GFH3 Run #1,689; 23 March 2013

Valiant is, of course, king of our hearts now and forever, but on Saturday he was birthday king as well, and celebrated his 70th by inviting the GFH3 to his Great Falls estate to enjoy the sunshine and a great deal of shouting.  Suitably crowned, he convened the crowd in the back yard and began the brief -- and was not-so-rudely interrupted by a great round of cheering as the Bionic Babe limped her way up the driveway.  The hearty welcome completed, the runners headed down the street while the walkers mostly headed up.

The birthday boy set the last few marks by bike, after setting the runners off in the other direction.

Gorgeous weather and gorgeous scenery made for extra-enjoyable runs and walks.  And the neighbors were delighted that the runners weren't yelling so much this time, as it spooks the horses.  Remember, that, please, and try to use your less-strident voices when hashing through equine country.

Everybody wound up back at the house after about 75 minutes of strolling through the camp (and chasing deer for one participant who may not get off-leash again anytime soon) and zig-zagging through South Down.  And honestly, the weather was so good that they could have stayed out plenty longer.  However, the nice array of lasagnas waiting on the patio was a great addition to a gorgeous day, and the big crowd -- just over forty, I think, plus Peanut, Abby, Kylie, Lady Baggins, Cammy and a lovely lab whose name I didn't catch -- was an inducement to meander about the lawn and chat.

Grandchildren are a wonderful addition to a Hash.

For some reason, the roll call was especially robust.  Phoenix Rising took a few bows for his 666th run, but the greatest excitement (especially for the youngest youngsters in the crowd) was when the Mufti hollered Valiant's name, and the birthday candles burst into flame, and the Hash burst into "song."  One hates to walk away from such festive festivities, but, of course, eventually one must.  And so, eventually, one did.  Rough Cut boldly volunteered as hash hero for next week -- so see you in Leesburg.

Photos and two brief videos of dogs at play are available here.