Hobbes's Thoughts....

I stand here accused in the 'Trial of trail' and have been given a fair chance to defend myself; and I do plead guilty. Guilty under insanity - HIS! Evidence? He ran 10 miles in the Vegas desert the day before the hike.

The plot: Now It all started with a phone call. (This part, incidentally, is collaborated by the previous post.) And then everything went awry. The hike was initially planned to be on the first weekend of November. Due to non-availability of permit it was pushed to 3rd week. The "owner" of the blog was supposed to be Phoenix but conveniently moved to Tennessee. A third person was going to join us but could not. And to top this North rim was closed. So what started out as a 3 day rim-to-rim hike, turned out to be a 2.5 day rim-to-rim-to-rim in colder weather.

A 5 hour flight dropped me in Phoenix the day before the hike and I rented a car and drove to Flagstaff and stayed in a hostel on Route 66. The breakfast was a pleasant 2 hr affair due to the fact that Mayur's flight from Vegas was not going to land till 1 pm (and it finally did at 2.30) and I met some very nice folks from Boston and England who were travelling for the last 18 months. I had been reading travelogues but listening it directly from the travellers made it a lot more interesting.

I left Flagstaff at about 10 and reached Grand Canyon airport at 12 only to learn that the dude was still in Vegas giving me a laundry list of items to shop for the hike. For good or bad, his flight was further delayed so he was able to do the shopping himself while I spent about 45 minutes eating a wonderful pizza. (The next time you visit south rim, do stop by at the pizza place opposite the airport. Wonderful pizza). I spent another 45 min in the airport reading waiting for him and hearing stories from the guide who was going to take folks to the canyon. While we were talking someone from lobby dialled 911 so the airport folks came asking both of us if we did it. No, they were not profiling us. It just so happened that we were the only 2 people in the airport.

Anyway, by the time we registered at the canyon office, did final round of shopping and actually started the hike it was 4 pm. A daylight of about 1.5 hrs. Since we were climbing down fresh it wasn't a problem. Both of us did the 5.5 mile hike comfortably in about 3 hours. Pitched tent, had wine and dinner and called it a day. Next day started at 5 am. Breakfast at 5.45 and on the trail to cottonwood, a 7 mile hike. Right at the start of the hike we were told that water was not available in cottonwood campground, so at the last minute we filled a bottle of water for cooking and decided to hang it on my backpack. Not until quite later did I realize this added weight dangling across the backpack at an ackward angle was throwing off my balance making it an effort whenever there was a climb. This aggravated a lot more about the last mile to the ground. The awesome views were heavenly though. This with the unpleasant weight on the back tempted me to take it easy and not do the north rim. But hey, you never know when you are going come back.. and the sweet thought of dumping about 10 pounds.

So we started again and within 3 miles I knew it was going to be tough. I might have probably pushed myself but knowing the fact that I had about 11 mile hike the next day again with a 35 pound backpack and a time deadline of 6 pm to reach south rim (we had to reach Phoenix again by 10 pm for our 12 am flight) made me turn back. And after few minutes I realize that my jacket, gloves, flashlight was with him so it essentially meant that I had to reach back to campground, pitch tent, eat and crawl into the tent before sunset. The alternative was a pitch dark 25 F which wasn't a pleasant thought. And hence, the tent pitching!!! (Attn: Ashwini Tantry)

The third day, after a good night's rest started nicely and in good time both of us made back to Phantom ranch by 12 and after lunch when we were just about to leave got to know that the climb up was not 6 miles but 9. Take that!! That meant 9 miles, elevation gain of about 4700 and time left 5 hrs. So off we set again. Now, carrying a 35 pound backpack is a nice way of being introduced to lot of new bones and muscles. I can't say it was all pleasant. But it was good to know they were all there and working to take me to the top. By now both of us were on our own pace. He was definitely ahead of me (I would later find out that he reached the top about 45 min ahead)

