AH4 Run 65. Old Dog, Thorpe, near Ashbourne

AH4 RUN #65
Date : Sat. 5th November 2016
Location: Old Dog, Thorpe
Hares: ASB and Hash Puppy  
Weather: Sunny but with biting cold wind
Pack size: 10

For today's trail we returned to the Old Dog Inn in Thorpe, except it was called the Dog and Partridge when we were here last. That was on 3rd January 2011 (AH4 Run 16, ASB and Mama Rose hares). They've done a really great job revitalising and renovating this pub - excellent real ales, very friendly and courteous staff  and good food. I must include this in my itinary next time I'm on the Tissington Trail which runs close by.
Surprisingly we didn't touch the Tissington trail today, the hares (ASB and Hash Puppy) uncharacteristically choosing a less level route heading out towards Dovedale. R*nners (though there wasn't a lot of that today) were compulsorily sent over the top of the 'mountain' that is Thorpe Cloud, whilst walkers were given the option of going around it. I choose the latter but Malteaser choose to go up and over. The hare did confess to me that no flour was to be found on Thorpe Cloud itself, and the sheep could readily take the blame for this! One Loose was the first 'r*nner' to arrive at the famous Dovedale stepping stones, surprising followed closely by a walking Malteaser. Road Kill, Wriggle, MK3 hasher Enema and Joanna arrived sometime after, all hashers choosing to ignore the bar on the first stepping stone. 
We had the unusual occurrence of seeing Blitzen (and child) on the trail having arrived at this popular tourist spot mainly by car. The only one missing was the Co-hare (Hash Puppy) who sensibly chose to look after the car rather than do the trail twice. The fish hook was obediently observed by four rather than three as instructed, probably on account of the fact that the hare was at the back of the pack only about 20 metres down the hill.

..that mountain there!

ON Up, Up, Up......

Bar? What Bar? Wriggle and Road Kill on the famous Dovedale stepping stones.

As is a custom with the AH4, the majority choose to have lunch at the ON INN and the circle had to wait. When the circle did get going we left the warmth of the pub for the large barn area which doubled up as a cycle shed. Awards were given to:
1. Malteaser (hashy birthday);
2. Enema and Joanna, a welcome back from Milton Keynes and a virgin hasher/visitor respectively;
3. One Loose, today's keenest checker (the other Road Kill had already gone home);
4. Blitzen for a rare appearance well into the hash trail;
5. I thought Enema and Joanna were friends but it didn't stop Enema dobbing in Joanna for lost property, resulting in Joanna getting a second DD; and
6. The hares ASB and Hash Puppy were thanked for a lovely trail.  

Today reminded me why the AH4 is a special hash with its trails set in the wonderful scenery of the Peak District and the care taken to accommodate walkers as part of the pack. I was able to appreciate this today during what was for myself a rare walking of a hash trail. 
There'll be a Christmas trail in December (probably Saturday 10th December) so we hope to see many more of our 'members' next month!


On On.. Durex

Trail as done by Durex (walking)