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Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Living on the Edge



The azure blue skies looked inviting! A few clouds drifted aimlessly in the sky as the wind was picking up. I looked back at the massive canopy of the parachute getting bigger as the draught of air bellowed in!



Getting Ready for takeoff at Naukuchiatal/Not to miss Adidas jacket!


‘When I tell you to walk, don’t bend your knees but continue to walk’, my instructor advised me. I looked down and my heart almost skipped a beat! There was a void after three steps on the slope where I stood dangerously perched on an incline of a hill almost 6000 feet high! I switched on the camera of my mobile facing it towards me to capture the moment. Another gust of wind and the instructor ordered, ‘Start walking’!

I moved forward, one, two, three steps, and wow even before the third step my legs dangled in the air as a huge gust of wind tore through my face. I was momentarily lifted up in the air and as I looked down, it was a spectacle worth dying for! The paragliding experience had become a reality! Huge hills stared back at me and the distant Naukuchiatal lake shimmered in the sun light. I felt like an eagle floating in the sky, as my instructor perched on my back, maneuvered the strings of the parachute to go around. The trees and people, the roads all looked so small! Slowly, the chute started descending towards the mother earth. Every moment was a flight into fantasy, which I had never envisioned till just a few hours ago!
Soaring the skies


We had arrived at Bhimtal for the day, dedicated to outdoor activities! Bhimtal is located about 35 km from Nainital, the awesome, pristine hill, station. The drive had taken about one and a half hour to reach the destination, a lovely resort overlooking the lake. There are tall pine trees and hills surrounding the lake, with a few boats lazily drifting in the clear water.

The Burmah Bridge


A number of events like Parallel Ropes, Rope bridge, the Burmah bridge, and Zipline, Rope climbing, Kayaking and Boating awaited the enthusiasts under the watchful eyes of the trainers! For most of the team it was something they had not done before, and hence the novelty of the experience sent the adrenaline rushing! I had done some of these many years back while undergoing training at the Naval Academy! These are tests of nerves and especially for those who are not used to physical workouts and are indulging in physical activities after a long break. We had also, aligned less strenuous activities like games of volleyball and badminton.

 Amid, eating drinking and merrymaking and all the adventurous sports the time just flew, in the verdant settings of Bhimtal and Naukuchiatal!The misty, mountains, the dew drops on grass, the fragrance of flowers and the hum of bumble bees were a god's gift, delivered to us for free!

How could one have enjoyed all the above fun without the gear and accessories from ‘The Shopper’s Stop’!!

Zipline
Parallel Ropes

 An ensemble of collections from Shoppers Stop www.shoppersstop.com) for the festive season for an adventure filled occasion like this:


Hidesign - Mens Belt

Nautica Voyage After Shave 100ML




 
 
PS: Pictures from the trip and from Google and www.shoppersstop.com site



97 comments:

  1. Must be an exhilarating experience.....noted the adidas jacket.:)

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    1. It was absolutelely exhilrating, Alka! Thanks, for making that note:)

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  2. Wow! How thrilling must that be? And what a great way to link to Shoppers' Stop accessories. Wish you luck with the contest.

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    1. Thrilling is an understatement Rachna! Thanks for your wishes:)

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  3. This is what I call 'blending of Art'--- Immaculate! All the best~

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    1. I bow to thee, Panchali for those words! Thank you:)

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  4. Looks like you had a lot of fun!

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  5. You must have enjoyed the free gift freedom that the birds enjoy as a gift from God, enjoyed your fearlessness and adventurous moments!

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    1. I just realized, how the birds would feel, Padmaja:)A big thanks for those words!

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  6. That was a novel way of linking the outlet for the contest. Though I wish you had shared more of the adventures! All the best, Rahul.

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    1. I know Zephyr that I should have added more juice, but promise you will have more coming:) Thanks for your kind wishes

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  7. Must have been an exhilarating experience, Rahul. Looks like you had a great time.

