Monthly Archives: March 2019

A historic day

Posted on by
4

I had to Google to see if it was “A” or “An” historic day. The consensus was “A” so I went with it, although truthfully I like the way “An” sounds better. Anyway, it is a special day of remembrance for me because 41 years ago my son Kevin was welcomed into this world.

The years haven’t changed us a bit.

Kevin was actually born on his due date. I had gone through the prenatal course so I could be in the delivery room for that special moment when he drew his first breath. It was quite an experience for all involved!

Kevin grew up successfully despite having a wayward father. He spent many years in broadcast journalism before leaving for the more stable working hours and better pay of the insurance industry. By all accounts he is doing quite well–a great wife, a great house, a great daughter, and three wonderful step daughters. He’s definitely a great daddy and I’m obviously very proud of him.

Kevin and daughter Sydney. I love them both!

Otherwise things are back to normal around here. An uneventful flight home (unlike the unfortunates on Ethiopian Air). Marissa slept most of the way and only woke up when the wheels touched down. The look of surprise and confusion on her face was priceless. Good times.

Buddy was happy to see me again. He’s got a big heart, that’s for sure.

This morning he was outside meeting the goat neighbors. He was nose-to-nose with the kid but mama chased him off before I could snap a photo…
He’s a good dog but sometimes he can be a pain in the ass…

What else? Well, I had a good time explaining to my breakfast waitress what “SOS” stands for…

We both had a good laugh about that…
I kept it simple for lunch…

And that’s about it. Time for me to get ready to Hash.

Life is good. Keep smiling!

And oh yeah, today makes 10 months of living in the Philippines. So far so good.

The best of times

Posted on by
1

Yesterday’s Hash may have been the best one ever for me. And the reason in large part was we spent a lot of time on perhaps the best beach I’ve ever seen. It was stunningly beautiful.

Puerto Princesa’s Nagtabon Beach. A nice drone video of the beach at the link.
“Where the sun hits the water and the mountains meet the sand…”
“…there’s a beach that I walk along sometimes…” Those buildings at the far end of the beach, Oliver’s Resort, was our on-home location. Only accessible by foot…

So, Nagtabon beach was an hour bus ride from our hotel in Puerto Princesa. That included a 15 minute delay when the lead bus broke down. The drivers did some roadside repairs, got a couple buckets of water from a nearby house, and refilled the radiator. Pretty impressive really. Once we reached our destination we off loaded Hashers and supplies and hoofed it the half kilometer or so down the beach to Oliver’s. The Hare (Wild Wolf) advised there would be three trails with durations of 7, 5, and 3 kilometers. And two beer checks along the way! Beer checks were quite common in my Korea kennel but this is only the second time I’ve experienced them here in the PI.

And then we were “ON-ON”, on the beach as it were.
That’s Salty Cum enjoying a cold beverage at the first beer stop.
And then it was on up the mountain. The climb was mostly on the road, but it was steep and hot.
Looking back from whence I came.
That tricky Hare made us climb up an embankment. Once at the top we saw that we could have stayed on the road which curved around just past that house. Oh well.
And soon enough we reached the second beer check.
Your humble correspondent taking in the view.
The unobstructed view of Nagtabon Beach from the top.
As is my custom, I opted for the medium length trail…
….which meandered its way steadily down the mountain. My Hash shirt makes for good camouflage, don’t you think?
The descent was not too steep but did get tricky in places. Salty Cum was taking a photo of me when a woman behind us took a good tumble. Those roots can be treacherous if your foot gets caught while falling. At first the woman thought she had broken or dislocated her ankle. Fortunately that proved not to be the case, just a severe strain. I let her use my walking stick and Salty assisted her the rest of the way back.
Almost back down to sea level.
This portion of the beach was nothing but rocks. And that made for some tough hiking the last kilometer of the trail.
Still pretty though….
…and I got to practice my rock climbing skills. Which are pretty much non-existent…
…but I just leaned into it and made my way back “on-home”.

