| Date | Hare | Scribe |
|---|---|---|
| 27 Oct 2024 | Viv & John | Greg |
“It’s very bright for 7:30” I thought as I woke to a bright and sunny Hash Sunday !
Realisation dawned an hour or two after waking that the clocks had done their mysterious semi-annual trick – in a good way, as the day was relatively warm and welcoming those intrepid souls who walk and run in the English Countryside on a regular basis.
I was looking forward to a nice walk around Ashbury and after checking the KVH3 website before setting off, realised that, although close, no cigars were to be awarded for my recall of the location and I headed instead to Aldbourne where the Hash was actually taking place.
The colourfully dressed Hashers assembled outside The Crown and promptly at 11 we were briefed by Viv and John. Kevin headed Kathy off at the pass and asked all the pertinent questions in relation to our adventure and having been assured that all of the trail markers were on the right, off we went.
Some consternation set in within yards of the start as there was no flour to be found and Viv sheepishly admitted that the first circle mark was actually on the left !
After wriggling around a few of the village streets, we were off in a Southerly direction climbing steadily and looking forward to the stunning views that had been promised just up over the hill.
On we went, hour after hour. “Are we there yet”, I heard plaintive cries from the back of the group, still heading away from the Village and still going up hill and South on the straightest and possibly the longest footpath in the world.
About half way up the hill, we came to the long/short divide. In fairness to our hares, laying a trail of white flour on a rough chalky surface was a clearly a challenge and our code breaking skills were tested to the limit but eventually successful in identifying the two routes.
After another mile or so we found another circle and thankfully there was a footpath signposted heading back in a roughly North Easterly direction which we hoped would eventually lead us home.
No more code breaking required as the trail along this path and through the wood was thorough and as detailed and anyone could wish.
Emerging from the trees, we were greeted with superb views of undulating downland and freshly cut crops in long straight and very neat rows with new vegetation colourfully emerging from the ground.
A little further on we stopped to admire the estate allegedly belonging to George Foreman, no that’s wrong, the other Grill bloke , Bear Grylls ( I had to look up the spelling which, in hindsight, rather spoilt the joke).
Finally we started the descent to base camp and in the last knockings were overtaken by Viv who needed more punishment after laying the short trail decided to run the long, just for fun. Stopping only to pick up some windfalls for what would undoubtedly become a lovely apple crumble later in the day, Viv hurried off to join the others in Room 101 for the Aprè7s.
After assembling at the Pub, GOM gave a well deserved thank you speech to the hares, the bags and horn were duly redistributed to deserving participants and we set about discussing a number of issues around the future of the KVH3 Hash.
A lovely walk (and run for the brave), well timed for us all to arrive back pretty close with fabulous weather and beer to suit the occasion. Grateful thanks to our Hares for the day Viv and John.