Part 37 - Molo halts and preparations for Bharang Shika; Lo La pass reconnaissance

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SUMMARY:
Halted at Molo for several days amid frequent rain; Ludlow brought back a small rhododendron and seeds were collected. Pinto reconnoitred the Lo La and reported deep snow though the pass was open; vegetable seeds were sown at Bharang Shika, coolie arrangements proved difficult, and the party finally set out to camp above Molo.

CONTENT:
Adonis brevistyla 3630. - Molo.

which we took seed, we saw nothing. But Ludlow again brought back a Rhododendron, a small one - No. 3629. Pinto got word of two people, who say the Lo La certainly has snow on it, but equally certainly is not shut. They say that except for a heavy snowfall it is always open. However he went up with two men to see what it was.

17th April. Halted Molo. Clouded all day, some rain. Spent the day in rearranging stores & our own kit for a month's trip to Bharang Shika, which we think is as good as settled. We have arranged to sow some vegetable seeds in Bharang Shika & hope for the best. The only green food available yet is onion tops. Other stores available here are eggs, some flour & perhaps a little rice later on.

18th April. Halted Molo. Fine till 11.0, then heavy rain the rest of the day. I went up a valley to the north, but though a grand place for flowers, found nothing at all. Very cold rain from 12.0 on. The locals are all very friendly now. Pinto returned with report that the pass is not too good. He reports snow for three miles to the Pass, up to 4 ft deep. But he did not allow the locals to go with him, & told them on his return that everything was easy. This heavy rain will add a foot of soft snow, I'm afraid, & we won't have an easy crossing.

19th April. Halted Molo. Fine but clouded all day. Snowed a lot on the hills last night, but most has now gone. Spent the day in camp. Sowed seeds in an enclosed space at Bharang Shika - radishes, cabbage, tomatoes & small beans. They will have to be watered by hand if there is no rain, & I'm afraid the locals won't do that. Coolies from above Pansi have come in, but there are great discussions going on, & it still seems doubtful about getting off tomorrow.

20th April. Halted Molo. Heavy rain twice during the day, fine evening. Coolies at last said to be fixed up - 16 from up the river & 16 from Molo - Bharang. I went up the valley behind Molo to near the top of the fir forest, but only saw lots of "Kuling". They fly at once to a tree when put up. I shot one, but could not see any more when on the tree, although I'm sure I must have put up a dozen.

21st April. Camp. 8 m. above Molo. Off at last, on a perfect morning, the first we have had since we reached Molo. We were up by 5.0 & all loads ready before 6.0 am. But coolies gave trouble, & 4 short turned up. Two or more coolies carried - of their own free will - double loads, which must