We checked into the Wathsala Inn, hit the sack at around 8;30pm, got up at 2am and started our trek up. One of our fellow climbers was a british man, he only managed about 3000 or so steps when his knees gave out. I offered him some Advil ( my left knee reminded me to bring some ) he said that the only way he will continue is, if can wash the Advil down with at least 2 Pints of the cold stuff, after 2 hours on the "step master" that concoction sound pretty good to me too!!! The path to the top is illuminated from April to June to facilitate the masses of pilgrims that flock to the peak, most in search of a blessing
( temple at the top is said to have a concrete imprint of Buddah ). I cannot verify its authenticity as admittance inside the temple required going barefoot. Since the temp. at the top was freezing and for other personal reasons I politely declined the invitation.
After 3-4 hours of climbing and donning more and more clothing ( wind, rain, wet snow ) we finally ascended on high at around 5:30am. Our purpose: see the sunrise, and the magnificent vistas of the land below. We did see the sun thru the clouds, saw some of the vistas thru the clouds as well.
The viewing experience is highly dependant on the climate which was not most favourable on our day.
THE RETURN,,,,,,,,,,,,,, if one thinks, "hey, at least going down won't be that bad" ( as I naively did ) this one is HIGHLY mistaken!!!
