After a few trial runs by the conductors Jayesh and Navroze, we are given detailed instructions by Jayesh on the dos and don’ts.
Don’t look down. Look at your feet. Don’t try to stand on the rock face. Trust the system. Don’t hold the rope with all your might. Keep your feet firmly rooted.

One by one we were all geared up and trudge up the hill. Some were quick, some painstakingly slow, some slipping. All very fine to comment on while seated on firm rock. When it is my turn, I get into my harness and walked up the mountain. As I reach the top of the cliff, I am of course very confident about doing a splendid job. Jayesh and Yogita buckle me up and expertly tie double and triple knots to what is to be my lifeline for the next 5 minutes. As I back off the cliff on the green mossy surface, suddenly I feel a rush of pure terror. Gallons of water rushing past me, and nothing below! I am trying to stay calm while looking for firm footholds with my feet. A few feet down I miss my footing, slip and twirl around; and get a rather fine view, hanging in the middle of a waterfall, 40 feet above ground, with absolutely nothing below. That’s like a… 5 storey building? Suddenly I realize I am doing exactly what Jayesh warned not to do, regain my sensibilities and get myself straight back into rappelling position. Carefully treading the rest of the way and almost slipping once again, I was quite surprised to find that I had already reached the bottom! Limbs trembling, heart thumping, I was raring to again!

After a break involving lunch and lots of singing in the ‘shower’ along with Anuya and Priti, most of us had another go. Andrei, I must say, turns out to be a natural, and comes down in record speed the 2nd time. Needless to say I am not going to hear the end of it in this lifetime.

More after our next adventure…