it and the fire is completely extinguished simply scatter the ashes and cover the site with the existing sand or gravel. There will be little if any evidence that you were even there. Flat rocky areas also makes for a good fire place but cover the rock with sand or gravel first. When you are finished, simply tidy up what's left and wash the area down with water to remove any unsightly evidence that someone was there.
36. Toilet facilities
This can be one of the most daunting activities to the first time trekker/bush camper. In fact it is responsible for preventing many would-be trekkers from taking up the sport in the first place. Some people just can't cope with the thought of 'squatting in the bush'. In all honesty though, it's no big deal and is a requirement of nature that the human mind soon becomes very comfortable with. You would be surprised just how quickly you adapt. It is sad that many people refrain from entering an activity like trekking because of this requirement of nature. As this is an area that some newcomers can find embarrassing to talk about we are more than happy to answer any 'anonymous'
Research seems to indicate that many newcomers are concerned about losing balance while making a contribution. If you have concerns in this department try choosing a site with a small tree close enough to use as a 'hand rail'.
On a more serious note, disposing of your contribution must be carried out in the correct manner. Using a small trowel, pre dig a hole about 15 to 20 cm deep. If there are no fire bans in place any toilet paper should be burnt and the hole filled in. Calls of nature should be answered well away from walking tracks and at least 100 meters away from water courses to prevent contamination.
37. What your carry in must be carried out. Take all rubbish what you make with you to your home. Do not spoil nature.
38. How to choose a good, safe camp site
Each year campers and trekkers around the globe are injured or worse due to inexperienced decisions regarding camp sites. There are a number of things to look for in a possible site that will help ensure that you have a safe and comfortable stay.

Drainage
If you were to get a downpour overnight does the site have sufficient runoff?

River banks
If camping near a river are you situated high enough to account for a sudden rise in water level? Flooding in areas hundreds of kilometers away can cause sudden water level changes much further downstream.

Below cliffs
If camping below cliffs ensure that there is an overhang that will deflect any falling rocks.

Among trees
Camping under trees can be particularly dangerous. News articles have in the past published headlines like "Freak accident - camper killed by falling tree while sleeping" Sadly these are rarely 'freak accidents' but are more likely to be 'accidents waiting to happen'. Inexperienced outdoors enthusiasts often make the mistake of forgetting to look up before pitching. If there is any chance of a tree or tree branch falling on your tent move somewhere else. You are not in a good, safe camp site especially if it's windy

Open exposed areas
These are not ideal campsites due to the possibility of high winds but if you need to camp in such a place ensure that your tent is securely guyed down. There is nothing worse that having to crawl out of a warm, comfortable sleeping bag in the middle of the night to secure your tent.

Getting acquainted with the locals
Before setting up camp it pays to have a good look around to see if any 'locals' have already claimed the spot. Wasps, mosquitoes, leaches, bull ants are among the many species that can make your stay a miserable one. Before getting too comfortable it might be a good idea to boil the billy and observe the prospective site over a mug of brew. A more suitable site may be just a short distance away.

Coastal camp sites
At the risk of stating the obvious, when camping by the ocean be sure to camp above the high tide mark. You would be amazed at how often this is overlooked. (Again I’ve personally witnessed the fury of the water currents so please beware)

And Wish you all a Happy Trekking experience,
On behalf of cape cobras
Rajiv Soni.

Inputs taken from Shridhar Purandare’s blog.

DISCOVER RAJMAACHI - THE BIRTH OF OUR TREKKING FEVER !!!

2009-12-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

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Before I write anything about our trekking experience, as I do it always before making any trekking album or a presentation, A BIG THANK YOU to MAHARASHTRA , The Land on which I have born and the land which is gifted with Sahyadri's, landscapes, natural beauty, forts & of course GOOD PEOPLE.

SO LET's start the Blog about our TREKKING Experience...

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We never knew anything about trekking in and around Mumbai until a TREK which was organized by our company (3G) and the trek was called as “MBB TREK TO RAAJMAACHI” which never got complete…And after this so called TREK our lives were never the same again…A group of very lazy bums suddenly discovered that there is a KEEDA OF ADVENTURE in themselves, and then all of a sudden GOOGLE was used to find Forts, Trek locations, Tools, Tips and Places of Trekking…But wait a minute Raajmaachi was still a incomplete trek for us.

So our trekking expedition started at RAAJMAACHI – THE BIRTH PLACE OF OUR TREKKING FEVER !

And not to mention that it was a complete DISASTER !!!!! (Bcoz except the excitement of being together we did'nt have anything with us, things like map, torch, rope, proper shoes NOTHING)

In the picture from left (Denzil, Rajiv, Rajiv, Merwin, Anubhuti, Shafik & Suchi)

This is the BIRTHPLACE OF OUR TREKKING FEVER - RAAJMAACHI TWIN FORTS (near Karjat) 7 maniacs went for a 1 day trek on 5th Sep 2009 , assuming that it would be a easy and a funfilled day, but we were wrong coz the day started with VERY HEAVY RAINS which lasted for the wholeday and guess what??? It took us 12hours to come back to our car which was at the base village kondivade & POLICE OFFICERS for us to come out of the dense jungle....So let's see what happened...
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NO RAINS HAA…but minutes after this picture was taken it started raining like cats and dogs, 1Car 2 bikes and a journey of 120kms to Raajmaachi...

