John's World...Raogudlu Hike


One of the challenges (and enjoyments) of living in India has been trying to figure out how to replicate or do things we are use to doing back in the States. 

Hiking is one of those things.

Those that know me, know that I am as "aspiring" 46r.  This is a title given to someone who is trying to complete scaling the 46 highest peaks in New York state.  All the peaks are located in Adirondack State Park. 

So when our friend Marina and her son Mokul invited us on a hike in Raogudlu (south of Bangalore), we couldn't pass it up.

The trip was hosted by Deepak and Roshan our guides for the day.  The hike was designed for both grown ups and especially kids to learn the principles of rock climbing and bouldering.  The hike took us about 3 hours round trip.

The hike was the mental and physical challenge I think we were looking for.  This was no "walk in the woods".  All of us, including the kids, had to scale without equipment nearly vertical rocks.  All under the heat of the Indian sun. 

for beginners?

Mushrooms apparently grow under this ledge...

The summit offered a look at so much that is good and bad about India.  The Vishnu Temple on top of the hillock with families making offerings, the cairn fields that represent the promise to climb the peak again, and unfortunately, the mining and quarrying that was going on all around that was literally removing entire mountains before our very eyes.

Summit Vishnu Temple

another precious rock for the one ton of rocks we are will have to take home

cairn fields

background shows some granite quarrying going on
Overall, the company was loving, the views-spectacular, and memories-everlasting.

Nandi Bull boulder

Deepak with the boys...yes-no helmets


who needs a helmet with hair like this

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