Up Terry’s Creek and back!

Run No: 2517

At: Corunna Road Carpark, Eastwood

On Inn: AJ’s Indian Restaurant

Hare: Harriettes (Rancid / New York)

Last night’s excursion, laid by the devious duo Harriettes Rancid and New York, proved once again that you don’t need wilderness, mountains or crocodiles to produce a cracking hash run.

Starting near Vimiera Road, the trail headed upstream along one side of Terry’s Creek towards Dence Park before cleverly crossing over and bringing the pack back down the opposite bank. It was a simple concept, beautifully executed. Terry’s Creek put on a magnificent display, with towering gums, shaded paths, bubbling water and enough birdlife to make a twitcher weep with joy. Hidden between the back fences of Eastwood and Epping lies one of Sydney’s genuine suburban treasures.

To call the run boring would be harsh. To call it a suburban oasis would be spot on.

In fact, the scenery was so good that many of us forgot we were supposedly exercising.

Not that there was much running going on.

The only genuine runners appeared to be BeJesus and He’ll Do, disappearing into the distance with suspicious enthusiasm while the rest of us adopted a more mature and sustainable pace. Some might call it walking. Others might call it energy management.

Stretch, despite a name suggesting otherwise, wisely joined the walkers. Short Sheeter was also among the pedestrian division and, given it was her birthday, nobody was about to suggest she should be doing anything more strenuous than accepting congratulations and perhaps a beer.

Laundromat, Twin Dicks, Colonoscopy, Grange, and good old Codpiece all enjoyed the trail at a pace allowing appreciation of both the scenery and each other’s questionable conversation. The creek was admired, trail markings were occasionally interpreted correctly, and several world problems were solved before being immediately forgotten.

As always, Codpiece provided commentary, observations and unsolicited guidance throughout the evening, ensuring that nobody was deprived of wisdom, whether they wanted it or not.

The hares deserve considerable credit. By sending us up one side of the creek and back down the other, they showcased the best of the corridor. Every bend seemed to offer another reminder that some of the finest walking trails in Sydney are hidden right under our noses.

The verdict?

A beaut evening. Great company, a magnificent setting, a birthday worth celebrating, and a trail that reminded us why hashing is often less about the destination and more about wandering through interesting places with interesting people.

Or, in this case, with BeJesus, He’ll Do, Laundromat, Twin Dicks, Colonoscopy, Short Sheeter, Stretch, Grange, Codpiece, Frankly, and the rest of the usual suspects.

On On