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We covered a distance of approx 50kms & when we reached McDonalds at Kalamboli , 4 of us (denzil, merwin, rajiv & anu) were soaked under the rain & thoughts of changing the plans & changing the destination started, but TREKKING KA KEEDA was on our minds so we went ahead.

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After clicking few snaps of the beautiful landscapes on our way we reached 'Kondivade' the base village of the fort…Look at the heavy rain…It was the 8th companion with us on the trek.

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Meet him...Rajiv Sharma (2nd biggest fool on the planet, i am the 1st one) And i am sure you must have read whats written next to his picture...THAT HIS SHORT INTRODUCTION.

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Presenting some " JUST FOR THE CAMERA" pics at the initial stages of this HORRIFYING TREK...

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And finally...after some poses and fake smiles for the camera WE ENTERED THE JUNGLE!!!! and from here we in the laps of mother nature AND LET ME TELL YOU THAT INSPITE of being a weekend and being the nearest trek route to Mumbai THERE WAS NO OTHER GROUP EXCEPT US ON THIS TREK ROUTE...REASON. HEAVY RAINS...IMAGINE !!!

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1st Waterfall of our trek and by looking at it we all were absoultely thrilled...it was an amazing feeling.

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The view of this waterfall was so amazing that we took a group picture and as u can see above the pic...we all were broken and bone breaking competition started with Suchi.

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The path was so Slippery that everyone was falling almost anywhere but all of us went ahead Hand in hand till the END....(control your emotions...)

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Mouth watering crab - A catch by Rajiv Sharma...He loves animals (specially for eating purposes)

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The Kondana caves aka Pandav caves aka Kondivade Caves...i call it just CAVES...the first historic place enroute which was full of bat droppings but water fall on the top of the cave was amazing...Just like a natural shower.

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The waterfall was awesome, was'nt it???
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And after 3 Happy hours we just completed 50% of the climb (how tiring)...and this is how it looks from above in Monsoon...and it was time to take some rest...
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This is not a garden...but the only flat land (Maachi) on the route which has got a natural stream of fresh water...but who needs water it was raining so heavily...so we went up hill and walked for another 45mins...and we found a Five Star Hotel..
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This a small store / hotel (i don't know what to call it) which serves you 'Marathi Madhye bolto' Limbu Paani, Chaha, Choclates, Bhaji aani Wadapav...A Nice Joint to Chill out...but altitude of this location is a problem to come here every weekend...So Lets move ahead...there is lot more to see.
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After walking for another 1hour through 'Raajmaachi Gaav' we reached at this location a temple situated right between 2 forts (remember i said raajmaachi has got twin forts) and THE ACTUAL HARDCORE CLIMB STARTED FROM HERE...the most memorable spot of this trek
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This place looks absolutely amazing and it is actually amazing...as you can see in this pic we had MIST everywhere around us, but this was the most deadly spot to climb or to walk so we crawled, to move ahead and one of our team member Anu got so scared and nervous after she saw the height that her face went colorless, hence in the memory of that fabulous moment we named this spot as "ZUZU CLIFF' (this spot is officially named & registered on wikimapia.com...if you search rajmaachi fort you find zuzu cliff as well ) ...so Lets see the view from Zuzu cliff.
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Describing beauty of this place one word "HEAVEN"....and if you don't walk carefully then you go down a few 100 feets and then straight up in HEAVEN...but this place is worth a watch, specially in monsoons....
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Finally we got a glimpse of the fort, and we entered in...the rain was still doing the damage, we were hungry we wanted to eat, but there is no place on this fort to cover our head...so we sat besides a wall..coz this is a barren fort....we didnt have enough time left it was 3.30pm and we had to reach to our cars before it gets dark, we assumed that walking down hill will be easier, BUT WE WERE WRONG
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as we were coming down hill, the time was running out and our smiles disappearing...cramps, falls, injuries, mosquitoes everything were like a obstacle for us and it was reducing walking speed, and we were waiting for the worst...
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we almost reached exit of the jungle and the base village was hardly 7minutes away and all of a sudden clouds appeared on our heads, the normal drizzle changed into a heavy down pour and it was DARK and we could not see anything...
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This picture was taken to check if the flashlight of my camera can be used as a torch & look at the expression on anu's face which says it all....WE WERE LOST IN THE JUNGLE and we had no clue where the exit is...we checked every route possible, but no signs of exit...i and merwin went into the flowing stream using mud as marks to remember to go back...and we got some help from nearby ostrich farm...
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In the mean time panic was on the minds of Anu, Denzil, Suchi who called POLICE to rescue us...and surprisingly KARJAT POLICE reached there in 20mins waiting for us near our car & bikes...and guess what they said "Don't be afraid, it's a good but a dense Jungle...Please do visit Rajmaachi again"
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And that is what we would like to say you...
"VISIT RAJMAACHI IT'S A WONDERFUL TREK"
(And go well prepared, by carrying things like torch, maps, food, enough water, plan the time of the trek, keep numbers of nearest police station handy, take simcards which works in the forest like BSNL & Vodafone)

Thanks & Bye for now...
from Rajiv Soni, Rajiv Sharma, Anubhuti, Suchi, Denzil, Merwin and Shafik.