And so ended my first ever Hash Bash. Lots of fun, lots of interesting people from all over the world and of course, lots of beer!

Good times!

Hash Bash

Posted on by
1

The Day 1 adventure is now history. As these photos illustrate.

I was anticipating a swingin’ good time.
Standing around waiting to get started. Over 100 Hashers in attendance for this event.
Let’s get this show on the road! A 30 minute bus ride to the trail head.
And we are off!
The beginning of the walker’s trail…7K start to finish…
And we are ON-ON!
Turns out there are mountains in the area. We stayed in the foothills yesterday, but rumor has it will be doing some serious up and down today.
It was a nice change of scenery from the Barretto routine…
It feels hotter here though than back home.
I asked Salty Cum if it was better to walk on flat ground in the sunshine or uphill in the shade? She prefers shade. I tend to agree.
One last hill to climb. Actually, the trail was not at all difficult compared to what I’m used to…
Heading back down to the sea…
The final half klick was on the highway….
….which led us “on-home” at Kay’s Hot Spring resort….
And yes, there was ice. And yes, I was required to sit on it. My sin was being a pain in the ass for registering late.
After the on-home festivities were completed, we bused back to the hotel and prepared for our dinner at Chez Rose, an eatery about 300 yards up the beach.
Where we were also entertained with a live band and fire dancers….

No San Mig Zero here so I’ve been getting a little drunker than normal. Need to work on pacing myself better I suppose. Anyway, time to get ready for Day 2. More to come….

Feeling Blue

Posted on by
3

Greetings from Palawan. May the force be with you!

Let’s ketchup, shall we? Headed out early yesterday morning for the airport in Angeles City, about 1.5 hours away. Driver Donny once again managed to defy the odds and got us there safely. First time I’d taken a domestic flight from Clark, and the terminal really sucked. Still managed to kill the hour before boarding without too much discomfort.

Breakfasted on this hot off the griddle honey banana crepe. Almost as sweet as the gal who prepared it for me.

Then it was time to board our Philippine Air flight to Puerto Princesa. I was curious what kind of plane it would be since no checked baggage was allowed. When the bus from the terminal pulled up it turned out to be an Airbus 320. After landing, I noted some bags being offloaded so I can only surmise the “no baggage” was about my discounted ticket or some such. No problem, for a three day trip my carry-on was more than sufficient. I was just worried about whether my liquids (i.e. vape juice) would be confiscated at security, but I sailed right on through.

Oh, and I was accompanied by a first time air traveler:

It was kinda fun to relive the first time flying experience through the reactions of Marissa/Salty Cum. She seemed to really enjoy the rush of taking off. Once we reached altitude she admitted to feeling a little queasy. I handed her an air sickness bag but thankfully she didn’t need it.
And of course she couldn’t take her eyes off the perspective of watching the earth pass by below. The change in pressure as we landed hurt her ears a little, but I taught her a couple of techniques to “pop” her ear.

After exiting the airport our driver from the Blue Palawan Resort was there waiting for us. I had gotten an email a couple of days earlier advising me of the free hotel shuttle which was a pleasant surprise.

The hotel thus far has provided some of the best service I’ve experienced in all my years of travelling. Little touches, like some blue lemonade at check-in are nice welcoming gestures. Friendly and helpful staff go a long way to making a hotel stay pleasant.
The food has been great so far as well. I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen a Monte Cristo prepared right. Well, this one could have used some honey for dipping, but I was hungry and couldn’t be bothered to ask. Tasted just fine without it. The room comes with a free breakfast buffet. I’m not into buffets at all, but this one was well done. And an egg chef cooked your eggs and omelets to order.
It’s good that there is high standards for food and service here because the rooms are rather basic. Clean and comfortable, but without amenities I like to have. Like a small refrigerator and microwave. I’m also typing this post on the bed because I don’t even have a desk in the room.

