Hares:   Shakesbeer

Location: Stanley Park SW

350 42 Ave SW, Calgary, AB T2S 0Z3

https://maps.app.goo.gl/hyzVPmGauFEqTf598

RA:  Hump the Shark

Attendance: 25

The Beginning

With the warmer weather there is not shortage of celebrations. It seems like you celebrate May the Forth Be With You, then the next day it is Cinco de Mayo.

A monumental day in history May 5 is a celebration of Mexico’s victory over the Second French Empire at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, led by General Ignacio Zaragoza. As Canada is all inclusive, nothing wrong with pretending to be Mexican and drink Corona and Tequila.

Shakesbeer volunteered to set trail in the fancy neighbourhoods of Elboya, Britannia and Elbow Park in the SW. Lots of up and down with the river valley through these neighbourhoods.

After some confusion over which parking lot was the right one to park, the pack assembled outside near the swimming pool area. Something looking like a circle started to form and we got busy with our program.

We had visitors, archives and new boots! A good turn out of 25 in great weather. We went through the formalities of introductions and announcements prior to hearing from the hare on what the trail would look like this evening.

Eventually, it was the hare to tell us about the trail that had been set for our running enjoyment. The “on” mark was the number 5, honouring the celebration day. A variety of other marks were described as well as pink flagging.

Some of the mark were cryptic while others were what we had seen before. What we were not told of was the multiple parks that were on this trail. Ample play time.

The pack was released and pointed in the direction of the parkland which surrounded the start.

The Trail

Stanley Park is a busy place. There were many activities we had to navigate as we looked for true trail. Eventually, the fast runners found what we were looking for.

Parks appeared and playing happened. The swingers and the climbers found their favourite pieces of equipment and engaged.

Off to find the trail in the hilly neighbourhoods with streets, sidewalks and back alleys.

Eventually, we came across the “HH” marks, which stood for Hash Hold. Mexican treats and some Mexican beer were had by those that got there first! Much happiness and celebration of knowing that we were near the end of the trail and close to the regroup.

From the hash hold, it was off to the parking lot for the regroup.

Post regroup, we reconvened in the park to set up for outdoor down down’s.

There were some snacks and refreshments that were enjoyed as we prepared for the closing ceremonies.

The Down Down’s

Hump the Shark was the self appointed Religious Advisor (RA). He canvassed the group to come up with suitable material for the down down’s. Usual lies and accusations. Dastardly prepared the beverages.

A choir of Hardly and Twisty was selected and the program started. The choir sang themselves a song and prepared for the forthcoming program.

After all this is over, Hump the Shark declares the group to be “on the piss”.

To carry on the spirt of Cinco de Mayo, the post down down celebrations were held at a local pub featuring Mexican beer. A fun time was had until the closed down the restaurant as we arrived very close to that time.

Scribed by Skewbic Hair.

Trail Summary

The run ended up being somewhere between 7 and 9 km’s. Great trail set by Shakesbeer!

Hash Extra

Shakesbeer is very happy with his selfie stick. As such, he has provided evidence that he can take pictures of himself with sometimes other in the frame! You can never have too many pictures of the fun you are having….