The Trail
The trail is laid in Blobs (an H3 technical term) and it should commence within 50 metres from the start point. Once the trail has been found by the pack, the Blobs should have been laid with enough consistency and at sufficiently frequent intervals so that it can be followed easily without having to pause to search for it whilst running. On no account should a trail be laid across crops or land used for grazing unless a definite right of way exists. Changes of direction should be clearly indicated by 3 blobs laid in quick succession, or an arrow pointing, to indicate the new direction. As a general rule the Hashers will follow the obvious direction of a path, track or road, unless Blobs or a Check indicate otherwise.
Checks
The average trail should contain a good number of checks. They should be spread out as evenly as possible along the length of the trail. Checks are indicated by a circle laid in sawdust, and indicate that the trail could continue in any number of directions. The number of Checks will have a directly proportional effect on the ability of the slower hounds to keep up with the pack.
Whilst searching for the next part of the trail, a degree of reassurance is gained by knowing that others haven't found it either. This is done by those at the Check calling 'Are You?' and those actually checking the possible routes by replying 'Checking', followed by 'On one', 'On two' etc as appropriate as each Blob is found. On finding the fourth Blob in succession, the finder must then cry 'On On' loudly, clearly and repeatedly. This is to ensure that the poor hounds who are still searching 300 metres away in the opposite direction can hear it and, after the usual muttered oath, set off in the direction of the cries.
False Trails
False trails are usually laid from a Check. When laid they should be plausible and sufficiently long to encourage those Hashers who hang around the Check in an unhasmanlike manner to think that they could be the real trail. False Trails should be marked by up to 3 Blobs followed by a cross, each up to 50 metres apart.
Other Ploys
In addition to False Trails, cunning and devious hares may make use of the following ploys to close up, or better still, invert the pack giving the slower runners a chance for glory at the front.
(a) The Loop: This may be of any length from a run around a field perimeter, a 100 metre circle in the open, or a mile long detour. The aim is to divert the front runners from the main trail, allowing the hare to direct the tail enders to the next check.
(b) The Short-cut: This is a variation on the Loop where the hare gathers up the slower runners and sends them by an alternative shorter route to a later point in the main trail.
(c) The Check Back: This is a particularly nasty device for upsetting the pack. Having found the On, the Hounds dart off down the trail, only to find several Blobs further on a Check Back (usually denoted by a circle surrounding a cross). On coming across this sign, the leading runner might pause a while, allowing others to catch up before declaring a Check Back. Once a Check Back is declared, the runners must go back to the last Check and then check beyond the other False Trails. Beyond one will be the real On. It has been known for the real On to be beyond the Check Back itself. That would be a particularly nasty ploy that could well cause much adverse comment to be vented by the Pack.
(d) The Renovate: Invented by Renovator of the AH3, this is similar to the Check Back, but rather than returning to the last Check, hounds should count back three Blobs, and take a change in direction. It is indicated by a cross in the middle of the trail.
(e) The Reverse: Indicated by an 'R', this means that the pack are required to stop and wait for the slower runners to catch up. Once all the pack is assembled, the slower runners must then take the lead.
(f) The Wait: This is denoted by a 'W' and is a good opportunity to allow the slower runners to catch up. It also gives the front runners a chance to catch their breath. It is most useful in long sections of trail, where there have been no opportunity for Checks.
Hares
Hares are always encouraged to use their imagination and ingenuity when designing a trail and, so long as the spirit of the Hash and its rules are maintained and it is within the law, there is no limit to what they may organise. (Note: this is a useful clause to quote in your defence when harangued by a JM)
Among their many other duties, Hares must ensure that no-one becomes lost. A well laid trail can do a lot to see that this does not happen, but as a precaution, a Hare should run with the front runners (as far as he/she is able to) and/or with the back runners as a Sweeper of lost, lame or weary runners. If the trail cannot be found at a Check, then after a reasonable time, and long before the pack become irritated and abusive, they should indicate the general direction in which the next part of the trail starts. They must not however lead the pack.
Some Common Hash Definitions
Hash Bash - An exhausting trail
Hash Brash - A vulgarly assertive hasher - a rare species
Hash Cash - That which makes up hash funds - or the treasurer
Hash Clash - A disagreement between 2 members often when one is said by another to have ‘short cut’ (or to be a SCB) - permissible but irritating
Hash Crash - Occurs when 2 or more hashers collide in full cry
Hash Dash - The agonising sprint to the finish of the run
Hash Flash - The Hash photographer and purveyor of Hash Snaps
Hash Gash - Any beer left over after a Hash
Hash Haberdash - Articles of Hash gear. Also the title of the Hash costumier
Hash Hack - He who writes the ‘true story’ in Hash Notes (Adversaria) about each week’s run
Hash Hash - The act of ‘pushing the boat out’
Hash Hooch - He/She who keeps and replenishes the reviving fluids
Hash Mash - That which is eaten at the end of a Hash, when provided
Hash Pash - A phenomenon associated with a Hash Thrash
Hash Rash - The lacerations incurred by a short cutter
Hash Splash - An intentional, or otherwise, dip in a river, pool or lake during or after a Hash
Hash Tash - Can only be claimed if grown by a member since joining
Hash Trash - Sawdust or other material used for trail laying
Hash Thrash - The Hash social gathering
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