Part 41 - Sahden and Orka La observations and photographic notes

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SUMMARY:
Notes on Primula observations, heavy rain, and challenging flower photography with exposure details. On 10th July at Sahden, the diarist went with Danang to the Orka La on the Dirang Dzong road, took compass bearings, and described fine morning conditions.

CONTENT:
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Primula found on the Me La last year, and seen at Narim Thang at 15,000'. Left at 6:00 am and hurrying, reached the pass at 9:30. Rain came on at 9:00 and it rained on and off all the time. Home again at 3:00 pm in heavy rain which continued all evening. Took 2 photos, 632 (P. stolonifera) and 634 (Ph. elegantula), at 4:00 pm in very heavy rain, clouds low down. Exposures were f/16 and 4 1/2 minutes, a little underexposed: f/11 and 2' 40" slightly under. Colour photography of flowers under such circumstances is no easy job. A large paulin is hung over me while I arrange focus. Then exposure made with an umbrella over the camera, held high. Servants all better, but Ramzana very weak and unable to leave on 10th.

10th July. Sahden. Started at 4:30 am and went up with Danang to the Orka La on the Dirang Dzong road. Reached the pass at 8:30 and stayed there till 10. Walked down very quickly in two hours. I took a bearing from Sahden to the ridge along which the path runs, and found it 88° Mag. Another bearing up the first river on the left bank of the Gamri Chu, gave 115°. A back bearing to Sahden from the Orka La gave approx 290°. Sahden itself was not visible. This was a lovely morning, and it