That pretty much sums up yesterday’s Hash, assuming wet implies muddy because it was that too. The trail was more difficult than most but not all that surprising with Leech My Nuggets being the Hare. I opted to walk to the trail start rather than ride the Hashmobile which put me right at 10K for the hike.
Of course, there was a mountain to climb as part of the fun. I’d never done this particular portion of this mountain and didn’t realize just how high it actually is. The trail going up was reasonable for the most part but it seemed like it would never end. I was relieved to have finally reached the summit and start back down the other side. But maybe halfway down, we started back up again. Leech you bastard! And then it started to rain. Pouring down rain. Nothing to do but march on.
I also had some newbies with me at the back of the pack and felt duty-bound to see them On-Home safely. Which made me even slower than usual. I was a little surprised that several Hashers ahead of me wound up losing the trail altogether and had to find their own way back. Leech is about the best there is at marking a trail and yesterday was not really an exception. I too got briefly lost but had the good sense to backtrack to the last trail marker (shredded paper) I had seen and proceed from there. And sure enough, I soon saw where I had missed a turn. A Hasher needs to stay alert and not assume he knows what’s coming next.
Anyway, my group all got safely down a muddy and steep descent and found the cold beer waiting for us at Hunter’s Jo Inn. I ordered up the foot-long hotdog duo to satiate my hunger but the circle started up before they arrived. It sucks to be so late arriving On-Home. I opted to eat instead of participating in the beginning of the circle activities without regret.
Here are some photos from yesterday’s journey:
And then the rain started coming down so I slipped my phone inside a baggie and put it away.
An exhausting day on trail. Janey and the ex were also both in attendance at the circle which was a little weird. They both independently told me later they wouldn’t come to the Hash again. I advised them that wasn’t necessary on my behalf but they should do whatever makes them happy. I’m wrapping my mind around my new acceptance of a life alone and will not be sucked into unwanted drama. Or so I say.
Nice to see that you are keeping up with your daily exercise. I am impressed that the Hash is so active that you have so many members joining. You may have introduced a few new members so you are playing your part in growing the club(gang,society,den) . To be honest, I am not really sure what a hash is ; and google didn’t help much.
It’s unfortunate that both your recent lovers feel the need to leave such a fun active group. I know for a fact that in the Barrio it’s important to have hobbies and friends to hang out with, especially for those who have left their family houses far away.
In a way, I feel a bit sheepish with my earlier remarks that you should just forget love and cavort with anybody there. It’s a small town, and I would hate for either party to continue partaking in hobbies because of a failed romance. I take it back. Don’t ask any girl out , especially one who works at your favorite bars and usual haunts. Not even anybody in the street!!
Just kidding. I would not presume to give you any advice about your love life. We don’t even know each other. It’s just fun to chime in from time- human nature to think that we know what’s good for other people should or shouldn’t do.
I commend you again for keeping your writing regular even in these dark times. Keep walking, and writing and drinking .
I agree with James re: the ladies’ departure from the Hash. That’s really too bad.
“A Hasher needs to stay alert and not assume he knows what’s coming next.”
Sounds like hard-earned sage advice. You’re probably picking up plenty of navigational skills, the more you Hash. I’d probably get lost in the woods.
Hey James, always appreciate your comments and feedback.
The Hash motto is “we are a drinking club with a running problem” if that helps with the definition. Started in the 1930s with British army guys in Malaysia. A Hash group is called a kennel. Our Subic kennel is an adult Hash–we don’t hold back with being rude and inappropriate in our rituals. There are family versions of the Hash too. When we visit the La Union Hash up north they ask us to not use some of our lewd names and songs in their circle.
People have to make up their own minds about what makes them happy. I don’t care if the past loves still want to Hash. I wouldn’t give it up for a woman! I do like the social aspects of Hashing. Honestly, when I’m not hanging with my walking groups I am usually drinking alone.
Barretto is a small town and people do seem to know your business (especially amongst the women with their bamboo network) but I’ve decided to live my life on my terms. I’m not sure what’s next but I’ll do my best to enjoy it.
Thanks again for reading!
Kev, a good Hare marks a trail even a virgin could follow. In fact, the virgins I was with Monday were ahead of me occasionally and did a good job reading the trail. You’d do fine I’m sure.
Cool picture of that tree! Really caught my eye
Brian, yeah I’ve walked past it several times now, usually from the other direction though. Something on Monday just made me pull the phone out for a photo though…