From Railways to the Milk Sea

It’s been a long time from when I had last gone for a trek.
I needed an escape from the hectic schedule.
Finally, I had the opportunity.
As the starting point of the trek was away from home, we reached there in the car.
I, Kaustubh and Omkar unloaded all our bags, sleeping bags (as we had planned to stay overnight) and a bag which had something secret in it. (will tell you later)
Parag sir and his friend Nitesh was there with us. They had brought their net for collecting rare species of Dragonflies and Damselflies for identification.

We started our journey from Collem Railway station. We walked along the railway track.
Walking on the stones was quite difficult, but as time passed, we started loving it.

We spotted different species of Butterflies, Dragonflies and Damselflies, spiders, caterpillars etc. on the way.

Caterpillar

Giant Wood Spider

Giant Wood Spider having food

Golden Dartlet

Draco

Frog

Omkar was successful in collecting Pantala Dragonfly in the net.
It was rare one and Parag sir kept it for identification.
The trek was 12 kms. and we were already late. We knew we had to hurry.
But the gushing water, rustling leaves and the winged beauties all around us wouldn’t have let us sprint.
The sun started going down which means photography was no more be possible after sometime.
That’s why we hurried and decided to unpack the secret bag.
The moment for which I was waiting for last 3 hours had come.
Everyone was set. Ready and excited to see what happens next.
And then, Omkar opened the bag.......................................................................................................... and a 3 feet Russell’s Viper sprung out of the bag.

Everyone was set and excited. Ready to see what comes next.Omkar opened the bag and a 3 feet long Russell's Viper sprung out of the bag.

Ready

Steady

Hiss

We were excited to see how swiftly it moved. It was rescued by the people from a rescue squad and we had taken it with us for releasing it there. Now,as it was near to the track,we had to take it away from the track.
It was an amazing and thrilling experience handling it. What makes it more thrilling is the potential of the venom of this snake. Even if the person is saved from a bite, the area to which the venom is spread can get affected with Gangrene.
We completed the task which I was waiting for, right from the beginning of the trek.
Then we continued our journey as it started getting darker.We had the torches, but nothing is as exciting as walking in the dark. So we decided to keep them off.

Me on the dark track

The place we were supposed to stay was still 4-5 kms. So we decided to stay in a village called Sonaulim on the route. We kept all our bags in village temple. The temple of the "Milk Sea" - the "Dudhsagar".(Waterfalls)
The only temple I've seen where nature is worshiped. The Dudhsagar has been given the place of god over there.
We all were hungry and rushed to the chool(the traditional indian stove).
Parag sir cooked magi noodles for us.

We had our food and slept.



To be continued......