GFH3 Run #1,703; 19 June 2013

One week ago, when no one was signed up to host, who launched themselves bravely forth?  Bite Me and Blow in the Hole.  Today, when no one was signed up to host, from whom did the heroics arise?  The Veggie Wedgie (what a dumb name) and... Blow in the Hole.  How I love that woman.  She is the sole reason you got any false trails today.

thank you thank you thank you

So, with eight hours to prepare to host a hash, one first checks with the boss that sneaking out early will be okay, then lays out a trail, mentally, then hits the supermarket to see what might be cheap, easy, fast and not too redundant, then checks one's mental trail on pedi-maps, then whistles in astonishment and knocks about two miles off of the planned course.  You're welcome.  Understand that of course checking the weather report comes way before anything else, and if we hadn't gotten the clear skies, low humidity and perfect temps as forecast, I'd be in a trauma ward right now.

Anyway, about 25 people made it to McLean, and the 15 or thereabouts runners got maybe five-and-a-half miles of mixed woods and pavement, with a couple stream crossings and some really mean backchecks that were not my idea no matter what BitH says.  The walkers got a lovely trail with turkey and eagle choices, which they proved once again incapable of finding.  I am going to keep sending them out on that trail until they get it right.  The shortcutters got just what they deserve:  a long wait for supper.

Such lovely people are worth some heroics.  The guy on the right, however...

Supper was fish filet sandwiches, courtesy of Mrs. Paul, with a super salad that Irene brought just 'cause she's nice.  Good thing, too, as the late finishers had plenty to eat during the long wait for the second batch of fish.  The Dos Equis got a surprising number of thumbs-ups, and the Black Box wine is always appreciated, especially by the host (easy, cheap and you know how quickly the hashers get that box open).

Mufti was there, and once he had Mango under control he hollered his roll call, noting Queen Cobra at 221 (don't say, "ooh."  Do not say, "ooooh," yet.).  He also offered a couple of belated tributes from the Anniversary Hash, including thanks to Phoenix Rising for his super clean-up after the event, and an award to Irene for best first-hosting effort of the program year, for her colorful sandwich array and high-end fruit and cookies in Paeonian Springs in March.  Much applause for them, and also much cheering for the hash heroines, who basked in the hip-hips.  (Would have been better off in a hip bath, frankly, but one takes what one can get.)  CREDIT to Rick and Double Breasted Booby for taking a west coast walk on Memorial Day, and thinking of GFH3.  Really?  Credit?  DBB gave the Mufti a big smooch, and people began to understand what's really going on here.

Lots of dogs:  Mango, Peanut, Espion, Zoe, Cammy and Kindje, all delightfully behaved.  Jojo made a brief appearance, as she knows how much that means to Airhorne, Ole Fud and Suck Squeeze Bang.  Phoenix Rising and Flowerkraut pitched in on cleanup with determination and good cheer, which made the whole thing go much faster.  Thank you to Duck Sucker, Queen Cobra and Brent for bringing furniture for the outdoor party, to Brent and BitH for picture-taking, to everyone who came, and forever and ever to BitH for helping to set!

Here's what it looked like.