imf and others

A hot afternoon, but a dry one. A tricky evening for climbing but in the end turned out to be a good session. Many failed attempts, many falls, a shouldered injury picked up, and half way through a new route. Good overall.

On a side note: Came across an auto rickshaw driver who was unusually gentle by Delhi standard. Apologized profusely for not being able to drop me off since he was heading the other direction. Helps to keep up faith in good things in life ..

lost in wilderness

Saturday morning, 6:15am, Rishikesh ... With no specific plan about how to spend the morning, decided to go for a walk. An hour later came across a small signpost claiming that few km uphill there is a primary school. I stood at the junction, not sure if to take the chance. I am glad I took it. Didnt know where I was headed, just kept going uphill leaving behind the Ganges and the motor-road behind. I meandered up through the bushes and trees. For the first half an hour nothing special happened, but something told me I should keep going rather than turning back. An hour later, one more uphill stetch brought me to a flat section --- I cannot tell what was special there, but something definitely was. It looked ordinary, but felt out of the world. The noise level was very high, but not from cars/buses but from birds. Birds who were crying out loud but I couldnt spot more than a couple of them. I was unsure whether they were excited to see me or annoyed. It felt great. I was thrilled. I felt that I was not alone, I heard footsteps behind bushes, must have been someone there -- but again couldnt see. Good things come to an end, such is life. I headed back, and ran down the trail. May be next time I am there I stay up there for a day. A place which was simply beautiful --- kind of beauty that can be felt not seen. A rare beauty ...

new places

clay oven: Hauz Khas, very good place. Reasonable decor, and excellent food. The kebabs were amazing, or may be I was just hungry after IMF.

pandara road: Finally we went there. The food was good, but not very sure if we will go back sometime very soon ... the place is not very close.

imf

Nothing special, just did a little bit of bouldering (the area is still a bit wet), a bit of top roping, a put up a few holds. I made a very nice stemming problem, but have to check next day -- may be it felt that way because I was tired a bit?

imf again

Tried leading at IMF for the first time. New experience to lead a roof, or may be overhang is a better description. Had a relaxing afternoon, was not too motivated to climb, but had to convince myself to focus well to make sure that I clip often. Should do this more often I guess -- helps to train mentally.