We're off to Bengal

A Monsoon-like Monday Night Hash

No pub tonight but the former Welshwood Arms still
boasts a bar!

The rain tonight added to the sense of the evening drawing in but it didn't dampen the spirit of our happy hashers.

'The Big Grin' tells us what's what before we set off but
is anyone actually listening?
 

'Whowears' and David had cycled all the way from Mersea Island in about thirty-five minutes and would then run the hash at a great pace. What a fit bunch these Hash House Harriers are.

Our walkers were ready for the off and no-one was keener than this little regular:

Alert and attentive - someone was listening to 'The Big Grin' then!

It wasn't long before we were taking in the sights and sounds on our First of September outing.

Blue was the theme of the evening!

Becci makes short work of this kissing gate

It seemed to be an evening of gates.

This one involved climbing small, wet, metal steps

I don't know if it was the darkness approaching but this hash was very fast and it was difficult to keep up.

A false trail I'm afraid

We seemed to be combining both rural and urban settings for this run.

Excuse us while we get through yet another gate

Or do up our rogue laces - bottoms up! Becci!

The sun saying farewell

Welshwood Park was a very interesting estate with a variety of architecture. Some Arts & Crafts houses alongside all glass modernisations.

There must be a pub round here somewhere!

We were getting quite bedraggled by this stage and the lure of the pub and some refreshment was just the incentive we hashers love. It wasn't to be yet awhiles though as we found ourselves heading off into the woods again.

'Whowears' has a sixth sense for 'home'

It was quite dark in the woods so I was thankful for the torch light on my iPhone as I didn't want to trip over tree roots underfoot.

Welsh Wood is an ancient woodland and you can
read more about it here

Mud, mud
glorious mud but you have to keep going.

'Whowears' - now he's a runner who keeps going!

For some though it's a stroll and a chat!

We were still chasing our tails in the dimming light but were enjoying the surprises the route had in store.

You never know what you might come across on a hash

The trail led us up and down steps and through some lovely countryside.

 Then David had a little adventure:

Yes it was a mushroom which David was convinced was not edible. He was absolutely horrified when 'The Big Grin' ate a chunk of this poison fungi.

'The Big Grin' - living up to his Cheshire Cat nickname
 "And you've just had some kind of mushroom /
And your mind is moving low /
Go ask Alice, I think she'll know."
(ten points if you know who sang this little ditty)

Never a dull moment when out on a hash but it was time to move on.

Heading on home

Just in case you were getting anxious 'The Big Grin'
not only survived but carried on munching - sweeties this time - I think!!

The usual stats

Overheard:

The trail led us across a field of long wet grass and people were calling out to 'Whowears' concerned to know if his feet were wet:

On On indeed!!

(Ditty: Jefferson Airplane)