Without any idea of the impending problem the GM called (bellowed) everyone into line (or more accurately the circle). He found it a little easier this time as the trampoline helped to give him a reference point. Without any hesitation he hauled up the three Towed children as they were to be the hares for the day. The siblings appeared quite confident although confused about how many checks they may have laid (a whole 3 hours before). With only one Holding Check on the run it was going to be an interesting challenge for the slow paced runners who rely on the holds to regain their composure.

Out the gate and up the hill we went, in search of paper (running trail) or red chalk (walkers trail). The walkers were dragged immediately down the hill whilst the runners ran around in circles looking for a reliable trail. The first check had been placed no more than a hundred metres from the front gate with perfectly marked false trails along all the obvious routes. Eventually some eager fellow took off after the walkers and discovered that the first section of this hash would be marked by paper and chalk. Arriving at the bottom of the first hill (approximately 400 metres) another check was found that sucked most of the runners over to the south. Again perfectly marked false trails tempted the main body to begin heading in towards Kathmandu in search of the last possible option. Across the empty fields we went, but not for long. Again after only a quick sprint the Front Running Bastards were heard to be yelling "Checking". Within the space of 800 meters we had used up 3 of the 8 checks. The Towed siblings were clearly setting this one to help their rapidly aging fathers knees.

The runners continued to chase the trail that led through the open fields towards the Bagmati river. The pace was fast as little vegetation helped those who have learnt from the legendary short cutter (Grumblewald). Within 40 minutes the holding check was spotted from afar. It was clearly marked by a man with a long white beard. He stood on top of a small crest without a drop of sweat on him. The proud father of the hairs. Not even on this special occasion could he support his kids and follow the correct route. He instead decided to "do his own thing" and run it backwards. At this stage in time the majority of runners had a smile from ear to ear. For the first time in many months they could see that this was to be one hash in which they would return fresh and fully relaxed. Only one more check and it would be "on in". The starburst went off. Towed, "amazingly", picked up the first bit of paper. Soon though he was heard to be calling "lost paper" (just how bad is that guy's memory?) and the GM took the lead. Uncharacteristic of the previous sections of this hash, the route was left to run it's course without a checking station for nearly 1 kilometre. Flower Power took advantage and used his brute strength to race to the front. The final check though dragged him off course and his more talented countryman (Shrivelled) took the lead and guided the group to the safety of the beers.

But hang on, where are the beers? Just two boxes had been set aside. What a disaster. Luckily we were in the house of a man who likes to keep a stockpile and so the personal supplies were brought out to satisfy the thirst of all. The "roof" (aka Terrace) was a tight squeeze but a friendly affair. A spectacular view of the Himalaya's plus a few fires helped set the scene for what was to be the second coup in Nepal for the year 2005.

The Almighty GM, before he even had a chance to finish his first beer and gather his thoughts for the down-down circle was unceremoniously dragged into the impromptu circle that was formed by a fuel injected Aussie. The fuel had been supplied by the Towed household who requested his talents in an attempt to satisfy the large number of Boarding School returnee's. What better man to do the job than this very immature and simple bloke from the land down under - Shrivelled. The coup was kept a watertight secret and the GM was totally caught unawares. He was forced into a chair and given a down down right at the start.

The standard proceedings followed with acknowledgements given to the Hares, Virgins and Returnees. The circle fell apart when the returnee's stepped forward as the boarding schools had been emptied earlier that week. Most parent's were amazed to see that their well spent money was apparently going to waste. Not one of the kids could recall a thing that they had learnt (and yet they all seemed quite confident at knocking back the beers).

Hash 1414 also saw bad taste in shorts, the wearing of Fanny Packs, confusion by the Americans, alcohol abuse, sun lines, pulling of muscles, physiotherapy help, the presence of elite swimmers, amazing balance acts by a high altitude climber (see top photo - caption invited - GM) and the weakest explanation ever for the Hash Shit. Given to a man who had lead the Hash Coup under the orders of the hosts. It gave much pleasure to the veteran GM who took the opportunity to take back his title and finish of the proceedings with his natural talent for yelling and screaming.

Thanks to the Towed household for the great food and for the extra softs and beer, part of the cost of which was extorted out of the GM's jealously guarded plastic hash cash box by Towed Under the following Monday. GM