I’m staying here because the hotel that is hosting the Hash event, the Seaview, was booked up. It’s right next door to the Blue so no problem.

In fact, the registration and welcoming event held last night were done here at the Blue. Easy peasy…
I haven’t seen the rooms at Seaview, but it appears to perhaps be a bit more upscale.
I really love the looks of this treehouse spa, although I haven’t tried it out yet…
The “beach” in front of the Blue and Seaview resorts leaves a lot to be desired. I’m told it’s because “the tide is out”. Hmm, maybe.
I guess there’s no denying that the water level can’t get much lower. I just haven’t seen much evidence of a recent high tide…
The beach is what it is I suppose. I walked it this morning and it was pleasant enough for that purpose. Wouldn’t want to be wading in that nasty water though….
If you are going to live on the beach, I reckon this is the way to do it!

Anyway, that’s where things stand as of now. Fixin’ to grab some lunch and get ready for the first Hash trail this afternoon. They have long (9K) medium (6K) and short (3K) options. We are busing out to the start point and have 1.5 hours to get back “on-home” at a place called Kay’s Resort, wherever that turns out to be. I haven’t seen any nearby mountains so maybe it will be easy walking. We’ll find out soon enough I suppose.

How I roll

Posted on by
2
Don’t tell me what I can or cannot do!

Especially when I’m drunk…

Anyway, more of the same around here. Did some exploring this morning looking for new mountain paths to incorporate into my trail when I go solo as a Hare. I’m shooting for May.

My efforts drew some blood but not the passage I am seeking. Ah well, no pain no gain!

Went out again this afternoon and finished the portion of the trail I missed two weeks ago.

I should have known better. Leech My Nuggets is notorious for his paths through creek beds. But I’ll give him credit, even after two weeks his trail was easy to follow. I’m going to learn from his example. Thicker powder and NO CREEK BOTTOMS!

Do not despair dear readers things are bound to get more interesting around here.

Tomorrow morning I’ll be flying to Puerto Princesa on Palawan Island!

Of course, I’m going to be participating in a Hash event, so maybe it won’t be much different than normal. Except for the views!

Thank you for your understanding and support…

Postpartum review

Posted on by
1

My first trail as a co-Hare was delivered yesterday more or less successfully. We had a large turnout of Hashers (47) and although not required of the Hares, I walked the entire trail again with the group. It was harder than the first time for me which I attribute to the afternoon start instead of early morning when I have more energy. Took me about an hour and fifty minutes start to finish, and as usual I was one of the last to complete the trail.

My overall assessment: I could have done a better job with the powder. Although the trail was pretty well marked, the chalk arrows are not always readily visible. You can see the powder from a distance which is helpful. Also, there were a couple places that were directionally confusing and some folks missed the true trail as a result. I should have laid better powder to make things more clear. Also, in the future when I’m a Hare I will walk the trail and put down powder on the day of the Hash. Even after only one day on the ground the powder lost its freshness and appeared faded.

During the trail feedback session of the Hash circle most of the criticism was fair I think, dealing with aforementioned lack of clarity at some trail junctions. Surprisingly, no one said the trail was too short, too flat, or too easy which are pretty standard complaints. A couple of folks even said it was too hard and had too many mountains. Well, we only did two climbs but I admit the second one was a tough slog. And I think given the terrain, the distance (6K) was just about right.

A little anecdote that made my day: I caught up with one of the Germans (Almoranus) about halfway up the second climb taking a breather. He asked if we were going all the way to the ridge line, and I responded affirmatively. I do believe he turned around at the point and shortcutted the trail. Which is fine, but he’s one of the guys that routinely kicks my ass on the Wednesday walks. I think in German the feeling I was having is known as schadenfreude.

