Wimpey spotted an On On T shirt some way from the rendevous point and quick, or really very slow, thinking on the part of Lemony came to the conclusion that it was Cabouse advertising that he would like a lift.  Yes, they stopped!  This made 4 in the White Horse Hill carpark - not counting Ringer.  11 o'clock came and went and a few  more cars arrived, many of them families going out for a walk - or attempting to lose their young offspring in the high winds.  Why is it that the mothers are the ones that push the child laiden buggy while Dad carries the water bottle?
 
Mismatch joined us, having run from home.  Then we realised that we were waiting - in vain - for CS and Gnome Alone who had decided to run from Upton.  Eventually, we decided to set off. Straight out of the car park to the East towards the hill.  It was really difficult running with the wind behind us. What would it be like on the return leg?
 
After a few twists and turns we saw a rather odd shaped tree on the horizon.  It turned out to be CS and Gnome taking shelter.  Their lips were swollen and they could hardly speak - a plus there already!  So they decided to return to the car park and warm up in Querty's car (!)
 
The rest of us battled on.  We ploughed through mud, ran through rain, attempted steep decents with varying degrees of success and even met up with North Wilts hash who refused to share their beer stop.  Well, who would want to stand on the top of a hill, in the freezing cold drinking beer .....  Silly me.
 
The trail was beautifully marked with DH3 on the checks but, of course, after that we had no idea if the blobs were ours or theirs.
 
The climax was the run straight up the hill back to the car park.  Some made it without stopping - Wimpey was not going to let Cabouse get away from him!  All agreed it was a wonderful run and all had a great sense of achievement.

We adjourned to The Blowing Stone because the designated tavern was closed.  Again, the publican did us proud, producing roast potatoes, crackling, belly pork and mini sausages. 

The RA was tempted to rename CS and Gnome as Wayland and Smithy but satisfied himself  (!) with awarding the Down Down vest to Gnome Alone for the immortal phrase – my lips are numb.  His caring reply was, of course, wear thicker knickers next time!

The green shorts went to CS as we all felt he needed a little surgical support.

On On

Hare:  Ringer
 
Hounds: Rubber Sole's Buddy, Northern Soul, Mismatch, Wimpey, Lemony Snicket, Henry V, A Cruel Joke, Qwerty and Sadie, Big Stiffy, Rocket Ronnie and Cabouse
 
Date: 9 February 2014
 
Distance: 3.5 Miles (do we believe that!!)