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    1. Absolutely grat experience Rachna! I still wait to hear about your holiday trip which I am sure must have been fun:)

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  8. It seems that you had a great time and you are very brave, I'd never be able to do that!
    Don't Call Me Fashion Blogger
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  9. Wow..what a wonderful experience! I have't tried doing it.

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    1. Thanks Eden! Go for it if you get an opportunity!!

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  10. wooow., seems like a lot of fun.. :)

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    1. Sure it was a lot of fun, Dipthi and nice to see you again:)

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  11. Wow, such a wonderful and exhilarating experience in such a beautiful place dear Rahul. I would enjoy the zipline.
    xoxoxo ♡

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    1. A big thanks Dianne and it sure was a bliss:) Am sure you would love zipline!

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  12. Even in my wildest thoughts, I never thought that an entry for the contest could be like this. I think you must win! Great. And, I didn't miss the Adidas jacket ;)

    Looked like you had great fun. This is my kind of adrenaline fun.

    Joy always,
    Susan

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    1. A very big thanks Susan for those lovely comments!Incidentally, I am not a brand manager of Adidas:) Great fun, certainly!!

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  13. WOWOWWOWOWOW awesomeeeeeeeee , I can understand what a experience that would have been for sure.
    Now this is my kind of thing to do I love outdoors ..

    Thanks for sharing
    and yes all the best for the contest sir..

    Bikram's

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    1. Believe me Bikram, I could not really express my feelings in as many words but it was just amazing!!Thanks a lot, and hope you do have your share of outdoor fun soon!!

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  14. Paragliding and zipline are fantastic experiences!

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    1. I am sure you must have had your share of such experiences, Kusum, being such an avid traveler!!

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  15. Wow Rahul, you are such an adventurer and so intrepid! I'd never be brave enough to take up adrenalin sports, well done to you on that!! It does look like a wonderful and thrilling experience. Thank you for your kind comment, it meant much to me :)

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    1. Ha ha.. Sam! Thanks for that very nice comment but am sure you can do many more things which may not ever be possible for me:)

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  16. I want to try the zipline. I just went trekking. Being in nature is the most beautiful thing :)

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    1. So nice to see you again, Juhi! It is good that you finally managed to surface back from the long trek you took!! Do share your experience too:)Do try some f these like zipline! You will enjoy!!

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  17. OMG, you are adventurous! Bravo - lokks like you had fun!

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  18. Wow!! So many outdoors activities!! That sure is one exhilarating experience!!

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  19. Wow! I liked the way you linked your adventure with the contest.
    It must have been so thrilling and when you reached the height, you must have felt so peaceful. I also felt very frightened and wonderful all at once when I went para sailing, many years ago.
    Of course paragliding looks more adventurous.

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    1. Oh! You have done Parasaling! It is also a great fun and I have done that more than once! Para gliding is a shade more thrilling!!Thanks a lot, Rama for liking!!

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  20. wow...what a wonderful experience you had Sir... :)

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  21. Oh..wow!! Must had a great experience. Nice pics :)

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  22. Am so happy you did it, but not me..Did I tell you that I have acrophobia? weak hearted huh?..ya, what to do? I didnt know this post was for the contest till the end. Good luck.. :-)

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    1. I wont call you weak hearted, Latha:) Each one does things as per his /her own defined limits and physical/ mental makeup! Am sure you excel in many other walks of life!!A big thanks for your kind wishes!!

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  23. Wow, well done!! Great experience! I know a lot about this gear, but I have never jumped like this.. wish one day

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    1. Thanks a lot Tanya:)Wish you have your share of experience soon!!

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  24. Felt exhilarated by your experience as I used to go very often to Pattaya and paraglide sitting in a bucket seat.

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    1. Wow KayEm , did not know you are a pro, Para glider!! Am sure each time you must have felt like wise!! Thanks a lot!

