Box Hill evening Hike 🌜️🚶‍♂️🚶‍♀️🦉

16th October, we made a plan for an evening hike with only 6 friends. As we finished work Friday evening, we packed our backpack and left home in time. As nobody else had a night walking experience, I thought it would be wise to walk in a familiar 10 miles route around Box Hill. Luckily, the weather was also absolutely fine that evening.

The highlight of the walk was  (Nepali: गुन्द्रुक is a fermented leafy green vegetable and a popular food in Nepal), rice (Nepali: भात)  and some Achhar (Nepali: अचार pickles). We had our dinner halfway in our route and tea a little further on the way back home. Thanks Sulav ji for the food. 

An evening to remember! 

एक सुके मन 💓

विजयादशमी २०७७ (२०२०) को सुखद उपलक्ष्यमा सम्पूर्ण नेपाली दाजुभाई तथा दिदीबहिनीहरुलाई हार्दिक मंगलमय शुभकामना ब्यक्त गर्दछु | यो कबितामा, यौटा सानो केटोले दशैको बेलामा दक्षिणा नपाउदाको दुख र दशैको महत्व के कति बुझ्यो, बुझेन, मनको कुरो समेट्न कोसिस गरिएको छ।  

यस्पाली त खोइ आयेन? 

तर जब आउथ्यो दशै, पिर पर्थ्यो

निधार भरी अटाइ नअटाइ टीका लगाइ दिन्थे 

भुइमा लम्पसार परेर

खुट्टामा ढोग्न लगाउथे

बाजे, बजै, बा आमा, काका काकी, दिदिबहिनी  

एक पछि अर्को, सबैले आशिर्वाद दिन्थे!

सबैले धेरै पढीलेखेर, ठूलो मान्छे भइस भन्थे

सुन्दा सुन्दा, हैन नपढने मान्छे त सधै सानै हुन्छ कि क्या हो?  झै लाग्थ्यो।

सबैले ज्ञानी भइस भन्थे

हैन म साच्चैको बदमाश पो छु कि क्या हो? झै लाग्थ्यो।

भनेको मान्ने भइस भन्थे....

त्यसैले होला अहिले चै म श्रीमतीले भनेको जे... पनि मान्ने भाको छु।

तर दशैमा सबैभन्दा महत्वपुर्ण कुरो 

सबैले भुसुक्कै बिर्सन्थे!!!

छोरोलाइ दशैको दक्षिणा खोइ? 

दशैमा छोरोको आम्दानी खोइ? 

त्यो दिन त दिदी बहिनीहरुको

चालामाला बेग्लै हुन्थ्यो

फुर्सद नै कहाँ पाउथे?

मान्छे हो कि रास्ट्र बैक हो

छुट्याउनै गार्हो हुन्थ्यो

छापेको छापै गर्थे

खल्ती मै छापाखाना राखेछन कि क्या हो झै लाग्थ्यो।

सकि नसकी

हातैमा नअटने कडा, नया बास्ना आउने नोटहरु गन्थे

सबैको ढोगाइ खादा खादा

कहिले काहीँ लक्षमी माताको हातबाट झै पैसा खसाल्थे

हामीलाइ भने त गैडा हाती

दुइ तीन बर्ष अघि सौराहामा देख्या मात्रै याद हुन्थ्यो।

कसैले एक सुको दिदा

हामीलाइ गिज्याये झै भान हुन्थ्यो

वरिपरि बस्ने दिदिबहिनीहरु 

कतै हासेको पो छन कि कुन्नि भन्ने लाग्थ्यो।

रुपैयाको के कुरा गर्नु?

कहाँ, कस्ले कुन घरमा कत्ती पैसा दिन्छ, दिन्न?

हिसाबमा फेल हुने छोरोलाई नी सबै याद हुन्थ्यो।

दिदिबहिनीको खुतुर्केमा अटाइ नअटाइ हुन्थ्यो

हाम्रो खुत्रुकेमा एक मोहोर खसाल्दा

त्यहाँ एक्लै बसी राखेको टुहुरो एक सुको झसङ्गै हुन्थ्यो

" तेरिमा मोहोर! अलि बिस्तारै झर्न सक्दैन!" 

