Wingardium Leviosa (our Windmill H3)

Or the Mersea Island Hash House Harriers Great Windmill Run

"I had rather live with cheese and garlic in a windmill, far, than feed on cates and have him talk to me In any summerhouse in Christendom."Author: William Shakespeare

• We set off from ASDA in Tiptree
• Summer in the  Essex countryside
• Windmill exploring
• The usual stats
• Overheard

As per usual, when a hash is set not very far from home, I end up leaving far too late. The only problem is that during the summer months you find very slow and large farm vehicles on just about every road from my house - this evening was no exception. 

Still I managed to get there on time and we all gathered in the car park of ASDA in Tiptree.  As you can see we were all listening intently to the Hare before we, inevitably, just set off regardless of instructions! 

We were an exceptionally large group tonight of over forty runners and were joined by several "small fry" who were finding the whole thing terrifically exciting and joined in shouting "on on" and generally adding to the whole untidy carnage that is the start of a hash. 

I really must remember to wear something light at night

Dutifully running along 'the board walk'

Until, that is, I saw this lot and remembered that Hashers
do not follow rules and love a shortcut

It was a very warm evening and we soon shook of the "small fry" because those of them who were not on bikes couldn't keep up with our running. That is a sad indictment of modern day children when they can't keep up with MI3'ers, for goodness sake our average age is probably a larger number than all their ages added together. Red faces, puffing, dripping with sweat and that was just the children.

Yes that is a look of incredulousness - we were not convinced the Hare could remember
where he'd laid the hash

I seemed to be good at 'choosing the right group to follow' for once. I even found myself behind the leader whilst everyone else had gone miles in the wrong direction at one stage. Mind you, it wasn't long before, much as I imagine charging rogue male elephants must sound, the real 'runners' amongst us came to take back control. I mean how could two 'mature' - well ok 'very mature' -females have managed to pick the right route and get well in front of the field!

A lovely sight - Hashers in the distance - oh wait! I'm being
left behind, doh!

Tiptree was looking lovely in the evening light and the fields of uncut wheat were swaying gently in a welcome light breeze. On, On.

How lovely is this view - mind you this is why I find myself
at the back of every run!

Charging along in the spinney

Time for a chat and to admire the beautiful sky

A gathering of Hashers - the Hare (on far right) still trying
to gain control of the group who are in a world of their own

Did that Hare use any sawdust!! The search continues

Hashers' Humour

We were heading towards the Tiptree Jam Factory and there were some wonderful views as the land is slightly elevated (this is Essex).

How cruel is that Hare - they thought we had a pub stop but
we were just at a junction to cross the road!

Look at them go - even this sharp incline can't stop them.
(I heard that! What do you mean - this is a sharp incline for Essex. No
dear, I said incline not decline, what are you implying!!)

One of the fun parts of a hash is disappearing through hedges and clambering in and out of ditches and this one didn't disappoint. It does mean a break long enough to get your breath back or to catch up when there is a log jam moment.

Time for a good scratch and a ponder whilst waiting to to
through the hedge

We pretty much took up all the road there were so many of us

Our lovely countryside looking very summery with ploughed fields

There was still plenty of life left in this hash though as we headed
towards the Tiptree Jam Factory

It was pretty much a tough balancing act for the Hare
keeping us all in order 

We had two hares for this hash but one was keeping a much lower profile (as well as the sweets) and definitely not being blamed for missing sawdust or sawdust so well hidden it was practically camouflaged.

You haven't got time to sit down and have a chat - this is
supposed to be a hash, you know, running!!

There all at it again - any excuse - I know, you can't run whilst looking
for sawdust!

Whilst we decide what way to go I enjoy the lavender

Back into suburbia the search for "Home" and a bit of cooling down time on what was a very warm evening.

We found it just round the corner - the sawdust sign for "home"

And there we were back in the ASDA car park ready
to cool down and party

Figures in the dark making their way to the home of the Hares on
a stunning evening

Wow! What a home and what a welcome

Windmill envy! (very Freudian)

Our Hosting Hares did us proud with lashings of beer and sandwiches and a tour of their magnificent home. So much history attached to this wonderful building and yet it has become a comfortable and modern home. It was a privilege for us all to be invited and our thanks go to Jackie and Steve for their wonderful hospitality.

The usual stats:

Overheard

• "well I'd got my head set for sixty miles and when I got to sixty one I was just done for" (you can't keep a good athlete down)
• "Circle with a blind" (hash talk)
• "They don't stop at checks to get their breath back" (visitors)
• "I don't think we better introduce this on our hash" (visitors again)
• "They're not Bassetts" (Jelly Baby Aficionado)
• "Is he still going on about Ipswich" (sadly, yes)