Part 31 - 2nd July: March to Sakden over Munde La; illnesses and sparse flowers

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SUMMARY:
A 14-mile march with heavy climbs brought the party to Sakden via the Munde La, where the cooler elevation was welcome. Ludlow arrived ill with fever and neuralgia, while Gulla collapsed en route with a high temperature, possibly malaria from Menoka or Diwangiri. Botanical finds were limited, including a few orchids, several rhododendrons, and a spirea.

CONTENT:
once to Sakden to say that two of each were to be ready for us on arrival.

2nd July. To SAKDEN. 14 miles. (B.P. 195.0° = 9095' Temp. 65°).

A difficult day for everyone, as the march was so long. 14 miles does not seem long, but add to it 4000 odd feet of climb and many descents of 500 feet and reclimbs of 500 feet in between, it is a good day's march. Ludlow was feeling poor in the morning when we left, and had no breakfast. He came straight on here, and went to bed with fever, though not much temperature. He has bad neuralgia and pains in the legs. Gulla gave out halfway, now has a temperature of 102°. I'm afraid he must have got malaria in Menoka or Diwangiri.

Sakden is a splendid place. We are at last at the right height, where it is cool. It was a hot day, and even up here pretty sweaty walking, but the nights will be grand. The climb up here is awful, up steps half the way. Over the Munde La, the country suddenly opens out, there is a large area of grassland - ideal grazing ground. Flowers on the way were rather disappointing, I only found two orchids, four rhododendrons and a spirea and one or two other small things. One rhododendron, white with red streaks up the corolla segments, is almost