And so it begins. The relatively easy first “on-up” of the trail.
A view from the top of the second climb.
Here’s a fun little story: I always carry two bottles of water so I can share with Salty Cum. She had taken her bottle during the second climb. Once we had reached the bottom I asked if she needed more water. She said “I finished mine”. So I said where’s the bottle? She responded “I dropped it”. Now, littering or theft on the trail is a serious Hash violation so of course I felt obligated to duly report the infraction during the Hash circle. And the standard penalty is being required to sit on the ice. And as we are wont to say at the SBH3, “when on Filipina sits, ALL Filipinas sit!”
(In her defense, Salty said that she had put the bottle in her back pocket and it must have fallen out. Still littering though, just glad it was not intentional)
Of course, as one of the Hares, I did my time on the ice as well. Once your ass goes numb it’s really not so bad.
All in a day’s work. This includes my morning walking prior to the Hash.

All and all, not a bad day.

Rock me on the water

Posted on by
2
My preferred way to end the day. As seen from the Blue Rock floating bar.

That was yesterday after completing right at 29,000 steps. Desperately needed to re-hydrate.

15,000 this morning, a nap, a shower and now ready to go Hash the trail I helped set yesterday. Technically, the Hares are not required to Hash the trail they laid with the group, but I need/want to get some steps in and see if I can follow my own trail with no problems. We’ll find out soon enough.

Commenter Kevin asked how well the powder holds up. Well, I did walk a bit of the trail today (the street portion) and was disappointed to see how dissipated the powder already looked. I’m chalking it up (no pun intended) to vehicle and foot traffic. Hopefully it is holding up better up in the mountains.

So that’s my nothing post on what’s been a nothing day thus far. No complaints though.


The road is filled with homeless souls
Every woman, child and man
Who have no idea where they will go
But they’ll help you if they can
Now everyone must have some thought
That’s going to pull them through somehow
Well the fires are raging hotter and hotter
But the sisters of the sun are going
To rock me on the water now
Rock me on the water
Sister will you soothe my fevered brow
Rock me on the water
I’ll get down to the sea somehow

Setting trail

Posted on by
2

UPDATE: Here’s a map of the trail.

Today I served as a co-Hare for the first time. This simply involved me assisting the primary Hare, Pubic Head and another Hasher, Buddy Fucker, to set the trail for tomorrow’s Hash.

Pubic Head has been Hashing in Subic since 2004 so he pretty much knows all the trails and where they go. He had a course in mind so off we went. My job was to mark the trail at appropriate locations using powder.

This is what the powder looks like. Appropriate locations include any junctions or turnoffs on the trail. Also it’s good to drop some powder periodically so the Hashers can affirm and be reassured that they are indeed “On-On”.
Meanwhile Buddy Fucker would mark rocks, tree trunks, and telephone poles with chalk arrows pointing the Hashers in the right direction. The “8” indicates tomorrow will be the 1,338th running of the Subic Hash.

Overall I deem the trail we set as being a good one, although I had nothing to say about the course selection. We did two moderately difficult climbs and the last downhill through a rocky creek bed was not much to my liking. The trail is approximately 6 kilometers long from the walkers drop off point. The runners will have the option of starting out from our on-home at Johannson’s which adds another 1.5 K to the trail. It should be a good day for everyone!

The Hares are on the trail!

It is a Subic H3 tradition that the Hares sit on the ice during the portion of the circle where the other Hashers give feedback on the day’s trail. And anytime throughout the proceedings if any of the Hare’s are found in violation we all sit: “When one Hare sits, ALL Hares sit” as the saying goes. Last week Pubic Head had a “Hash Crash” at the Grandmaster’s bar which may or may not have been caught on video. That may well result in more time on the ice for all three of us. Hopefully that’s all!

Anyway, I think the trail I’ve been working on may be a little too wimpy for SB H3 standards. Pubic Head likes an easy trail and today’s was quite a bit more difficult than mine (which only has one uphill). I’m going to have to search out ways to spice it up some. I’ve got time to work on it, Hare’s are already scheduled through April.

