The hares were so confident that they could lay a decent trial that they spent the whole of the bank holiday weekend at a party. Breaking out at one point to zip across to Abbeystead by bike to set the route then straight back to the rave.

The following day and after a good downpour the hounds gathered wondering whether the hares were back out resetting trail. Not so , just before the start the hares turned up having begged a lift from Lancaster, they did look a little worried though, clearly some doubts, have they done enough? would the trail still be in place? would it be long enough? hard enough? and should the hares come too?

No worries, the route turned out to be very well laid and delighted us with a fast light footed skip through boggy woodland, around the various ponds and lakes onto and through meadowland, over the river and upwards to the dizzy heights of the fell side farms.

An almost invisible fish hook only spotted by lurch was used by the rest for a rest whilst we pondered where on earth Lurch was going. Shiggy pop decided this was a good place to practice hand stands, credit due here considering the hangover she was nursing.

A tour around the fringes of Abbeystead house followed and then the route took us carefully through a field of nursery lambs and on back to the start.

Down downs were given to Twisted for new boots, Morticia for irrigation, Shiggy pop for caring for grandad, Lurch for racing, and others for forgetfulness I think.

On on to the Fleece for flat cap beer, very well kept, good food very well cooked and great company very well looked after.

Well done hares Shiggy pop and Dover soil

On on