R*n 795: Hest Bank

Three ounces of flour and a smidgeon of wood coloured chalk were the self-imposed eco-challenges that our full moon hares Hard Astern and Ready About set themselves when haring this trail. It could have been harder: the full moon might have been our source of illumination, but we started earlier than usual at 6:30pm, so we had daylight in abundance.

Initially heading away from the canal, some minor paths took us over a slice of transport history:  the canal, the main road, and the railway and then down onto the coast. Fairly soon we were jogging down Morecambe prom. Cyber and I lagging behind front runners LP, Exhibitionist and GL who appeared to be heading off to Heysham. GIven the alleged length of the trail, that seemed unlikely, so the wily hounds (us) took a closer look in the vicinity of the zebra crossing near Happymount Park. Nothing on our side, but Cyber picked up trail on the far side of the crossing. In a fit of generosity the hares' flour blobs led us to the entrance of the park and then- nothing! We scoured the park to no avail.

LP confided that he'd contemplated congratulating the hares on the minimalist but just adequate marking. Even he had to admit there was no clue where to go next. Local knowledge had us sniffing outside the park, around a side entrance, rewarding us with some of the brown coloured chalk. We were off again and with no more serious incidents went over the canal and beyond. Wimps split off and made their way back, meanwhile the hares had other surprises in store for the Rambos.

We turned into the hare's garden to be confronted with an obstacle course: stepping stones, jumping between logs, hula hoops, step ups, under and over assorted canes and to top it off a crawl underneath an authentic army camouflage net.

Full marks to GL for showing effortless artistry on the hula hoop. The men's attempts were miserable and pitiful. Look for the hares' hilarious video.

A short run back took us to the Hest Bank hotel once more. Short circle and then some good beer and food in the pub.

Many thanks for an entertaining outing.

On-on,

Lurch