Was exited to join this trek to Channarayanna Durga as I had missed it earlier, but was wondering how to make it during monsoon showers.   Vinay, our captain  sent out the communication to assemble @ Ramakrishna Ashram, Gandhibazar @ 7 AM.       

On reaching R K Ashram, met the fellow trekkers who were already there.   We had a little wonder of 7 years who was part of the 18 member team.  We set out for the trek from Ramakrishna Ashram in our vehicles and 2 more members joined us @ Jallahalli Cross and we proceeded to  Kamath Yatrinivas on Tumkur Road for out breakfast break.   There after to Dobbaspet  and towards Devarayanadurga, Gorvanahalli, Koratagere, Siddarabetta Arch to Channarayana Durga.      

We were welcomed by cloudy weather on reaching the place.  We were welcomed by Rizwan ( 3rd Std boy) who told his grand mother that he is gona show the people from bangalore the fort and escorted us to the peak.   

After covering 50 mts from the base, we were welcomed by showers and made it difficult for us to climb.  Megha was so enthuastic she scaled with her parents in the rain.   17 of us braced the rain and started scaling the rocks.  After discussions with the captain and the villagers , me , Vikas and Pallavi Vikas stayed back till the rain stopped and then decided to scale the top without our shoes, as it will reduce from slipping from the rocks.  I would have missed the beauty if i stayed back listening to the villagers. 

Thanks to Vinay ( captain) and Ram who got into the rescue mission and helped the team to scale further with the help of Rope.    Team took the first break.   

After relaxing we wanted to scale to the next platform before rain would lash at us once again.      Suri was gracious enough to carry my backpack ( empty) only with water and helped me to scale up easily.     We reached a point where we wanted to reduce the weight of the jackfruits we were carrying.    Pallavi, Ram, suri got into the act of operating the jack and removing the fruit to feast upon once we scale to the peak. We now stepped across a beautiful water source surrounded with greenery and layers of fortress .  

We had couple of photo shoots and had the glimpse of the gorgeous fort from the point.   Sun god was playing hide n seek and could see the cloud formation once again and had to head towards the peak.    

One could view the magnificent fortress of Channagiri from here. After scaling yet another 1000 mts we entered the final destination and team was rejoicing of having completed the 1st phase of the trek successfully.   

Could have an amazing view of the valley from here and what an breath taking view, could see the glimse of beautiful landscape. Once could also spot the magnificiant madhugiri fort from here.     We could spot the cloud formation once again and were sure of rain lashing at us at that point of time.    We could not scale down immediately, so thought of waiting for the rain to pass over and  thanks to Vinay for creating a make shift human tent .    9 of us could take shelter inside the tent and rest of the team braced the rain taking cover under boulders.   It was fun having eatables and snacks inside this 

tent and Murali was enjoying the rain taking a peek of the weather.   Weather god showed mercy at us and we could see the nature's beauty after the showers.    It was amazing. Vinay ensured that all of us leave the place before the next showers set in on us and reach a safe destination.  Fortunately, we did not face much effort in scaling down.   But were very cautious not to walk on the water flowing from the top of the hillock.     We had team introductions from the team members and sharing our experiences in BASC and about the trek.    Nice to hear from every one who came from diversified background in their profession and joining hands together for making the trek event successful.     Vinay and Ram explained about BASC , its activities and the noble cause we undertake.

We had the group picture at this point before thanking Rizwan for his awesome effort of taking us the safe route to the peak and bringing us back.   

We dispersed after thanking each and every one for making the trip successful.    Rizwan had brought his friends to see us off from channagiri.  We could enjoy the cloudy weather and rain slashing at the vehicles .   Reached Dobbespet and were hungry since we skipped lunch.    Suri suggested we have dinner and proceed.   We hit the Tumkur - Bangalore highway NH4 and had a brief halt at Hotel Parivar for dinner break.    Reached Ramakrishna Ashram around 9 PM and dropped before heading home.

Look forward to yet another amazing trek from BASC............