Part 159 - Entry for 28th August: March to Lao, monsoon debate, and mail delays

1 page

SUMMARY:
The author discusses hopes that the monsoon is ending, tests a walking stick gun for use in dense jungle, and worries about overdue mail and poor arrangements by the Trashigang Dzongpen. On 28th August they march 9 miles to Lao, experiencing fine weather until late morning followed by heavy rain and returning to the leech zone.

CONTENT:
78

eggs & beans & potatoes, all very welcome, as we had none left. I now tell Ludlow that this is the end of the monsoon. As a rule it is he who is so optimistic about the weather. After such a heavy monsoon to start with, it might quite likely finish off early, though I hardly believe it myself. Ludlow tried the walking stick gun yesterday & found it distinctly dangerous. But after peeling all the outer covering away, I found it very good this morning. Perhaps after all it will come in useful. Something of the sort is needed in the very thick low jungle in which many of the most interesting birds live. It is time Pimbo came back; he must have found the road in worse condition than he expected. There are several bridges down we know. The non-arrival of any mail is very worrying. We should have had two since reaching here, but have had none, nor any news of them. The Trashigang Dzongpen was so optimistic about everything, but his arrangements seem to have been pretty bad.

28th August. LAO. 9 miles. 9203' (B.P. 195.6° Temp 60°).

Fine till 11.0 am then heavy rain most of the day. Back into the leech zone with a vengeance. As soon as we