भनेर झर्किन्थ्यो, बिचरो एक सुको। 

हाम्रो दुख कस्ले बुझुन?

आस्वासन कसैले दिदैन थियो

मामाघरमा दुई चार रुपैयाँ पाउँदा चाहिँ

स्कुलको वाद बिबाद प्रतियोगितामा

सान्त्वना पुरुस्कार जितेर घर आये झै लाग्दथ्यो

जितेको हो कि हारेको हो? 

बुझ्न एक छिन गार्हो पर्थ्यो

हास्ने हो कि रुने हो 

अड्कल नै हुन्न थियो।

बल्लबल्ल अलिकति भाको त्यो कमाइ पनि

घरमा दिदिबहिनीलाइ टीका लगाइ 

जबर्जस्ती दक्षिणा दिनु पर्दा

हाम्रो खुशी एकदमै छोटो हुन्थ्यो।

घाटा त खानु नै थियो

अझै दुई खुट्टामा रामरी ढोग्नै पर्थ्यो।

अरु के गर्नु?

एक गिलास दहि खायेर 

भगवानलाइ आकाश तिर हेरेर  

मनमनै, ठूलो स्वरले तर बिनम्र भयेर 

सबै छोरोले दुख पोख्थ्यो।

हे दुर्गा माता!

बाले दुख गरि यो घरको जग बसाको

आमाले हावाहुरीबाट यो घर सम्हालेको

दिदी बहिनी पनि आमा सरि 

माया गर्ने मुटु भरी, सबै सधै सग्गालेको

तर यस्तो किन अत्याचार!

हामीलाई नी छोरी भयेर किन तिमीले नजन्माको?

माताले हास्दै भन्नू भाको

" हे बालक! 

हाम्रो समाज, सस्कृती, धर्म, आस्था र प्रथालाई 

तिमीले नै हो जोगाउने!

यो दशै तिमीलाइ सबैको माया बटुल्न बनाको

अनि

दिदिबहिनीहरुको सम्मान गर्न पनि सिकाको!"

हो दुर्गा भवानी! 

घर छोडी हिडेको धेरै भो

यस्पालीको दशै त झन यस्तै भो

कोरोनाको सम्हार कहिले गर्नु हुने हो?

अर्को पालीको दशैमा चै जन्मघर जाउला

नया सर्ट पाइट सिलायेरै लगाम्ला

चङ्गा उडाम्ला

सेल रोटी काक्रोको अचार सङ्ग खाम्ला

लङ्गरगुर्जा, च च हुईई सरर... पिङ्ग पनि खेलम्ला

आफू हुर्के खेलेको आँगन

हिडेको बाटो

बसेको चौतारी फेरि एक पल्ट पुगम्ला 

बाजे, बजैलाई सम्झिम्ला

मामाले कत्ती पैसा दिनु हुन्छ, हेरुम्ला।

बा, आमा, दिदीबहिनी सबैलाइ नढोगेको धेरै भो

सबैको आशीर्वाद निधार भरी थापुम्ला।

दशैमा पाएको यहि असली दक्षिणाले 

यो एक सुके मनको खुत्रुके भरेर  

यो जीवन कथा सजौला। 

 

धन्यवाद ।

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युट्युब भिडियो: दशै झल्काउने केही राम्रो फोटोहरु ईन्टरनेटबाट लिइयेको छ। यो कुनै कमर्सियल भिडियो हैन र मात्र दशैको रमाइलो क्षणहरु शेयर गर्ने सानो कोसिस हो र आशा छ यस कबिताको भावना यहाँहरुलाइ मन पर्ने छ। धन्यवाद।

बेपत्ता

 

कबिताको शिर्षक छ.. श्रीमती हराएको मान्छे !

