13/10/2021
Our CJO is on the Go! Check out his adventures in the Kullu & Parvati Valleys
And here is his story:
Kullu, Parvati and Tiertan Expedition
Day 1 - Feats of Strength - Rumsue to Malana - 10 hours - 1700m climb and 1500m decent.
It started with a real rut. Overwork and unhealthy lifestyle reigned supreme the past few weeks. Good news is that I'm more aware of feelings and know the best medicine (for me) to get back into the groove.... expedition trekking baby!
For years I've wanted to explore local valley systems on foot and over the course of 7-10 days I'll do just that.
Since back in my altitude comfort zone (3000-4000m), I've decided to push distances on this adventure, starting with a herculean move to trek continuously to Malana in one Day, a route that normally takes 2-3 days to complete. Growth mode starts when we accept challenges like this.
A strenuous 5 hour climb to the pass (new course record btw w. 20kgs) broke my legs and stabilizers, which is why most folks decide to to rest for 1 night at the top before one of most challenging decents in the Himalaya - a steep 1500+ downhill in only a few kms, where every step is a leap, on a path less then a foot wide with scary drop-offs alongside it. One wrong step and your toast!
Along with my legs, by hour 4 I'd broken through the emotional cycle, having a good cry whilst ascending, admiring unobstructed cloudless views of magnificent mountains... recognizing all the beauty around and within me. Nice oneness moment.
Step by step is the way to operate in challenging situations, in growth modes. Don't look too far ahead and focus on what's in front... otherwise the fear sets in. A decent analogy for life.
Without sounding too much like an offensive line coach (American football), if we're meticulous about the details of foot placement, everything else washes away. And keeps you alive!
Feeling like im on top of the world atm, and it's just getting started! Whoooo woooo
Ps... Never mentioned this before...I have a tremendous fear of heights 🤣 Obvi better now then years ago but the tops of passes and peaks still scare the bajesus out of me.