TEAM MOSKORE’S FIRST ADVENTURE – Feb 2005

GREETINGS
Team Moskore would like to welcome our readers to our first newsletter. Reading on you’ll get to share part of the amazing journey that has been etched in our memory as one of the best outings we’ve had. What started out as a work related trip for Trishul to sort out a PC in Wales ended up as a 14 strong adventure.

EARLY BIRDS (OR JUST CRAZY PARTY BOYS?)
For Shuli (Trishul), Slow (Deepan), Jadu (Parit), Bushy (Shahil), Bob, Segi (Sagar) and Biggy P (Paras), it all started on Thursday evening. Tension was building as we were delayed an hour plus. We hit the M1 for good old Nottingham (Robin Hood area codes). A crazy lady driver scared the goose bumps off Shuli and Biggy P but all was well and we reached Nottingham.

Arriving at Kazo’s (Rahul) dorms was a relief, and eating his roomies ham later was a relief for Paras’ empty stomach too! The plan was to P-A-R-T-Y at Mode (Asian Night). After the special diet of booze the boys feasted on pizzas and fries back at the dorm and it was nap time to be ready for the next day. Now Bushy needed to wee in the middle of the night and was not happy to find Bob in his sleeping bag upon his return. Biggy P as always secured his sleeping spot under the table.

Next morning the team lazily prepared for the little town of Welshpool, in the middle of Wales. On the way Segi and Biggy P had their tanks bursting with no civilized outlet and our observant driver missed the immediate services but found the next that suggested their bladders would have to wait another 21 miles. Seeing Segi sprint for relief was definitely worth it.

Continuing the journey, Bob browsed through the paper and came to a page with 2 topless ladies. Biggy P casually pointed out 4 more lovely half naked women which got Bob’s brain working… Such was his enthusiasm at this sight that he took one good look, and went to sleep. Due to his rather short memory span, he was forced to wake up five minutes later to remind him of the girls, took a strong, heavy look and then he dosed off again. Dhru would like us to sponsor Bob with a brain if Tesco were ever to release one.

DHRU! WE’RE HOME!
Its lunch time and the crew have finally made it to Wales. Barging into Caladan – Dhru’s little place – just as the boy was devouring a pizza. While he tucked into his grub the rest took turns to stink his place out, the award of the biggest stink went to Jadu. Such was the extent of our nasty odours that Dhru claims he has not seen a spider in his house since!

Chilling at the P.M., some slept, some watched movies, other chatted and some just chilled. Biggy P’s interest in the Gita was initially invited by the pictures but later the enthralling read kept his ticker ticking until the visit at Dhru’s practice. The rather long wait meant more sleep and then after getting his teeth checked, together with those of Jadu, they walked home.

The evening was rather more eventful. After watching a couple of movies Dhru presented a slideshow and headed off with Shuli to get a truck load of groceries. The marvellous art of perfect sandwich making began – get the bread, slam some butter, slam some carefully chopped cucumbers and pack it in. For the carnivores, ham was also slammed – very reminiscent of a rather old Kenyan ad that always said “Quick Mama Slam in the Ham.”

As 2 members of Team Moskore made their way from Manchester to the camp (Shallow Falls), Fish (Parag), Ash (Asheeta), Fal (Falguni) and An Old Man (Akshay) arrived at 8.30. A quick refreshing break and reloading cars was the mainstay of their short visit. After that, all headed off at 9 pm to reach into the deeper realms of Wales’s countryside.

MUINDI CAMPERS RAMPAGE SHALLOW FALLS
Swallow Falls Hotel was seen at 11pm on Friday night. SIRUX – Dhru’s Volvo S40 had led the way into the heart of Welsh countryside and the night’s rest sounded just like what the doctor (dentist) has ordered. Everyone settled in. While the true mountaineers settled into their “banda” and bunk beds, some posh tots managed to try their luck and ended up in the comfort and warmth of the hotel room. The room was given further luxury in the form of an en-suite bath with piping hot water. Marvellous.

