R*n 223: Hale

Visitor:
Carmen the Au Pair

Just enough rain to wet the flour-trail fell as we arrived at 'The Kings Arms' car park, Hale. However, the clouds had cleared and it was fine as we set off thinking that perhaps we weren't going to get a soaking after all.  Masterbaker and Upperskirt, the Hares, had had other ideas!

Twenty one of us and three dogs enjoyed a 6 mile thrash through hayfields of long grass; along the canal towpath; around the lanes of Holme; under the railway line and into the River Bela.  Of course, we were meant to hash straight through the water, but many took the obvious easy option of  the nearby bridge - definitely a "Down Down"!  The devious Hares had even put a fish-hook up the lane opposite the ford, expecting us to go through the water twice more to pick up stragglers.  However, we all stood on the far bank shouting at those wagging it (determined to have dry feet) - not just the dogs!

Then "on - squelch - on".  But it was a very enjoyable route with good pub-grub awaiting.