Things didn’t go as planned for yesterday’s Hash. Although disappointing, perhaps it was for the best. The idea was to meet up with Pubic Head at Barretto High School at 1:50 and do a shortcut version of the Hare’s (Almoranus) trail, bypassing the first climb. I left my place at 1 p.m. to give myself ample time to arrive on schedule. But before I was even out of Alta Vista, I was sucking wind for some reason. As I neared the beginning of my intended route (the My Bitch trail) I had second thoughts about the wisdom of making the trek while out of breath, so I paused to send Pubic Head a message to go on without me. But as I stood there typing the message, my breathing returned to normal and I decided to press on as planned.

The section of the My Bitch trail I was hiking only had one short climb, and I took it slow and easy. When I reached the junction we call Four Corners, I messaged Pubic Head my location so he would know I would arrive on schedule. When I got to the high school at 1:47 Pubic Head wasn’t there, so I sent him a photo:

I waited until 2:00, the official Hash start time and no one showed. I wasn’t going to do a shortcut version of the trail on my own, so I opted to do a street walk instead. But in the end, I did manage to do a portion of the Hash trail after all:

I drank my share of beers during the pre-Circle time. When Pubic Head arrived he explained that he thought I’d gone on to the start of the trail, so he proceeded there without me. Just one of those miscommunications. Shit happens.

I wasn’t feeling very Hashy, so when the Circle began, I stayed outside and continued to drink. When I’d had enough, I moseyed up the highway and decided I’d take a Big Mac and fries home with me. I was a little drunk and not in the best of moods, but damn, the ordering process was frustrating. They have those kiosks where you place your order remotely, and that’s fine. Except they were all occupied, and the woman in front of me seemed clueless when it came to punching in her order. I’m not a patient man normally, and her ignorance frayed the last of my nerves. Anyway, I eventually got the opportunity to push the four buttons I needed–Big Mac, Fries, To Go, and Cash. Then I went to the cash register, paid, and was given a number. There were three numbers ahead of mine, and this being McDonald’s, I figured I’d be out in no time. I figured wrong. Mine was the only takeout, and I saw the paper bag brought to the counter where it sat while the employee fiddled around with the three other orders. I mean, all she had to do was hand me my bag, but I guess they had a first-in, first-out policy. Anyway, when they finally called my number, I tossed my receipt on the counter and rudely said, “It’s about time.” Yeah, I’m not proud of being the ugly American last night. I’ll punish myself by not returning anytime soon. That’ll teach me!

I got home early enough to watch three episodes of “Shameless” last night. I’m halfway through Season 8 now–look at me go!

And I woke up to another beautiful Subic morning.

Grocery shopping is done, and a doctor’s appointment is coming up at 3 p.m. From there, I’ll head out for my Tuesday routine on Baloy at the Kokomo floating bar. At least, that’s the plan.

I came across a video comparing Subic in the Navy days to how it looks today. I found it interesting; perhaps you will as well.

See y’all here tomorrow, I hope.