This part of the hike was pure will power. Any climber/ hiker will attest this. There comes a phase were you are tired to think much and all you do is see one leg go in front of other. This is also about the time you decide you are not going to hike anymore for the next x number of days (Never happens). At about 4.45, with Mayur long gone I realize that I had about 45 min of daylight and I just keep walking. At about a mile from south rim, I meet 2 Indian guys who were hiking up from phantom ranch and they tell me that they had met Mayur some time back and he had said that if I don't reach the top by 6 he was going to start down again (Told you he was insane, but insane in a nice way). Normally, I would have liked to pulled out my flashlight but knowing that any delay would make me miss the 6 pm deadline I just kept walking and finally reached the trail head 3 minutes before 6. Finally.

Took a shuttle bus to the car parking area and found Mayur there waiting for me with a veggie wrap (100 bonus points). Drove 4 hrs, returned the rental car and barely had enough time to catch the flight. 3 days of no shower with all the sweat and dust ensured me a seat on the last row of the plane with no one next to me.

So there. A wonderful trip which would not have happened for a little nudge, a little insanity and whole lot of help from the dude. Where next?

Charlotte's Thunder Road Half Marathon

.......I know, I know, the 2 blogs about Grand Canyon trek are still due..... and I have received complains from my readers(S)... yes, its plural :p (thank you all the 3 of you.. :). One of my reader, I am looking at you Ashwini Tantry (metaphorically ofcourse) commented that, my 2 blogs gave the impression that Hobbes didn't do much in the trek; other than pitch tent. I agree that my last blog does not cover much about Hobbes and I am partly to blame for that, but its only because, on that day Hobbes and I were not together for much of the day. I would categorically like to state that this WAS Hobbes trek, which I was lucky to be a part off... There you go Hobbes thank you again, and please take a bow.

...... this blog was able to slide up the queue because I am still high on the endorphins from the run. And like all other mistakes, they are to be blamed for all the mistakes we make.. :).

I just finished the Charlotte Thunder Bird Half Marathon. I ran with Parag my Blore rommie and his buddies Anand aka Coach and Gautam. Thanks a lot guys. Clock time was 1:52.xx I am still waiting for my official chip time. I hope its under 1:50.
I was on target for this till mile 11. The race clock was showing 1:28.xx on mile 11. So, I would have gone a at least 4-5min under. But I got an acute stitch(pain) in my upper abdomen and was not able to shake it off; no matter how much I tried. Sadly it stayed with me till the finish line. Also I wasn't even able to finish the last 0.25 mile with a sprint like I have been practicing :(.

But those were just the dark lining on an otherwise Silver cloud. I still met my target of finishing under 2:00 and I felt great doing an fast 8.25 pace till mile 11 and I felt great after the run with no post race pain.
:)

will update the photos and race time once I have them..


Beware regular readers - The following section is for runners only. For Non-runners this section might look like vanity :), but for runners its valuable information. :)

4 mistakes I made in the race.
1. Did not study the route - The 12th and 13th mile was all up hill. And I mean every inch of it, hell even the finishing 20 meters were at a incline. That cost me a lot.
2. I was too conservative at the start - I was not able to take advantage of the slopes and flats at the beginning of the race cause we ran a very conservative race. This is partly circles back to mistake 1.
3. A long run in the week of race - I hurt my back while doing a run on Tuesday, luckily that did not cause any problems in the race. But thats the very reason all training schedules ask you to cool-down in the week of race.
4. Breathing and improper posture - I think my upper abdomen stitches were caused by forgetting to concentrate on breathing while setting the pace after mile 6. Also I was slouching down, which I didn't realize until the pain kicked in.