यो अहिलेको लक डाउन परिबेशमा, सधै बाहिर डुली हिड्ने बानी भएको तर हप्तौ देखि घर मै बस्न बिबश एउटा श्रीमान जो आफ्नो श्रीमतीबाट र अप्रत्यक्ष रुपमा कोरोना भाइरसबाट कसरी पिडित भएको महसुस गर्दैछ भन्ने प्रसङ्गमा उस्ले पोखेको दुख, ब्यथा, पीडाहरु समेट्न खोजिएको कोसिस हो। यो पुर्णतया काल्पनीक भए पनि कसैलाई झुक्किएर मिल्न गएमा.. खुच्चिङ्ग, खुच्चिङ्ग खुच्चिङ्ग!

महामारी चलीराखेको छ म त्रसित छु यो के भयो ?😲 आखिर कसरी भयो ?🤔

भाइरस के हो? यस्को अनुहार कस्तो हुन्छ कुन्नी? सुन्छु नेताहरु ठट्टा पो गर्दैछन आजभोली भाइरस त निर्जिब तत्त्व हो रे यो सब बोसोको खेल हो भन्छन डा ओली डा ट्रम्प चै भन्छन किटाणुनासक रसायनको इन्जेक्सन लाउने हो कि?

कुरा बुझ्न गार्हो छ बाहिर ननिस्कन सरकारको आदेश छ मास्क लगायेको छु महिना कटि सक्यो हात धोको धोइ छु नुहाउनु चै पर्छ कि पर्दैन कुन्नि?

बाहिर जाउ, भाइरसको भय घरै बसुम्, श्रीमतीको डर सपनामा त तर्साउ थियौ अब त बिपनामा पनि यातना दिन सुरु हुने हो कि?

जुन कोठोमा जाउ भान्छा, बैठक, तल, माथी पाउछु साथ तिम्रो कहिले नछुट्ने छाया सरि उ बेलामा नछुट्टिने कसम खाको मलाइ त लाग्छ आज कै लागि हो कि? २ मिटर दुरि राख्ने नियम घरमा किन लागू हुन्न कुन्नि ?

रामायणको समयमा राम लक्ष्यमणको बनबास अहिले मेरो घरबास घरैमा उठिबास यो चाल कस्ले किन चल्यो कुन्नि ?

अस्ति सम्म हनुमान झै उडि हिडे गार्हो छ आज घाम देख्न पनि यो सितेको किड्न्याप हुने चान्स छ कमी मेरो हरेक चालको अनुमान गर्छे उल्टै घरमा वसीवसी रोकतोक गर्छे मेरो हरेक कामकुराहरु अनुगमन गर्छे मलाइ त थाहा नै थिएन पढाइ कत्ती थियो उस्को? जासुसीमा पो रैछ डिग्री।

घरमा न चुनाब हुन्छ न प्रजातन्त्र को कदर बोल्ने अधिकार हनन भा'छ जुलुस निकाल्न बन्देज ला'छ दिनदिनै नया अध्यादेस जारी गर्छे यो घरको खडक प्रसाद ओली।

सम्झदा सपना जस्तो लाग्छ पहिले दिन दिनै काममा जादा उनी सङ्ग छुट्नु पर्दा क्या बेइमान लाग्थ्यो यो जिन्दगी तस्बिर हेरेर चित्त बुझाउनु पर्थ्यो अब न तस्बिरको जरुरी न फोन गर्नु, न कतै जानू बेइमान त यो भाइरस पो हो कि?

कोरोनाको दिन खै कत्ती छ बाकी? तर यी बाकी दिनहरु काट्ने कसो गरि? अहिले नेपाल के? सन्सारै बन्द, ब्यापर मन्द! अडेको छ समय तर घरमा सलबलायेको देख्छु मेरी श्रीमती।

भाइरसले फोक्सोमा आक्रमण गर्छ रे त्यसैले बाहिर जान डराउछु काम गरेको नै छु घरमा पकाको छु भाडा माझेकै छु तर बड्दो छ श्रीमतीको दिनदिनै अत्याचार अत्ती।

अस्ति तरकारिमा नुन हाल्न बिर्सदा पनि घाँटी अठ्याइन उस्ले पहिले त दालभात पस्किन्थे अहिले त हातपात गर्न अघि सर्छे अब कसै गरि मेरो सास फुस्कने सम्भावना बढेको पो हो कि?

