R*n 823: Conder Green

We returned to an old favourite On Inn for the start of the STT full mooner: the Stork at Conder Green. The Hare noted that the "promised" rain for the morning had not materialized and a large group of hashers was greeted by glorious early evening sunshine, but with a biting cold wind.

With no GM to officiate there was a general shambles of a start circle and a far from short briefing from the Hare. We were warned of some trail sabotage already spotted, to look out for many sheep, and that rarity at LVH3 r*ns, a closed check! There was to be one Wimp/Rambo split and a gate which we would go through twice, but leaving it in different directions depending on whether it was the first or second time! There was also the option to go the wrong way at the first visit to this gate, thereby short-cutting back to the finish.

Rambos were further warned about a wild farm dog which had threatened STT's posterior when he attempted to lay trail through its farm. We were given directions to make up for the lack of flour in that area.

The trail took us, via a few checks, through some empty fields and into a field full of excitable bullocks. After negotiating that hazard the pack reached the canal towpath for the first but not the last time on this r*n. A very well marked W/R split was apparently missed or misinterpreted by several r*nners. BF and BS didn't see it and so carried on along the Rambo route, which they successfully completed. BD and GL read the arrows back to front and took the Wimp trail in error. BD eventually caught up with the Rambo pack but I'm not at all sure where GL went.

Your scribe was with the Rambos on the correct route, which took us past a swan's nest complete with sitting swan and guarding partner. Another hazard to side-step. Then came the wild farm dog, which was noisy but did not attack.

As we approached Thurnham church some of the Wimps became visible as the two trails re-joined at this point. Included were Hash Drunk and Pick Me Up who had arrived late because of a traffic hold -up, but had made good time and caught up. The trail then went past Thurnham Hall, and into a field which was crossed to an obvious gate back onto the canal. I say obvious, but several Wimps failed to find the route at this point and ended up making their own trail for a while before eventually getting back on the true route.

After getting back on the towpath it was a short trot past Thurnham Mill and back to the Stork. With time pressing the pack adjourned to the pub for a well-earned meal. There was no RA anyway, and no circle, which was a shame with so many transgressions to be punished.

Altogether a very well chosen and marked trail, with no signs of sabotage. Plenty of interesting bits and sunshine all the way. Thanks Sir Tom Tom! On On!