Miles as they flew by...
Start: Shot of the gun and off you go. 7:50 AM 34F and no wind. Its so stupidly exciting. Stupidly because you know that pain awaits you, still you are excited. The only console, 3000 people feel share the feeling. :). A kaleidoscope of jerseys move on...............................mile 1 - 10.31

Mile 2 : Due to some confusion we loose track of Anand and Parag, Gautam sticks with me. We up the pace, But its a bit crowded to run fast................................mile 2 - 19.20

Mile 3: Feeling good so far. Not really running a high pace. The streets are still crowded with runners so we decide to run on the sidewalk. Few running enthusiasts braving the weather and cheering us on Thanks!!!!................................mile 3 - 28.20
Mile 4: quick drinks break, increase the pace a bit. But still doing the high 8s................................mile 4 - 37.xx

Mile 5: Bells ringing, whistles blowing, kids/supporters yelling. The trail weaves around the suburban neighborhood................................mile 5 - 45.xx

Mile 6: Almost half way there. Never felt this great after a 6 mile run. The pace was a tad slower than my training runs. But its OK, don't want to burn to fast. Also, I have 7 more miles to cover up the 3 mins loss. It looks good so far. My back is not showing any signs of the pain that was worrying me yesterday...............................mile 6 - 54:00

Mile 7: Feeling in good shape I tell Gautam that I will speed up and try to get the 1:50. I split with him at the 6 mile mark. Time for my GU pack. A good downhill is helping the pace. I cannot believe what the race clock is reading 1:01:23. Holy Cow!!!! I am running a 7.5 pace...............................mile 7 - 1:01:23

Mile 8: A BIG THANKS to the volunteers for serving us drinks and water. Still running....................................mile 8 - 1:09:05

Mile 9: People holding placards for their loved one. Hi 5s to people and kids who are cheering....................................mile 9 - 1:16:55

Mile 10: I have settled into a nice rhythm. 4 miles at under 8 and I don't feel the slightest strain. I cannot believe this is really happening.....................................mile 10 - 1:24:xx

Mile 11: The grove continues. But now I am feeling a slight strain to take long steps, so I slow down a bit. I am already set to go under 1:50. I am now dreaming of a 1:45.....................................mile 11 - 1:33:xx
Mile 12: Oh ohh!!! getting a stitch in my upper abdomen. I do everything I have learned to get rid of a stitch. But to no avail. The uphill run is not helping either. The bastard sneaked up on me.....................................mile 12 - 1:42:50
Mile 13: I am loosing time and fast. The upper abs stitch is now radiating through the entire right abs. Even a 5 sec break to stretch is not helping. Its bearable on flats, but is absolutely killing me on uphill. I am just hoping to I find a little flat stretch towards the end to accelerate and finish hard. I have been practicing finishing the last 1000 yards with under 5 mm pace. I am hoping to execute it today. The flat stretch that I seek continues to elude me. Who designed the fucking course. An 2 miles all up hill finish. Even the last 100 feets have an incline...Seriously!!!!!!... I see the finish line the clock reads 1:51:01. Arggh.....Daam you hills. Determined to finish on high, I grit my teeth and do a sprint for the final 10 or 15 steps. Victory salute - smile for the camera, punch the air and a mini leap.... its done................................... under the banner - 1:53:45

my personal time - 1:51.xx (we started about 2 mins after the gun shot)
Parag : 2:09:xx
Anand : 2:05:xx
Gautam 1:57:xx

The North Kaibab trail…and the race against time…

Main blog - There and back again.... almost....

about the trail…..

The trail is a hiker dream come true. With an elevation gain of about 5000 ft from the Cottonwood Campground it is the most difficult of all the 3 trails. The trail passes through every ecosystem that can be found between Canada and Mexico. Trail head is crowned by a thick growth of Aspen, Fir and wildflowers. However as you descend into the valley the vegetation grows sparse and is mostly desert vegetation. But once you enter the valley you get the feeling of walking in a grassland or marshy land with grass taller than you. You also hike through a wide variety of terrains. The trail chugs along the mountain face all the while and you can see the different rock formations and layers up close as you climb up. With every change in layer the soil below you feet changes too. And walking on the trail gives you a surreal feeling of walking through billions of years of evolution.
had Forrest Gump hiked the Grand Canyons, he would have this to say...:)
We have been through every kind of rock there is…Red rock, Black rock, White rock, Green Rock, Purple rock, Yellow Rock. Rock that was as fine as sand and Rock that crumpled if you'd touch it..Smooth Rock and sharp rock..even Rock that shone if you held it in the sun.

