Grand Trek (GT) 5 and a bit

Grand Trek (GT) 5 and a bit

Dedicated to Sergeant Major Baz who has gone AWOL

The Desi Ramblers Association with a combined age of 192.5 years, but shrinking membership numbers following Baz’z decision to leave these shores for greener pastures in Dubai were in action over the weekend with the first trek of 2007.

Despite the military precision tactical route planning undertaken by myself with master plan A, and suitable backups B and C the group decided to adopt the traditional desi “Chaos theory” approach.

So complete disorder was the order of the day, equipped with nothing more than essential food supplies as Napolean proved that an army cannot march on an empty stomach we started our advance towards Amersham. There was talk in the ranks of a splendid kebab shop next to the station, and this was our planned resting point to stock up on essential provisions and to take a well earned break in the officer’s mess.

Deciding to take the scenic route we followed public pathways wherever possible, and whenever we came across forks in the route good old guesswork was the strategic decider on which way to go. After striding away for almost two hours in a somewhat circular motion we learnt that we were only half a mile closer to our destination point.

To avoid any possible mutiny in the ranks the group collectively took the decision to walk on the streets, as the road signs would at least offer an assurance that we were heading in the right direction.

At this point my K-SWISS trainers began to bite into my feet and heavy blisters started forming on the rear of my right heel. It appeared that once again I was going to be the weakest link, and the success or failure of the team’s mission was now dependant on how I would fight the pain barrier.

After marching for another hour we came across a road sign that showed we still had a further six miles to go, and then there would be the trek back. So in the interests of self preservation we decided to change the goal posts and start heading back to base camp.

Unfortunately the route back was not as simple as we had thought, and despite walking across golf courses, railway stations, damp and soggy fields and even trying unsuccessfully to negotiate a ride on a pony the long walk back seemed to get further and further.

At this point Manohar and Fiaz despite wearing the high visibility raincoats which can be seen upto a distance of two miles simply disappeared from the horizon. My blistered feet, and aching limbs slowed down my progress to a very slow and painful pace. Qummer and Tahir were trying their best to keep me motivated and focussed on struggling through the last few miles and completing the mission.

The last hour was the hardest, but this was also the most rewarding as I discovered new physical and mental limits as I could picture the food on the table waiting for me so each step became less painful and the aroma of delicious food eased the pain in my body.

Finally reaching base camp, enjoying a therapeutic shower, lovely meal and some gup shup (chit chat) with the lads it was all worth it…..until the pains started to creep back.

Oh the stiff and aching body, the blisters on my feet,soreness of the back, tired muscles as a result of the marathon non stop walking session which stretched for over six hours !

People ask me why do we do it? Cars were invented for exactly this reason, so man does not have to walk. Typical comments are - Are you guys paagal (stupid) walking like lunatics?, only a couple more years and you'll get free bus passes so save your explorations until then.

They may talk the talk but WE WALK THE WALK !