The main reason Uthuwankanda was on my list was that, the last time I climbed as a scout with my troupe (sadly the one and only time), I was never able to reach the pinnacle of the mountain, as for any beginner, this was a tough bit of rock climbing, even though the climb itself is not the toughest of hikes.
Together with my two friends, Yohan and Nilesh, we started from Kandy early in the morning (having stayed the night at Yohan’s, and with Nilesh around I’m sure I laughed even in my sleep), and got on to a Negombo bus. In a flash, we reached Uthuwankanda town, walked our way through Uthuwana mawatha, and Nilesh soon found himself at home when he spotted a rhino (later to be realised as being a buffalo), and we managed to film a bit of that creature as we continued trotting our way through the village, and on to the hiking trail.
Our dream of being on Nat Geo somewhat came true when we heard what we thought was the sound of a hyena. We soon started to roll our camera and began filming them. However, again to our dismay we learnt that they were just some wild dogs with high pitched voices. All these jolly moments kept our spirits high and with the unending set of chuckles back and forth we soon reached the top of Uthuwankanda, even though we were yet to reach the very top which meant we had to do a bit of rock climbing; but we were almost there!
Even before we were able to catch a breath, we soon found the breathtaking endless set of mountains all around us. This was truly magnificent, and I was so thankful that Yohan, who with all his might, made us get up early in the morning to come on this hike.
Cloud-covered mountains and the misty mountain range below us really made our day. This also made me think what an awesome God we have, who put this all together.
One question Nilesh asked me during the hike was, “Are you doing this for the photographs or for the thrill?” If it was for the photographs I’m sure I would have still stayed back at home watching Nat Geo, and I don’t know if it is for the thrill, but something within me makes me want to climb up and see the world from a top a mountain, and I believe this trait of my life was placed by God. I know not many have it, but the ones who have it know what I am talking about!
But I definitely love taking pictures, even though I do not have the best camera; but I still enjoy taking them. And although I put them up, it only captures half of what you see; the other half is a little tough to explain, as you got to see it to believe it. Hehe...
Soon after all these thoughts, reality hit us – we still had a 20-foot vertical climb of sheer rock face. We prepared ourselves to conquer, leaning to the rock face, building steps from each other’s shoulder, and soon managed to climb at least 3 phases of the climb (out of about 5), where we took a break. I was shivering, but Yohan and Nilesh was quite cool about it. I kept telling myself, “Bambi, you need to chill.” Hehe… Soon Nilesh found a crack in the rocks and used it as a foot hole, and on he conquered the mountain of Uthuwankanda – Saradiel’s hideout (SL version of Robin hood); and within a few minutes, we were up on the top of Saradiel’s hideout as well!
It was a superb experience. A full 360 degree view of what was all around us, even though it was a scary fact that two steps on to any side meant a very fast way to get down (not alive though)!
Cloud-covered mountains and the misty mountain range below us really made our day. This also made me think what an awesome God we have, who put this all together.
One question Nilesh asked me during the hike was, “Are you doing this for the photographs or for the thrill?” If it was for the photographs I’m sure I would have still stayed back at home watching Nat Geo, and I don’t know if it is for the thrill, but something within me makes me want to climb up and see the world from a top a mountain, and I believe this trait of my life was placed by God. I know not many have it, but the ones who have it know what I am talking about!
But I definitely love taking pictures, even though I do not have the best camera; but I still enjoy taking them. And although I put them up, it only captures half of what you see; the other half is a little tough to explain, as you got to see it to believe it. Hehe...
Soon after all these thoughts, reality hit us – we still had a 20-foot vertical climb of sheer rock face. We prepared ourselves to conquer, leaning to the rock face, building steps from each other’s shoulder, and soon managed to climb at least 3 phases of the climb (out of about 5), where we took a break. I was shivering, but Yohan and Nilesh was quite cool about it. I kept telling myself, “Bambi, you need to chill.” Hehe… Soon Nilesh found a crack in the rocks and used it as a foot hole, and on he conquered the mountain of Uthuwankanda – Saradiel’s hideout (SL version of Robin hood); and within a few minutes, we were up on the top of Saradiel’s hideout as well!
It was a superb experience. A full 360 degree view of what was all around us, even though it was a scary fact that two steps on to any side meant a very fast way to get down (not alive though)!
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After hanging up there for awhile, with a little bit of difficulty, we climbed back down the rock, for our hikers’ meal. This was the usual salmon and bread, but with the original recipe handed over to us by tradition. We did not forget to film “How to prepare a hikers meal”. Hehe… Having enjoyed our meal, we then slowly headed back down into civilization.
It was truly another hike I will not forget. Thank you Nilesh and Yohan. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you two! J
Hiking Uthuwankanda – 14th November 2011 (Yohan, Nilesh and I)
It was truly another hike I will not forget. Thank you Nilesh and Yohan. I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you two! J
Hiking Uthuwankanda – 14th November 2011 (Yohan, Nilesh and I)
