Hare - Warthog
The Hinton St Mary Go Round
19 August 2002
The White Horse, Hinton St Mary
(Apologies for the lack of a photograph)
We were pleased that Warthog had filled the breach after the short notice cancellation of the BBQ Hash and we were looking forward to a run from the White Horse at Hinton St Mary. But how many would show? Recent weeks have been characterised by low turn-outs and cancellations, but turning into the car park showed a healthy number raring to go, including a couple of newcomers from the Doddlers, John Cowley and Craig White, who had succumbed to Warthog’s pleadings, together with Apprentice Boy, Peter Berry, returning to show us a good pair of heels no doubt. As we waited for the minibus, Warthog thoughtfully chalked a hint of the direction for latecomers – we knew Birdseye was on his way but in traditional fashion his normal 10 minutes were ticking away. At quarter to seven and anxious to get going so that we could get back to sample the very promising menu on offer in the pub, Warthog started his briefing for the uninitiated. Declaring the On at the 4th blob indicated straightaway that checking would be a strung out affair – pick the false trail at your peril! Birdseye appeared in the ‘Nik’ of time to swell the pack to 12 – but no Nik and no minibus.
Ronlet was the first to discover the disadvantage of picking the false trail and soon found herself some 200 yards adrift. Fortunately the second check was not too far away and people were considerately taking their time to find the trail. Despite the lack of noise it became obvious that Day Glo had the right route and picking its way through cowpat and avoiding reversing tractors the pack hot-footed it after him. His distant cries eventually confirmed that he had indeed found the On. Encouraged by the occasional glimpse of his distinctive running gear we followed at a pace which became more laboured as the distance to the next check increased. Must be a whip-in at the end of this but Warthog had obviously decided that it was far too early for something as wimpy as that – pity!
Talking of wimpy, the trail now skirted the edge of a building site and although still progressing through fields, it was clear we were heading for the concrete jungle that is Sturminster Newton. We were soon in amongst its residential areas, startling the inhabitants with our strange rituals as we sought to find our way through their numerous streets and alleyways. Conscious that Warthog had promised a couple of checkbacks, Day Glo was alert to the possibility that a straight run down the road might not be what it seemed – and at a rather prominent footpath sign he trusted his instincts and deviated sharply to the left thus successfully foiling Warthog’s ruse.
We were once again into rural territory and seemed to be heading back in the Hinton St Mary direction, albeit on the opposite side of the main road. However, as we’d only been out 30 minutes or so, it came as no surprise at checks that the trail lead away from the RV further into the depths of the Blackmore Vale. Day Glo had obviously built up a head of steam and was quickly on to the next check and disappearing off into the Blue Yonder. ‘What’s he On?’ someone enquired. ‘Drugs,’ retorted Ronlet dismayed at his apparent boundless energy. Substitute was wise to whatever ploy the Hare had adopted and soon was calling the On, although you had to have real aerial ears to pick it up. Warthog schimpfed about the lack of volume – but what’s new? The trail lead through wood, field, up hill, down dale and along narrow tracks in the direction of Cutt Mill. We were happy for Substitute to storm on ahead, stopping occasionally to let us catch up, and thoughtfully checking out all the false trails before we got there. The area was very scenic no doubt, but we know when enough is enough and, disregarding the Hare’s insistence that every route should be checked out, voted with our feet up hill until our noses told us we were heading back into the village.
Once on the outskirts and with a good idea of how to get to the pub, our overconfidence lead to much wasted energy as the obvious but wrong routes were selected. The Hare had been very wily and made optimum use of the maze of paths and ginnels Hinton St Mary had to offer. Even John and Craig, the locals amongst us, were scratching their heads. We were all impressed with the choice available in such a small village and how the inhabitants were prepared to assist with the deception by giving us false clues. However, our hearts sank as the trail seemed to be leading out of the village. Oy, the beer’s back thataway!
But it was a minor detour and although I have no clear feel for how we oriented ourselves back to the car park, it suddenly appeared before us with Substitute already warming down and getting ready to rush off home to help Up Front get ready for the arrival of guests. Seems like someone pulled the short straw. Warthog was a little disappointed that we had only been out 1 hour rather than his usual 75 minutes. We were all too knackered to respond to that and were more focussed on getting in the first round and ordering food. We were rewarded with fine ale and victuals – the White Horse is certainly to be recommended for future events.
Talking of which what’s happening on 2 September? Who’s organising the BBQ? Is it bring your own? Is there anybody out there????
Price: Warthog 19 Aug 02 # 006 |
