Franklin Falls

It is very common to hike mountains in summer, but to hike in the winter season on snow-cloud peaks is adventurous and difficult. It is a fresh and new experience. One winter, Karthi, Guru, Ganesan, and Sendhil set out to trek.

Early in the morning at 5 am, they got ready and went to the Issaquah bus station to begin their adventure. After introductions, they discussed Thirumandhiram, the oldest Tamil book that speaks on both physical and mental health, yogic practices, breathing exercises, and more. Ganesan reminisced about Silambam (a folk art of fighting with sticks), and his Silambam teacher who worked in a tin factory. After his work hours, around 9 pm, with great commitment, he would burn old tires and teach Ganesan the art of Silambam. Those days, teachers were intelligent and trained with full commitment to what they did, serving as role models to youngsters. These days, such passionate teachers are rare and scarce. Students are even more scarce. Karthi expressed frustration that, though there are good Kalari teachers, there are no takers.

Ganesan spoke about 'Puli Nadanam' (tiger dance), a form of art in which the dancer paints his body like a tiger and dances, entwining gymnastics and dancing. These dancers have to do strenuous practice to achieve perfection and get the complete attention of the gathered crowd and indulge the audience to participate with them.

These forms of folk art seem easy to perform, but only if one has perfect health and a tough practice regimen can they perform these art forms. Ordinary-looking people jumping to perform Puli dance, Silambam, sword fighting, etc. would look casual and entertaining because people were healthy and fit.

Today, laziness has engulfed us, more so with kids. They are not even aware of a healthy lifestyle, Ganesan laments. Guru recalls the art form practiced in Kanjipuram Bommaikaran street, which is called 'Vazhu Maram' (slippery tree in literal translation, whereas there is no tree there). A big pole is stumped in the middle of a four-street junction, on which they smear many slippery substances like oil, on top of which a gift is tied, and the performers form a human tower to climb. People around throw water mixed with turmeric powder, so it gets more slippery. People around cheer the youth that is trying to conquer the pole and reach the gift. They climb, slip, and climb again, after many attempts they conquer, and the crowd feels enthusiastic and bursts out clapping and celebrating as if it is their own victory. Such games are near extinct now, and our motherland is from the emergence of such valor.

Finally, they reached the beginning stretch to go to Franklin Falls. Exiting the highway, they started walking on the path to the falls, which was dark and dense, with not much light. The noise of speeding vehicles on the highway became distant. The chill wind whispered as they walked. They reached the parking lot, and at this early hour, there was already a car parked. Since no automobile allowed beyond that point on the route to the falls, they parked their car and started to walk. On both sides, the snow sheets had made it look like a white wall.

Only these four were on the road. Walking for a while, their bodies got used to the cold wind, and in fact, felt like loosening up the winter layer of their garments. After walking for a few minutes, the road was full of snow. It was a new experience to walk on two feet of snow. Early morning, just dawning, slightly light was filling, the beauty of a waterfall is inexplicable in words. After removing their gloves and taking a few pictures, their hands froze in the freezing cold winds. However, all the effort of coming at such an early hour and walking to see Franklin Falls was greatly worth it. The falls satisfied them and filled them with great joy.

By now, dawn had arrived and the bright day had started. While listening to Guru’s narration of Jeyamohan’s story, they walked back to their car and answered queries from people who were going towards the falls, such as ‘how far is it?’ and ‘is it very cold?’. They had a snack of some sprouts, sweets and snacks and reached their car.

Boarding the car, they enjoyed the warm air, and their conversation continued on topics such as politics and cinema. Trekking in the mountains with good friends is a great experience and creates good memories.