Death and taxes...and the Bledisloe Cup

Benjamin Franklin remarked that nothing in life is certain, except for death and taxes. But he could have added the Bledisloe Cup - we can be certain that the All Blacks will win it. And a particular Kiwi among us was not about to let anyone forget it:

Our route this last Sunday took us past some particularly scenic bits of riverbank, and some very interesting bits of riverbank development. There was a lot of speculation about where the river might go the next time that it overflowed its banks, and whether it might have been a good idea to build some of the new houses on pontoons....Here are some of Snappy's scenic shots of the walk:

The runners followed the well-marked walking trail, and then added a loop around the lakes downstream of the main road. The last time we circled them they were clogged with Salvinia, but that was all gone now - and we were able to do some birdwatching on the way.

Back home we tucked in to a magnificent and tasty Italian feast, followed by some of the chocolates that Miriam had left us. A great run and a great meal - many thanks to our hares!

A push up challenge was very enjoyable for the spectators:

And Payback administered down, downs to a number of short-cutters, and to someone who had led others astray:

Next run/walk details

When: Sunday 6th August, 4 pm

Where: Jamesbondage and Redbreast's Bunya hideaway

Hares: Redbreast and Jamesbondage

We suggest you bring chairs. And if you need directions to this run, please email us.

On, on!

Just for starters....

Our hare Banger sent the runners off on a jog down his killer driveway - for them to be greeted with an "on back" at the bottom! And that was just for starters...the whole run was about 10 km, with a total of 300m of elevation change along the way. Who said there aren't any hills in Dayboro? Not us!

Here's runner Le W*nk on his return:

And here's his down, down for shortcutting:

The walkers enjoyed a 5 km circuit, with a few hills as well. As always at Dayboro, the scenery was stunning - and here are a some shots of the views, as recorded by Cash Converta, Snappy, and Lax:

Back home we were greeted with a blazing brazier, and treated to a beaut meal of chili followed by muffins. There were 29 of us, but there was ample to go around...many, many thanks to our hares!

The crowd gathering and waiting for a couple of latecomers (who really deserved a down, down as well!):

Starting off:

Walkers:

Runners (and a hare with an ankle injury):

Back home:

The 17 Samford hashers booked to go to Interhash in Queenstown next March met in the Samford pub  this last week for a bit of planning. A reasonable consensus on shirt designs emerged (we think).

Finally, for those who were interested in the poem generated by ChatGPT and quoted in the circle, here is what the program produced when asked to write "a poem about Hash House Harriers" (it took about 2 seconds):

In the realm of running, a wild, raucous crew,
Gather the Hash House Harriers, a spirited crew.
With trails to explore, through forests and streets,
They chase after flour, their hearts full of beats.

They gather in circles, a motley bunch,
Bound by laughter, camaraderie, and a thirst to munch.
With names like Sausage Fest and Beer Meister,
They embrace the absurd, bringing laughter and laughter.

On the trail they venture, through mud and through thorns,
Following the hare's path, their spirits reborn.
They leap over obstacles, conquer hills and slopes,
With cheers and encouragement, they never lose hope.

They run through the city, leaving no stone unturned,
Discovering hidden gems, their passion brightly burned.
No pace too fast, no distance too far,
The Hash House Harriers, they know who they are.

At the end of the trail, they gather once more,
With cold beer in hand, they celebrate and adore.
Their tales of adventure, shared with delight,
They revel in the memories, long into the night.

So here's to the Hash House Harriers, a tribe like no other,
Bound by running, laughter, and the spirit to discover.
Through trails and challenges, they find their way,
A community united, come what may.

And if you'd like to play around with ChatGPT for your own amusement (perhaps you've got an assignment or email to write, or some school reports to fill in), here's the link to go to: https://chat.chatgptdemo.net/ 

Next run/walk details

When: Sunday 30th July, 4 pm

Where: Budgie and Miss Behavin's Murrumba Downs retreat

Hares: Miss Behavin' and Budgie

On, on!

Potluck potter

Old hashers will recall one occasion on which Potluck provided something like 30 salads and nothing else, but that was a long time ago. Since then Potluck has developed a great reputation for serving up magnificent and varied feasts - and certainly lived up to that reputation this last Sunday. Thanks to all for their contributions!

Before we stuffed our faces, M. Promptu had taken the walkers on a Tour de Samford Parklands, while the runners tackled a circuit around Samford Creek, the South Pine River (via "Echidna Corner") and Peterson Road. It was all familiar territory, but we found it interesting to note the developments taking place on our home ground....

Le W*nk was feeling exhausted after a training session with Dumbbell on Saturday morning. Unfortunately his voice was not as exhausted as his legs...next time perhaps?

Here are some pics of the occasion, courtesy of Snappy and Saucy Sous.

Chalk talk - Shockjock channels M. Promptu's instructions:

Back home as the sun set...and (cheers!) the shelter lights came on:

Our hares for next week have promised some more good training for New Zealand next year!

Next run/walk details

When: Sunday 23rd July, 4 pm

Where: Banger and Make an Offer's Dayboro mansion

Hares: Make an Offer and Banger

(If you need directions to this run, please email us)

On, on!