Srinagar, Kashmir

Wednesday, May 15, 1929

Fine weather again this morning. Frank and Mort went to town to shop while I stayed on Xanadu and bargained for three old Kashmir stamps—$1.25. The old boy was a tough one and I only got him down a few annas. About this time the men came to pole the boat up to the lake. When we came to the shop of Die-hard, I got off for a few minutes, Abdulla at my heels. Later I caught the houseboat in his chakarah and decided to take the cook’s chakarah back to meet the boys—which I did.

Had more fun getting back to the houseboat. Our tub was all stuffed with rags. With one in it, all had been OK, but with three in, the water streamed in the bottom in fountains. We couldn’t keep it straight, but ran into everybody and into first one shore and then the next. At last the water came in so fast we headed for shore and nearly all fell in. Pulled it shore and stuffed the many holes with rags as best we could, then set sail once more, going all over the canal and making but little progress. Then, we didn’t know which canals to follow, and finally, after a long time, we got in the second lake and found our boat. Of course, a vendor would be waiting for us and soon another came along. No rest at all. Mort got in the cook-boat and fried two fried. [Yes, that’s all.]

Moved the boat a short distance away to the canal entrance to the lake and spent the rest of the afternoon on board. Dal Lake is considered one of the most beautiful in the world. It is 2 x 4 miles large, has reeds around most of the shores, and the shallow lake is full of weeds—and fish. On the shores grow tall, fine trees, poplars and willows and Chinars and all kinds. Mountains are on all sides, many snow-covered or partly so, and all reflecting beautifully in the still waters of the lake. The clouds are beyond description as they float past the peaks rising 9,000 feet high. The air is cool and invigorating for the valley is 6,000 feet above sea level. A crescent moon graced the sky after dark and boy! was it a night!!

Comments are closed.