Die hard Hikers

Pitter-patter, pitter-patter. The sound of the rain loomed thunderously from above. The forest looked dark and I could not see anyone in front of me. The sound of the rain grew louder, but the droplets barely hit me, sheltered by the canopy above me.

I was between two minds. Should I turned out to the main road at the next turning, or should I continue my trail?

The sound of chatterings reached my ears and I saw flashes of red and blue in front of me. Two ladies were carrying a red and blue umbrella each. Deep in their conversation, they were totally unperturbed by the rain that was falling around them. They made way for me to overtake them and I passed by them silently. The chattering echoed into silence as I increased the distance between us. Seemed like I am not the only crazy hiker around.

It was another few minutes before I heard hurried footsteps behind me. I was making my way down a slope that had turned muddy. At the first opportunity that I got, I stood to one side to make way for him. The guy was dressed in dri-fit sleeveless shirt and carrying a bottle of water. He was obviously on his exercise routine. I soon lost sight of him.

Another few minutes passed before I saw another flash in a distant. It was another lone ranger carrying a red back pack. I could not catch up with him and we maintained a respectable distance.

The thunderstorm showed no signs of relenting. I was totally drenched from both the perspiration and the rain. The trekker turned into Diary Farm Trail. He was obviously not going to let the rain disrupt with his routine. The sign board looked new. Was that a new trail, or had it escaped my notice in the past. It was not a trail that I was familiar with and I continued with my path.

I passed by a few shelters. There were some trekkers taking a break from the trek and the rain. I continued my path and soon reached the challenging steps. I was both relieved and fearful. I had come to the most challenging portion of the whole trail, but also the end of the trail. I quickly made my way up, mindful of the slippery steps. It had been a month since I last took to these steps, and I was panting heavily. But it felt good to be breathing deeply after a month. The air in the rain smell so refreshing and cooling.

A huge crowd gathered at the shelter at the top of the steps. Everyone was happy to take the break from the trail and the rain. The rain still showed no signs of lightening, if not it seemed to rain heavier. I could imagine my bike totally wet and totally safe. I doubt any one would risk stealling a bike in this rain. Mindful of the time, I left the shelter and made my way to the main road.

As I was walking down the main road, I saw couples making their way to the summit. There were also trekkers covered in rain coat and just starting their trek. They were totally undeterred by the heavy rain that was pouring so fiercely around them.

Rain or shine. I will be here. These are really the die-hard hikers.