Blue skies and sunshine back in Morecambe had taken on a less optimistic hue by the time we reached the A-site in Arnside and apprehensive hashers were gathering whilst wondering whether an early taste of winter was in store. As it turned out, we were spared the discomfort precipitation brings to most of us and the trail remained intact.

Familiar faces gathered with new. The virgins came in the form of Cum Yak Yak (youngest member of the Cum family and tolerated by the Pattaya H3), Carl Warburton (recent addition to Blue Watch Lancaster) and John and Paul (both regulars with Dallam Runners). Hare on in.

This time it was the GM's turn and on his own this time, as Forever Blowing had injured her foot. Bubbles drew everyone's attention to a large white board on which he had painstakingly drawn all the new marks learnt on the Nash Hash Sign Course. Virgins and hashers stood shell-shocked at this unexpected glut of information and wondering whether the circle at the end would include an exam or whether they could get by on course-work alone.

..and they were off. The route gave us ample opportunity to admire the peace and tranquillity of a village like Arnside until the silence was shattered by cries of "on on". Lurch became the most gallant hasher  of the day allowing two old-dears right of way. No More Cum, however, having heard "after you" from both parties one time too many, took the initiative and decided that it could all happen after him. After a long stretch along the shoreline at a good pace and a break to regroup, the ascent through the shade of trees was a welcome respite and saw hashers spread across a front, picking up flour as they moved towards Arnside Knott. Front running was difficult today, as FRBs were in the majority and the checks seemed to be fairly equally shared. This didn't stop Pick-Me-Up from conspiring with the hare though and shortcutting par excellence. More stops were organised by the hare at higher altitudes in order to admire the views and some hashers were educated by others that the dark bits on the hills represented shadow and not darker vegetation... oops.

Back at the A-site, the hare had thoughtfully provided draught softies to cool us down and reduce the shock of cold beer. A circle was called and the Bubbles led proceedings as GM. Virgins were welcomed with down-downs, followed by then No More Cum for ignoring pre-hash instructions and shortcutting across grazing land. Then Hash Drunk  for not calling On On down the line for the wimps at the back.  No More Cum took his turn in the circle awarding down-downs to the hare, for what was generally agreed to have been an excellent run, and to Pick-Me-Up, for once again failing to show her Hash-shirt to the iron.

Next came that wonderful tradition of bestowing names. In the absence of ice, Matt "Stretch" Armstrong was invited to take a seat on a convenient piece of limestone. No More Cum was forced to relate the truth about this fireman, ex-boot neck, ex-plumber's unnatural interest in young girls, but was unable to convince the Hash that he should be named Paedofollicle or Paedopervert and he was eventually named BaldCock, which alluded to his pipe-fitting past and receding hairline. Matters were brought to a close and hashers found more beer in The Ship at Sandside via a highly recommended chippy.