| Date | Hare | Scribe |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Dec 2024 | Des | Keith |
Today’s hash at Hodson was the postponed hash from last Sunday, courtesy of storm Bert. What a storm that was and although we were all, I suspect, secretly relieved when it was postponed, our hare, Des, had nevertheless continued to lay a short trail in case anyone had not seen the cancellation email and still turned up. Nobody had. Quelle surprise.
Today’s weather wasn’t as severe but was miserable enough to possibly tempt faint hearts to stay indoors rather than face the gloom and predicted drizzle. Actually, it didn’t rain from 11am and it wasn’t especially cold but it was grey and gloomy.
A smallish group assembled, and the group photo was taken by Kevin.
Caroline was present with her brother Jim, who last hashed with us at Shrivenham about a year ago. He said he hopes to come next year too and that’ll mean he’s a ‘regular’ hasher.
I was the only runner. Knowing what’s involved in laying a long trail, I wasn’t going to bail out and walk, or do the short trail. Des told us the long would be nearly 5 miles but more given the false trails that would need checking.
Not much mud after the first section along the valley bottom Des had assured us. If only that were true.
The descent from the pub to the valley bottom is quite treacherous given a steep uneven path, badly rutted, of slippery stones, covered in fallen leaves and lots of mud. Medals should go to all who managed it, some chose not to attempt it.
I was soon ahead of the group, following Des’s well marked trail along the valley floor and then ascending to the right up a steep leafy path back to the main road. Not many people about on these paths, thus far. At the top, a series of circles requiring checking out, which really slowed me up, as the T’s were a way off, but at least they were there.
Then it was crossing the main road and running beside the football field towards Marlborough before cutting back towards the Patriots Arms. I’d seen Des on his motorcycle a few times and he was sympathising with my plight as the lone runner. He told me which direction to take on some of the checks.
Along the road next towards the Esso garage but then taking a left downhill and to Washpool, a really attractive area of woodland streams and many varied paths to take. Des had included a regroup at a point overlooking Washpool. I duly regrouped with myself and took a photo.
Flour-finding got more tricky around here due to it being so wet and with so many fallen leaves, but I was okay. Until I needed to head back towards Hodson along the ridge. Not sure what went wrong but I couldn’t see flour and ended up working my way across several large fields to finally reach Hodson. An enjoyably attractive, but tiring run. And tons of mud.
I got back around 12.30. Tired and muddy. Kathy had done her own thing and walked to the Three Trees Cafe, a three miler, and she got back same time I did. A few hashers had gone already, but there remained a group large enough to thank our hard working Hare Des, who had laid a good trail. Kathy made the thanks on behalf of GOM , who had needed to leave promptly with the First Lady.
No shorts etc to award today. I hope to recover enough to run at the next hash in 7 days time and hope more runners will show up to help with checking out the false trails!