Click here for a map of the run
With the knowledge that hash routes are now available on line, the scribe was able to pay even less attention to the route than normal…………
It was a beautiful evening. Arriving ‘just in time’ I was pleased to tuck into the last possible parking space but then was surprised at the empty the car park. Finding out that this was a request from the landlord, so other potential customers passing by, didn’t think the pub was busy, seemed unlikely and so I pondered…. Is it the hashers or their cars that weren’t wanted?
Still distracted by the pondering, I heard Ken welcome us and give several route options, only really listening when the distance of 6.2 miles was mentioned. It seemed a little long but then Ken has his reputation to think of and at least it wasn’t the same 25 miles of the weekend bike hash.
We set off across the common and were treated to fantastic views across the Vale of Oxford in late summer sun. Sharlene, full of beans after she had enjoyed her first hash last week feeling good that she had returned for more, went leaping voluntarily to the front, checking it out down a steep hill. This was something of a novice’s mistake so early on in a hash of unknown duration and of course, the hash took us onwards and upwards. Where I do not know………….
As the sunshine faded there was up and down, up and down, woods, fields, woods, fields and a bit of open land in varying order. Note - by way of a survey to see if anyone reads this ***** – please greet me on the 1st of September by saying ‘white rabbits!
Arriving at the long – short split, we were greeted by lots of dogs and an owner who seemed to be keen that we should not follow our course. A gate had been shut and, to avoid doubt, the sign ‘Private’ could now be clearly seen. This was only a problem for the long runners, as they now had an extra half mile back down to the road, if they were to complete their run. Many an individual would have taken the easy (i.e. short) option but the masochistic long runners were not going to miss out and so run off at speed to enjoy the extra leg. A wild guess at location suggests this may have taken the hashers to Dumble Dore, but no wizards were seen and there was no magic carpet home!
Getting back to the track, the long cutters found themselves heading into the woods and uphill. It was only now I noticed that I was only left with hardcore hashers and while we had been out for an hour, those who knew, predicted a long way to go….. Night fell and we continued to run. Heading uphill seemed to suggest an approaching way inn, but then the route turned downhill (again). Continuing, the hash found what must be the only shiggy still soft and wet in the whole of Bucks (or were we in Oxfordshire by now?) but at least most had learnt from last week that torches are now back in fashion. Others, of course, chose the option of running blind and into the deepest water.
So it was a definite sense of relief (for some of us anyway, I’m sure Helen was a little disappointed the fun was over) that Gerry finally said he thought it wasn’t much further and he prove right. The pub was a very welcome sight and Ken had shown a glimpse of compassion and reserved us a few chips! Thanks Ken!
And Congratulations to Gerry on 700 hashes – no wonder you recognise footpaths in the dark!
