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8 February 1906 — Mandalay | |
Thursday. 8th February [1906]. Was not sorry to get out of bed at 4.30 and went off to the station– Left by 6 a.m. train for Gokteik. A beautiful journey. At Maymyo found a nice Hill station with British troops– There began to climb the mountain & ingenious railroad up– One goes a part of the way forwards then backwards in zigzags so till one gets quite high. The rest of the way is round such sharp curves that the greatest care is necessary and the train moves very slowly. It takes on through lovely jungle with every kind of tree & flowering jungle. We reached Gokteik Viaduct abt 3 o’cl . The Dak Bungalow is close to the station. Rooms were ready for us & we took up a cook & provisions from Maymyo. After settling into our rooms we had some tea & then got a guide to lead us down to see the famous cove. A most delicious walk winding down the ravine—with every kind of tropical plant & tree. We could scarcely get on for wanting to stop & grub up different ferns which are only to be found in hot houses in England, we picked seeds of unknown creepers, pulled up roots of begonias, & soon had handfuls of plants. The Mohamedan who was acting guide fell into the spirit of the thing & helped to add to our bundle. It took us three quarters of an hour to get to the bottom of the ravine where we found a stream flowing into a cave. We penetrated into it for some way over slippery & wet planks & up rustic steps. It was a noble arch that stood over us but the water rained down & we hardly kept dry with out umbrellas up. It was so wet above & under foot that we did not go very far into the cave—& saw eno’ stalactites at the entrance to satisfy our curiosity. Then set off to climb up again wh was rather breathless work. We got up to the level of the foundations of the great viaduct wh had been built by Americans & is a fine bit of work. We got back just about sunset to the Bungalow, tired & hungry– The place was very peaceful & still & we slept well after our 2 last nights bad rest. | |
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