The Youth Hostels Association of India[YHAI], Panaji, will conduct a hike on Sunday 25 September, 2005, from Atelli to Mollem.This is for practice. On the weekend a month later, i.e. 22& 23 October,2005, the overnight hike will be from Castle Rock[Karnataka] via Atelli to Mollem. The National Trekking Expedition will follow from 15 December,2005 to 2 January, 2006, with one batch of hikers leaving everyday on a 9-day beach and hill hike. Those of you who are interested may contact Mr. Manoj Joshi, National Vice-President YHAI [0832-2223290, [EMAIL PROTECTED] or inform me. BSG members will be reimbursed the fare on completion of the hike.
The hike to Tambdi Surla on 14 August was a runaway success with about 90 hikers joining the trek from the Mollem road to the temple [11 km hike, balance by bus]. It was professionally organised, with forest guards Krishna and Chandrakant in the lead and the rear-guard, respectively. The charge was just Rs.60/- for the to-and-fro journey by chartered bus. The Botanical Society of Goa [BSG] will collaborate with the YHAI in promoting the knowledge of plants and wild life. Members of the BSG will share their knowledge of Goa with the trekkers at the base camp located at the Indoor Sports complex, Campal-Panaji. The Animal Rescue Squad, Nisarga Nature Club, the Zoological Society of Goa, the Mangrove Society of India,Nirmal Vishwa, the World Wide Fund for Nature-Goa Division, Forest Training School, Farmers Training Centre, Goa University, Goa Heritage Action Group and other organisations can help make this trek an experience to remember. Together Everyone Achieves More[TEAM]. It is time for a closer look at our natural, built-up, social and cultural heritage....and to find out what makes us tick. So put on your hiking shoes...and walk away from your blues! Warm regards, Miguel