Torres del Paine, Chilean Patagonia - March 2024
In March this year, seven of us—all from the class of 1996 of Jadavpur University, including some stalwarts and a few ordinary members (like me) of the University Mountaineering & Hiking Club—embarked on a journey to celebrate a significant milestone: our 50th birthdays. Spanning the globe from Mumbai to London, New Jersey, Los Angeles, and the Bay Area, we reunited for an epic trek through the breathtaking landscapes of Chilean Patagonia. Over eight exhilarating days, we hiked 125 km and ascended nearly 20,000 feet, experiencing both the physical challenge and the profound beauty of this remote region.
This adventure deserves its own tale, which is for a future post. But as I flew back to Mumbai from Puerto Natales, a small town in southern Chile, I pondered a deeper question: Why do we keep returning to the mountains? The answer to this question is precisely what inspired us and ultimately led to the creation of Reccy.
Here’s what I concluded during that 40-hour journey:
One Constant in a Changing World: Mountaineering has been our anchor for 30 years. While our lives have seen transformations—families, careers, new cities and countries, technologies, business models—the mountains remain our steadfast passion. Amidst all the change, the call of the peaks and the passes is a comforting constant.
Endless Dreaming: The mountains fuel our imagination and wanderlust. It’s the thrill of boarding a plane to an unfamiliar town, the joy of packing a backpack with essentials, the serenity of reading by a crystal-clear lake, the exhilaration of conquering a high mountain pass, and the delight of savoring local delicacies after a long day of trekking. Plus, it's the only time we get to eat like hobbits—second breakfast, anyone?
Embracing the Unexpected: Trekking teaches us to embrace uncertainty and adapt to changing conditions—a skill invaluable in our personal and professional lives. Whether it’s navigating a sudden snowstorm or finding an unmarked trail, these experiences remind us that life’s unpredictability can lead to the most beautiful and memorable moments. Also, it’s a great way to practice not freaking out when you lose your Wi-Fi signal.
Gratitude for Simple Joys: After a challenging climb, nothing compares to the simple pleasure of a hearty meal like dal chawal. These moments of simplicity remind us of our privileges and the joy found in life’s basic comforts—like the first sip of hot tea at a mountain refuge or the warmth of a campfire under the stars. And let’s be honest, everything tastes better when you’ve earned it with sweat and blisters.
Motivation to be Fit and Healthy: The prospect of an upcoming trek motivates me to stay fit and manage my cravings. Knowing that a demanding adventure awaits provides that extra push to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prepare physically for the challenges ahead. After all, no one wants to be the one panting like an overworked pug halfway up the mountain.
System Reboot: Disconnecting from the digital world and immersing in nature offers a necessary reset. The mountains provide a sanctuary where we can recharge, reflect, and return to our daily lives with renewed energy and perspective. Plus, it’s the perfect excuse to avoid those incessant work emails and meaningless conference calls—“Sorry, I was out of range!”
Cherished Friendships: Above all, these treks have cemented lifelong friendships. Despite the years and the miles between us, our bond remains as strong and our banter as sharp as they were three decades ago. The shared experiences and mutual support on the trail strengthen our connection and create memories that last a lifetime. Nothing says “I’ve got your back” like helping a friend out of a muddy trail mishap.
As we look back on this incredible journey, we are reminded of why the mountains call to us. Here's to many more adventures, shared dreams, and unchanging friendships.
Written by Anirban Sen