Kamshet: The Paragliding expedition

Six families, after a long hiatus, set out for an adventure expedition. Though the personalities of all the families were very diverse, they were a single unit since more than 7 years. They were the LIONHEARTS.  A techie, a perfectionist, a blogger, a saint, a sage and an athlete - all in a concoction.

With bicycles fixed onto the car racks, they were off to Indus Paragliding.

Located 120 km away from Mumbai city,  their target of reaching the venue before sunset was straight away in jeopardy, when were they stopped by the cops for transporting bicycles illegally. It seemed the police weren't aware about the concept of cycle racks. Environment friendly excuses seemed to fall on deaf ears, but fortunately sanity prevailed and the motorcade moved on.

As always, the kids preferred to be on their own. They wouldn't mind cramping up in one car. After a short vada paav break at the food mall, they were now off the national highway and into the countryside. The car ACs were switched off and the windows rolled down. The whiff of fresh air from the fields with a cool breeze blowing across, carrying the unmistakable odor of cow dung, was enough to rejuvenate the body and soul.

The sun had just gone below the horizon when they reached the destination.

The tents were pitched at a stone's throw from the lake. The stars had just started to become visible in the night sky. And the mood was just apt for a fun filled evening.

Within the next few minutes, before anybody could realise,  it had become pitch dark. The moonlit sky was strewn with stars all over. Jupiter and Venus could be singled out too. The only sound reverberating was their own; old Hindi melodies, children's nursery rhymes, and the cacophony of laughter.

All this on the top of a makeshift terrace of a building.

Dinner was served early. Red hot tandoori chicken and paneer as starters got the ball rolling. The wood lit next to them had started to gather momentum and fire. It was getting chillier by the hour. Jackets and coats came on, dinner tables were cleared and it was a much awaited bonfire night. Jokes, scandals, ghosts were all discussed. The spirit of the night was captured when one of them commented the next day, "I was mesmerized by the bonfire”.

After a short walk in the wilderness, it was time to pack off for the day. The kids preferred to sleep together as always.

The tents were large enough to accommodate all. The cool breeze outside stuck to its speed. It was pretty cold inside despite all the protection. After a curt warning to each other to behave during the night, they all dozed off.

The rooster crowed at the break of dawn. The birds began their chirpings. It was time for the morning ablutions and to get ready for the feature of the day. A sumptuous breakfast followed. It seemed the winds were not upto the mark and thus the Paragliding had to be held after lunch. It proved to be a boon since the morning was free for any activity you choose to do.

Some of them took off on the bicycles up to Kamshet dam

 

and a small trek up the mountains, whilst others preferred a walk down to the lake.

Some engaged themselves in a game of badminton

and the few others took some experience in ploughing the fields.

Lunch was served but no one dared to overeat in anticipation of the gliding show ahead.

2pm: The call had come from the plains. The wind had picked up speed and they would soon be embarking on the most adventurous expedition till date. They were picked up from the base of the hill and taken up there with the help of the local SUVs. Negotiating the rough patchy mountainous roads was not a cup of tea for all. Eventually they were dropped off and a small trek took them to the flying point.

Paragliding. The thought of doing this activity gives you the goosebumps. Thus, there was this possibility that a lot of people would chicken out at the last moment. The act was a tandem one where an instructor would be accompanying the guest. All safety measures were taken care of. As one of them enquired

" What can be the worst scenario midair ". His query got blown away by the wind and no one dared to answer it. The first guest was ready to take the leap. Running on the plain for a few feet, he jumped off the cliff along with the instructor. The wind blew him away and off he was, gliding in the air, 1000 meters above the sea level. He was airborne for the next 15 mins.

Midair stunts and somersaults were performed. He could almost touch the mountains and feel  the wind. He was soaring over the Mumbai -Pune Expressway. After the successful daredevilry, the remaining guests got the impetus and motivation to achieve the impossible. Since the currents were very strong initially, the kids were scheduled to get their turn last when the winds would reduce speed. It was a highly successful adventure sports activity which the LIONHEARTS are known for.

The 2 day expedition had drawn to a close with a heavy dinner at the Sunny's Dhaba.

"Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."