Beers were drunk, idle chat was made and to keep things in perspective the climbing route was planned. After that slowly but surely, one after another, the crew gradually hit the sack. A good night’s sleep would do the crew good for the next days mission.

Rise and shine everybody! Hey why is Bob’s sleeping bag empty? Because somehow he had managed to roll right near Shuli’s bunk in the middle of the night. Early morning preparations were carefully organised. Mission Muffler’s early-bird organiser Mr. T Shah (Trishul) dictating the show and ensuring smooth running of the affairs, ensured that everyone was ready to move quickly and efficiently. Biggy P on the other hand took some extra precautions and layered up like when Joey wore all of Chandler’s clothes not to mention the polythene bags that waterproofed his feet. The ‘aware’ ones would have also got to hear the heart warming feline-ish giggles coming from Fal as she coyly laughed at Fish’s bonmots. Biggy P calls them his Enlightened Couple.

SNOWDON OR BUST (PART I)
A Stipulated time of 7am, working out to a muindi time of 9.30am, was the marvellous organisational reliability from Team Moskore to conquer the gruelling, challenging summit of Wales. 29th January 2005 was the date when a few of the Moskorevites ascended via the miner’s track while the rest decided upon the pen-y-pass pig track (oink!). Amidst the crew that started the steep climb onto pen-y-pass (The Hardies) were an orange man claiming to be black (Parit), an original black man (Neel), A man (Aman), a Welsh man (Dhru) and an old man AKA Akshay.

As the early morning clouds disappeared, clearing the blue sky, the sun hit its first rays upon the hill tops, its glowing beauty being spread across the beautiful region of Snowdonia. This provided the perfect excuse for the photographers amongst us to take recurrent stops to capture the marvel of these works of art. The Softies soon came across a lake that looked more like a gargantuan mirror which tempted some of the boys to hurl stones into it. First they thought it had a forcefield around it since the rocks did not manage to get to the lake, but, they carried on satisfied as soon as they got a hint of ripples on the lake surface.

Meanwhile, the Hardies found the first ascent steep and compounded by the fact that the early morning muscles were stiff meant that Akshay lost his breath rather quickly. Such was the extent of his initial exhaustion that an older passer by had to encourage him with the rather pretentious words of “not long to go my friend”. 3hours was long enough for him. However after a change of rucksacks with Dhru, old man was back to his usual self. They decided to spare him the blushes and blame the entire exhaustion on the poorly designed straps of his rucksack. The only difficulty arising that once his energy was revitalised, it would have taken a grizzly from the arctic to stop the barrage of sentences that fired from his ever-open cavity!

Further encouragement was atoned not long after when the other Moskorevite team (The Softies) were seen trudging down below in the valleys – little men and women looking like little black dots standing next to a clear, blue lake that stood out like an ocean in comparison. Such was the excitement that a certain radio call went through, initially to confirm that all was fine, but later to ask for bizarre requests.

SNOWDON OR BUST (PART II)
Rather slow, flat and relaxed. Constant photographic stops, ciggy breaks and just a simple assimilation of the beauty and freshness around allowed for a steady pace. This was until orange man refused to give the Welshman some oxygen. The deal made was that puffs would be available only when they got to the top. That resulted in 15 minutes of a quick climb, only to be stopped at the end of Leg 2 to wait for Team 2. Oxygen was provided, coffee was sipped and warmth was regained as the cold mist descended. As for Softies… they took a break after the marshy patch which is where Fish shared a few wise words with Biggy P on keeping to his personal pace and short strides. After that Biggy P was on fire which was a good thing to him since he did not want to fade away in the back like when he braved Mt. Kenya. Hardies and Softies reunited, all breathless, sweating and tired. It became a long break before the black man wearing his omnipresent, conspicuous yellow jacket decided to prod ahead. His fashion sense was regularly praised for it provided a beacon for those who felt they may get lost and it also provided him with a sense of ego that he was all too aware of.

