A couple of my neighbours thought I might enjoy this. After some rearrangement of commitments I decided to join them and give it a try. I packed my gear into a small bag and we set off, the three of us, to rendezvous with the others.
After about half an hour we pulled into the car park of a small country pub where we joined another group. Fidgety, nervously smiling. Others came, quietly, some not so. Finally about 40 of us set off across fields until we came to a point of decision. Medium or Large.
Large, sir. The group split and we set off across more fields, then up through woodland carpeted with bluebells, fallen logs and dead leaves from a winter just gone.
- (Image. mohunt.net )
Some stragglers struggled with the loose footing. Others scampered to the top with excitement. Almost hungry. Unsure, I stayed in the middle, watching the routine, the form. Holding my own.
I check my fellow men. Friendly, all ages. No prejudice. Lost for a while.
Down through a valley kissed by an evening sunset sparkling in the stream that runs beside us. A stile. A bridge. Further and further away. More hill climbing along cracked wooded tracks scarred by winters’ melt. Dogs weave beside us, enjoying the freedom.
It’s a warm evening and we’re feeling the exertion. The stickiness seeps in familiar places.
Then suddenly a turn behind a rundown barn, neglected yet proud, and we are careering downhill. Too steep. Dangerous even. Some slip in the gravel. A passerby gawps. His quiet country walk shattered by this rabble flock. Still no sign of home or car. A rest at a bridge. River below.
Someone calls before we get too comfortable and we must go again. Along the river this time. Dodging branches above and below. A long long trail this time to a dark pinchpoint through which the evening light squints into the woodland.
And then, as if by magic, we’re back at the car park by the country pub. Six miles cross-country in an hour. Sweaty bodies wipe down and spray with the latest Bird-Puller for Men. Change into something less smelly. And then two of the finest pints of ale you can imagine. It doesn’t matter if it’s Badger Piss. I need a drink.
- (Image. hash-grease.com)
“It is said that “If you have half a mind to join the Hash, that’s all it takes”
Hashing is a form of non-competitive cross-country running with the main objective of working up a decent thirst. Great emphasis is placed on the social aspects – particularly the refreshment session at the aprés-hash. It’s a fun activity and must not be taken at all seriously. “
singlemaltmonkey 
Seems like it was quite an adventure. I never knew this was hashing, all we knew was stuff related to RDBMS, poor techie’s 🙂
Me neither, Narendra, I’d never heard of it but it appears that there is world wide network of hashing clubs. It was great fun. I’ll be doing it again. 🙂
World wide network :-O
Not sure if they have reached India but all this sounds exciting and entertaining to say the least..Best wishes to u..Enjoy Hashing
The way you have defined Hashing, is awesome 🙂 working up for a descent thirst and not to be taken seriously at all 😀
It was great fun. The quote is from the UK Hashing site, I think, but sums it up very well. 🙂
Al, i love your wordplay. Perhaps i need to work on some poetry before i come up with something as simple as,
“It’s a warm evening and we’re feeling the exertion. The stickiness seeps in familiar places.”
It might be a gentle description, but it resonated with a clear picture/feeling, and really brought me deeper into the scene — and i thought you should know it made me smile.
This sounds amazing! Now if only there were some “Wilderness” left in NYC i would surely arrange a hash with some friends.
Come to think about it a pint sounds great right about now…
It was good fun, though quite demanding for me who normally runs the roads only, and I’ll be going again next week. The NYC Hashers (www.hashnyc.com) seem to run happily from bar to bar 🙂 and the next time I’m over your way I’ll join them for a blast. Having said that, you don’t need to run if you just fancy the pint bit 🙂
This sounds fabulous! Must give it a go after the baby makes an appearance. I’m off walking tonight, can’t wait! (a lot less danger on our route though!) Next time you and Fi visit I can take you on a very simple little walk in the Peaks if you like…it’s an easy one, so doesn’t matter if I have to waddle it…Duncan did it last time on a poorly foot! xx
Of course, I like little walks. I’ll make sure we pack appropriately.
Sounds like fun! You’re a better man than me for exercising. Good job.
I have one ambition….to keep breathing as long as possible. :)…. and from reading your blog, Mr. Hook, your customers are your cardiovascular workout !!
Glad to learn what hashing is. Mostly, I love the way you wrote this. Got a bit drunk on the words! I definitely agree with Mr. blakedicroce. 🙂
Thank you, SIS. Glad you liked it. 🙂