DIARY ENTRY

September 2022

I really loved the road trip and seeing the natural beauty along the way. This trip was really for nature lovers, and as one of them, I adored it. When I reached Manavanam, I thought it was a kind of forest, but it turned out to be a farmland, which disappointed me a little. But later I discovered that Nallamala was nearby. I was excited to meet a wild animal near our camping site, but nothing showed up. I really enjoyed putting up the tent on the first day, because I was the only one in our group who knew how to do it.

The campmates were sorted into groups. We were given unlimited items that were available in the forest. We made a tent with coconut leaves and wood sticks. I really enjoyed working with my team. I loved the day’s hiking, but I thought we would go on a trek on a mountain. I felt tired and my legs were not cooperating with me, so I realized I am not really a hiking person. The best thing is I collected many cool rocks there. We got noodles as snacks in the evening, which were really soft. I got no sleep that day, even though it was a tiring day. I really tried my best to wake up my friend, but they slept. The next day, I woke up at three in the morning and ate snacks because I was so hungry.

The second day of the trip was so exotic and amazing for hiking. I really enjoyed the part where the fish bit my leg. I was amazed to see the astonishing nature. It was like I was living in a fairy tale; the sound of the waterfall was so good to hear that I really wanted to hear it again and again and did not want to leave the place. The thing I really loved the most was fording over cool flowing water. I got wet as the water came up to my hoodie.

The day was mesmerizing. I did have a good view of the natural scenery as well. Later we returned to the camp. We were given the task to cook with limited items. My group really did the worst cooking because we burnt up the food, but I really enjoyed my first cooking experience with firewood. I realized I am really a bad cook. That day I slept really quickly. I slept like a baby.

The third day arrived. I was sad to leave the place. I wanted to stay on the hill range we had trekked that morning. I really enjoyed when puppies followed me, because I am a puppy magnet, even when I sat on the cliff with our guide, Tapasvi. I learnt a lot about her that day.

We did farming activities after we returned from the trip.

I returned to Guntur with precious memories. I am grateful to the guides for taking care of me during the daring journey. Even now while writing this, I recall how good it felt there; I wish I could go there again.

Abhi Varshini

Class VIII