Sooke Potholes  Another "Up the creek without a paddle" Hash - Run #464  August 9, 2008

It was the third time – Unlucky as far as weather was concerned as the rabble gathered in the second TLC parking lot of the Sooke Potholes Park on a pleasant August Saturday afternoon. Clouds were gathering just as the hash was standing awaiting the hares Stoolie and Ass Slipper's final preparations. A light sprinkle of summer rain dampened the road, pleasantly keeping down the dust of cars journeying by on the gravel road.

The subtle artistry of the many shades of grey, as in a Harrison painting, added to the charming sights of the park, an air of mystery enveloped the hash. Burning Ring of Fire and Mother Shucker, visitors from Sacramento arrived with Stroke Alone, a virgin jumped out of Shrink's little Japanese van (how odd). Several hashers glanced– a new woman at the Hash? There is a scattering of purposeful second looks (she's young and pretty). Camping hashers drifted down from the hills.

 The hash assembled in circle, introductions are made, the summer sprinkle transforms to a steady west coast drizzle, and runners make off to check out the trail, pursued by a sprightly group of five fast walkers. But what's Shrink doing with his top off behind the little park shed as we jog and walk by (he's more commonly caught with the bottom half exposed). And Virgin Ashley too . . . Wait! A few quick double takes, Shrink's trading tops with . . . and she's . . . oh, got her back turned.

Fabulous view points, river crossings, visitors taking on FRB status, the trail is exiting, slick logs of diminutive size – under a foot in diameter – are on the trail as river bridges – but where is the Beer Check?

 Well meaning FRB visitor spoils one Hare's dastardly fun, pulling the box of beer and cider from the river – actually handing it up to the rabble on the rock beside! The more dastardly hare, Stoolie, had intended each hasher to jump in and fetch their own drink. 

Some hashers, already more than damp in the rain – jumped into the river – frolicking in the waters as they enjoyed their beverage – but cooler hashing was in store. Really cool run of the river hashing – run in – drift in - loose your internal body heat too. The Sooke River is never warm and there was several hundred meters of rapids and some deep slow canyons to swim – even the walkers get too cold waiting – and headed to the campsite to get dinner started.

The river exit was reached, Richard the Turd, quite hypothermic, was pulled from the river alive – given a blanket, and the hash circled – up, did quick religion and headed up to the campsite by car where the walker – campers had some of the hot dinner items ready in the camp group  picnic shelter. Great on afters in the quiet picnic shelter, only one young thief took two brownies and a cookie and was skilfully distracted and escorted off site by Ashley. 

Thanks to Stoolie Andrews and Ass Slipper for another great Sooke Pot Holes Hash. Next Year is bound to be warmer! 

On-On
Beaver Fever.