The hash was summed up by Zorro who said “I nearly didn’t come to another Abingdon hash because they are all rather similar, but this was brilliant”.  It was a shame we couldn’t start earlier so that the runners could see more of the views.  But that means we can run the same trail on a Sunday morning and no-one will know! 

Twinkle popped into the pub.  We thought it was a call of nature but discovered that he had decided on a swift drink as they had arrived early.  He met FBJ doing the same thing and came out smiling but no-one worked it out until much later. 

We set off at just after 7pm along the road opposite the pub.  Just before we turned off into Hedgemead Avenue Dancing Queen noticed Wilson driving past.  So Lemony waited on the corner in her fluorescent yellow jacket to guide him the right way.  Part way down Hedgemead Avenue we took the footpath off to the right and followed this out onto the Radley Road, right, then crossing to the opposite corner at the roundabout before going north past the Barrow Hills skatepark, then through the trees at the side of the road.  Professional Peach, Scrubber and Godzilla were checking long distances as we were rather short on front runners.  Thank you, ladies.  We turned right across the field then left and out and right on to Thrupp Lane. Here FBJ, Jack and Zorro came thundering back up the lane to the back of the walkers.  Obviously they hadn’t listened properly or were keen to do extra miles as they only needed to run to the end of the runners!  We turned right between the two lanes and stopped for a hash view, but some charming local had rubbed out the mark. At the end of the lane the walkers turned right and set off to follow the disused railway line back towards town while the runners followed the full trail straight on and right.  The walkers could hear laughter as the runners came to a lot of mud and a steep hill – with a 3 at the top.  Back down went the leaders and then back up!  Zorro was offered help but insisted on crawling to the top un-aided. The trail continued through the woods, round a fallen branch and under a low branch, before turning along the edge of the river.  Luckily no-one risked a paddle or swim!  At the next junction they went right across the field, into the trees and then left onto the disused railway.   

The trail then wiggled its way through the town = Barton Lane, Audlett Drive, Reade Avenue, Fennel Court, Campion Road, Radley Road, St Peter’s Road, Norris Close and back onto Peachcroft Road.  Somewhere along this section Professional Peach and Scrubber were accosted by a resident who told them they were irresponsible as dog theives marked houses!  Not sure what logic they were following and Ginger Rocket soothed things somewhat.  Of course, we have had this thrown at us before and it is complete rubbish. But Rubber Sole had been worried that the locals might be concerned about Wimpey walking along with CS wearing the Supergirl pants! 

The walkers got back to the pub first and CS bought fish and chips from the chippy so we sat outside while he ate them.  Lemony pinched a chip and Rubber Sole asked if she could pinch the bit at the end – luckily for the rest of us she was referring to his batter.  We moved inside when the barman said the group’s chips were ready. In the pub there was a different selection of bitter.  Or at least we think that was what FBJ was referring to when he said “I’ve never had naked ladies before”. A friend of Dancing Queen turned up.  He had tried to join us on the trail but arrived a little late and chased us all the way round.  We hope he will come again. 

The Supergirl pants were awarded to Zorro for being the last to circle up and the first to get back to the pub – and for trying to give away some of their table’s chips.  Luckily Godzilla will make next week’s hash before setting off for her trip to work in Canada so she will see her father in his new attire. 

On On

Hares:  Ginger Rocket and Lemony Snickett

Hounds: Wimpey, Rubber Sole, Zorro, Godzilla, Tiger Feet, Jack, Will, Scrubber, Wilson, Dancing Queen, FBJ, Twinkle, CS, Professional Peach and Dominic

Date: 29 September 2015

Distance: 5.04 Miles