After the entrancing sunset on day 1, I was eager to get up early to see the sun rise. I woke at 6am. It was still dark out. Well, the dull-blue, morning dark. So I went outside, only to be hit hard by the sharp wind. It was probably three times as windy now than when I went to sleep. It was blowing hard- almost like it was trying purposefully to tip me over. I dug my hands deep into my pockets and tried to slink into my jacket and cover as much of myself as I could. Just when I thought I was getting comfortable with it, another brisk gust of air would take me by surprise, making me escape back into the neck of the jacket. I kept waiting for the glorious sun to emerge, my chair appropriately facing the east. But it seemed like it was going to take a while. It was light out quite some time before we got a glimpse of the sun; since the two tall hills in front of us were blocking it.(I realized this only later) It was 7:30 when it came up from behind them. It was a very different scene from when the sun went down. It was bright with a growing glow. It didn’t give the sky any hues; it just threw its light everywhere. We sat in the welcome warmth of the sun out on the deck as we drank our tea.
After some early-rise inspired yoga with stretches and backbends, off we went back to the fireplace for breakfast. We were a little early so we decided to have some fun and work up an appetite. The gorgeous, ancestral fig tree that stands majestically opposite the fireplace with its textured, thick branches called out to us. That tree was such fun to climb! A huge, broad bark at the base broke off into a number of twisted, strong branches that allowed clambering up to different parts of the tree. It had many grooves and bends that provided footholds or even seats. Climbing up that tree and finding a nice, comfy perch up there was thorough delight. After that, breakfast was eventful; considering I put salt in my corn flakes and couldn’t stop laughing about it. It looked like powdered sugar!
We were given a laminated copy of a Google map showing all the various trail routes in the area. We chose the ‘Blue Trail’ and started off. We walked till we came to a bench in the forest and sat down. It was quiet all around, save the chirping of birds and sound of insects. After a few failed attempts to spot the birds we could hear, we resumed the trek. We found a snake skin. It was about 18inches, transparent with white scales and fragile. Almost felt like touching really thin and flimsy plastic. Along the way, we confused routes and continued on the ‘Green Trail’ instead. We went along until we came to a stream. It was so beautiful. It wasn’t in an open clearing or very prominent. It was a medium sized stream- icy cool water running between the rocks making the most delicious, tumbling sounds. There were shady trees all around it and some bigger rocks along its sides. Off came the shoes and in went the feet! Oh it was wonderfully soothing. So chill and clear. From there, we climbed slightly upwards and came out into a field. From that shady, cool forest pit-stop, this was totally different scenery. We were in open air, with tall grass growing all around, some trees too, and the hills climbing up from behind us. Up front we could see the canopies T2 and T3 rising up from the trees. (Ours was T1). Ah the sun! I loved it that day. I walked into the tall, prickly grass and lay down. I threw my hands back, covered my face with my cap and just stayed there. Well, not for too long anyway… That was the last part of our unguided morning trail and we found our way back to the reception where we met Sophie. She gave us 3 animal hunts to do. They were like treasure hunts; the main theme was that we were tracking imaginary animals instead. Each hunt came with smart clues we had to crack. Each clue lead to a different place, where we had to find a painted picture clue. She gave us a compass, a pen and a puzzle along with the clues and maps for each hunt. We returned to the canopy and decided to have a light lunch up there instead of going back down. We’d do the hunts after that.
We had a nature trail with Sophie at 4:30. We were joined by a very nice couple who were staying at the Machan. We started off from where we ended our morning trail. All along the way, Sophie spoke about the plants, trees, animals, insects and fungi found there. I have been on trails before with a guide, but this one was especially fun. Reason: Sophie! She was a very entertaining escort. She didn’t simply state facts and move on; she tried to get us to ask questions, guess answers and mixed it all with her humour. It was a lighthearted trek which ended at the sunset point- unfortunately past sunset. But the view was still astounding. We all walked back, crunching the dried leaves under our feet as we went along. I learned that Sophie had studied ecology, environmental management and botany. A lot like what I wanted to study. Meeting Sophie and knowing about her had given me a certain confidence in the path I had chosen for myself. A confidence that I can study those subjects and have a fulfilling career. I returned to the canopy, a little smarter than before.
After dinner, we had a rather special time with the stars. The couple who joined us for the trail earlier graciously invited us to share their crow’s nest that night for star gazing. So with Sophie leading the way, we climbed up the stairs to the very highly perched crow’s nest. After the previous night, I didn’t think the night sky could look any more beautiful. I was mistaken, of course. From that height, the night was even more majestic. We went over all the constellations. It was brilliant; to be able to see all those stars up there so clearly is a far dream otherwise.
Before saying goodnight to everyone, a plan was made to go climb the nearby hill next morning. It was one of the taller ones. I said I was ecstatically game and returned to the canopy looking forward to it. That night was terribly windy. The sound of the sheets filled the air completely. But it had been a long day, so we drifted off into a sound sleep despite it.
