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A Rock Climbing Adventure

I had recently completed my unit test in the college and wanted to go out for a trek. But no trek was being organized in the following week. Just when the hopes of outdoors were sinking my friend Pranav called in and said, “Let’s go to Arun Samant Climbing Gym.” I said “Yes” spontaneously. It is a hub of Adventure Enthusiasts situated in Goregaon on the ground of Nandadeep High School.

The gym has been built in the memory of Arun Samant, legendary Mountaineer and Climber, on May 31, 2003. Having completed his post graduation from IIT Bombay, Samant had an inclination towards nature and mountains. An accomplished and swift climber. He successfully completed many expeditions, scaled the pinnacles of virgin mountains. His zest for trekking was unparalleled and inspired many.

Having decided to meet at Bhandup to get on the bus that leaves for Goregaon I was well on time. Pranav came in from Airoli. But since it was a Sunday the frequency of the buses was low and we couldn’t find a single bus. After waiting for a while we decided to travel by train. The train was on time. The sun was setting in living behind its crimson hue in the sky. As the train reached Dadar we could see a sea of people at the station. We waded through them to board the train for Goregaon.

We reached Goregaon and started walking towards the Nandadeep School. It was several minutes walk from the Railway Station. Now the darkness of the evening had engulfed the entirety of the surrounding. With less than an hour to close we reached the Gym. “Hi, I am Sanket I had called you. He is Pranav we came to learn climbing.” I said. “Then you have come at the right place. I am Ganesh an Instructor over here.” He said handing the forms to us. We filled the forms and got our safety equipment on.

“This is our first climb. How do we climb this?” Pranav asked. “I will attach the billey to the harness, I would hold the one end of the rope and you will make the climb.” Ganesh Sir said. “I will go first,” I said. As I went near the forty-three feet wall, it seemed more daunting as if asking me a baleful why? I started my climb slowly and steadily by placing my hands and legs on the holds and grips. Reaching the first level I was seized with a numbing fear of falling on the ground. I couldn’t climb further as I couldn’t command my feet. But I placed my foot on the hold and hand on the grip, as I made my move my hands couldn’t hold further. The next moment I was hanging mid-air and coming down.

Pranav started his climb as I came down. He was doing just fine until the climb taxed out his forearms. I went for the second climb and it was better than the first as I climbed a bit further before coming down. We both completed our two rounds. I was ready for the last climb. I made it past the first level and went way past the first two attempts. As I made the transition from the second level to the third level the hold moved sideways. I was stuck in between as I was trying to pull myself up with my arms. The idea wasn't a bright one as I ended up taxing up my forearms and lost my grip strength.

My forearms were aching. “I can’t feel my forearms. How to climb the forty-three feet entirety?” I asked. “Never climb with your arms, use your legs.” Ganesh Sir said. “For starters, you did well enough, don’t be in a hurry. Take your time.” He said. “Okay, sir,” I said. We waved our goodbye and thanked the instructors at the gym and made our way back to the station. The thrill of climbing was exhilarating and I found it gratifying as it pushed us to come out of our own comfort zone.

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