Velsao - Dudhsagar - Caranzol of Day 5 & 6

The next trail was in dudhsagar forest. We had a train from Velsao to Colem station. It took less than an hour to reach the last station from where we would start trekking in the Bhagawan Mahaveer Sanctuary. The trek was inside the forest for the rest of the camp. Manoj Joshi in his briefing had mentioned about the ticks which are noticed in the forest which will bite the softer skin creating itching of skin. The solution for this problem was to apply a mixture of coconut oil and dettol. As soon as we reached colem, we applied loads of this solution, started walking in the dense forest. We looked for arrow marks every hundred meters. If for a long time one din’t find any arrows then it was clear that we were on the wrong track. We did mistakes couple of times. On such mistakes was to reach the rail track, perfect spot for pics.

We waited for a goods train to pass by and then Sathu located that the arrows showed a different path so we descend down to take the forest path. We spotted many streams on our way, to splash some water on the sweating face, filling our bottles and to soak our tired legs in it for some help. The camp was near a village, the camp leader whom we named Angaar, stood near the stream directing us towards the camp.

We found a lovely stream to take bath, extremely cold water added to the thrill of taking bath in a natural jacuzzi. Hmmm we had the best bath here. I felt like sitting on the banks of this stream forever, for there was so much of life here. Fishes playing around your legs, the music of the flowing water, felt so close to nature.

  ANGAAARRR had a grim face, giving a briefing and mentioned every small details about the camp. The dustbins, number of pits in the camp. So now what do we do learning this. Ha Ha!!! He was supposed to be in a military camp, he gave strict instructions about the timings to collect and return the blankets, food and keeping the tents clean. He had warned us, if the tents were not kept clean, we would not be given pack lunch… Oh god!!!! Sometime around 7PM, Santhosh sir gave commands to guys who marched left – right left – right… Ha Ha… I could hear guys making fun shouting – “arre 6:30 baj gaya, kambal vapas kardo!!!!”.

After the briefing, Su, Suma and myself went to the stream back and sat there till it was dark. This was the best part of the trek. Suma was telling the comments on the toilets in this camp – as they were “high from down” (?????.) Me & Su found people trying to capture pictures of butterflies in their camera…  HA HA !!! LOL!!! We usually speak nonsense but irrespective of what ever we speak, we have great fun spending time together and with the nature. Going back, super delicious pakoda and hot tea follwed by quick dinner. Bikinga guys also joined us here.

No lights but campfire went on. I was told in the morning that I had missed the fun. Imran Kismi, Aarmir khans were all out there performing that night :P

             We were to visit dudhsagar falls today. Camp leader joined us till the falls. There was very less water, so we dint get to see its real grandeur. We were strictly not allowed to get into the water. We walked on the rail track for a while and waited for a train to gush in when we were passing through on of those pitch dark tunnels. From here, we started descending down into the forest. Patches of grasslands in between. Camp leader  instructed us to apply the medicine for ticks now, we walked into the forest and the camp leader bid bye back to his camp to tame another bunch of trekkers.

Looking for a stream for lunch, we walked quite a distance. We were not sure to find any on the way so halted near the lime soda shop. After lunch few surrendered for a nap and few of us started UNO. We were 10 of us so naturally the game went for a long time. Nobody was in a hurry to reach the next camp. The game went for more than an hour by then a small group had left while those who were sleeping made themselves at home under a tree. The game was great fun. Rest of the trek till the camp was lil tiring where we had to climb and run down inside the forest.

 We reached caranzol camp by evening. Contrastingly camp leader of caranzol was very jovial and easy going man. He assured a separate charging point for girls ha ha!!! Yes, it was a tough game to get a two pin slot to charge your cell phone. Caranzol, another lovely camp right in front of the stream. We dint want to miss another lovely massage by the stream water. UNO geared up again, teen pathi also made entry under the guidance of Santhosh uncle. After tea, We climbed up the camp site, a open field covered by hills from all sides. Tried some photography till the dusk, few could make calls home using those thin signals. Today no missing the campfire for another round of dumb charades. Santhosh uncle sang some lovely songs dedicated to his lovely wife, who never came out of the tent during campfires. I should not forget to mention Vishal and Jathin’s Bhojpuri song.