Tuesday, April 26, 2011

The final trip ...

I have one more Joseph Rock journey to do to complete the whole jigsaw. I need to revisit his "Seeking the Mountain of Mystery" travels from Choni and Labrang (Xiahe) monasteries in Gansu to Ragya monastery in Qinghai. I'm planning to go later this year (although I still need to find the money and get three weeks off work - minor details). Then I can finish the final chapter of the "In the Footsteps" book, which I hope to get published when I can get around to approaching agents/publishers).
In the meantime, I am preparing the next chapter on my visit to the 'lost mountain' of Muti Konka near the Yalong river

Ragya monastery, Gansu, 1925

[Ragya Monastery]

6 comments:

Darwin! said...

Thank you for making such an EXTENSIVE coverage of past and present of Joseph Rock and his adventures/misadventures. I look forward to see a nice publishing of his and your followup, of the clash of cultures, of almost 70-90 years of the differences. I am currently living in Lijiang, going through Peter Goullart's trip before shadowing Joseph trek too.

mutikonka said...

Thanks Darwin - would like to hear more about your trip.

Tim said...

I'm hoping to get back to W.China/E.Tibet this year too, depending money and time as well. Myself and a colleague from the V&A are hoping to plan a trip there. Maybe our paths will cross! If you're passing through Kangding definitely check out the Zhilam Hostel if you can, it's excellent.

mutikonka said...

We tried the Zhilam this time last year but it was closed (only temporarily, I hope) due to illness of the hostel managers.

Harry Jans said...

Hi Michael,
Many times I have visited your super website. I am a great admirer of Joseph Rock since 1994 when I was on a plant hunting expedition for 6-weeks. Did also visit many places he has been to. In 2000 I visited the Ragya monastery during an expedition starting in Xining then to Chone, Songpan, Aba and back to Xining again. A wonderful area with beautiful scenery. Next month I am of to Kangding and Minya Konga. Back in his footsteps! Have safe and enjoyable trips. Cheers Harry Jans
(note: I have put a Link of your website in mine, is that ok? www.jansalpines.com)

mutikonka said...

Thanks Harry - I am sure the Minya Konka trip will be great. It's a wonderful area for both flora and fauna. And June should be a good time to be there, before the rainy season starts.