Run	Date	Hare(s)	Description	MapRef	1:50000	1:25000	1:10000	More
938	2020-01-05 11:00	Pancsi & Hairbrush - Hangover Hash	Felpham - Grassmere Car Park	SZ948997

The double rainbow over St Mary's was the harbinger of a gentle rain that dampened the start of this New Year gathering. No visitors, no newbies, no howling hounds, so in no time at all we were on our way.

The pack split in opposite directions, those that ran East into the churchyard found a falsie by the kissing gate, those going West got well ahead of themselves along Rife Way but then had to wait to cross the river of death, Felpham Way.

Splasher and Bambi lost contact here because they explored the path alongside Aldingbourne Rife, however it did not matter because the FRBs found a fish hook at the Butlins roundabout that caught Snake Charmer, Dag, Grasshopper and Vixen.

While some were admiring the immaculate red, white and blue blooms in the raised beds, Two Ferrets, Old Faithful and The Ref had recrossed the tarmac to find flour at the entrance to Hotham Park but appeared mesmerized by the intricate wood carving just inside.

Grasshopper picked up a ticket for the miniature railway so was eager to find a train however we were soon heading South out of the park down Gloucester Road and on to The Prom.

Ahead was a long wade to France, a grey brooding sky, punctured by two beams of sunshine that played on the briny surface.

Only one Hasher was stupid enough to turn right and I do not mind admitting it, while to the left the pack made it's way past the reasonably priced resort that has won Trip Adviser's Traveller's Choice award for four years in a row! believe it or not.

Our progress along The Prom was briefly interrupted by a detour over the pond past the playground where Prancer tried the slide but was unable to overcome the limiting friction because his bottom was all wet and sticky, as usual.

Then out of the blue, a fish hook, that caught Dr Blood, Dag, Snake Charmer, Two Ferrets, The Ref and Jennie.

We crossed Sea Road, speculating on how many identically named thoroughfares there are in England, to arrive at The Lobster Pot. We could have had a crafty cup of coffee at the cafe on the corner, however we were drawn to the cluster of colourful cabins co-located conveniently close to the shingle beach and the sound of sucking surf.

Finally we headed inland past the end of Culver Road and down Bereweeke Road wondering how many of these are in England?

It was all over bar the shouting now, an attempt to lure us along Admiralty Road worked well until we found the pleasant jog through the grass and palms of Old Rectory Gardens with golden sunshine casting long shadows and the flag hanging in flat calm.

The return through the churchyard came after a perfect first fiftyeight minutes of 2020 hashing.

A quick change next and round to Pancsi's pad for the annual activities, eat, drink, announce, raffle, and chat.

Thanks to the Hares, Dave and Dave, was followed by ruminations on Pocket Rocket's reluctance to wear girly socks, Dr Blood's "I'm in the lead" hubris, and Spiderwoman taking the blame for the absence of Hash-It.

Hasher of the Year award was bestowed on a suitably modest Spiderman, before our JM's welcomed Pink Flamingo and Dr Blood as their replacements for 2020. Their first ordeal, the raffle draw went unusually well, I think due to the quality of the prizes.

In the afterglow of all this excitement Vixen volunteered to be our new Hare Razor, so beware if she fixes you with her gaze from time to time.

Apologies if I forget anyone, thanks to Dave and Jen for their hospitality, Pru, Old Faithful, and Tigger, you if you came, and finally Snake Charmer and Pansci for a memorable year.

On – On ! Bambi

See: SM's attenuated track ... AND ... photos