Part 27 - Tsomgo (Changu) to Chumpithang, Chumbi Valley: weather, birds, and mule logistics

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SUMMARY:
The diary notes collecting near Lagyap la with birds feeding on blooming rhododendrons amid rain and snow. At Tsomgo (Changu), snow was melting, coolies reported the pass fair, and a lost mule returned, though their own mules were delayed. The party moved toward Chumbi Valley to Chumpithang, disputing a bill from a Gangtok Kazi while en route to Yatung.

CONTENT:
towards Lagyap la, to collect. There is not so much snow
there also more birds are to be found. A few rhododendrons
were in bloom, & various birds - finches & sun birds were
feeding on the flowers & fertilising them. It came on to rain
& later snow at 10.15 & cleared up more or less at
2.30 pm. Since we left Calcutta on 22nd April, there has
not yet been one day wholly fine & usually part of the
day has been very wet indeed.

12th May. TSOMGO. (CHANGU). Another fine night, & snow
melting hard all day although sky overcast. A few coolies
came over the pass from Chubitang, & report road fair.
One of the mules which fell off the road seven days ago
was brought in today - very thin, but otherwise alright.
Our mules did not arrive, as they should have done. We did
little all day but pack up.

To Chumbi Valley.
13th May. CHUMPITHANG. 12600'. 10 miles. Last night was a lovely
night again, but there was no sign of the mules when we got
up at 4.30. However they arrived about 6.30 in time to let
us get away at last. The Kazi who owns the mules sent
them up late, & had the audacity to send with them a
bill for Rs. 90/-. We will of course refuse to pay, as the
contract was to take us from Gangtok to Yatung. If the
pass can't be crossed, that is none of our fault. All the
Gangtok Kazis are stinkers, but I'm afraid I will have some