Page 9 - Eagleye Spring 2020

six hours, the hardest point of the entire trek, monotonously putting one foot after the other. When we reached Leta village, we were welcomed with stunning panoramic views of the snow-capped mountains, somehow making the journey to get there more worthwhile. Taking it all in, I cried with exhaustion and relief that the climb was over,
feeling proud that I hadn’t given in.
30th October
Leta Village-Triund-Leta Village – 12km
For me, this was the most important day of the trek, as we would reach the trek’s highest point at Triund. At Triund, we would arrive at God’s Temple, where I had planned to hang an offering in Dominic’s memory.
We started with a 6km uphill trek to reach Triund. On the way, we were surrounded by vultures and kites travelling on the thermals, which flew so close that we could almost touch them. Triund rewarded us with breath- taking views of the Dhauladhar mountains and Kangra Valley. I made my way to the Temple, where I placed my offering and took a moment to think about Dominic and Dad. After another cup of chai and our limbs rested somewhat, we made our way back downhill to our campsite at Leta Village. As our guides
were celebrating Diwali, we were treated to a kaleidoscopic firework display, hot chocolate, singing and campfire dancing.
31st October
Leta Village-Bhagsu Nag- Dharamsala
This was our last trekking day, but we were treated to magnificent views of the valleys and snow-capped peaks. Very quickly, we descended to Bhagsu Naillaha stream, where we crossed the river and pushed on to reach a pretty waterfall. After lunch, we continued through Bhagsu Nag village, taking in a lovely temple and natural springs, before continuing to an old Gurkhas’ fort at McLeod Ganj in Dharamsala, where our trek came to its end.
Later, I went for a stroll around Dharamsala before our celebratory evening meal in the village. We were presented with our medals for completing the trek, followed by further celebratory drinks, karaoke and dancing!
1st/2nd November
The next morning, we had time to take in a visit to the local monastery and Tibetan market before later transferring back to Pathankot to catch the dreaded overnight train back to Delhi, arriving at 4am. We then had a five-hour bus journey to Agra, and a
visit to the incredible Taj Mahal, situated on the banks of the Yamuna River.
Voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, this beautiful monument was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in memory of his wife as a symbol of his undying love for her. For me this was the pinnacle of my journey as it represented the perfect place to encapsulate my thoughts and memories of Heartlink, the RAFBF, Dad, Dominic and my love for them.
On the flight back, I reflected on what I had achieved. Before I began my Challenge, my main objectives were to place an offering at God’s Temple at Triund, and to sit at the seat made famous by Princess Diana at the Taj Mahal, accompanied by Dominic’s photo. Looking back, I am proud to have completed the Challenge itself, given my circumstances – something that not everyone accomplished. I won’t forget the pride I felt at receiving my Challenge medal, the trains to and from Delhi or the cows walking along the fast lanes of Delhi’s motorways! I was really impressed by the efficiency and dedication of our guides and chefs, but I am glad that my experience of camping will not be repeated anytime soon! Despite that, I’m thrilled to have experienced the Challenge, and proud I raised money for such incredible charities in the RAFBF and Heartlink. I had set myself a target of £3000, but I raised £3635, split evenly between the two charities. I cannot give enough thanks to everyone who encouraged and supported me during my fundraising – your generosity has been humbling, and I will always be grateful.
Maria now works for the British Red Cross based in Hinchingbrooke Hospital and her husband is Flight Lieutenant Dave Gordon based at Pathfinder House.
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