SNOWDON OR RETREAT? (PART III)
The final ascent began. The sun turned to clouds, the clear sky shrouded by a thick mist, the warm air transforming into a wind chill and the rocky, gravel path switched to any ice-laden, slippery steep ascent that some could negotiate very slowly, but nevertheless, surely. Biggy P got the rush he usual craves from aesthetics when he saw the sun glow through the thick white clouds. It’s as if the sun had come as close as a couple of kilometres just to hide behind the grey tinted white veil. This might have planted a seed of expectation to touch the sun at the peak? And then there was the frozen waterfalls.

Altitude sickness may be something we are all too aware of, but at this altitude it makes some reveal the truth. It was here in the cold, rainy, slippery top of Snowdon that Bob somehow revealed that Bushy was his son. It was too cold to think of emotions (shock, disbelief and all those) – but it was warm enough to think what went right from mother (or is it father?) to son.

The icy conditions were not very accommodating especially to some of the Moskorevites shoes and had to ascend very carefully. A few decided to negotiate this route very carefully. It was the thoughts of a difficult descent in these conditions that sowed the little idea of a descent down the railway route for some. Approaching the top, the skies cleared, the sun resurfaced and its warm glow and rays shot straight onto the white carpet of snow, with the Snowdon peak within sight. It was almost like the heavens had opened their doors into its paradise. Dhru wondered what exactly happened to the old man?! Only later was he to realize he was already at the peak taking pictures in his 7 mega pixel (beg your pardon 7.2 mega pixel) camera. There was a point where Biggy P refuted the fact that he was the first one to reach the top but he’s not one to refuse kudos.

The final few metres to the top were a marvel, a picturesque beauty that enthralled Dhru’s senses and stretched his imagination to a whole new dimension. It was a world he never knew. While stars get a red carpet welcome, the crew was welcomed by a white carpet of snow and ice, with a mosaic of patterns embedded with its structure. Little patterns that some spotted as little villages, others saw as little ripples, south American iguanas on rocks, footsteps within the snow and little feathers hanging from the rocks, that almost looked like they had stopped in the middle of flight. It was white all around, a different world painted with beautiful colours and scented with the freshest air that could be found!

SITTING ON TOP OF THE WORLD
Getting to the top of Snowdon was even better as the clarity of the atmosphere revealed North Wales as far as the eye could see. It was a whirl of emotions for many – some marvelled at the sights, others reflected on their climb, some were awed, impressed and amazed at their achievements of reaching these heights while others simply took in the experience. The serenity, the cool clean air, the palate of colours and the sound of nature were a symphony and an opera that even the great Mozart would have struggled to compose.

Many captured the moments on their cameras, and others were content to simply engulf the sandwiches that had been soaking in their backpacks. Only one forgot all this and instead thought of a warming experience with his cut-out of the naked honeys – he even had it in his pocket close to where he would have liked them to be! BOB!

Coffee, sandwiches, cereal bars, cucumbers and tomatoes were passed around and consumed before the group picture was taken (albeit two members who seemed to have disappeared). It was here that Dhru found the missing old man – owing to the fact that as he went to take a quick picture, Akshay unknowingly threw his lunch away! As the saying goes, “A hungry man is an angry man”, Akshay had to endure the barrage of abuse from the Welshman.

SNOWDO(W)N
As the decent began, the chance to construct a snowman could not be missed. After all, it is not often that one finds such a supply of snow around with no use. A little snowman was constructed, and sitting next to Jadu it almost looked like a miracle of nature – day and night sat side by side!

The snowman was destroyed almost as quickly as it was made – as half of its body was used by Biggy P in the snow fight that ensued. It was a rather interesting sight watching Biggy defend his fort as a barrage of snowballs flew at him from all corners. Unable to resist herself, Asheeta joined in and it was P against the world!!! Bob made the biggest snowball yet, walked right upto someone (cannot remember who) and threw it with all his might – and missed, from 2 inches out! Finally the descent continued and Biggy P tried to get away from the old mans ‘backseat hiking’ but his attempts were futile (Segi did not help at all!).