हस्पिटलमा भ्यान्टिलेटरको कमी छ रे घरमा भ्यान्टिलेसनको हावा प्रदुषित छ अक्सिजनको कमी छ तर बाहिर गए पुलिसको लाठी चार्ज गर्छ घरमा इन्चार्ज छे श्रीमती।

खोकी लागेर बोझो माग्दा मेरो मुखमा बुझो पो लाइदिइन उस्ले। अस्ति एकदिन ३९ डिग्रीको ज्वरो आउँदा पनि सुख पाइन मेरै ढाडमै सेकेर पाउरोटी खाइन उस्ले। धेरै ताते पसिनै छुट्यो फृजमा लगेर हालिदिइन उस्ले। धन्नै जमेर मुटुको प्रेसर डाउन भो यो जिन्दगीको तापक्रम मिलाउन सारै गार्हो बनाइन उस्ले।

सफै नगर्ने ठाउ पनि फोहोर देखाइन उस्ले मोदिको सरसफाइ अभियान मित्रो! यो घरमा पो चलाइन उस्ले। पुछ्नै नपर्ने ठाउमा पनि पुछ्न लागाइन उस्ले सास फुल्यो, आराम गर्छु एकैछिन भन्दा अल्छी भयो, ब्यायाम पुगेन भनी छतमा लगिन उस्ले। फेसबुकमा लाइभ गयेर मलाइ सये चोटि उठ्बस गर्न लगाइन उस्ले इन्टेर्नेट्को कनेस्कन गयो भनेर अर्को फेरि सये उठ्बस दोहोराइन उस्ले। खुट्टा मलाइ दुखेको थियो मालिस आफैलाइ पो गर्न लगाइन उस्ले।

लौ यो लक डाउनले के गर्यो? मेरो घरको ठेगाना त छ तर ठेगान् आफ्नो हराइन उस्ले।

मुहार चन्द्रमा जस्तो थियो कुनै बादलले पो छेक्यो की?

पात्रो हेर्ने भ्याएको थिएन औँशीको दिन लम्बियो कि?

कन्या राशी थियो उन्को सिह कसरी हुन गइ?

उस्को आँखा राम्रो थियो कसैको आँखा लाग्यो कि?

कान मिलेको थियो कसैले कानेखुसी गरिदियो की?

बोली लड्डु जस्तो गुलियो थियो काचै करेला चपाइन कि?

अनुहार त झनै राम्रो थियो मेक अप गरेकी पो थिइन कि?

साच्चैमा भन्नू पर्दा म त घर मै बसी बसी श्रीमती हरायेको मान्छे!

खोजी राखेको छु उनीलाइ भेटेको छैन अझै

रिपोर्ट गरेको छु समाचार आएको छैन

पत्रिकामा छापेको छु खबर पाएको छैन।

बयान गरेको थिएँ यसरी विस्तारमा.. नपाउने त फेरि शंकै थियन।

खबर आयो चारै तिरबाट सबैको यउटै कुरो थियो कसैले सान्तवना भने दिएनन् कसैले गरे गाली कसैले दिए सुझाव कसैले सोधे प्रस्न? तर सबैले भन्थे त्यहि "म पनि तिमी जस्तै श्रीमती हरायेको मान्छे।" के गर्ने, कहाँ खोज्न जाने? हामीलाई नी शोक छ बयान एकदमै मिल्दो जुल्दो छ लान्छौ भने मेरै लैजाउ बरु तिम्रो श्रीमती त खै कुन्नी।

मेरो पछी हात धोयेर लागी परेको त थियौ नै हिजोआज त झन राजनितीमा पनि हात हाल्न थाली छ भाइरसको समस्या जटिल छ भनेर अस्ति प्रधानमन्त्री डा ओलीलाई फोन गरिछ यो लक डाउन अझै लम्ब्याउने सुझाब पनि दिइछ।

तर आशा गर्छु एकदिन श्रीमती आउने छन घर फर्किएर। राणा शासन त टुङ्गियो एकदिन भाइरसको रस पनी सुक्ने छ।

