Run 862 - Hailey
Run PhotosRun: 862
Date: Sunday, 18 January 2009
Venue: King William, Hailey
Hare(s): S/Shoveller & Penelope Pitstop
Hounds: Golden Shower, Eileen, Twitcher, Plod, Big Stiffy, Pyro, Deaf Aid, Norah Batty, Baby Driver, Rubber Sole, Preperation H, Lemony Snicket, Wimpey, Hash Hoody, Eric, Pressganger, Billy Whiz, CS Gas, J-Wax, Balderic, Lonely and just for the meal, a rather sweaty Bootsy. The K9s were represented by Meg, Trip Hazard and Whispa.
Scribe: Plod
Boy, was that a fresh morning - a glorious morning with the sun out but also with a very chilly stiff wind. A glorious turn-out too. There was Pyro, back in the Lycra (hip hip . . .) again. There was Pressganger in a pair of brand spanking new trainers that were almost too much for the camera lens to cope with, and Billy whiz (please visit a barber's in the near future). And mustn't forget the birthday girl, Lemony Snicket, despite whiling the night away at an adult only birthday party (didn't think she was that type of girl!!). On time, for a change, CS Gas. Eileen was here for the second time - looks like we may just have to find a new hash name in the near future.
But with a professional hare like S/Shoveller, we were soon reminded what we were here for. The briefing wasn't too long - I remember a discussion about whether we should do three and a half or the originally laid four and a half. A hash photo or two later, and then we were off - straight up. Within yards from the pub, we had an obstacle to get round - a fallen tree/bush. See the photographs. Surprisingly, some of the flower had actually survived the previos night's torrential rain.
The weather, the morning was glorious. The country side was beautiful and the trail took in some nice Hash views (including, Berrinsfield, Greater Leys, and THE power station). But it was a mite on the chilly side in the more exposed areas. At some stage, S/Shoveller must have diverted us tail end charlies onto a shortcut because we lost the runners. But bravely we plodded on and before we realised it we were on the On Inn.
It seemed that we were slightly ahead of the runners - so I capitalised on the fact - this was my chance to take some real action photos - of runners - rather then the walkers or small specks in the distance. to my disapointment, as they turned into the last 200 meteres or so back to the pub, they were all WALKING - yes walking. but to a man, they saw thue camera and burst into a trot. See the photos - you'll see I'm not telling the truth - sorry, any lies.
So, it seems that the runners did 4.68 miles but us dilly dalliers did about a mile less.
There was no dilly dallying in the car park after though. It was too cold for one, but also there was a tab behind the bar. Now I had domestic issues to deal with it and so had to leave without partaking - wonder if Hash Cash will buy me a pint at Chieveley - maybe not. I gather that despite the extra custom, the landlord took exception to muddy footwear!!! No pleasing some people. For some reason, I'm told that Mr sloppy's three sausages and chips plate was noteable?!! The hares were thanked for their trail - and i would like to add my thanks too - my first time back after some 6 weeks of being unable to run and though I found I couldn't today, I certainly enjoyed it. Pyro extended an invitation to her birthday party on saturday at the Nuffield club and I gather that when all realised the significance of Snicket's 'Made in 1959' t-shirt, an off-key out-of-tune rendition of happy birthday followed.And just as people were settling down to their food, late as ever, hot and sweaty, came in Bootsy!
Now, i hope you are all paying attention, there have been some changes to the run list. The next trail is from the Red Lion at Chieveley - apparently we've never run from there. Golden Shower will be the Hare. The next two trails have swopped places and the one after that, being laid by the Childrey Posse, has been a venue change.The greyhound at Letcombe Bassett - why can I only find the Greyhound at Letcombe Regis?
Photos on the Photos Page, link above. J-Wax also took a movie clip I'll get that on the Web Site in the next day or so. A word of warning, she herself describes it as P 0 R N 0 G R A P H I C !!!
See you all in two weeks time
Plod