our trek....
Carrying 30 pounds across 7 miles from Bright Angle campground had taken its toll on Hobbes and at first he was reluctant to do the North Rim. But urged him to at least give it a try. However it was not my persuasion that finally convinced him.
We met 2 hiker returning from the the North Rim. It had taken them about 3-3.5 hours to get down. Which surprised me a bit, 3.5 hours for a 7 miles descent seems pretty long time. Even with backpacks. I would later find out why it was so.
Anyways we asked them if there were a trash cans on the North Rim. They said yes. The idea of dumping an extra 10-12 pounds that we were hauling across the canyon seemed too good to resist for Hobbes. So we decided to give it a go but track our progress at each landmark point, and give-up the quest if we felt we were behind schedule. We were climbing light all we took were necessities and the extra items we wanted to get rid off. As a small incentive to Hobbes I offered to carry the daypack. We reached the Pump House (1.4 miles) and Roaring Springs (another 0.7 miles) on time. Till this point the trail was relatively easy and we were on time. But as the steepness increased I could see Hobbes struggling and after giving it a few more tires he finally told me he could go no more. I tried to egg him some more, but didn't push much as we still had the tomorrows climb to think off.

race against time..……..
For me it was decision time, whether to go solo or call it a day. It was 2:30 PM and we had another 4 hours of day-light. The rim was another 5 miles away but couldn't find the trail guide to check on the remaining climb. From yesterdays read I knew it was roughly 4000ft. Till that point I was feeling in pretty good shape. After much deliberation, knowing my climbing speed, and making some rough calculations with the available data. I told him I would give it a go. But to be safe I would continue on my climb only till 5:00 PM. That way even with conservative estimates I should be back by 8:00. I told him if I was not back by 8:00 to come looking for me. I wish I had the trail guide to make better judgment.
I would soon find out why it took the 2 men, 3.5 hours hours to descend a 7 mile stretch. After the Pump House residence the trail becomes very steep and is virtually going up all the while while very little flat section. Most of the trail is narrow, rocky and steep. Some of the section are literally half tunnels hewn on the cliff face. Barely 2-3 feet wide they have vertical drop of atlas a 1000 ft. Overall the difficulty of the trail does not make it conducive for a speedier descent. Looking at the terrain made me realize that it would be risky to do these sections in dark and I had to be back at the PumpHouse at around 6:00. The switch back time was now 4:15.

so close but yet so far...
An hour of climbing and still had no sight of the Supai Tunnel. With no landmarks to measure against hope was soon starting to dwindle. For about an hour no one had crossed me and I couldn't see anyone coming up either. Just then the sight of someone climbing down relieved me… yeah!!… Information!!!…I was elated when Steve told me that the tunnel was just around the bend…I reached Supai tunnel at 3:45. 2200 ft, 3 miles in about 80 minutes.. NICE!!…. (at that point I just knew the distance and not the elevation gain).
To Go or Not To Go, was the million dollar question. I had no knowledge of how difficult the terrain was. No idea of the elevation gain. And a 10 pounder bag to haul up the cliff. Also I was a bit tired after the 3 mile burst… But the RIM was just 1.5 miles away…arrrgghh!!!!…
Barely resisting the temptation to throw caution to the wind and much to the dismay of all the adrenaline rushing in me I decide against going the full distance. So close yet so far. Had Hobbes been there with me I would have gone that extra 1.5 mile in an heart beat..… but I guess I will have to live with that until next time.Took a short break to enjoy the breath taking view of the valley

