ClamorWorld :What do you like to do in your free time?
Aloke Surin :Be outdoors! Ideally, I’d like to spend every weekend hiking.
ClamorWorld :What do you like about hiking?
Aloke Surin :It is a great form of exercise where you are not confined to a gym and is usually done in some of the most beautiful or spectacular natural locations in the world. You do not need fancy gear (though the outdoor industry would like you to think otherwise!), is
cheap, hikes can range from modest level walks of a few hours duration to extremely strenuous outings involving days or weeks of backpacking; and you can choose to do it in a group or alone, depending on your inclination and experience. Best of all, you do not need to be an athlete to participate in this activity : in that sense, it is truly all inclusive and universal. It is also a great way to take the stress out of the daily grind.
ClamorWorld :Briefly, where all have you trekked?
Aloke Surin :In the Sahyadri (part of the Western Ghats) range of Maharashtra, parts of the Indian and Nepal Himalaya, and a few in B.C. I would love to explore more of BC and other parts of Canada, but the challenges of trying to carve out a new life as an immigrant does tend to divert you from the hiking trails! I have written about some of my treks and hikes in my blogs – accidentaltrekker.blogspot.com and thappyfeet.blogspot.com My climbing expeditions also involved some great approach treks, you may find details of them in my climbing blog – taccidental.blogspot.ca/
The Pindari Glacier trek in the Kumaon Himalaya can be done by young children and is a great trek for the family. This picture shows the East peak of Nanda Devi seen from the trail just above Dwali
ClamorWorld :Can you name some treks or hikes that have been memorable for you?
Aloke Surin :It is difficult to isolate just a few since almost all stick in the memory for some very special reason; however, I shall give it a shot: amongst day hikes, two turned out to be
full of unplanned drama. One was in November 2003 on a small hill called Chanderi near Mumbai when Franklyn, a long time hiking buddy of mine who on that particular day was in charge of the 72 year old father of another friend (Shridhar), got lost and had to spend an unscheduled night in a forested gully with his charge. Needless to say, this caused panic and anxiety and a full scale search operation on our part. I am glad to say that it ended on a happy note. To read the full story see thappyfeet.blogspot.ca/2012/
On another occasion, I almost drowned to death while attempting to ford a monsoon swollen stream near Sidhgadh. Again, the gory details can be found in thappyfeet.blogspot.ca/2013/
On a brighter note, a multi-day trek along the edge of the Sahyadri from Ahupe Ghat to Jivdhan and Nane Ghat with two friends in November 1990 will forever remain in my memory as a sparkling expedition where we did not meet more than two locals during the entire trip (this is very rare in a fairly densely populated country!), somehow did not get lost in those days before GPS, and always chanced upon a charming glade with a brook or stream to camp the night in.
A similar trek, with more friends, was done from Lonavala to Panchgani.
As far as Himalayan trekking is concerned, there is nothing to match the delight and awe of my first trek to the Annapurna Sanctuary in Nepal in 1979. I was so awestruck by this world of high mountains that I went back the very next year – accidentaltrekker.blogspot.ca/
ClamorWorld :What are the essential items that one should carry while hiking or trekking?
Aloke Surin :Water, some food (the quantity will depend on how long you expect to be out for), a headamp or torch, a whistle, spare clothing, basic first aid items.
ClamorWorld :Do you have any advice for people who have never hiked before but would like to try it out?
Aloke Surin :Start off by going out with someone with experience or join any of the very large number of hiking clubs prevalent throughout the world. Later you can decide how you want to pursue the hobby – as an occasional recreation, an all consuming passion, or something in between! You can hike with family, friends, pets, large commercial outfits, or even go solo if that is your inclination.
Hiking on Elk Mountain, near Chilliwack BC, with Baby, our dog.
ClamorWorld :Any other points one should keep in mind?
Aloke Surin :Yes. Never overestimate your capabilities and state of fitness, always err on the side of caution. Never underestimate the difficulty level of a particular trail… sometimes even the simplest of outings can become transformed into epics for survival due to sudden changes in weather or an unfortunate slip and consequent injury. Other than that, there is nothing to it really – lace up your boots and head out the door!
Enjoying a cup of tea at over 20,000 ft. on the summit of a peak in the Himalaya in Kinnaur.
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