Part 59 - Halt at Phobshikha; local fears about Dungshigon and plant finds

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SUMMARY:
The diarist describes local opposition to ascending Dungshigon due to fears of hail damaging crops, noting that Pintso mentioned the Tsari pilgrimage to reassure them. On 15 May at Phobshikha, after variable weather, the party explored a cliff and mountain, recording Primula strumosa (3060), Rhododendron triflorum (3061), masses of Primula winteri (3053), and several rhododendron species.

CONTENT:
going up Dungshigon. That has caused some worry. The locals don't like the idea: let the Sahib go anywhere else, some will gladly take him. But if he goes up Dungshigon, it will bring disaster to us in the form of hail, which will ruin our crops. I'm sorry they thought of that. I must go, but this is the time of hail storms. They are certain to come, and I will be blamed for all the damage they do. Pintso has told them how I did the pilgrimage of Tsari, perhaps that will help.

15th May. Halt Phobshikha. Rain last evening and night. Fine today till 4:00 pm, except for a shower or two, then heavy rain. We went across the valley to a grand looking cliff, and three of us went up by different routes, but the only find was Rhododendron triflorum, 3061.

But on the extreme top of the mountain we found 3060, Primula strumosa. It was just out near the top, but in full flower rather lower down. It grows in moss under Abies and Rhododendron. Up there Primula winteri 3053 was in masses. Every time I see that Primula I think it is the prettiest one I have ever seen, and I always feel elated however many times I see it. Rhododendrons are not very numerous here, except a few kinds, Rhododendron arboreum, R. thomsonii and the big R. falconeri.