Part 87 - Probukha Halt and march to Mara Chu Valley, 25–28 May

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SUMMARY:
Diary entries describe camping and limited botanical finds around Probukha, including Rhododendron triflorum and a small rhododendron (No. 3111). Mail was sent via Chandesi, and Tenduk was dispatched there with H.H.'s report. The party then marched to a camp in the Mara Chu Valley amid mist and rain.

CONTENT:
10,500 ft

Path goes level for 2 miles, then into forest, a descent pretty steep. Direction at first towards South, then turning westward. Enters the Phobukha district below the junction of main stream and that coming from the Tsela Nala. Good camping ground and good water.

25th May. Probukha Halt. Spent the day in camp getting a mail ready to go off in the morning.

26th May. Probukha Halt. It has been fine here since we came, except for an hour or more's rain in the evenings. Sent off a mail by Chandesi. We searched the cliffs opposite camp, but except for Rhododendron triflorum there is hardly anything in flower. One little rhododendron found. No. 3111.

27th May. Probukha Halt. Heavy rain again yesterday evening, but a lovely morning. We went down the left bank in the morning, but saw nothing of interest. I sent Tenduk to Chandesi yesterday with H.H.'s report, and our only hope is in him. Tomorrow we go downstream a day's march, and perhaps will find more flowers lower down.

28th May. Camp in Mara Chu Valley. 8 miles. B.P. 198.4 Temp. 65° Time 5:30. Height.
Left camp at 6:00 am, in about 12:00, just before rain first came on. Then after 2 hours fine but in heavy mist, rain started, and came down