Part 95 - Camp at Chigupnaga with Meconopsis observations and route notes

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SUMMARY:
The diarist reports climbing and observing several Meconopsis species (including No. 708) and rose finches, with fine early weather turning to mist from the Mayo Chu and rain later. On 2nd August at Camp at Chigupnaga (~14,000'), they note confusion among locals about the route beyond Chera, discovering a well-used yak road despite claims to the contrary.

CONTENT:
seem to know about it. There are some yaks here, but the herdsmen are further up north. I spent from 12 to 3:30 climbing all over the place, saw a fair number of flowers, but there is nothing new here. Meconopsis horridula is high up, the white Meconopsis also in places near M. horridula, & the little blue Meconopsis taken first near the Tulung La is very much in evidence on all the cliffs round about. That is No. 708. It is a beauty, & should do well at home in rockeries. There are a number of rose finches here in the scrub jungle, others besides Thura thura, but I have not shot any yet. Between 4 or 5 am the morning was as perfect as we have yet had, but then a huge mass of mist rolled up the Mayo Chu, & spread everywhere. It kept fine till 11:30, & since then has rained most of the day.

2nd August. CAMP at CHIGUPNAGA. 6 miles. 14000' (approx). I cannot understand what these people are trying to do. They all but one said yesterday that they had never been here before & that there was no road beyond Chera. That there was a road I soon found out, & it is one well used by yaks. Yesterday evening I was asking the man we have appointed to stay