I expect I’ll be hearing this song tomorrow:


Shitty Trail (A Song For The Hares)

S-H-I-T-T-Y T-R-A-I-L
Shitty trail (It sucked)
Shitty trail (really fucked)
The motherfuckers laid a shitty trail
I would rather drink a beer than hash your shitty trail,
S-H-I-T-T-Y T-R-A-I-L
Drink it Down down, down down…

Farewell Manila

Posted on by
1

Back home again where I belong.

The final night in town was blessedly uneventful. Before I commenced to drinking I took an afternoon walk.

One of Manila’s finer establishments, The Peninsula hotel. I don’t want to leave my readers with the impression that it’s all sleazy and gritty in the Philippines. It’s just that those are the places you’ll most likely find me…

Last night I ate and drank at place called Handlebar bar. Really loved the ambiance of neighborhood pub. I do miss that. If I were ever going to open a bar (I won’t!) it would be in this genre. Food was excellent too! Thanks for the tip, Brandon.

I opted to go with the bbq shortribs. Much better than mine, that’s for sure. Came with cole slaw and baked potato. Sorry for the poor quality picture and the fact that I’d started eating before I thought to get the camera out.
And they had the welcome mat out for Hashers, that’s always nice. Not sure where “on-home” was last night but I didn’t see anyone from the Hash around.

The night ended for me with one of the best damn banana splits ever from the Filling Station. Yum!

My driver Donny picked me at 0600 and we had a mostly traffic free drive back to Barretto. One last surprise from my “guest” the other night. Upon checkout I was advised that the mini-bar had been raided for a bag of cashew nuts. That added 110 pesos to the cost of that mistake. Still pissed at myself for being so stupid.

It’s good to be home.

March on!

Posted on by
3

My last day in Manila and nothing really to do with it, so I spent the morning doing pretty much what I always do–walking around. City hikes are not my favorite but I got in over an hour and a half anyway. Actually saw quite a bit of Makati and the surrounding environs, including some real upscale and gated subdivisions. And this:

A river runs through it. Who knew? I certainly didn’t.

I also found a couple of restaurants on the backstreets that commenter Brandon had recommended. I’ll definitely be giving one of them a go tonight.

Last night I dined at a little hole in the wall place called Tequilaria or something like that. Had some great service from a cute little waitress with a sweet braces filled smile. And I also had the chicken enchiladas.

Never quite seen them prepared and served this way. No side dishes other than the chips. Tasty enough but they were pretty skimpy with the chicken.

Now, P. Burgos street is famous for it’s go-go dancing girly bars. Maybe I’m getting old (shuddup!) but I find them more boring than anything else. And overpriced. Last trip I ventured into one and my beer was 150 pesos–the same price as a lady drink back home and more than double what I normally pay. No thank you! I haven’t been to any of them this trip. I did find some open air sports bars on a side street off the main drag and I’ve enjoyed hanging out in those when I’m not at Cafe Cubana.

And lo and behold, last night the bar I was in filled up with Hashers!

There’s a big Hash event taking place here this weekend called a Nash Hash. I had actually considered joining up but it is a four day affair and most of the events are out of town. I just didn’t want to spend time in Manila traffic getting there. Plus I have the big Hash event in Palawan next week, that’s enough I think. I did run into several Subic Hashers while I was bar crawling last night. Always nice to say hello to a familiar face!

Anyway, I finished the night back at my hotel bar feeling no pain. A woman walking by made eye contact and the next thing I knew she was sitting with me at my table She gave me her tale of woe about not having bus fare to get back home and asked me to let her do a one hour massage for 300 pesos. Like the drunken idiot that I am I consented and brought her up to my room. She performed a lackluster massage and I overpaid her for it. Sometimes I too nice for my own good I guess. Anyway, I noticed this morning that she had repaid my kindness by stealing a vape pen and one of my chargers. A lot of good it will do her when it comes time to change out the wick. Here’s hoping the bitch gets the Karma she so richly deserves.

Ah well, life marches on.