Bangalore Jeep Club's Off-Roading Trail to Javadhu Hills - Sep 8th, 2018 • Jeep Activity Group

GoGo Camping – Trail turned into TALE!!!

Well it was in the month of June’18 when many of us 1st heard this name “Javadi Hills”. It is an extension to Eastern Ghats, and for Tribe BJC enticing one day drive covering 400kms. It took Tribe BJC longest to materialise this plan from the date of conceptualisation (reasons unknown), but all thanks to our members who constantly brings the shelved ideas and execute.

The day started with gifts and goodies for the early birds (courtesy: fellow Jeeper).

Tribe BJC is known for punctuality in terms of starting things, thus, as planned the convoy was flagged off at 700 hours from the Attibelle toll plaza.

The 1st stop was at Murugan Idly shop (speciality of Madurai, now available just before Krishangiri toll) for a good heavy breakfast for the day ahead.

Surprise visit by fellow Jeeper at the Murugan Idly shop to photo-bomb (a true reflection of enthusiasm and harmony amongst the tribe), even if he was not joining he stopped over to wish the Jeepers luck for the day.

Line up time guys, was what I heard from our HR. The convoy decided to take a tougher route to reach our next destination which was GoGo Camping site. The team reached Gogo Camping, time for bio-break, conversations and delicious food. The food was so yum that immediately, few went on for a quick nap (power nap to be apt).

What Next!!!

The time to explore the unexplored!!! We started our journey to conquer the unexplored place (with 4×4 around, we were sure that no one can get stuck). Then came the moment, a 200 mtrs stretch with STEEP incline angle (300 – 350) brings the convoy to a halt. As usual, it was a tussle between the enthusiasm and engineering, and enthusiasm wins with flying colours (when a 4×2 vehicle did what was meant for 4×4 capabilities only). Before putting the vehicle in the Recce team was on the feet checking each and every pit / pot drivable angles, a thorough study and together we decided to give it a go.

The entire group was at standby watching the Red beauty to take this task, and as expected it stopped midway. A little step back it took like a Lion will do before attacking again, and WOW the Jeep Compass made it with ease in 2nd try.
What a feat it was, and immediately next 4×4 rushed to replicate the same, and it just did in 1 go (experience and learning from 1st vehicle) and then the 3rd went on with ease.

Then came another moment when our Jeep’her pushed her 4×2 to emulate 4×4 feats. Attempt no.1 took her to 30% and second attempt covered 60% of the track. And the lioness went all the way back to give another go, swapping of wheel with navigator, none at that moment believed in (if will make it to the top).

Yes, expect the unexpected (that’s what JEEPLIFE is) and in a flash we saw the Jeep on top of the hill. The tired (exhausted / dehydrated) jeepers (took brunt from the scorching heat / Sun) returned back to GoGo camping for a tea break which was prolonged with stories / experiences from fellow Jeepers. This was the time when baby Jeeper (11 months old) brings back smiles in the room. Her naughtiness was motivating, as she was the only one who didn’t look tired at that moment and wanting to do more.

Someone in background shout ‘out time for Lake Bed guys!!!

Jeepers spent time spinning, drifting, in the not so wet (not so dry) lake bed and posed for pictures. One could see flooding of cameras and shutter cluttered with 7.1 surround sound impact.

Finally, time for Vainu Bappu Observatory (Asia/s largest) and treat for eyes.
A day is said to be well spent when everyone in the group returns back with SMILE and itched with memories of the Jeep trail, and that’s how it becomes a TALE.