अहिलेको लागि खुसी छु धन्य छु किन की अझै केही बितेको छैन भाग्यले म अझै जिवितै छु।

लौ हिडे अहिलेलाई अलबिदा दालभात पकाउने पालो आज फेरि मेरै छ।

धन्यवाद ।

Wild Camping

For so many, camping is a way to connect with nature. Wild Camping is different from usual camping which is not just about going outdoors, but also getting away from the busy campsites and caravan parks, and spending time with nature, truly. Wild camping requires more planning/organising and be prepared/self-sufficient for the whole experience. But there are specific rules that govern access for wild camping in the UK. Scotland allows wild camping anywhere but in England or Wales, there are certain places that we can go wild camping – such as the Lake District and parts of Dartmoor. But where ever you may go, you must check first if you need permission from the landowner. The most important rule to remember is that your wild camping trip should leave no impact on the landscape and shouldn’t disturb the environment or wildlife around you. 

So, wild camping is pretty much illegal everywhere else in Britain. But, people still do and that’s technically breaking the law. However, as I read in many places, the general advice is that if you stick to the rules you should be ok. A few things to remember: to camp in a small group, further away from paths (can’t be seen from a distance), towns and villages, pitch after dark and leave just after sunrise. Don’t light fires, take away everything you brought and absolutely Leave No Trace (LNT).

Friday the 2nd October, I went for Wild camping in Surrey Hills (The Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) with two of my friends (Sushil and Sulav). The weather forecast was not so brilliant and we had a bit of storm Alex experience in those two days. However, it was an interesting, fun and unexpectedly challenging trip for our first-time wild camping.

We planned and prepared as much as possible, packed our rucksack, and left home after eating an early lunch. Well, at least two of us definitely had our Nepalese style lunch (dal, bhaat, tarkari), but Sulav didn’t, allegedly. We started our walk from Mickleham. It was a bit of struggle to get going, especially walking up hills carrying (a 14kg or more) rucksack for the first time. I never knew, it would be tough. I can’t emphasis enough that you need to be smart about your packing and make sure that our load is as light as possible. But it’s hard to find the balance between weight and necessity that’s right for you.

The plan was to walk at least 21kms before pitching. Halfway, as we stopped for a nice cup of coffee at the Wotton Hatch, we thought of pitching at 16kms near Tillingbourne spring. It was getting late and we were a little tired as well. When we got there, it was almost 7pm and nearly dark. We looked for an area to pitch, a bit far away from the path. But it was all boggy (like a marsh) probably due to a non-stop rain. So, we went looking for a spot to pitch our tent in a higher ground.

We kept walking up towards Leith Hill and took some time before finding an area flat enough for three of us to pitch. It kept raining, but with our head torch on, we pitched as quickly as we could. We all had a 2P tent. My Vango Langley 600XL tent was heavy (more than 2kgs) but big enough to keep our rucksack, boots inside, out of the rain. Sulav and Sushil pitched near the big tree and I ended up pitching a little far away.

We cooked our food in our own tent and sat together (rather uncomfortably) in Sulav’s tent and eat quickly. We also had a quick ginger tea. I left my saucepan outside hoping to collect some rainwater and also remembered to charge my watch and mobile phone for tomorrow.

We went to bed early, just after 9pm but, I managed to sleep 3 hours or maybe less that night. It rained all day and "poured down" throughout the night. As we were on quite an exposed spot, it was a sleepless night with the sound of the heavy rain hammering on our tent and the gusts of winds made me think if we set up our tents properly and will it survive strong winds? I also kept wondering if water will be running inside our tent. But it wasn't like 50-mph winds or the worst weather we have ever experienced. So we were just fine. However, trying to fall asleep, Sushil said that he tried singing in the rain and I was counting numbers backward, recited Gayatri mantra, and also end up eating a protein bar, Snicker, and a bread roll. But Sulav said that he (allegedly) had a good long sleep and woke up once or twice only. I have absolutely no idea how you could have a good sleep in such a noisy tent!

After a few hours of sleep, I was awake early, just before 5am. It was completely dark outside and still raining. I changed my base layer and made myself warm first. Then, I started cooking my porridge while packing my rucksack at the same time. Sushil and Sulav were also awake and started preparing. Once again, we quickly eat our breakfast and drank a tea/coffee that we prepared with a little bit of water left from last night. Then, we packed up our tent, made sure we didn’t leave any rubbish, and started moving.

