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 On
the second day of trek
Next day we walked through the most significant
parts of the forest, meeting enroute tall pines, aspens, huge
eucalyptuses, wild flowers and berries. We collected a lot of
pinecones to take back as souvenirs. Eventually we reached the
beautiful pastures of 'Kookal Sheep Farm' and 'the forest shed' for
our night rest. Kookal was a most picturesque place and its light
green grasslands presented a great contrast to dark green woods. We
spent a lively evening and then went into a deep sleep.
Our next trek was to Manvanoor, a scenic village set
inside the valley of Gold, a village containing miniature houses
with small vegetable gardens, cattle grazing, farmers on the plough,
the women carrying firewood or pitchers of water, giving it a fairy
tale look.
Playing crocodiles
From Manvanoor we had to go to Poomparai. On the way
we found a noisy stream. We jumped into the river with clothes and
all, and cooled our sweating bodies. Then we lay like crocodiles, on
the rocks, drying ourselves. At Poomparai we were to have our last
campfire together, as next morning we would trek back to Kodaikanal
and then be off to the train.
Sambar sadam versus kozhi
 A
celebration was called for. For the last three days, the food in the
forest had been very austere and simple. It was felt that eating
sambar, rice and potatoes was not the best way to celebrate.
Suddenly there was a chorus from all sides. "We want Kozhi", "We
want Kozhi", "We want Kozhi". (Trekkers wanted to eat chicken). Our
official budget of Rs.75/- per person for the whole trek did not
provide for more than 'sambar sadam'.
I surreptitiously looked into my handbag and
gratefully found a couple of hundred rupees. I gave a hundred rupee
note to the cook and said "I want to give a treat to everybody". A
team of young men headed by Meyyappan left post-haste for the
village, in search of 'chicken'. They returned triumphant with
several slaughtered fowls. Everyone got busy helping the cook. The
atmosphere was very festive. Now the question was, there was nothing
special for the vegetarians. I asked them what to do for
vegetarians? At this, Venkatesan, the spokesman of vegetarian group
came forward and with a straight face said, "don't worry, we will
manage with gravy". I burst into laughing, that was the real spirit.
The chicken was consumed amidst much gusto and licking of fingers,
while the vegetarians kept their conscience clear by feasting on
gravy alone.
Last night together
 The
campfire was a riot. As the full moon came up the night became most
enchanting, almost magical. Everyone was laughing and yet in tears.
It was the last happy night together. The gloomy thought that
morning shall part us was lurking in everyone's heart. Around the
campfire, goodbyes were being said, promises were being made, and
addresses were being exchanged.
As we said goodnight, there were hugs and pats,
kisses on the cheeks and tears in the eyes. I had just concluded the
most enjoyable trek of my life.
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