We had some coffee at 5:15 and loaded onto our bus for a drive up the mountains. We had hoped for one last chance to see snowy peaks, but it was overcast once again. We stopped for good views of several species of pheasant and saw that the red rhododendrons are fading and white ones and azaleas are taking their place.
Mrs. Gould's Sunbird & Coal Tit (D Alexander photo)
Kalij Pheasant. (D Alexander photo)
At 6:30 we reached the Chele La, the pass where we had had our snowy breakfast three weeks ago. The temperature was 37 degrees, but there was a bitter wind. We huddled around our table while our loyal crew ladled out warm porridge and cheese omelets. We ate them pretty quickly and I fed half of mine to a nice dog who obligingly rolled over and requested a belly rub!
David was going to conduct the farewell ceremony there but we were all so cold that we planned to meet the crew further down where it would be warmer. We drove slowly down hill, stopping to photograph several flowers. We met the crew and David warmly thanked Wangdi, our driver, Uygen, our guide, the cook and all the helpers and gave them their envelopes. David takes care of all tipping on his bird tours which is great for us as we wouldn't know what would be appropriate.
We returned to the hotel at 11 with instructions to meet for lunch at 12:30 with airline checked bags in our rooms and hand luggage with us. I was afraid I would have to take too much hand luggage as we have so much laundry by this time, plus a few purchases, but somehow it all fit in.
We had a very good lunch at the hotel and at one, Ben, David A., Nancy, and I were driven downtown by Wangdi; Uygen showed us the Paro Dzong and the shops. Ben, the premiere shopper of the group, led us from shop to shop, all with different types of merchandise: books, maps, prayer wheels, fabrics, and other goodies. We were even able to glimpse some snow-capped peaks in the far distance!
We returned to the hotel, took a group photo, and set off for the airport at 3:15. At the check-in counter, David was asked if some of us would like to upgrade to Business Class for a few dollars more! Most of us jumped at the chance and went up to the Business Lounge where there was a tray with full bottles of booze and sodas for a make-your-own drink! Pretty cool.
The Birders!
We boarded the plane at 6 PM and it promptly took off. It was sad to leave this magical kingdom as we probably won't return, but I'm so gad we were able to experience quite a bit of it. The plane was only partly full, I guess because of the problems with Druk's schedule (one of their few jets is out of commission - we were supposed to leave at noon) but we had a pleasant flight with foot rests, hot towels and the usual perks. We stopped briefly in Guyahati, India, and finally landed in Bangkok at a little after eleven and were processed through immigration, baggage claim and onto a Novotel van in just a few minutes! It was a shock to step into the fetid heat of Bangkok, but we were soon in the inviting hotel and checked into our rooms.
We bid a fond farewell to our wonderful companions and our leader, David Bishop, who did such a stupendous job of guiding us around, showing us such terrific birds and sights. We took showers and collapsed. The others have flights leaving at 6 AM and 9 AM, and so won't get much sleep. We're really fortunate in that our jet doesn't leave until 12:30 PM, so we can sleep in!
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