Wednesday’s hike had an element of surprise. Max brought along his dog. Everything went fine until we were on top of the mountain, and Max let him off the leash. We encountered a goat with horns on the trail, a sight the young dog had apparently never seen. It must have looked like a canine satan to him because he took off running. Max finally found him a couple of kilometers back toward where we had started. I’m glad that story had a happy ending.
Finished the dart league season with a 9-4 victory over Queen Victoria. I continue to throw like I’ve never played the game before. I told my teammates I was going to take a break from darts for a while but would be available as a substitute next season should the need arise. I’m thinking not playing for a few weeks may act as a reset (like unplugging the computer and plugging it back in), and I’ll rediscover my lost ability. As it is, I’m not enjoying playing, so there isn’t much point in continuing for now.
One of the opponents yesterday was a girl I know from Cheap Charlies, Jiselle.
It didn’t appear she had ever played darts before, but her Auntie, the team captain, needed a player and drafted Jiselle. She actually improved as the day went on, and I think she’d be pretty decent at darts if she worked at it. Anyway, it was nice to see her cute ass (and face) outside of the bar. Alas, her lack of interest in elderly me was quite apparent. Oh well, a man can dream.
When the match was over, I said my goodbyes and headed up the beach:
As usual, there was someone singing videoke poorly and loudly when I arrived. I ordered up a beer anyway. Thankfully, after just a couple of songs, the couple left, and I had some peace and quiet.
And then I was in for a bit of a surprise when a Hash friend, Reylyn (aka What’s Up Doc) arrived with two of her friends. So, the party was on! And so was the videoke machine. If you can’t beat them, join them, I suppose. I did two of my standards: Patsy Cline’s Crazy and I Started A Joke by the Bee Gees. Now, in my defense, I’d been drinking since early afternoon. It was all in good fun. They were still there when I left.
I walked up Baloy road towards National highway, thinking I’d catch a trike along the way or get one at the trike stand on the corner. One did offer a ride, but for some reason, I declined. I guess I just wasn’t quite ready to call it a night. The closest place for a cold beer was the Snackbar, so I popped in. I was semi-surprised to be greeted and welcomed by the owner, Pearl. She was seated at a table with two other guests I’m acquainted with, and she motioned to an empty chair so I could join them. How could I refuse?
It was good to see her and chat again. Almost felt like old times. I bought a round of drinks for everyone and enjoyed the camaraderie. Yes, I’ve been missing her, but life goes on, and I’m glad that we are still on friendly terms—a nice ending to a drunken day.
Here are a few pictures from yesterday’s hike.
An interesting day, or at least as interesting as things get around here for me.
Woke up with this song on my mind for some reason.
I keep forgettin' we're not in love anymore I keep forgettin' things will never be the same again I keep forgettin' how you made that so clear I keep forgettin', darlin' Every time you're near Every time I see you smile Hear your "hello" Saying you can only stay a while Hey, I know that it's hard for you To say the things that we both know are true But tell me how come I Keep forgettin' we're not in love anymore I keep forgettin' things will never be the same again I keep forgettin' how you made that so clear I keep forgettin', baby Everytime I hear How you never want to live a lie How it's gone too far And you don't have to tell me why Why you're gone and why the game is through If this is what's real, if this is what's true Tell me how come I Keep forgettin' we're not in love anymore, baby I keep forgettin' things will never be the same again I keep forgettin' how you made that so clear, yeah, yeah I keep forgettin', babe Don't say that, don't say that, don't say that I know you're not mine anymore, anyway, anytime Tell me how come I Keep forgettin' we're not in love anymore (How come I) I keep forgettin' things will never be the same again I keep forgettin' how you made that so clear I keep forgettin', baby Every time you're near
Well, congrats on the darts victory. Good way to end things before taking a break.
The hike looked arduous, as usual. Do people ever hike at night, the way they sometimes do here in Korea? I think night hiking is nuts; I’ve done it once or twice and survived, but as I get older, I trust my night vision less and less.
The darts might stop for a bit, but the walking never does. March on!
No, I don’t know of anyone who hikes at night. The trails are far too treacherous, with potential hazards that are hard to see even in daylight. Being stuck out there after dark is one of my nightmares. Hell, I don’t even walk home on the pavement at night.
Yeah, I’ll keep on walking. And drinking. The bookends of my days here.