Along a summer trail

Yes! This summer's hike happened, finally! Upward to Buzzard Hill.

A few friends of mine finally poked me out of my self-induced lethargy and got me going. We started fresh and early around 7:30 on a bright, sunny Sunday morning. Armed with just bottles of cold water, some insect repellant and sturdy shoes, we were all set. Its been a while since I've been on strenuous trails, just been walking for a couple of months now. So the first 1/2 a mile was challenging. But once I picked up rhythm, there was no stopping me. While the rest led the way, I led the rear. With my headphones on(with Sonu singing "Nagada Nagada"), I picked a nice solid recyclable tree trunk as a walking stick and off we went. The trek was steep at times, at times flat and refreshing, at times across little streams, at times stopping at a scenic overlook over the beautiful, sprawling Shenandoah valley all the way with views to the Appalachian mountains. It was a clear day and we could see for miles. When we stopped at such a clearing, we'd pick a rock and sit in contemplation. For a good 10 mins. Just us and nature, in serene communion.

We made it one way, settled down on some rocks for a protein bar break. There was small talk, some humour and in general a whole lot of camaraderie. A bunch of people, who've left their struggles behind - for a few hours of 'roughing it out'. Jackets are offered, sun tan lotions are exchanged, someone gives away their spare stock of granola bars, someone else offers additional bottles of water for the thirsty, some wait for the others to catch up, some let the rest catch their breath. All in each one's time, there is no rush to get anywhere, there is no clock ticking- just the rustle of leaves, the soft trickle of the stream, birds lazily chirping, a stray squirrel, a laidback butterfly....and us!

After a good 3.5 hours, we were back- a little tired but totally rejuvenated. We felt it was worth an Ihop kind of an ending. And thats how it ended!
(Since I hadnt taken my camera, there is not one picture to show for this wonderful summer hike, take my word for every bit of it ;)

Footnote :

• After this hike, I even managed to get some outlet shopping done. Needed some semi-casuals for work- in lieu of some presentations that are lined up soon.



• 7-mile walks, on a daily basis, are wonderful, I say.



• After ages, I actually played throwball at a picnic on Saturday. Gosh, felt like being back in school, for sure.



• I love sitting in my "sun" room watching Olympics at night, specially on this Saturday, when I had a "full moon" peep in through my french windows. Kept me company for quite a few hours while Phelps made history. And then it followed me upstairs to my bedroom and kept peeping till the wee hours of the morning, thanks to the bathroom mirrors that reflect it as I sat in bed catching up on some reading.



• Since December 2007(when I first set my eyes on it), till now(August-8mths)- I've been consistently, exponentially taken to it once in two months- so the count officially as of date is 5 times.
  
  Unhealthy, no?
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  What am I talking about? I am referring to the movie 'Jab we met'. I've never in my life watched ANY movie this many times. Sony(at least the one I subscribe to, where I live- and I have no plans of discontinuing this superior service :P) seems to have a penchant to playing this movie once in two months. And I make it a point to never miss it. I watch it from start to finish with relish, each time, every time. I dont step away, even for a minute. (Oh, and there's that one time...errrr, uhm, oh well- I watched it on youtube as well)
  
  Issue?

While 'Yeh Ishq Hai', 'Nagada Nagada' and 'Mauja hi Mauja' are my all-time faves(in EXACTLY that order), as I watched the movie this time, I seem to have taken a liking to this song :

PS: Next time, I absolutely have to list some of my favorite lines and scenes for ths movie. I mean I absolutely HAVE to!