A truly family event as Loose Elastic joined her parents Madge & Syd to hare their first run out of the Sunny climes of Cornwall.  Perhaps this was the reason why they laid the trail the night before.  It rains in Cumbria!  But panic not - they all three kept us company - and it was just as well, Lake District sheep also like the taste of flour it seems, the perishing wind had evaporated trail and the hail trail laid by the Hare in the Sky wouldn't have helped us poor hounds.

Well all you lazy louts who snuggled deeper under your duvets on Sunday morning missed a treat.  A guided tour of the wending River Kent was just what we all needed to help shed the Festive pounds, the shiggy - very wet, very muddy and very copious -was maybe not so welcome but good fun none the less - how Highway managed to stay upright in his old school pumps/plimsolls/daps (delete as appropriate) I will never know.

Bubbles and Harry had a good run - storming ahead with no Rambo spilt to slow them down, while Lurch managed to check out every false trail en route - the exercise is good for you!  Hashdrunk, who seemed to forget that he is on the wagon for January, was heard to moan about running downhill, but not wanting to be beaten by a woman - or even 4 women - he soon picked his feet up.  For Pickmeup and Forever Blowing, the knitting circle was well and truly non-existent as even we explored at high speed the many barn and stable conversions in the area. In true football fashion we had our oranges at half time - giving Bubbles the chance to recount his tale of David Beckham and Ron Ferguson's half time antics.

The circle involved quite a bit of spillage but was short and to the point as it was getting colder and colder, so, what a shame, we had to retreat to the Duke of Cumberland for refreshments, hot chocolates and hot baguettes were very welcome.

Thanks for your efforts - we look forward to the spring run you are promising us - but not up Helvellyn again