A walk in the Yeoor

I woke up, sitting on my bed wrapped in my sheets. The floor was too cold. Taking a cold shower got me up and running. Outside it was still dark, a bark of the dog and the hustle of the milkman enlivened the silence of the early hours of the morning. I was rubbing my hands vigorously to keep them warm. I walked steadily towards Yeoor hills. It is a range of pristine mountains that is spread across Thane and runs up towards Borivali. It has been a hub for fitness enthusiasts, nature buffs and trekkers since a long time. I have been regularly jogging the Yeoor Hills since the first grade. I still remember my first visit to Yeoor, I had joined a badminton training camp. The coach there would take us to jog over the roads of Yeoor. As a kid, I was excited to reach the summit as soon as possible. It was a great feeling jogging across the trees on the asphalt road that led us up top. Over the years the road has remained the same but I have found many routes through the woods that lead us to the summit.

Jogging across the long closed GSK company I reached Neelkanth Heights which enjoys a panoramic view of the Yeoor Hills accompanied with the Upvan Lake. There is a steep slope to jog through towards the lake. I was panting heavily as I had ran out of gas. I was walking slowly to recover my breath. It was a beautiful view of the lake that made me stop near it. Many people were taking there brisk walk around the jogger’s track that circumscribed the lake. Adjacent to the lake is Ganesh Temple where many devotees seek blessings of lord Ganesha the elephant headed god. I started my jog towards the summit at 6: 50 am in the morning. Crossing two hairpin turns I reached

a path that long entered into the woods, shrouded by the trees. Walking through the woods I reached a rock patch. Standing there I could see the city of Thane. The sun was rising from back of the beyond, illuminating the entire city with its orange hue. I sat their few minutes mesmerised by the view in the comfort of the rugged rocks.

I came down the rock strewn path and headed towards the lake in the valley. A small steep climb brings you back on the road. As you hit the road you will find the Air force Station quietly situated in the midst of the Jungle. I continued down the road jogging across the village towards Hotel Exotica hotel. A small alley takes you deeper into the jungle. I reached the path that winded into the wild. My heart was beating at a faster clip. I started my walk in the woods. Lush greenery spread across the field, a small path pierced the greenery and went into the wild. A few villagers were crossing the jungle and told me not to stray from this path. I could feel the warmth of the sun, and a nip in the air. I found a house along with its field of unploughed land and another right across it. A man was sitting beside his hut. I had no clue where the way lead me and asked the man. “Follow the path that runs down the valley, enter the valley and make the climb.” He said. Walking through the waist high grass I kept on the curvy path. I found a water cistern at the bottom of the path and felt that humans do come here.

I had entered the valley, it was shrouded with the canopy of many a tree. I took careful steps through the dried leaf strewn path. Manoeuvring my way through the boulders I kept walking towards the climb. As I was walking something slithered under the leaves, I paced my steps to avoid the unforseen danger. I couldn’t find a way up top. No one had ever climbed the mountain from this side. I made my way through the dried grass and shrubs. The climb was steep and with the help of a bamboo stick I made it to the top. The last part of the climb was steepest as I came back sliding down every time I reached the surface up top.

There is a small village inhabited by five to six houses. Rice is grown on the fields of the village. A small path bisects the field. During monsoon the field is spread with lush greenery and different flowers bloom across the field. I walked through the field, now the sun was blazing fire and the path felt like burning cinders. I was thirsty and wanted some water, but had no option but to keep walking until I reached the base. The path downhill is pleasant covered with canopy of many a tree. I drank a lot of water after coming down thanks to the forest officials. I was tired, sweating a lot but felt much better after the trail in the wood. When life throws lemons at you, make a lemonade and trek it easy.