Ascension : Hash No: 1127
Submitted by The Islander (Raymond Ellick) 19.10.2006 (Article Archived on 02.11.2006)

The group gathered at the Skeet Shooting Range by the windmills.

Hares:  Uncle Fester & Bloodsucker

Hounds:  Gumby-Two Scoops, Wallace, Grommitt, Dean, Otter’s Pocket, George, Yeti, Chastity Belt, Irish Whiskey, Kerb Krawler, Two Cocks, Bakewell Tart, Colonel Spam, Walkie Talkie, Hairspray, Colonic Irrigation, Dog End, Perry Comb Over, Pyscho Nuts, Slippery Sue, Mildew, Skippy, Fall Guy

Apres Hashers; Major, 100 Watt

The group gathered at the Skeet Shooting Range by the windmills. Lots of nice, tall hills surrounded them, making a few uneasy.  After the hash huddle outlining just a few hazards, the usual…..loose rocks underfoot, thorn bushes and the like…..it was on-on along the track, dodging the barbed wire as we went. 

Off the hounds went, straight down a sharp, but thankfully short incline, and then into a strange bit of doubling back.  Then we followed a watercourse, this time dodging thorn bushes.  Off across the loose rocks we scrambled.  It was a bit of a relief to not be heading up any steep hills, though, even with the rough footing!

A bar check found the true path winding around a little hill, and then straight on through more rocks.  Up a bit, down a bit, across a bit….on and on it went with hardly a circle check!  We finally reached the second circle check in the bottom of a gully.  By now everyone was wondering where we were headed.  The hares had promised a point of interest, but so far, nothing much of interest had cropped up.

But now it was up another sharp incline and there we were at Bird Cave.  Uncle Fester gave a brief lesson on the cave and the lava tube.  A few explored the cave, a lot signed Uncle Fester’s Geocash book, he replaced the tattered flag, and Bloodsucker led the truly intrepid hashers through the lava tube.  This required bumping along on your butt, trying to avoid banging your head on the stalactites (not everyone managed this!!) and then crawling out on your belly through the very narrow bit at the end, at the expense of your knees!  All except for Gumby that was, who decided to exit in the breech position, ripped shorts and all! 

Eventually all the tunnel rats managed to make it back into the light of day, only to find that the rest of the hounds had already headed off.  The dusty ones got a tad bit off course for a while but the hare (aren’t they supposed to know where they set the hash??) finally picked up the trail and off we went in the direction of the two red lights!  At the next circle check, there were only a few waiting.  Seems the dust had worked up a thirst in a lot of the hounds and they were off and running.  The rest followed along at a bit more sedate pace, and all eventually made it home, following the track all the way.  What a nice change to have solid footing beneath us!

Back at the hut, Major had the barbecue going.  Lots of great eats appeared to hold us over until the hot dogs and hamburgs were ready.  The dust was cleared out by refreshments, and everyone soon recovered. 

The circle of friendship was drawn to welcome Ron to the group.  He was christened with the hash name Otter’s Pocket after just a brief discussion!  Then it was time to build a bonfire and a couple of pairs of boots were set alight.  Hairspray (will he not be back another time?) and Chastity Belt’s shoes went up in flames.  We’ll miss you both.  Best of luck back in the UK.

A bit of sad news…..Voodoo Doll will not be returning to Ascension.  She sends a special farewell to all of her friends in the Hash House Harriers, and thanks for loads of good times.  We’ll miss you, Mary.  Take care and good luck.

Thanks to Uncle Fester and Bloodsucker for a not too difficult, but interesting hash!!  Well done, all who braved the lava tube!!

Next Week: Firing Range down North East Road opposite the BBC Shed – follow the track!

Hares:  Wallace & Grommitt

Please BRING A PLATE!