R*n 898: Wray

Yes, it's always good fun to be stuck in traffic when heading to a hash. Being last to arrive means the privilege of recording the hash for posterity is a given. Luckily we got to the start before "Check it out" had been called, so missed nothing.

This was a well-attended hash by recent standards, 2 hares, 19 hounds and 2 dogs gathered at Meal Bank Bridge on the edge of Wray village. This was good to see since the hares had stepped in at short notice to avoid a gap in the programme.

The forecast rain didn't happen, and there was instead plenty of pleasant sunshine, but with a chilly breeze at times. Included in the hounds were Newcastle H3 guests Let's Do It, Knickerless and Just Brandon.

Rambos and Wimps separated from the off, and the Rambos included Spare Bed for her first time r*nning with the "Big Boys". Lack of observation skills meant a little time was lost by the Rambos close to the start, but most of them made good time and arrived at the beer stop just behind the Wimps. I say most, because two had lost the pack somewhere in a wood full of mountain bike trails and weren't to be seen again until the very end of the hash.

After well-earned refreshment the second segment was plagued by several fish hooks, which had the desired effect of keeping everyone (bar those missing Rambos) together. There was plenty of time for a finishing circle and D2s were duly dispensed to FOTH and STT (the hares), Dormouse and Hard Astern for disappearing for so long, the visitors, Baldbrick for going to the wrong bridge when driving to the start, Ready About for phantom phone calling, Big Fish for anti-social behaviour and Spare Bed for being a super keen r*nner.

An enjoyable meal was had at the Tatham Bridge Inn, and very reasonably priced too.

Thanks Fiddler and Tom Tom for a scenic and well-marked trail!

On! On!