In the middle of a heatwave and on nearly the longest day of the year, only the bravest hashers assembled at the Woolpack, to listen to an address from the HM (Captain Fantaaastic), to some of his funniest jokes and to practice that novel dance routine "flossing" that is said to be so popular amongst the young folk. The last time we'd run from this pub was about 3 years ago [2 yrs 8 mnths 29 days: Dep Ed] and the day followed closely on the Captain's lavish Cambridge-punting extravaganza (...and some of us still showed the sun-burn!).

After a couple of false trails, the pack found the scent to the footpath that runs parallel to Cotton End Road. The trail then diverged towards the northern side of Wilstead Wood, where it joined the former driveway to Haynes Park (one of the permissive ways granted by the spiritual community, now in residence there). Thereafter, the bulk of the run took place in the dappled shade of that ancient woodland. About half way round there was a shortcut and, afterwards, those persisting with the run, enjoyed a trail that was uninterrupted by those pesky false-trails, holds and number-checks and were able to speed downhill to leave the wood close to where they entered. The best part (the return to the pub) made use of the formal path (called the Dragon Wood, by Google) that mostly paralleled the route out and the hares (at least) were cheered by the prospect of a remedy at last for their dehydration!

In the circle (and after an appropriate therapy) the HM rewarded the hares and, there being no anniversaries to celebrated (...The Count being engaged bowling), handed control of the proceedings to the RA (Blow Felt).

The all-seeing RA took exception to those attending without displaying of hash attire and to those resorting to sexual innuendo on the run. Down-downs were awarded to Gorjoyce, Depth Charge, Abettin' and Clare (x2) before the RA concluded proceedings by taking a Beverage by Tradition.

On–on to The Three Tuns, Ashwell (-source of the River Cam)!

Clap Trap & Catch-IT