on my was back….
decided to take a leisure stroll on my way back stopping ever so often to enjoy the breath taking view the valley had to offer. By the time I reached the Pump House residence it was already dark, Steve had just reached there, we exchanged some pleasantries. He was glad to hear campsite was just another mile away and that half the campsite was vacant. He could camp there without a permit. Also met a group doing the Rim-To-Rim-And-Back-In-A-Day-RUN . They had started from the North Rim at 4:00 AM and were on their last climb. They expected to get back up at around 9 - 10. That seemed to be pretty impressive. 44 miles and about 10,000 ft of climbing in about 18 hours.. WOW!!!!!. Took some water for tonights dinner and switched on my head lights. As tired as I was the thought that the trek was almost over made me happy.
Back at the campsite Hobbes had already pitched the tent. When we split he had forgotten to take his glasses and warm clothes, so poor guy had to pitch the tent before sunset and had to sitting inside it to avoid the cold. I felt bad for him cause he would have enjoyed a short trek around the campsite...Sorry Hobbes..
My legs were really tired from the exertion so I decided to put my pad outside keep my feet elevated. A niggling pain in my right upper back was worrying me. As hard as today was, they hardest part of the trek was yet to come, a climb UP the South Rim. Approx. 6000 ft of climb with a 30 pound backpack. Only the thought of a long night rest quelled some of the fears.

Sleeping on my pad and staring out in the vast emptiness of the star lit sky; one image from the hike painted itself into my memory..
"Sitting down on the edge of a path…. Chiseled on the face of the cliff in the form of a half tunnel….maybe 2 or 3 feet wide……with a 1000 feet or more of vertical drop :)…. feet dangling over the edge…soaking in the beauty of the cascading Roaring Spring falls and the dusky lit Grand Canyons…"

There and back again.... almost....

It all began with a simple phone call from a friend. In the blog he will be referred to as Hobbes, from Calvin & Hobbes fame. That's because he took a sick leave from work and might get in trouble if his boss found that he was instead hiking the Grand Canyons.

After my move to Phoenix Hobbes called and took me up on our long made plans to hike the Grand Canyons. Without hesitation I said yes. We had no real information about hiking the Grand Canyons just some trivial information gathered from friends and web reads. First up, campsite reservation. Yeah, you heard me "reservation for the campsite". Even though its in the middle of a desert winter can get pretty chilly at both the Rims, with temperature falling in the low 20s. So hiking in winter can be a bit tricky. We still had had difficulty getting a spot in November and we thought we were the only crazy ones.

Made a few calls to the Grand Canyon National Park - Backcountry office, I made the reservations. And that is my sole contribution in organizing this trip and Hobbes would gladly and grumpily confirm that. :) The D-Day was set 18th Nov. woooohoooo Grand Canyons here we come........

I can go on an on about both the Grand Canyons and my hike. So I have decide to write short essays instead. I am hoping you will have as much fun reading it as I had trekking it. The blogs that would follow will be in no particular order. I will be placing hyperlinks at the bottom so that its easy to track them and they will have the same title. With the long weekend coming up I am hoping to write them all pretty soon.

Words fail to describe the beauty and resplendency of the Grand Canyons. As picturesque as they are from the rim, they are simply awe-inspiring and majestic from within the valley.

Had it not been for him; the Grand Canyons trek, like all others would've just remained a wish.
Thank you Hobbes for making it a memory.

Hobbes's Thoughts

The North Kaibab trail…and the race against time…

Thought for the day

At this point I am thinking of doing something crazy and stupid.....

...like falling in love ........... or getting a tattoo

.......both of them are incredibly painful,

and both stay with you for life.....

Adieu

I hate saying goodbyes. Yesterday I went to the airport to see off my uncle, aunt and my two cousins. The worst moment is the final hug.

Each time you hug someone and let them go, a piece of you chips off.

Leaving behind memories inlieu of a scar.

However small that piece be...

it hurts no less.

My ohnosecond

On their visit to the states my mom had given me a coin from Vaishnav Devi temple which I kept in my wallet. Since then I avoided carrying change for fear of the coin getting mixed with other coins and accidently being traded..

