Despite a cold, overcast and blustery day the r*n saw a good turnout of Hounds assemble at Melling Hall. However, the cars parked close to his driveway proved too much for one local resident and Bubbles had to defuse the situation. With frantic waving of arms the sea of cars was parted.

“..and behold Bubbles, blessed is he, for he is a peacemaker”

Isaiah 38:22

A quick introduction in the circle by the Hares [White Noise and Off His Trolley] saw us off with an immediate Rambo and Wimp split. Consistent as ever, Lurch and Twisted led the Rambo charge, first around St.Wilfred’s church, then off uphill, through cold muddy fields. Cyberseptic, for he is wise, wore wellington boots, ideally suited for negotiating the farmyard slurry at the top of the hill.

Originating from Upper Thong, wellie wanging, involves throwing Wellington Boots as far as you can; usually while not being worn.

Wikipedia

Back down on Lodge Lane, Forever Blowing missed a check by Wennington Hall. [RA please note for future down down!] before the Rambos caught up with the Wimps at the Beer Stop. A fully trained barista, White Noise was serving up hot chocolate! Off His Trolley had brought it, hot flask, beer, nibbles and all, on his improvised trolley. A truly excellent BS.

For that special occasion, why not use Brookhouse’s premier outside catering

service? Book in advance to avoid disappointment.

Trip Advisor 4.5/5.0

Highway had barely caught up as another split started off with White Noise directing the Rambos across the ‘bridge’ route. To be honest, the eagerly anticipated viaducts were a bit of a let-down.

“I am going to design…a bridge after my own fancy, that is, with some bits of wood etc.”

Isambard. K. Brunel

Soon back on high ground, lashed by the strong wind and light rain, we enjoyed good views across the Lune Valley. The Septics spotted two wild hares across the field; one of which could be clearly seen dragging a shopping trolley. Dropping down into Wrayton we passed through a smallholding of hens and prodigious egg-laying ducks. We fully expected to be back to Melling via the main road but the blobs took us back along an old track. Up through some woods and a gated plantation we again reached high ground, presumably back over the train tunnel, before dropping back onto Lodge Lane and into Melling.

The Hounds re-assembled in the circle and duly thanked the Hares for an excellent Hash. As they down downed we also realised that we were still missing a hound:

“ ….and Highway still wand’ring o’er the Earth for the trials of Man”

John Milton

The RA, Dormouse, cited a down down for Twot, at which point Twot cheekily asked for an interpreter. Dormouse pressed his citation: Twot had walked the Wimp route alone and not made conversation. It brought that famous prose to mind:

“The soul that sees beauty may sometimes walk alone…the miserable git”

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

Twot’s choice of après-hash footwear then also came to the attention of the circle. Another down down was inevitable.

“I love shoes; I love handbags; but what the **** are those??”

Tamara Ecclestone

Another down down, this time for Twisted, for her anguished surprise when stepping through the cold, wet, boggy ground. Just in time, Highway arrived, direct into the circle, to take the final down down.

A quick clean-up and the Hash drove on to the On Inn at The Royal Oak in Hornby for good banter, good batter and good beer.

On On

Anoraksia