While most decided to attempt the railway route down to Llanberis, the drivers had to return back along the same steps that had brought them up. For Dhru the thought of the icy, cold, slippery and hard surface compounded with his non-ice-friendly slippery shoes was nonetheless scary but he knew where his Volvo was and that limited his choices. Cautious mini step followed by mini step, stopping between each to ensure his footing was right and he had a grip. Bushy had kindly donated his walking stick to Dhru, which he’s lost since and cannot find! Dhru slipped despite his care and meticulous stepping and first his heart started pounding fast but his rump hit the rocks even faster. It was a hard fall but like everything in life, from a fall you find a way. For him it was the experience of sledging.

Resting on his jacket and using the walking stick as a ski, aided by slippery shoes, Dr. Dhru shot down the slope. Whoosh – a rapid descent into the realms of reality. Heart beating fast still, lost breath and as he speedily ‘sledged’ down the slope on all fours, the ice decent began less of a fear and more of an enthralling, funfilled marvel. Not for too long though as the slippery surface ended and he hit a hard rock – ouch!!!!!

Amidst the walk, Jadu kept the entertainment alive and kicking. He had a sack full of all provisions and while the rest sat at the lake, it was like watching a well trained businessman making unsuccessful attempts at selling these. Almost like shop vendors who pester you until you finally say yes to one of their goods. Imagine the glee when he unexpectedly and surprisingly produced a neatly packed brand new 4oz flask. Now imagine the disappointment when they realised it was empty. (4oz dear readers, is not the volume but the weight of the flask – remember that for future reference.)

The idea bulb flashed in Jadu’s head, ‘Si it’s four of us, perfect for a picture with the camera on the ground’. It was only when someone politely reminded him that he had forgotten to count himself that he realised his error. To redeem himself and restore his glory he thought he’d compare himself to black man – and despite all his efforts to convince us, he only managed to show us how orange he was (even blaming the yellow beacon for his glow!!!!)

The others made their way via the Llanberis route and Biggy P did manage to come across a brave sheep. Being selfish with the cereal bars it was a surprise to see how willing he was to feed the ball of wool. It was a bigger surprise when the sheep devoured the bar in a fraction of a second. A little banter with other hikers and locals revealed that the crew should make tracks before it got dark. On the way Segi and Bob were seen running down but not for long as the loose stones hindered Bob’s road holding. Ash and Biggy P sneaked in a couple of chortles at Bob’s expense… until Biggy’s knee gave in. Ash’s knee support was just what the doctor ordered and they continued back down.

As the day came to a close, as the sun set in the horizon, having shown Team Moskore the way, the final serene walk also came to an end. At Pen-y-pas the drivers warmed their cars and made their way to Llanberis – to pick the rest of Team Moskore.

REST, REFLECT AND RECUPERATE
Achievements of the day were celebrated at Gwynedd – a fine mid-Welsh country pub – with pints of beer, Guinness, coke and milkshake (disgusting stuff – Bob can you for once do something right and get us a good drink next time!!!!!)

All in all, achy feet, sore backs and tiredness could not stop Team Moskore from smiling, crackling, shouting, chatting, talking and laughing. After all Team Moskore had lived upto its Motto – PAMOJA TUTASHINDA- and had together made it to the top of Snowdon against the face of all adversity – all in a day’s work… all in a day’s work.

The ride back (after getting a few cases of beer of course) to the camp was serene. The pasta Fal and Ash prepared, though spicy, was appreciated. The gathering at the pub started in earnest with the enthusiastic pinters – Shuli, Jadu, Bob, Dhru , Ash led the way…..soon everyone followed. By the end of the night – it was like the budget day gathering that is so regularly seen on KTN.

Moi (or Paras) was silently sat on his throne, kindly and so selflessly given up by Fal, and simply nodded and approved of most comments. It was here that the orange man was unanimously named Moskorvite of the trip. He was closely followed by Ash as the female Moskorvite (amidst stiff competition from who else but herself) and Saggy (later to be name Dumpling), as the young up and coming Moskorevite. Well done to all!

