Oh, all the places my feet will take me, Sweet!
Sweetest, when it is done for a cause.
What Places, what Cause?
I started hiking regularly a year and a half ago. Waking up way early in the morning on weekends was tough, but once I'm on the road, my joy knew no bounds.
“Mountains are calling me and I must go” (John Muir's quote) is exactly how I feel every time I start for a hike.
Every hike has a jewel, if you seek it. Be it snow covered mountains, chocolate-looking muddy trails, blue and green lakes, water droplets on leaves, snails and mountain goats, star filled clear nighttime skies, meadows and wild flowers, moss covered branches, waterfalls and streams, trees of all shapes and colors, 360 degree views, dazzling sunlight reflecting from the snow, berry bushes or you standing above the clouds.
The more you hike, the more you want to hike. It is a never ending thirst, you know. I encountered Asha volunteers and learnt about their Climb for Asha program. It is an annual charity climb for Mt. Baker. Our goal is to raise funds for programs supported by the Seattle Chapter of Asha for Education, specifically their GRAVIS project: https://www.ashanet.org/projects/project-view.php?p=925
Asha is a secular, non-profit, and an all-volunteer driven organization working towards socio-economic change in India.
How did I Prep?
Whats better than hiking for a cause? So I wanted to take my hiking to the next level.
Was I skeptical about my abilities? Hell, Ya!
The thought of attempting these real mountains was daunting. So I took it one hike at a time, and one step at a time. Each hike taught me what I need to improve on and gave me the courage to try the next bigger hike.
- Reaching the top of Mt. Si gave me the courage to attempt Mailbox.
- Standing at the mailbox peak gave me the courage to attempt Mt. St. Helens, an active volcano, followed by, Mt. Adams, the second highest mountain in Washington, and then Mt. Baker, an active glaciated volcano.
- Want Proof?
https://picasaweb.google.com/106949647450140113980/6299744397679444737?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCNHE8PaIjajOcg&feat=directlink
What’s in it for you?
The satisfaction of educating a child.
The funds that I raise will be used 100% towards GRAVIS project, no administrative costs. GRAVIS, based in Jodhpur (Rajasthan), works to improve the life of villagers in the Thar Desert of Western Rajasthan.
The project has 5 distinct goals:
- provide initial funding and yearly support for two new schools,
- build rainwater collection/storage tanks (Taankas),
- schedule medical camps and health education to improve health conditions
- facilitate the organization of self-help groups to economically empower women
- Spread literacy among children with a special focus on girl children
Here is an independent evaluation of the Asha supported work done by GRAVIS since 2008:
http://www.ashanet.org/projects-new/documents/925/GRAVIS- EvaluationReport-2015.pdf
Moved by the impact it has on these villagers, I donated $2700 out-of- pocket to the cause since I started hiking with Asha group, 3 months ago.
Although my fund raising goal is $750, you are welcome to challenge me by exceeding my donation. No donation is small. The villagers will wholeheartedly thank you for every penny you spare and so will I.
And its simple, just click on Donate Now button below. Alternatively, you can donate on Microsoft’s http://give and for tracking, let me know your donation. Or donate via check made out to ‘Asha for Education’. Please include ‘Team Asha Climb 2016 –Srivalli Chavali’ behind the check.
Let hiking be the celebration of what your body can do and your generosity be the hope for what these villagers can do.