Shortcuts, Shenanigans and Sawmillers

Run No: 2479

Run No: 2479

At: : St Peters Park

On Inn: Billy Barry’s Hotel

Hare: Twin Dicks

RUN REPORT by Twin Dicks

The rain of the previous few days disappeared leaving a balmy, if slightly muggy, evening that drew a large crowd of some 25 people (plus Brengun, who was late of course).  With minimal instructions, but a reminder that North Sydney runs are always flat, the pack set off from St. Peter’s Park promptly at 6.32 pm.

The trail took them through a few back streets to Sawmillers Reserve, where the walkers were allowed the simple walk up the path while the runners were encouraged to use the stairs.  Then it was back to Blues Point Road and a return to the waterfront at Blues Point Reserve before ascending those pesky stairs near Sails restaurant.

Heading back towards North Sydney, the trail diverted the pack down to the Lavender Bay foreshore.  A short while later, the walkers were sent under the rail tracks and up alongside Wendy Whiteley’s Garden.  The runners, meanwhile, were led further around the foreshore, past Luna Park and the (still not finished) Olympic Pool, under the Harbour Bridge to Bradfield Park.

The trail then led them up through some back streets to the Kirribilli shops, back under the expressway and up to Union Street.  There they rejoined the walkers for the short trip back to the bucket.  The real short-cutters (names withheld for legal reasons) got back in 30 minutes.  Pretty much everyone else arrived after 45 minutes to 1 hour, and we didn’t lose anyone.  Job done and not too many complaints.

Eventually, Mongrel was able to bring the circle into some sort of order to do the down-downs.  First was the Hare, Twin Dicks, along with run reporter Short Sheeter and walk reporter 4X2, the former rating the trail at 9.6 and the latter at 8.9.  He then called up Chuck, for unhashlike behaviour at the previous run, accused of complaining about him forgetting her name.  She thereupon pointed out that she hadn’t actually been at the previous run so turned the tables, forcing Mongrel to take the drink instead.

It was then time to find a name for recent joiner Adam.  After a rapid discussion around the circle, it was agreed that Adam clearly needed an apple, and was thus named Red Delicious. Finally, visitor/occasional returnee Glitteroo  was called up to be welcomed in the traditional way.

Then it was on to the pub, where the Trivia had overstayed its welcome, but everyone managed to find a seat and the food came out reasonably quickly.