Part 73 - To Tsalimape via Bemem Chu; collecting halted after Thimbu Dzongpen's death

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SUMMARY:
The party exchanged ceremonial scarves before departing over a good pass with many flowering shrubs, but refrained from collecting birds or butterflies due to the death of the Dzongpen of Thimbu. They marched to Tsalimape along the Bemem Chu toward Trashi Cho Dzong; despite requests not to visit or photograph during mourning, W. went to the Dzong, and collecting was deferred until reaching the next pass.

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ready to start off. We all in turn gave him scarves, and he did likewise to us. He held out his hands with a closed scarf in them, while we placed an open one over his forearms, and then took the one he offered. When this was over we left, and following the custom, we waved to each other and imitated wolf calls till we were out of sight. Road good the whole way, not too steep either side. Found a number of flowering shrubs on both sides of the pass. Unfortunately last night the Dzongpen of Thimbu (Trashi cho Dzong) died, so out of respect for the dead, we cannot collect either birds or butterflies yet. It is very sad, but we must agree to this. Bar. Ht. 8900'.

29th TO TSALIMAPE. 12 miles. 7700' (Bar. Ht. 8200'). An easy but hot march down the BEMEM CHU and up towards Trashi Cho Dzong. We were asked not to visit this Dzong, where the Thimbu Penlop died last night, but W. is off there now. He was asked not to take photos too, but again has taken his camera, having no thought for anyone but himself. Flies are perfectly beastly here, as the camp is in the village, the worst camp we have had so far. Butterflies are at last out, but we couldn't collect today. Tomorrow when we reach the pass we will start to collect again.