Yesterday I was coming home from the airport on a Septa bus. Since we have to pay the exact fare I had a couple quarters with me. As soon as the coins rolled off my fingers  I realized that I had dropped of my silver coin. My fingertip scratched the surface of the deposit box to stop it from going in, but I wasn't quick enough. I asked the drive if I could get it back. To my dismay the driver explained that there was not much he could do about it. He did not have access to the deposit box and at the end of shifts someone from septa collects all the deposit box. The box is then taken to the collection center along with other boxes where all the coins are deposited. He however gave the bus details, asked me to call Septa customer care number and wished me luck with my pursuit.

I came home and without much hope gave it a try. I narrated my story to the lady on phone. At first she didn't knew what to do about it. She noted down the details, gave me a complaint number and put me on hold... and then forwarded me to "Refunds" department. The lady on the line told me they don't handle such cases and asked me to remain online while she figure out what could be done. After a few minutes she redirected me to the Supervisor of "Collections" department. The supervisor pulled up my complaint number and assured me that she would look into it. She told me to wait for a day and if the coin was found someone from the collections department would give me a call.

And I sure did get a call today :) informing me that they had found my coin and I could come and collect it at the office or they could mail it me. I decide to go pick it up myself.

Throughout the whole process the thing that impressed me the most was this. At no point was I told hang up the phone and call someone else, even when my concern was not under their purview the person on the other end politely put me on hold and then figured out whom to redirect me too and then did so. I was fortunate enough to get my coin back, but even if I hadn't I still would have felt good about the way things were handled.

I would really like to express my gratitude to everyone from Septa who helped me. 

THANKS!!!!

Craig Ferguson gives an eulogy to his father

For those who read this blog and I am sorry you have to. (for sure, as a friend you read it out of sheer courtesy ;)

But the countless hours we WASTE (yes waste) surfing the internet. Every so often you stumble upon something that touches you. Be it a video, a movie, an article or a song you feel the need to share it with the people you know, with the hope that they enjoy it as much as you.

 

...this is a very touching tribute from a son to his father....

Jon Stewart taking on the CNBC

Déjà vu!!! It was Crossfire all over again, only better. This time the producers of Daily Show had control on when to go on a break. Once again the journalistic integrity of the 24 hrs news channel was questioned with ruthless precision.

Normally even when confronting someone, Jon throws in a bit of comedy. But this time there was no holding back, no attempt made to throw in a slapstick comment. Cramer, who unfortunately has become a face of CNBS in this battle, did a very sensible thing of not making baseless argument. But then again, I dont think he was given much of a chance.

The best line of the show came when Cramer said he does it because there is a market/need for it to which Jon said "so is for Cocaine and Hookers"

I cannot wait to see the unedited interview on The Daily Show's website. http://www.thedailyshow.com

!!Kudos to you Jon!!

Poems

haven't been on the blogosphere for a long time... not that there isn't much to write about, just not feeling like it....but I do however appreciate those who visit my site in search of something to read...(i guess even u must have gotten bored to death, and have nothing else to do..)

so as they say if you aren't creative, be friends with people who are....and without further adieu..I will leave you with the words of Ruturaj Devkar, a budding poet and dear friend...

Time!
Its not about the time,
winner is one who bits the time.
Time is never good or bad,
it gets the title we wish to pad.
Time is always right,
to do right why one should fright.
Its not the time which prove you fool,
how can you catch shark in swimming pool.
Its not the time which makes you bright,
hardwork will bring you to limelight.
Its not about the time,
why stare at Everest let us climb

Na yun...
Rootho na yun tum hamase,
dil ki baten na yun chupao hamase.
Aankhon se hi bayaan karado,
Nazaron ko na yun churao hamase.
Akele na yun baten karo khudse,
Ho shikawa to izahar karo hamase.
Muskurahat na yun bikheron aise.
Phoolon ko na yun sharmao aise.
Chehare pe na yun ghungat odho aise.
Didar ka huk na yun chhino hamase.
Chhup chhup ke na yun dekho aise.
Dhadkan hamari na yun badhao aise.