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  25. I would so love to fly like that someday! Amazing experience, I could feel the thrill as I read it through! All the very best for the contest :)

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    1. Thanks a lot Arti! Hope you are able to have a similar experience soon!

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  26. When I did paragliding in Manali a few months back, I felt I was flying in the air and God had blessed me with wings maybe for the few minutes and I couldn't thank him more...

    I was scared initially but later it was like a flight into fantasy, as u perfectly mentioned above.

    And the best u have connected it so well with fashion and clothings.
    Loved it!!

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    1. Nice to know you have also had a similar experience, Manjulika!! It was absolute bliss:) Thanks a lot for your wishes!!

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  27. What a thrilling experience! Your description was very vivid-i could feel the excitement.Best of luck for the contest!

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    1. I am happy that I could give you a feel of the excitement of the moment, Indu!! Thanks a lot for your kind wishes!!

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  28. Quite an experience Rahul sir! and yes the adidas jacket looks great!! Very different entry for the shoppers stop contest!

    We had this kind of adventure activity planned at the organisation level few years back (not the paragliding though). It really gives you the rush. Ofcourse you have been there done that in the Navy :-) Great entry!

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    1. A big thanks Jenny for liking the post and your best wishes! This too was an organisation backed event except the Paragliding part which was on my own:)

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  29. That sounds great amusement and adventure... your expression makes it wow!

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  30. Oh wow, you know how to live don't you? :-D

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  31. Wow, this looks pretty amazing (and scary!) You are one brave man. Way to go!

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    1. A big thanks Ash! Scary to think but fun to do:)

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  32. ✿ °•.¸
    Olá, amigo!

    Bom fim de semana!
    Beijinhos.
    Brasil
    ✿ °•.¸¸.•°♡⊱╮╮

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  33. Oh, you have used one of your pictures too. Good idea hai jee :)
    All the best and keep flying high ~

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    1. Thanks a lot, Ghazala for having liked and your best wishes:)

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  34. Replies
    1. The experience was awesome, indeed, Kavita!! Thank you:)

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  35. Replies
    1. Welcome to my blog Jemina and a huge thanks for that remark and also to follow my blog:)

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  36. Wowww, nice pictures. What an experience!

    www.anucreations.blogspot.in

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  37. That's a great adventure! Even I have a dream to soar in the sky, like a bird...What a thrilling experience that would be!!..Hope it gets fulfilled in my lifetime..

    Lovely picks! so apt for the adventure. All the best for the contest :)

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    1. Great adventure indeed Valli:) Hope you are able to experience it sometime soon!!

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  38. thrilling, so thrilling I'll never attempt it.

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  39. ✿✿°•.

    Bom fim de semana!
    Beijinhos.
    Brasil
    ¸.✿°°•.¸.¸•°♡⊱╮╮

    ReplyDelete
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    1. Belo fim de semana para você também
      ¸. ✿ ° ° •. ¸. ¸ • ° ♡ ⊱ ╮ ╮

      Delete
  40. This must be so exciting! Glad you had a great time :)

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  41. Congrats on the paragliding adventure. I can see that the navy man enjoyed it. :) Fun na?
    I hope the Adidas outer-wear protected you from the harsh wind. :)

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    1. Oh! and best wishes for the contest. :)

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    2. Divya, It was great fun and so difficult to express the feelings to fly like a bird instead of sailing on the sea. Adidas wear did help:) A sincere thanks for your best wishes!

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  42. Is'nt it fun to indulge in all this:) Thank you Ashwini!!

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  43. Life is not always easy. Thanks for sharing your experience

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  44. The article is clearly written and every point is factual and is no-nonsense. I have surf the internet looking for topics such as these and it is here where I find it written and stated well.

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    1. Great post, what you said is really helpful to me. I agree with you anymore. I have been talking with my friend about, he though it is really interesting as well. Keep up with your good work; I would come back to you.

      Delete
  45. Lohri 2021 – Date, Significance & Celebration in India
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    ReplyDelete