Run 2031, 28 November 2022
Location: Bang Yai, Fighting Shrimp
Hare: Tinker

The prospects did not look good with a heavy downpour around midday, however the thunderheads moved on, leaving clear skies and pleasant conditions (temperature around 28 degrees, humidity around 70 percent). Captain Erik was an early arrival and gradually the numbers increased to about 13, boosted by the presence of visitors Multiple Entry, Mr. Bean and his child bride, Lech, Drinks Like a Girl. Hash Cash Spinning Dwarf swooped like a hungry eagle on each arrival, extracting the requisite run fees. Drunkin Donut pulled into the carpark just as the GM Georgie called circle up an invited Tinker to issue guidelines for the trail. Paper, maybe some chalk, some water, out the front and turn right, cross the road with care.

Down the road we went and after 300 metres made a left turn into a wonderland of elevated concrete paths, gardens, orchards and greenery interspersed with irrigation ditches. The off concrete sections were slippery underfoot, whilst crossing the irrigation ditches proved to be more challenging for some. At one crossing, a concrete plank was cleverly concealed 1 inch below the green / brown water. Initial reaction was WTF, but on closer inspection of the footmarks, the plank was found. The next challenge was to clamber across a tree stump /root to avoid the water. Lech stepped onto the stump, leapt, hit the bank, shoes failed to grip and in slow motion he fell face forward into the bank whilst his legs disappeared into the murky depths. Wet and muddy Lech crawled up the bank while Drunkin Donut tried to stop laughing. Everyone else was able to cross without incident, and soon we were running / walking along concrete roads before again turning onto concrete pathways above floodwaters to a very large khlong, then a long run into the beer stop where Tinker and Bullit dispensed amber rehydration fluids.

Even "I know every trail and street in Thailand" Boobalube was caught unaware at times and forced to backtrack to find trail! The post-trail circle was well run by GM as she slowly but surely puts her own style on the circle festivities. The GM welcomed many visitors (in actuality most are just cheap Hashers who live in Thailand or visit here routinely but don’t want to pay the 300 baht once in a lifetime fee.

After a brief stop we were off over a large well maintained wooden bridge, then along the khlong to an impressive wat complex with a massive reclining bhudda and the entrance guarded by water buffalo. At this point many failed to see the paper trail and headed for the bridge up ahead. A few dedicated Hashers checked around and eventually found trail near the buffalo pens. They were rewarded with the sight of several pink buffalo and a white calf. The trail did a loop around several buildings and then back to the big khlong, through a 100 metre section of ankle deep water, over the small bridge and into a labyrinth of elevated concrete pathways through more orchards, gardens, swamps (with plenty of dogs) as we gradually headed for home.

By now the sun had set and runners without torches were having difficulty finding the trail. Teamwork prevailed and the speedsters were again off. The final sections were along well lit paths (with friendly locals greeting us) until we came out onto the main road and the short leg on in. Social drinking ensued until all had returned, cooled down, commenced rehydration and got cleaned up and changed

Circle-up was called and hare Tickler and partner in crime Bullit were subjected to the accolades of the majority of the pack for setting such a good trail. Hash Hash dissented, because he could. Lech was punished for being the only faller at the water jump. Drunkin Donut was punished for making electronic funds transfers mid run, and for distracting Lech as he was about to leap across the ditch. Visitors Multiple Entry, Mr. Bean, Lech were rewarded with a down down. The GM handed over to the RA who was vigorous in his punishment of sinners (unfortunately I can’t recall them all) Drunkin Donut for late arrival, not wearing a shirt in the circle and conducting business on the trail Mr Bean received special attention for bringing his child bride, then losing her and finally rediscovering her (gone shopping).

Nominations for Prick of the month included Lech (falling) Drunkin Donut (being French, business on the Hash etc), and Mr. Bean (his lady friend had returned and other aforementioned crimes. RA very wisely declared Mr. Bean Prick of the Week, the ceremonial robes were fitted, a rousing song sung. It should be noted Mr. Bean declined to drink from the ceremonial mug, instead decanting a much smaller quantity to a plastic cup. Not just a prick but a wimp also. Announcements were made, and finally the hare provided instructions for dinner. "It’s hot and on the table and waiting" were his words.

Circle over we drifted off to the nearby shrimp fishing restaurant to be greeted by a bare table. Seems we were late so the food disappeared. Beers soon appeared and after a short time, the food reappeared. It was tasty and plentiful. 250 baht seemed reasonable for such a good spread. Left overs were packed to take home and slowly we drifted off into the night after another excellent Hashing event