Can you wonder what lies beyond? Though you've been
There before and forget about the effort and the strain
Always ascending, each yard as a mile to the never ending pull
Of the steepening grade that's before you

It's no matter, no distance, it's the ride

How’s this for a Sunday?

I was up earlier than usual, and my boys were feeling lazy.

Of course, they are always up in time for the dog walk. I really enjoyed this one–something about the clouds and the mountains was making me feel glad to be living in the moment.

Feeling inspired when I returned home, I set about making some breakfast.

I’m one of the Hares for this week’s Hash, and so we went out to mark our trail. There was some debate about whether to wait until Monday morning to do the marking. The issue is that if you mark a day early and it rains, a lot of that work will be erased. On the other hand, if you wait until the morning of the Hash, you may encounter weather problems or other unforeseen issues with the intended trail and not have adequate time to rectify them. Blow My Pipe wanted to wait, and Pubic Head wanted to mark early. I wanted to go early and also go back out on Monday to do any necessary touch-ups. In the end, Pubic Head and I marked the trail yesterday with the caveat that should it rain, Blow My Pipe and I would remark the trail today. We had some light rain but not enough to require a revisit. Win!

Our trail is a bit over 7K but mostly flat. We are starting at Bridge #4 in Naugsol, which requires a truck ride, but it couldn’t be helped. Our On-Home is at Da’Kudos on Baloy Beach, so we didn’t have a lot of options. Our trail has a couple of short uphills, but nothing too strenuous. My least favorite part is walking through a rice paddy overgrown with grass. Makes it hard to see or follow the trail. We’ll see how that works out today. We finish up by going through Matain and then taking a boat ride across the river to Baloy Beach.

I had my hands full with powder and chalk, so I wasn’t able to get many photos from the trail. Here is a couple, though:

After completing our mission, we had lunch and beers at Johan’s. I took a trike home from Baloy and had a nap. I had to rush around to get to It Doesn’t Matter in time for the Sunday raffle. Well, I thought I had to rush around. I arrived before 5:00 and bought my usual six tickets for 500 pesos. The owner told me the raffle wasn’t going to start around 6:00. Oh well, I just chilled and drank beers. Also bought my waitress, Agnes, several lady drinks. Six o’clock came and went with no sign of movement towards starting the raffle. By 6:30, I was frustrated and said fuck it, paid my tab, and left. Agnes said she would take care of anything I might win. She messaged me later that I had won some more discount coupons–my favorite prize. Anyway, I won’t be participating in future raffles because my time is more valuable to me than the potential prizes. The raffle is for charity, but I can find other ways to contribute.

I was in a sour mood when I crossed the highway and entered Cheap Charlies. I ordered up my usual, and like clockwork, my two regulars were seated on either side of me. They didn’t have anything to say to me, mind you, just sat there expectantly waiting for me to buy them a drink. I had a surprise for them this time–I finished my beer, paid my tab, and walked out. They appeared to be stunned. Rule #1 is: Don’t be a sucker. Rule #2 is: Don’t be stupid. I need to get better at following the rules.

I crossed the highway again and decided to give BarCelona a try. I was hoping my “friends” at Cheap Charlies saw me taking my business elsewhere. Alas, as usual, the service at BarCelona sucked. It seems if you decline to buy a lady drink, you are ignored. I practically had to beg to get my second beer served, and after that, all the joy had gone out of my evening. I caught a trike downstairs and went home early.

Dinner awaited me in the crockpot.

I’ve decided to do the Hash trail with the group this afternoon. Doing my own trail is a first for me as a Hare. At least I won’t get lost!

Then take it as far as you see and beyond
With eyes you don't use enough to gather up strength
As thoroughfare gap, what awaits is whatever you see
When you get there or even before

It's no matter, no distance, it's the ride