In order to enhance the exclusivity of this event, we will take only one bus.

Please confirm if you would like to be part of the first Taiping Hash run in
exotic Huzhou, Zhejiang province.

__________
Taiping Hash, July 18

Like a thoroughbred sprinting down the final stretch, the Taiping Hash finishes
its own Triple Crown this month.

In May, the hares set a trail through the bamboo in beautiful Dongmingshan,
Hangzhou. June was scenic Dongshan in Suzhou.

The third and final stage of the Taiping Triple Crown is this month with the
first Taiping run ever in Huzhou.

The setting is in the village of Daochang, which is near the country city of
Huzhou and the south bank of Taihu Lake. The local tourist officials describe
the area as follows:

In order to make full use of the unique natural landscape and humanistic
resource in Daochang village, the project will be developed in combination with
historic interests like Ancient Plum Flower Mountain Villa, Wanshou
Temple,Huyuan Tomb, ancient ruins of Xiagu City, and etc. The area will also
character as ¡°having lunch in farmhouse, living in farmhouse, traveling in
countryside,and enjoying farmer¡¯s happiness¡±, composed sightseeing and tour
with
appreciating rural flavor, experiencing farming civilization and enriching
life.Daochang will be built into a cultural tourist area consisting of rural
cultureand landscape culture.

Plus, in what will surely make our German and Dutch hashers feel at
home,Daocheng village boosters claim that ¡°the Rhine River of China flows along
the village¡±.

Camel and Stiffy are able to introduce the virgin trails of Daochen thanks to
the never ending expansion of China¡¯s freeway network. A ribbon of concrete now
extends from the Grassy Knoll on the A-9 far across the countryside to open up
access to the closest mountains to Shanghai. You¡¯ll be on trail in record time,
less than two hours from Hongqiao! (editor¡¯s note: maybe).

The hares promise an exhilarating one hour trail for walkers and a pleasant 80
minute trail for those who want more mountain for their money.

As for last month, hares, Johnny Wad and OJ promised the run of the year. By
most accounts they quite possibly achieved this. Their trail of tears up and
down sacred Dongshan had the pack gasping for breath while taking in stunning
views. All felt exhilarated with the accomplishment of getting up the
mountain,except when being passed by super-human 80 year old women carting 120
kg loads of freshly picked ¡°red fruit.¡± The whole trail was laid with an
environmentally apportioned 500 grams of flour and one stick of chalk stolen
from a five-year old girl who fell off a ladder while gathering fruit. Luckily
the chalk did not break.

Finally the pack was treated to a beautiful lightening storm over Taihu Lake
followed by a thunderous downpour from the heavens. Three members of the pack
decided to stay on the mountain for optimal viewing and a more electrifying
experience.

This month's essential details:

Date: Saturday, July 18

Location: Huzhou, Zhejiang Province

Hares: Camel, Stiffy

Bash: Mystery meat stew infused with local magic mushrooms; big fish with big
fish sauce; green vegetables with green vegetable sauce.

Time: We estimate the run will start by 1:30 p.m. We plan to start the bash by 5
p.m., leave by 7 p.m., and be back in Shanghai by 9 p.m. Maybe.

Times for the bus:

10:00 a.m. Pudong, Jinqiao Starbucks, 633 Biyun Road, by Carrefour

10:25 a.m. Pudong, Lujiazui, Information Tower, the last bus stop on Century
Avenue before the Yan'an tunnel

10:30 a.m. Puxi, Portman Ritz Carlton, 1376 Nanjing Xi Road, meet outside by the
Starbucks

10:45 a.m. Hongqiao, The Grassy Knoll, Yan'an Road by Hongxu Road

Cost: RMB 200.

Please respond if you wish to go ...... and please include your name.