It was a dry, pleasant day the day of the laying of our trail, although we were expecting a some light rain, it didn't materialise! Much to our dismay, it rained overnight! Sludge being the conscientious man that he is checked it out and found it had mostly been washed away! So now we had a live hare and myself back haring with fortunately some short cuts! On On ....with just a little tardiness from the pack, we set off with all levels of runners/walkers and a larger than normal number of hashers to keep together.

Off over Priory Park, where late comer Subby came pounding in with her dog Oscar sporting his new winter coat, hand sown by his mistress! On On through Priory Way, through the fields to Maydencroft Lane. Still no sign of Sludge, poor fellow out in front in the cold wind and muddy lanes of Charlton and Temple End. There was much Confusion at Well Head where the pack looked for guidance, what! from me, the hare? Not likely.

On On went the faster, braver hashers trying to catch the live hare. Us short cutters continued through the hamlet of Charlton, past the sad sight of the closed Windmill pub, on to Willow Lane under the bypass and back into Hitchin

All hashers back eventually to the pub which got quite lively with two hashes to contend with. Then On Out for the Circle. Edwina had a down down for avoiding a number check.....and apparently Lady P needed to go to Spec savers for pointing out that The Count had Friends (don't ask no idea)

On On to Lilly.

Gorjoyce