| Date | Hare | Scribe |
|---|---|---|
| 3 Mar 2024 | Niki & Brian | John |
I must admit that I had a feeling of disappointment at the beginning of this hash because, just as we left Highworth, the brilliant sunshine we experienced that morning suddenly disappeared and the weather turned into a cold dense fog.
However fortunately, by the time the Hash started, amazingly the fog cleared and we were back to lovely sunshine.
Nicki and Brian said when they were setting the trail earlier that morning, the fog was so thick they found it difficult to find their way – which did little to inspire confidence we would not get lost. Emphasis was made that the route was very muddy, and wellies were recommended. The planned route was 3½ miles for the walkers and just under 6 miles for the longer trail.
The runners headed off and after covering two fields and a stile, there was a call from Julie who had caught us up after arriving late. After the wooded area we crossed the road and went down a paved track where we turned left at the farm buildings. This led us to a farm track which, although had lots of puddles, was easy running, and eventually opened up to give us super views of the Great Coxwell Barn in the sunshine.
After a circuit around the delightful village of Great Coxwell we started on the return to Coleshill across completely swamped fields and farm tracks. Jeremy nearly fell flat on his face after his leg became stuck in deep mud. He just managed to avoid falling – much to the disappointment of Viv who was poised with her camera.
The mud had so much suction that I was concerned I wouldn’t finish the run with the soles still left on my shoes, but fortunately they just about remained in place until the end of the hash.
After returning to the farm buildings we had originally passed on the way out, we went across three further very soggy fields and finally back to Coleshill.
We then received a text message to let us know that the Radnor Arms was open, so were able to enjoy a pint in the sunny garden. Curiously, David was already sitting in the garden enjoying a pint with indecently clean wellies -causing much speculation as to whether he had actually done any of the hash route the rest of us had completed.
Mike did the usual thanks to the Hares for laying a super trail, and also mentioned that Kathy will retain the shorts, waiting for a better opportunity to wear them; no mention was made about the whereabouts of the horns.
Many thanks to Nicki and Brian for a super Hash Trail laid in difficult conditions encountering both fog and mud.
The next Hash will be laid by Jeremy at The Bear in Marlborough.