R*n 145: Arnside

Having returned to the Land of Smiles on 24 April, this was my first run back with the LVH3 and it was nice to see the usual eager, expectant faces opposite the Albion on the Arnside Esplanade. Bubbles was there too after another weekend of extended alcohol abuse and he showed his best turn of speed for the day in a desperate sprint to the Spar shop for that much-needed bottle of water. Lurch made his now familiar entrance as he exited Bubbles vehicle in his latest unconventional manner - largely due to the fact that his extended frame had been cramped into the boot (or whatever they call that compartment in estate cars). Toothfairy, on the other hand, arrived incognito fully geared-up on a fast-looking motorbike. The body armour didn't do her lithe figure justice. She told me that she lets her brother take the bike out now and then to give it a proper run as she prefers to tootle along in third gear, as a lady should.

The hares blatant lies failed to convince most of us that the run would be anything but flat and we were not disappointed. The subtle blend of woodland with rocky seaside tracks in this area made this run one that I didn't want to miss. The only unexpected aspect of the run was the repeated appearance of unfamiliar markings, which gave us FRBs more to think about than we are used to. The beer stop was well into the run, but no less welcome. Although the wimps had already raided the stocks, there was still beer (amber stuff drunk by Europeans) and biscuits aplenty.

By time I got back into Arnside, the wimps were already throwing alcohol down their throats and annoying the locals and day-trippers alike with their foul language. I joined in with them as best I could and tried to retain some respectability by offering apologies as appropriate. There were sighs of relief as we retired to the beach to complete our sordid rituals in the circle. Down downs were awarded and songs were sung and nakedness was thankfully kept to a minimum. We eventually retired to the Albion where I looked longingly at Toothfairy's soup and she played with my fries. Hopefully the kids will be back for the next run and the "adults" will have to behave.