The meet took place on the Chinese Ring Road at the junction of the Ring Road and the track up to the Tibetan Carpet factory. A very encouraging hash as the numbers swelled to 13, even with one member (Steve) away at a wedding in Thailand (When do people think up these excuses!).

The hares once again were Keith and Roger who decided to increase the length a little and, if the remarks are anything to go by, where rather devious. At 4.30 all were gathered, eager to be off when John Wyatt Smith arrived with Johanna. Now I have to say that although John ran first in 1939 (Not the first hash which was in 1938) either the rules have changed or he has become blasé', for it is well known that No Ladies are allowed to attend this most sacred occasion even as chauffeurs, comforters or for any other purpose as it does distract the members and tends to cause them to loose their concentration. (HASH COMMANDMENTS NUMBER XIII) 4.40 and we were OFF, at 4.43 we were very nearly BACK as the harriers lost paper, picked up the back trail and it was with some difficulty that the hares stopped what could have been the shortest run in history. Hares you were at fault and very nearly earned yourself the wrath of the Hash.

The trail now led down to the river (another river?) and although there was no check at the river the harriers were not keen to probe across to begin with. Once paper was found on the opposite bank the hoped for dry feet were in most cases abandoned. Julian went so far as to wade across, Tony Russell who is never slow to seize an opportunity jumped on his back but the beast was not equal to the burden and collapsed. Lads you need to practice! We all now sloshed around the

river bank. This time, already wet, the majority re-crossed the river saying unkind things about the hares. However the trail was picked up on the same side so all had to re-cross (more unkind things!). The trail now climbed up on the plateau, a lovely view for those who had the time and puff to enjoy it. Another check to catch their wind, with Niel, who had up to now guessed wrong each time with the resultant wet foot and extra mileage, expressing views about the hares that makes him a must for the job soon. Peter, whose first run it was for some years, wisely left us here after some vague directions on how to get home were shouted at him by Keith (he made it!). At the next check Julian decided that the rabble needed organizing so gulping lungfuls of air and standing still he directed the search of his meekly obedient followers. No, we did not turn for home - it was straight on. The trail led through a village where we were cheered on by the inebriated, celebrating population (it was Diwali!) and then we turned for home. At one point the path was obstructed by a quite delightfully drunk old man holding a thorn bush across the path to see how we reacted (differently!). Shortly after this the hares found Tony Russell lying on his back and waving his feet in the air, mindful of his river performance we searched around for Julian - but no - Tony had unfortunately twisted his ankle, - but he bravely continued and we hope he will have it sorted out by next Monday.

At last we were back and as the hares were carrying the master key to the landrover they were greeted joyously on arrival, the need for beer and warm clothes over-covering the possible planned hostile reception.