There is one of our hashers that I have known all of his life – and I know that one day he will find 5 minutes in his busy schedule to write a witty, complementary and appreciative account of our fabulous, or may I say steaming, 600^th r*n.

Until then I would just like to remind all of you that were there, and those of you who wished you could have been there about that damp - but not wet- cold – but not freezing day back in October last year.

Coincidentally our 600^th r*n had fallen on our sixteenth birthday. And so it was that 6 of our original hares and hounds from that historic day back in 2000 regathered with a whole host of hangers on following strict instructions not to be late. Oh the whoops of joy and excitement when they realised that we were going on a steam train, with a special carriage laid on just for hashers – probably best to keep us away from the normal people travelling up the valley that day.

And so began a B to A trail that took hounds along and over the Tyne River, through woods and fields, over bridges and under branches. The red squirrels sensibly stayed clear and the deer that the hares had spotted whilst laying the trail also avoided us.

The beer stop – along with jelly Babies and Prosecco as a Birthday treat - were soon consumed and the pack were led on back to the Lunch stop at the Cumberland hotel. After being fed and watered the party continued with sausage rolls, party rings and birthday cake back at the Hostel.

Candles were blown out, down downs were drunk and names were given to all and sundry.

A good day – though I have had to say it myself!

Remind me never to ask my little brother to do anything ever again!

Forever Blowing