The path not taken

So, yesterday was the Subic Bay Hash’s traditional annual trek up Easter mountain. I decided that prudence dictated that I not attempt the climb this year. I’m not 100% “back” quite yet, it’s hot outside, and the long trek to the top is without shade. Not a good combination of factors for a somewhat frail 65-year-old man. Maybe next year.

As an alternative, I did lead the “sane” group on a hike beginning at my house and ending at our On-Home venue, Hunter’s Jo Inn. It was a flat walk that took us an hour and a half to complete. I was actually going to do one of the smaller hills on the Hare’s trail, but one of the members of my group was a pregnant female who wanted to avoid a climb. Well, being the gentlemen that I am… Anyway, the beer was cold at the end of our boring trail, so there’s that. Oh, and I got my Easter Hash shirt.

The long, hard trail I didn’t take…
…and the mountain I didn’t climb. Another day, my friend...
These guys made the climb.
On top of Easter mountain…
A view from the top.
Well, us “sane” hikers were on-trail for a while. The flat parts anyway…
The climb I aborted when the preggers gal called me back…
A stream you wouldn’t want to swim in. Unless you were feeling suicidal…
The “sane” hikers making their way On-Home.
Yesterday’s menu at Hunter’s Jo. I went with the ham and cheese sandwich and doubled the price by adding bacon, lettuce, and tomato.
The owner of Hunter’s is a nice guy and I do enjoy the venue. But the food sucks. Consistently. One thin slice of ham, a slice of cheese, and the mess on the side. Still, it was only $4., so what if I could only eat two bucks worth?
The front side of my Easter Hash shirt...
And the backside. Has my Hash name and everything…

My group got back earlier than most of the folks who did the full trail, so I wound up drinking more beer than usual.

But I was still standing when the sun went down!

And that was pretty much it for my day yesterday. Now it is time to get ready for darts. Haven’t played (or practiced) in over a week. I have my singles league match against Cristy, so I’m sure there is an ass-kicking in the very near future for me.

I will leave you with this little story that I found quite funny:

5 thoughts on “The path not taken

  1. Mary’s looking to put a little tempest in that teapot, I see.

    So—does this mean your record is still unbroken, even if you’re doing a route that’s different from the official Hash route? Do the Hash bigwigs formally count your “alternate” routes as completed Hashes, such that your record is officially unbroken?

  2. You’re an inspiration to all. For you to maintain this stellar record with the Hashers, while you keep up the other walks with the smaller groups on different days; under all kinds of weather in all seasons shows dedication. I am impressed that you survived your recent ailments with no setbacks and you’re back to your good old dart club.
    Did I read that your area is one of the few to avoid another lockdown? You seem to be doing quite well .

    Stay healthy and happy as usual

  3. Yeah, basically showing up and paying your weekly dues counts as a “run”, whether you did the actual trail or not. I always try and do at least some of the Hare’s intended path, more or less.

    Thanks, James. I began my walking habit after the wife dumped me. It helped me with the depression and I lost 70 kilos along the way. The Hash and the walking groups are a nice change from my long and solitary hikes.

    And yes, good observation–Olongapo City is one of the few places that has not instituted enhanced quarantine restrictions. Overall, I’ve got to give our mayor credit for exercising the kind of good judgment rarely seen in an elected official in this country. He said he saw how damaging the first lockdown had been to the lives of the citizens and he had no interest in reimposing that kind of pain.

  4. John, glad to see that you are back on the mend! Easter Mountain will still be there to be climbed on another day.

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