I read that Lord Raleigh was laying the next Surrey Hash trail, which reminded me of the kind messages he sent me in hospital a year ago. At least I think he sent them – the drugs required for my surgery are renowned for their hallucinatory properties!

  It was another bright sunny day that brought the crowds out, particularly to the picturesque Mole Valley. So I arrived a couple of minutes late! Perhaps I should have booked parking, but the Abinger Hammer Village Hall could not accommodate me so I didn’t start running until 20 mins after I’d seen the pack ambling and skipping along the riverside below the start. I was grateful the trail was very clearly laid in flour and soon found the little footbridge, towards the climb up Beggar’s Lane. This was a steep climb which several hashers were already descending, perhaps not having completed the trail. One of them pointed out a shortcut alongside a barbed wire fence that got me to the top of Hackhurst Down quickly.

  The trail meandered among large trees before arriving at Blatchford Down, which opened out to a wonderful viewpoint on The North Downs Way. Several on-lookers sat enjoying themselves telling me what route ‘the runners’ had taken down towards National Trust Abinger Roughs. I arrived back to a warm welcome at the start having run/walked 4.5 miles.
Circle…

After the circle, J Arthur kindly fed us well on a three-course lunch to be washed down by real ale, before our GM told us which members of the committee would be allowed to retire. I learnt of his very generous donation to Surrey Hash funds, for which the assembled gave a standing ovation.

ON ON, Lonely

And more from the one who can’t resist a comment!

Bolshoi has decided it is time for him to give up checking!