Continuing from where i left of..
Further up, nature started revealing its hidden jewels. The woods became dense and mystical. Views of Mcleod ganj’s concrete structures below gave way to dense forests and gigantic snow capped mountains. Soon there was a thick cloud cover and we realized we were walking in the clouds. It lifted our spirits.
The enthusiasm was short lived however. In a matter of minutes it started raining. The rain then turned into a hail. With hail the size of ping pong balls falling furiously, we took refuge under thick tree branches, which did not help. My immediate reaction was to tuck the cameras inside the rucksack, and while I was at it I managed to drench myself completely. The wait for the rain to get over was a frustrating one. But then, if you find yourself surrounded by an enchanted forest, snow capped mountains, you don’t mind waiting.
The hail lasted a few minutes and we started climbing again. The sun then decided to make another appearance and the weather went from being nippy to warm to uncomfortably humid in a matter of minutes. Not surprising if you’re in the hills
We came across some ill mannered school kids, on their way back from triund. I noticed some of them kept throwing things along the way. Chocolate wrappers, plastic bottles, wafer wrappers, conveniently being dumped all over the path. Add to that they were yelling and swearing, ruining the tranquility and serenity of this wonder. I picked up whatever they’d conveniently thrown on my way up, and collected it in a garbage bag to dispose later.
A little further up we noticed a shepherd guiding his sheep which were scattered in the woods around us. He gave us a friendly nod and we had a little conversation with him. The contentedness and joy on his face caught my attention. His unrushed demeanor made me think my own life back in the city, complicated, hurried and chaotic, and the rat race I would soon be returning to.
By 4pm, we had done 6 not so comfortable kilometers. We reached a café where a group of foreigners were comfortably resting. Pleasantries exchanged, we finally had refreshments and a much needed rest.
More Pictures
The Red carpet
The hot seat!
The fairytale forest
The good shepherd
The good shepherd
I asked her to pose and she happily obliged!
Another pose
Reflecting on life.