SHIGGY METER

Shiggy is thick vegetation, wooded areas, brambles, canals or other water crossings, etc, usually muddy and dirty. Some hashers love shiggy, others prefer city streets. Hares will generally advise what type of shiggy will be on trail. You might see a rating of 1+ or 2-. Use the number and add or subtract as required. In the Wiregrass, the biggest problems are thorns and brambles, and keeping your balance on a 12-inch sewer pipe.

1. Drivable trails in the woods, city streets, maybe some stairs and city squares.
2. Urban and rural with some off road but you should not need a change of shoes.
3. Some ready-made paths and some trail blazing; could get your feet wet.
4. 4. Mostly wooded trail blazing; could be fences, walls, homeless camps, garbage dumps, mud, broken glass, snakes, spiders, little funny animals, swamp, etc. Water could be knee-high.
5. Anything goes; Beware of animals, especially snakes & gators. You should have a trail buddy with you at all times.
   

TRAIL MARKINGS

Below are the hash marks used most on MRH3 trails, but you may see others Different kennels use a variety of different marks. "Chalk Talk" is held before trail start to explain any marks you may see on trail. Although the history of hashing is long and fascinating, you don't have to know any of that to take part. If you're thinking these marks look at bit tricky, don't worry you'll pick it up soon enough. There are plenty of people to help out at MRH3, and you'll find plenty of Internet resources to help you out. Of course, you could always print off the symbols and carry them in your pocket.

Hash -- A blob of flour or like substance (biodegradable & eco-friendly) indicates a trail; toilet paper can be used for above ground objects such as trees, fence posts, etc. Three consecutive blobs indicates true trail.

Arrow -- Trail mark which could lead to true trail or false trail. If you see an arrow with initials, then an FRB (front running bastard) has found true trail and marked it for the rest of the pack OR he/she is just messing with you.

True Trail -- An arrow with three lines through it indicates true trail. This mark must only be drawn by the hare.

False Trail -- Three lines indicates false trail. The pack should go back to the last hash mark and choose a different direction.

Intersection -- Check or Intersection - Indicates trail could go in four different directions in 369 degrees.

Beer Near -- Indicates a beverage stop within 100 yards; this could be in the form of beer coolers (which may or may not be hidden) or a beer truck.

Shot Near -- This is the same as a Beer Near except there will be jello-shots, or some other wonderful shot concoction available for you consuming pleasure.

Clothing Exchange -- During a clothing exchange, you exchange an article of clothing that is not to include head gear or foot gear or socks.

Song Check -- When you see this check, whether alone or with other hashers, you must wait on the next hasher or group of hashers and all sing a song before continuing.

ON-IN -- The ending of trail. Circle commences when the entire pack has arrived at the On-In.

So, after you have ran a trail or two and become familiar with the trail markings, the next step is to hare a trail yourself. If you think you are up for the challenge this guide will help learn how to hare a trail.