Had enough jokes. The theme was Shuli: Damaging Director, Dhru: Executing Director, Fish: Chairman, Jadu: Rundy/Moi’s attorney, Paras: MC/Moi. Get it? Rundy MC?.

Soon some retired to the sacks, weary after the longday’s experiences while others stayed up planning the route for Day 3. But then sooner or later everyone has to sleep and so they did. Only uncertainty remains Bob…. Now Bob kept on about putting an orange in a sock to ‘mob’ Akshay… Why? Coz it does not leave bruises! He prepared one for himself and one for Biggy as They sniggered before knocking out for the night.

SHUTTING UP SHOP (DAY 3)
It took a while packing and getting ready. For the second morning in a row, Akshay had to disturb Dhru’s serene morning with a rather loud demand for his car keys. Always wondered what was the rush in life with this old man? Some excuse always popped up. The packing took forever and finally got done. Shuli and Jadu had some toothbrush problems while Biggy did his best to get rid of all the food – the other campers kindly consumed the oranges but the cucumbers provided a massive challenge.

The Manchester boys (Neels and Aman) left after a small get together outside Swallow Falls Hotel. Dhru’s unfortunate luck finally showed its true colours when Akshay and Bob both ended up in his Volvo (SIRUX)…..but Dhru was smart enough to move away and end up in Shuli’s car instead. A hide and seek between 3 cars followed – Jadu going way out front, Shuli finding some parking to hide and eventually return to base, while Akshay fraudulently claimed to have made deals to sell SIRUX.

The hike to see the falls was nice and easy… so Paras and crew thought. On the way Biggy P found the perfect way to utilise the left over cucumbers, some were consumed on the trek while others were left on the trail as makeshift crumbs in case they lost their way (Hansel and Gretel style). The drivers on the other hand, accompanied by Fish and irritated by Bob made their way through forests and cliffs to eventually join the rest of the crew at the falls view point.

Here, at this very holy spot – right outside the holy city of Betwy-s- Coed , the CIRCLE OF LIFE was formed. A circle involving the boys was the perfect excuse to finish off provisions of snacks. Finally Team Moskore made it back to the car and a late lunch followed. As Shuli situated himself he got to witness the rest polish off anything that could be consumed followed by a review of the shopping. Few items on the shopping list made no sense at all, hopefully the crew will shop more wisely for the following trips.

Fish suggested a moment of silence for reflection which was ‘finally’ achieved. Biggy P on the other hand has an instinct to scan his environment for the most comfortable spot so Fish’s suggestion was his queue to ‘claim his couch’. 4 p.m. struck and as the sun set in the distance, the sad reality of leaving this marvellous country finally came to the fore. One final mishap – SIRUX suffered a small knock and a puncture, which was efficiently changed by some of the crew.

After crazy weaving through the traffic Shuli and Dhru got the crew back to Base Caladan. Dhru had made another drive (to hell and back) because of Akshay’s ‘side seat driving’. Since Dhru got to request sponsoring a brain for Bob, Paras would like to request Valium for the old man. Asheeta made some heavenly tea, fluid that served as nectar to us. Before Akshay, Fish, Ash and Fal left, Dhru wowed the crowed with some keyboard entertainment. The rest thought it best to rest, have some ‘healty’ pizza and Red Bull and then leave (reluctantly) back to London.

CRIBWARD!
Going back to The Crib started off just like every other return…. Until the moon stole the show. Shuli and Slow were debating whether to wake Paras up for the lunar show. Bushy’s call a few minutes later did. It was the perfect vision to end the magical trip… inexplicably perfect! The whole experience was so magical that it gave birth to Team Moskore. PAMOJA TUTASHINDA! (TOGETHER WE’LL WIN).

JUST A THOUGHT
Where to forest rangers to go ‘get away from it all’?
– George Carlin

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