Part 143 - 13–14 May: Halt, mail to Tsona; monastery visit; march to Zimsäthí

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SUMMARY:
Notes rhododendrons and primulas in flower, sends a messenger with mail to Tsona, and interacts with the head lama while noting the death and prospective reincarnation of Drukpa Rinpoche; photographs the monastery and Rinpoche’s daughter. On 14 May travels to Zimsäthí via the nala east of Sanga'Choling, noting route details toward the Takar La.

CONTENT:
Rhododendron primulaeflorum var. cephalanthoides. 1583

Right bank, I could see Rhododendrons in full flower, and North face slopes are well wooded with fir. A primula is in flower on the river banks (1593).

13th May. Hall. Fine. A day of pretty hectic rush. As no mail had arrived here, we appointed a man to take one to Tsona for us, and hope he will bring one back. Packed up flowers and birds all day and received the head lama present. Drukpa Rinpoche is dead, and died 7 years ago. His incarnation is thought to have been found in Kham, but it is not yet known. He apparently, though so holy, was married, and has a grown daughter here, one of the prettiest Tibetan women I have seen. She hung about all day, and at last I found it was to have a photo taken, which I did, and promised to let her have one later. The monastery is very picturesque indeed in the evening light, and I took a photo this evening of it.

14th May. To Zimsäthí. 10m. BP 18.700 Temp 51° Time 2.30pm Alt. 14,135'
Road leaves up the nala just East of Sanga'Choling. It is good but pretty steep, past cultivation of kyu and on, becoming less steep. The road to the Takar La goes