Top Tibba

December 6th (Happy Independence Day Finland)

At 9:15 am, I set out to climb Top Tibba, a 8500ft peak about 10kl from school.  

Here is a link to see most of my path on google maps:  Point B Suakholi, maybe .5kl west of the peak.

http://maps.google.co.in/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=The+Mall+Rd&daddr=Unknown+road&geocode=FW2v0AEdcbinBA%3BFQyQ0AEdLqeoBA&hl=en&mra=dme&mrcr=0&mrsp=1&sz=15&sll=30.447823,78.167038&sspn=0.013023,0.026908&ie=UTF8&t=p&ll=30.449044,78.134336&spn=0.026046,0.086517&z=14

There is also a video I took at the top too :)

I went on a hike yesterday.  Let me tell you about it. Excited to explore new areas and climb new heights, I was moving along at a pretty good pace.  I walked past the little town of Kaphlani and was approaching Suakholi when I was passed by a sporty white car with thumping base.  Most passing cars are full of passengers or trucks hauling loads.  I stopped to check this one out and turned in time to watch the driver flick me off as he cruised past.

Later on, I saw the same car at a wayside rest.  A couple from the city, dancing to the thumping sound system as they took a little break from the road.  I walked by and he gave me a thumbs up this time... I'm new to India, I was confused.  

No more than 5 minutes later, I was more confused when the same couple eventually passed me the second time.  They slowed down and the female in the passenger seat asked me if I wanted a lift.  I didn't have too far to go, so I said I'd take a ride to Suakohli.  

They were now friendly and hospitable.  In less than five minutes we were on the balcony of a little restaurant having omelets and tea.  It was a fun and educational cultural exchange.  They were confused to see someone walking for the sake of walking.  They told me the Hindi word is "frenga" or something.  It is similar to "gringo" in Spanish :)

I thanked them for the lift, food and company, and proceeIded to walk from there.   It wasn't 15 minutes more before I was at Top Tibba's trail head.  It took about 1.5 hours to reach the top.  I approached the top tired and out of breath.  Even though I was only 1000ft above the top of the hill I live on, the thin air was noticeable.  Tired and alone,  the 6 vultures watching me ascend were slightly ominous.  Once I reached the top, it was a celebration!  I took a few pictures and found a good place for lunch. 

Unlike the barren, grass covered hillside I climbed, the north facing ridge was densely forested.  Seeking shade while I snacked on my lunch, I walked into the woods and heard branches snapping and caught the flash of a barking deer.  Cool, thats a first - no photo though.

I finished my candy bar, peanuts, almonds, orange and was completely satisfied.  Good hike indeed.  

Now I'm working until Saturday - "Going Down Day" - when the kiddos go down to Delhi to leave on a jet plane.  Next post, hopefully I'll fill you in until fill y'all in on my vacation plans for break.