Haring Checklist

• Send directions to the Hareraiser and Webmeister as soon as possible.
• Here's a Word form to use to send the directions: Directions template
• See how late the on-after location serves food. If you need a short circle in order to get to the food, inform the R.A.
• Let the Beermeister know if you need help getting beer to a beerstop.
  
  
  Here's a really handy tool to help you plan / scout your trail. GMaps Pedometer
  
  
  
  Some things to keep in mind when setting a trail:
  • If you are a first-time hare, it is imperative that you find an experienced hare to co-hare with. They can advise you on trail layout and hash logistics. Don't be afraid to ask someone to hare with you who you don't know well.
  • Send directions to the Hareraiser and Webmeister as soon as possible. If you know where you are starting trail well in advance go ahead and send the directions. They'll be posted on the upcoming runs page. If you know the venue but not the exact location let us know and we'll post that info. This will help increase the attendance at your hash. But then again, maybe you only want 4 or 5 people to show up. The directions should be typed out with a starting point at a major highway such as "From Hwy 270 & 40". You should have directions from Missouri and from Illinois. The directions should also include a link to an online map such as Mapquest, Yahoo Maps or Google Maps. If your trail is starting near a MetroLink stop, include this information as well. It's also a good idea to let people know if your trail is stroller friendly, dog friendly. Maybe there's a lot of shiggy and you want to warn hashers to bring flashlights. Maybe there's a separate walkers trail. These are all good things to include in the directions.
  • Let the Beermeister know if you need help getting beer to a beerstop. You'll need to be at the start location early enough to go drop the beer at the beerstop and return before circle starting time. Don't make the pack wait.
  • More on beerstops... During the summer months, outdoor beerstops are preferred.
  • See how late the on-after location serves food. If they're not serving food late then you'll need to make sure your trail is relatively short and inform the R.A. so he/she knows to finish up circle by a certain time.
  • Be generous with true trail arrows if you don't have many check points, don't keep the pack guessing.
  • Circle jerks: Very easy to setup on city streets and wooded trails, keeps the pack together.
  • Once BN has been found, there are usually no more check points until after the beer check.
  • It is preferred that the start be within walking distance of the On In, so that people can walk back to their vehicles (referred to as an A-to-A prime run). If this is not possible, plan on providing transportation back to the start (known as an A-to-B run).
  • GMaps Pedometer is useful, it lets you know how long your trail is.
  
  

   

  	Standard trail marks: Trail typically starts with standard marks such as either of these. A dollup of flour means the same as a plain arrow. An arrow can be drawn in chalk or in flour. Either means that you are on a trail. It may not be true trail. It could be a false trail. Incidentally, toilet paper on trail means the same thing as a standard mark. They don't have to be put in easy to see areas, behind trees, power poles, tops of mail boxes, are good places. When marking city streets try not to mark in areas where something may get parked.
  	Check: Eventually trail should lead to a check. A check means that trail can split off in any direction and the pack must check to see which direction trail leads. Checks should be plentiful. They not only serve to slow down the front runners; they also help to keep the pack together. The hare has done a good job if he/she has laid a trail such that the slower runners catch up to the faster ones.
  	Chick Check: A chick check means the same as a regular check except that it should be checked by the chicks on trail.
  	BJ or False Trail: A BJ or false trail means that you followed the wrong trail and you should go back to the checkpoint to see which way the trail leads.
  	Two Dotter:
  	True Trail:
  	Whichy Way:
  	Turkey Eagle Split:
  	More Markings:
  	Beer Near:
  	Beer Stop:
  	On Home:
  	More Markings: