This Week's Run

28/11/02

Location: Blake Garden, Sheung Wan

Hare: Camel

With last week's Beaujolais run marking the start of the 'silly season' for the Southside the holiday atmosphere continues with a Thanksgiving run (American version) courtesy of Camel.

As an introduction, our culturally sensitive hare has prepared the condensed history lesson so that no one may stand around feeling stoopid because that don't know what thanks is being given for:

"The Pilgrims, who celebrated the first thanksgiving in America, were fleeing religious prosecution from those assholes in their native England.

Their first winter in the New World was devastating, due to the exceptionally severe cold, snow and sleet (worse than Manchester). The following spring, the Pilgrims made friends with the local Indians, which was significant as the Indians taught them how to harvest the land, which could grow more than just potatoes.

The harvest that year was very successful and the Pilgrims found themselves with enough food to put away for the winter. The Pilgrims had much to celebrate, and proclaimed a day of thanksgiving to be shared by all.

Ninety Indians came to the first celebration which lasted for 3 days. They played games, ran races, played the drums, got pissed (surprised), and for the first time in over a year, the Pilgrims got to shag some skinny dark meat. This was a true cause for celebration, which naturally annoyed the WT.

In true tradition, Thanksgiving is now celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, unless you're Canadian, as they pick an earlier date, since the weather sucks up there.

Show up on Thursday, and indulge in a true American tradition. (Ed: will the 'brown meat' be provided??)"

So, it is clear - this is why the yanks give thanks. For the rest of us the reason is of course slightly different - is it because if the Pilgrims had not fucked off to the US of A then their offspring would be polluting the gene pool elsewhere...

As ever the run starts from Blake Garden and so the standard clockwise trail can be expected from the hare - if you haven't yet seen the Pinewood Battery tonight is probably your opportunity...

In keeping with the Thanksgiving theme hashers are asked to restrain from behaving like headless chickens and instead adopt the behaviour of headless turkeys... Talking of turkeys the hare has arranged an On On with traditional Thanksgiving fare (albeit with a slightly Chinese slant) at a nearby eatery - the entire pack is encouraged to attend.

For those new to Blake Garden a map is enclosed. By public transport, go to Sheung Wan MTR, exit via A1 or A2 and walk up the hill. Camel will have marked chalk from the Man Mo Temple on the junction of Hollywood Road and Ladder Street.

If you are driving note that there is a car park opposite to Blake Gardens - at prices that make even ET smile!!!