OUTSTATION RUN TRIP REPORT: Fontainebleau HHH

June 2007- Massengil attends the Paris Air Show to shill his mini-lights and finds time for the important stuff - HASHING! It was a grand adventure that began with a rendezvous with Malcolm (Slack) and Sophie in Paris on Saturday morning and a road trip to the Fontainebleau Forest approximately 40 miles south of Paris to hash with the Fontainebleau (Fonty) HHH. The Forest of Fontainebleau, which covers an area of 25,000 hectares/62,000 acres bounded on the northeast by the windings of the Seine, is a popular resort of Parisians at the weekend. The terrain is hilly, consisting mainly of sand and sandstone, with magnificent old trees and deep gorges. Particularly impressive are the wild Gorges de Franchard, in which rock-climbers learn their skills. The fantastic landscapes of the forest have attracted many painters, including particularly the Barbizon school. For walkers there are numerous waymarked hiking trails and footpaths (ideal hash territory). 

We arrived at the start location tucked away in the middle of a thickly wooded landscape surrounded by hilly bluffs of boulders. Slack was a little vague about the starting time - in line with most hashes around the globe. The pack slowly assembled and were greeted with a fortifying glass of du vin blanc. Just as the elixir was having the desired effect the shouts on "On-On!" were heard and the pack was off. Borneo Rules seemed to be the mode de jour as the hash began - the start was a check with various false trails leading in different directions into the ancient forest. The true trail was eventually found and the pack bounded off onto sandy trails that wound up rocky outcroppings and eventually to a view check with a panoramic view of scenic green hectares spread endlessly below. Certain members of the pack began to hum "The William Tell Overture" as we passed a mysterious bearded woodsman perched atop an outcropping with bow and arrow in hand. Luckily no one happened to be balancing an apple on their head at the time.

We continued down a steep vale into a dark valley below and another check that had the pack scatter like Gauls before Caesar's legions. After a difficult search the true trail was finally found and we ran through a shaded glen and then over a paved road and up an embankment to a trail winding upwards to another check. An FRB slid down on his derriere and crossed back over the road and back up a steeply sloped hill and promptly shouted "ON-ON!" After a long climb up and down we thankfully descended upon the Beer Stop and ice cold Kronenbourg beer. The On-In was close at hand.

The circle was quick and painless and yours truly drank heartily to the strains of "Why are we Waiting" wafting over the royal hunting grounds. Spread out before us on an octagon shaped picnic table was a foodie's paradise of culinary pleasures -  3 types of pâté; rabbit, pork, and a special pâté made from a closely guarded medieval recipe, grilled French sausage, loads of fresh baguettes, all from one of the finest charcuteries in Paris. Rich and creamy French cheese and various condiments gourmand rounded out the outdoor banquet. Dessert consisted of freshly sliced pineapple. Yum. 

The members of the Fonty Hash were primarily French with a mix of expats. Many have been hashing since the 1970's and have hashed in many locations around the globe. It was a warm and friendly group that welcomed a visitor. It was a cool and sunny day. There was plenty of excellent food and drink. In short, all the right ingredients for a perfect hash.

Fontainebleau HHH Run - June 23, 2007

On-On!