Part 175 - Shao camp after leaving Tsona; seed collecting en route to Tawang

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SUMMARY:
The diarist reports leaving Tsona with improved spirits and continuing on foot since parting from Ludlow, aiming toward Tawang via the long Dirang–Saldang march and Rung-zyung. At Shao (about 14,000 ft) they note strong winds, warmer conditions compared to earlier stages, weather over Bum La, and successful seed collecting of Gentiana ornata and Primula species near Kechen-la.

CONTENT:
He did well in the flower-seed line on the way down, and got some quite good stuff. I only got Gent. ornata today. Everyone is quite light-hearted today, having quitted Tsona, a place we all rather dread. If Tawang is negotiated as well as Tsona was, our troubles will be over, though the Dirang-Saldang march is a very long one with a stiff climb. I have walked everywhere since I left Ludlow, and will continue to do so till we reach Rung-zyung I think. After that ponies are thrust on us, besides it will be very hot after these cold days, so a pony will be very acceptable.

10th November. Shao 14000'? 8 miles. Last night the wind was very strong indeed all through the night, but the temp only went down to 13°F. A strong wind all day today, which was cloudy with sun. Here the clouds were low on the hills & perhaps a little fresh snow will be on the Bum La. On the Kechen-la I got some Prim. tenuiloba seed, a further down some Primula sapphirina (or perhaps Jigmediana?). We also got a fair collection of Gent. ornata from just above here. It appeared to have a paler bright Cambridge blue flower. It is positively warm down here compared to what we have been coming through.