Run 1478

Monday 10 June 2019

The Stone Jug, Clophill


Hares: Cyclopath and Minja Turtle

HASHERS: 13


Virgin Hare de-floured?


Camping Mug calls Dial-a-Newbee


Where's the wonderful, grey view? ...


... it's behind yer


You get the arms for 500 Blow Felt


Looking forward to Otter at H5 Favourite


Cyclopath skid-mark for all to see


Edwina King of the Castle ...


... displaying his Crown ...


... and looking forward to Hopping Hare

Wet, windy and cold were the ingredients of the Stone Jug Hash in Clophill. Experienced Hare, Cyclopath and virgin Hare Minja Turtle were apprehensive about the turn out, after laying the trail a couple of hours earlier during the persistent rain. How happy the Hares were to see 11 hardcore hashers with jolly faces despite the weather! All but one Hasher was dressed for underwater conditions. Edwina was the odd one out, in shorts and t-shirt, "because it's summer!"

The Hares warned everybody of long wet grass, a few stinging nettles, uneven ground and dangerous rabbit holes a-plenty. A challenge indeed, but this didn't deter Rapid, whose eyes lit up when Minja mentioned that a prize was up for grabs for anyone prepared to, "go all the way!"

On and out we went with Clap Trap adding a bit of sparkle with his golden plunger acting like a lighthouse in the dreary weather. Up one of the hills of Clophill, across a field and a couple of streets, before disappearing down a well-hidden over-grown pathway where Edwina boasted about his dry trousers waiting for him in the car. The rest of us got our lower halves naturally washed by the drenched jungle-like vegetation. Across 2 little bridges over the River Flit, Captain F, Edwina and Minja found time for a quick game of poo sticks. Captain F only had a little one and was jealous of Edwina's big one that he was able to break it in two, earning him 1st and 2nd place "on the poo-dium".

Around the corner the front runners were caught studying Cyclopath's skid-mark from earlier with rather puzzled faces. Treats were provided to keep any damp spirits dr-high, while Minja offered her jelly babies around (sorry Blow Felt), Cyclopath had chocolate buttons to which Rapid remarked he wasn't sure he wanted to see her brown buttons, having "seen her skid-mark".

After re-fuelling the pack were aiming for the site of the 11th century Cainhoe Castle. The wonderful, if rather grey view point was enjoyed by all from the Bailey. Conditions were dry but windy with Edwina apologising for having beans for dinner! The Hares announced that the first person to reach the top of the Motte and retrieve something, would win themselves a prize. Edwina stormed ahead (must have been the beans) scrambling up on all fours with Depth Charge on his tail and Captain F bringing up the rear. But it was Edwina who found and grabbed the castle bucket, crowning him "King of the Castle" with the rest of us deemed his dirty rascals! More skid-marks were left on the slippery descent by the three musketeers on the way down from the Bailey, with Blow Felt, supported Double Entry closely from behind, much to DE's delight!

Depth Charge lead the pack on the return journey avoiding rabbit warren territory, and was joined by two other honest hashers, Edwina and Captain F on a run back they missed on the way out. A few swallows were spotted, and sky larks heard as the evening closed in. Minja noticed The Count wandering off from the recreation park through a dark wooded area, and as he didn't return, decided to check where he went. Realising the path joined the route back Minja re-joined the trail appearing from the woods with two hooded figures. Rapid was eager to find out what drugs we had been dealing (check your flour). We had been lucky with the weather as it had stayed dry until this point. The rain made sure we all got back to the Stone Jug swiftly.

After a mass towelling down, we all descended into the Jug much to the domino players surprise. Catch-IT's superb baking of cassis-soaked cakes and delicious flapjack were most welcome and were wonderful match with a pint of Otter Ale.

After warming up inside it was back outside for a very soggy circle up. Underneath shared brollies awards and down-downs were given. Blow Felt received a fetching body-warmer for his 250 milestone. Double Entry wondered where the sleeves were! Cyclopath and Courtesan/Camping Mug received woolly hats for their 50 runs. King of the Castle Edwina happy with his prize, a bottle of Hopping Hare Ale for hopping to the top of ClopHILL the quickest!

Both Hares were very thankful for the upbeat and jolly attitude of all the Hashers. Standing in for the absent Pongo, Blow Felt even said it was the best run this week!

Don't forget the 3P's this Saturday in Cambridge - Punting, Picnic and Pimms!

On-on to next week's run with Captain F at the Cornerstone in Shefford.

Minja Turtle n Cyclopath