Another Hash, another climb to the Kalaklan ridgeline. Kudos to the Hare for finding a new way up. As I’ve often said after one of these hikes, there ain’t no easy way to the top, but some are less gruesome than others. Yesterday’s journey was on the easier end of the spectrum–probably the third least difficult that I recall. Of course, the harder climbs take you to the highest part of the ridge. Achieving the ridgeline road yesterday was not the end of my upward trajectory.
I’m also old and fat, and the hill climbs are always challenging. When we started the trail yesterday, I was feeling some weakness in my right leg. I eventually walked that one off, only to start feeling a pain in my lower back. That triggered the voice in my head urging me just to turn around and walk the highway to the On-Home. We argued a bit, and then I reached the point of no return and ignored the recriminations. I was to complete the entire 6.5K short version of the trail and was pretty damn proud of myself for doing so!
Gathering at the start on the highway about 3K from BarrettoAnd we are On-On!Let the climbing commenceSo far, so goodAs I understand it, our path is the remains of a road used when the powerline towers were being constructed. As such, it was overly steep and had some switchbacks.Looking back down from where we started.Ridgeline achieved, but still more ups to go.For those of you who like to look down on Olongapo CityCums Alone says, “what’s not to love?”Lots of downed trees from the recent storm to maneuver aroundThe long trail went thataway. My group did not.We encountered a surprising number of children during our trek.The bay as seen from the ridgelineAnd then we began the long down to BarrettoAnd there be our destinationThe cookie kids were out in full forceThey always seem to know when we are comingIt’s nice to add some sweetness to the dayUntil you run out. The last Bingos went to these two.We still had a ways to go to get down off the mountainI’ll take that as a sign we are heading in the right directionBack on the pavement for the rest of the journey to our On-Home venueObjective achieved!The long trail (red) wasn’t much longer, but did have some additional ups and downs.My heart didn’t seem to mind the climb too much.
Not a bad trail, glad I didn’t wuss out. After the Hash Circle, we moved to IDM for some food and more beverages. Then it was homeward bound for me and my lady.
Nothing in life is free:
Hash Fees: 900 pesos
Tips: 100 pesos
Alcohol: 700 pesos
Dinner: 750 pesos
Trike: 200 pesos
Charity: 50 pesos
Total for October 28: 2750 pesos
Lots of memories from this date in history:
Ten years ago, a new roof was installed on my bought and paid for retirement home in South Carolina. Alas, little did I know that the future I had planned would do a crash and burn one year later.Eight years ago I was back in the dating game. Another failure.Seven years ago, I was living in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, and facing an uncertain road to the future. Turns out, it led me here.
Last Friday, I was in Bauang, witnessing a whole new dance show experience that included naked women. At the SOB I missed in Barretto, the Alaska Club girls went in an entirely different direction—props for the costumes and creativity. What I missed appears to have been a haunting experience.
Hmm, sorry about that. Nothing dirty. Just click the link if you care to watch.
Today’s funny business:
Yeah, I heard about it through the grapevine…Nice pussy!Hmm, I was thinking diet and exercise, but how do I photoshop what others see?
Anyway, that’s all I’ve got for today. Thinking about dinner at John’s place tonight since we missed out on Sunday. After that, who knows?
2 thoughts on “Shut up and climb me!”
2750 pesos! It’s a red-letter day!
It somehow never occurred to me that you’d be delivering sweets while Hashing. I somehow thought you did the sweets thing only on non-Hash days. From now on, I shall endeavor to read more closely.
Congrats on tackling the hills. Much respect for soldiering on. Sometimes, the pain is a voice of caution; sometimes, it’s a voice of laziness. It takes wisdom to know which is which. A lot of aches and pains can simply be walked off.
When I’m wearing the backpack, it has cookies inside. Until I run out, anyway.
The voice in my head is almost always a lazy bastard. And I learned from you about the benefits of walking on despite minor pain. Your recent abortion was a good example of knowing when to say when!
2750 pesos! It’s a red-letter day!
It somehow never occurred to me that you’d be delivering sweets while Hashing. I somehow thought you did the sweets thing only on non-Hash days. From now on, I shall endeavor to read more closely.
Congrats on tackling the hills. Much respect for soldiering on. Sometimes, the pain is a voice of caution; sometimes, it’s a voice of laziness. It takes wisdom to know which is which. A lot of aches and pains can simply be walked off.
When I’m wearing the backpack, it has cookies inside. Until I run out, anyway.
The voice in my head is almost always a lazy bastard. And I learned from you about the benefits of walking on despite minor pain. Your recent abortion was a good example of knowing when to say when!