The hash started from the parking area under the Rt. 116 Bridge, across the river from Swamp Whine and Dicks’ Mill-Apartment complex, within sight of Little Necks old place. Not exactly virgin territory. But, whatever! We must encourage the new hares. A large turnout was seen, including long-time backsliders (Dogmeat, Async), visitors (Krisco Kid), and the universally reviled (Basket, Bondo).

Trail started northwest. And continued northwest. And continued, and continued… Actually, few marks were seen. Most actually marks led to pointless excursions up and down the hillside sloping to the canal. The hash scattered all over the hill in search of marks as they made their inevitable northwest passage. Flashlights were soon needed. They crossed under 295, with Async, Flexi, Just Pat and Rusty leading the way. Dogmeat and Swampy were engaged in girl-talk, but still managed to outpace Bondo, who was soon lost, and headed back to his car where he knew that he, at least could have a beer.

Finally they came to a meaningful check. But alas, it was at the School Street bridge. And the old-timers at least, knew that this meant that the Beer Check would be somewhere near the Albion Dam on the other side. Sure enough the beer was found. But not enough beer. WHO made it just in time, but late arrivals were begging for a sip off those who had been too slow to finish their meager rations. So, multiple songs had to be sung, just to deaden the pain. But at least Bondo was no where to be seen.

On Back was on the Cumberland side. Briefly on Albion Rd., a check soon turned them to the railroad tracks and the bike path. No marks were found on either. Trail apparently went towards the river in another bushwhack. But this time no one was biting, and they just took the bike path back to Ashton Mills. They circled up, under the bridge.

Ratings for the run: No real checks or falsies, no real shiggy, not enough real beer, and real marathon length were countered only by the (temporary, alas) loss of Bondo, the quality bimbos, and the first real need for flashlights in the season. Total: -0.69. Backsliders were punished, and naming were attempted. Just Pat became “Brown-eye Taco”. Don’t ask! Just Nick became “Shemale Man.” (Although Oozing kept trying to keep the Mexican theme and call him She-mal-eh (as in tamale) (Don’t ask me how to get that accent thingy on the “e” in Word, and get it into html. Life’s too short.) Hashit went to Basket. Why not? On On On was, after an abortive attempt at getting them to reopen the kitchen at Tucks, at the Lodge. This is what comes from long runs beginning at 6:30. Learn from this, new hares!