Once again, we decided to keep our walk under 16kms. There was no mobile reception in the area where we pitched. So I replanned the route on our way back. Early in the morning, it was a really nice walk back. The trail was almost empty for us to enjoy. We hardly met a few (dog) walkers and runners on the way. The views were splendid after the rain. The greenery was greener than usual and it was just fantastic to see mist/fog. as I like to think it was as if trees were breathing out oxygen for us.

Most of the paths were clear with only a few puddles that we couldn’t avoid. After jumping in just one puddle and a bit of walk, Sushil decided he needs a new waterproof boot for a next trip. We mustn’t forget as well that even if our boots are waterproof, water can get in and run down our legs easily. So, over-trousers and gaiters are always useful which we all had. In fact, I would like to say we are always prepared (over cautious sometimes) because of our experiences from past hiking trips.

Hence, we always find hiking/camping in bad weather as enjoyable as in good weather. Hiking in the rain, light to moderate drizzle is good fun but it could be challenging in heavy rain and wind. So, it is all about taking sensible risks and be a little more prepared for the elements for worthwhile rewards. 

A few things to remember based on our experiences and what I learned:

First of all, you should pick a good trail / well-established path (a loop route is even better if you are planning to hike as we did). In bad weather, you should try to avoid steep hills, narrow paths, and wetlands. It is important to check on the weather before leaving and prepare accordingly. 

Rucksack/backpack – a rain cover is enough for a light drizzle. In heavy rain, you could use a heavy-duty bin liner to line the inside of your backpack. Use dry / zip-lock bags to keep important equipment/food and other bits dry inside your bag.

A good tent and an extra groundsheet (if you are worried about the rain). Sleeping in a tent in the rain is definitely one of the great joys in life! But if you are like me and can’t sleep with all the noises, do bring earplugs!

You must ensure our tent is safe and secure. Tighten the guy ropes and always bring some spare pegs! If it is raining, keep rucksack and boots inside a tent.

If a heavy downpour/storm is forecast, you should check you aren't camped where it could flood (in a valley or a floodplain). If lots of lightning directly overhead, the advice is to avoid tents or standing under trees or other tall objects that may attract lightning strikes. In such a situation, the best thing to do is to get into full waterproofs, go outside, in low ground, or in a nearby building (if possible) and enjoy the lighting show.

Remember to dress for the temperature. You should bring warm, waterproof clothing and boots and socks. Don’t wear cotton or denim. Invest in a good waterproof and windproof jacket. Is there such thing as the perfect jacket - waterproof, breathable, lightweight, comfortable to wear for a long time, and warm as well? This is probably why we should wear layers. When choosing layers, consider how hot or cold it is and dress appropriately.

Get a good base layer – wicks sweat off your skin. The Middle (insulating) layer – retains body heat and outer (shell) layer – shields from wind and rain. Waterproof paints and Gaiters are also great to keep your socks dry.

You would also need:

• A good Sleeping Bag, a liner and Camping mat (folding) is essential.
• Camping cooking equipment, lighter.
• Shove or trowel, toilet paper, wipes (bio-degradable)
• GPS tracker (mobile phone), map, compass, battery pack
• A microfiber towel
• Waterproof case for map and mobile phone.
• Hiking poles – might be useful.
• First aid kit.
• and more…

Food - it’s important to remember we are not going for a picnic and take what’s absolutely necessary. Quick snacks that we can eat on the go, such as energy bars and dried fruit/nuts are lifesaver! it’s always a good idea to snack small and often throughout the day. Most of all, always remember to smile, laugh and enjoy!

By the way, once I came home, I did clean and dry my tent properly before packing as storing a damp tent doesn’t do it any good.

A bit long video (< 6 mins) but a collection of our memorable moments.

Note: Saturday 3 October 2020 was the wettest day for UK-wide rainfall since records began in 1891, Met Office researchers have said. The downpour followed in the wake of Storm Alex and saw an average of 31.7mm (1.24ins) of rain across the entire UK. (Source: BBC News 16/10/2020 https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-54561601)