R*n 612: Winster

LVH3 R*n 612

The Brown Horse, Winster

Hares: Highway and Chemical Alley

Brass Monkeys

Someone had definitely turned down the thermostat overnight but fortunately they left the heating on the frost setting, so there was no ice to impair our uphill on out up the lane. It was a pity, though, that someone else left the door open as there was one hell of a draught blowing through.

We were joined today by several visitors from Cockermouth hash, a family of three and one who had flown in from China.

With two Rambo/Wimp splits, one near the start and one at the sip stop, this trail was mostly a previous offering from Highway in the reverse direction. Various treats were supplied en route: two viewpoints, including a magnificent but windy view over Windermere, and a sip stop with Chinese cakes and plenty of beer.

The pack came in in two halves: the FRBs after 7.5 to 8.5 miles and an hour fifty; the knitting circle around twenty minutes later.

To avoid hypothermia, Bubbles kicked off the circle without waiting for the knitting circle. First to be punished were the co-hares Highway and Chemical Alley, for what was generally agreed to have been a good run. Bubbles then asked those assembled to raise a hand if they had run this trail backwards before. Three hands went up from Off His Trolley, Sir Tom Tom and Lurch. When asked whether they had really run the trail backwards before, they had to admit their deceit and were awarded the first three down-downs.

Lurch was called straight back in for moaning he'd done three runs in two days - Forever Blowing had also completed the same three runs but moan she did not.

Next was Off His Trolley, who must now be a millionaire looking at his recent investment in new hash shoes, and Hippy Hunter for loosing his woolly hat in his hood at the sip stop.

Hashy Birthdays were sung to Highway, Bitter and Twisted.

Huggy and Slasher from Cockermouth hash were called in to the circle and punished for being gullible and going all the way. With apparently no limit on the beer expenses, Sweaty Monster was called in for being a gentleman and holding open gates for harriettes; Morticia, Bitter and Off His Trolley for fouling the trail; and after some hesitation your scribe, Simple, for taking copious notes for the run write up.

Thanks to the hares Highway and Chemical Alley for a well laid trail with plenty of flour, some wonderful views, interesting cakes at the sip stop and surprising little shiggy. Just make it a bit warmer next time please.