Ascension : Hash Trash: 1447
Submitted by The Islander (Islander Editors) 31.01.2013 (Article Archived on 14.02.2013)

This week your favourite hashing ensemble gathered at the Sooty Tern sign at the head of Mars Bay. Over-n-Done With’s triumphant return complete with stories of snow angels was slightly marred by the failure of her trusty sidekick to make an appearance.

Hash No: 1447

Hares:Sgt and Mrs Tackleberry

Hounds:Boozy Head, Soggy Boozer, Bus Driver,Dead Gross, Idle Trekkie, Hairy Hal, Hairy Leftovers, Bum Ride, Small Balls, Sniffy, Over-n-Done Withand The Last Turtle Head of Doom

Sunday Après:Boozy Head, Soggy Boozer, Laughing Hyena, Bill, Felicity and The Last Turtle Head of Doom

This week your favourite hashing ensemble gathered at the Sooty Tern sign at the head of Mars Bay. Over-n-Done With’s triumphant return complete with stories of snow angels was slightly marred by the failure of her trusty sidekick to make an appearance. The Herr family absence was explained by their need to get pretty so they could go and read poetry to sheep guts.

This week’s hash was over familiar ground and was hash less; the brief was short, focused on bird safety, the Alfred Hitchcock references apparently lost on all but the older American hashers. Small Balls was especially delighted to find out that the 2010 census conducted by the Army Ornithological Society showed approximately 300,000 Sooty terns at Mars Bay and he was personally responsible for theirwell-being. There were 2 imaginary circle checks and for the younger hashers the promise of something fun to do on the return trip. They would later learn that TLTHoD’s idea of fun and theirs might be a little different.

This is a particularly good time to visit the Mars Bay Fair; all stages of development of the Sooty Terns chicks from eggs to juveniles can be seen. Frigate birds can also be seen predating on the chicks. After examining the colony the hashers continued down to Mars Bay, and were surprised to encounter another group of hikers that turned out to be from the Conservation Department. It was a little inspiring; one would have thought the people got enough hiking with their day jobs!

 Arriving at Mars Bay and the first circle check the group took a moment to catch their breaths and look at the lone track of a slightly confused turtle that attempted to nest on the one small patch of sand. From there the hashers then headed across the old Royal Marine built trail to Shelly Beach for a visit to the letterbox and the rock pools there that are home to the endemic shrimp and corals. The brooding reef coral (platgyra ascensionis) is the subject of the first paper published by the Swallow Marine Survey recent study of the island. These beds of coral are at least 130 years old and survive by adopting an unusual free mode of life.

Returning to Mars Bay and the 2^nd circle check the younger hashers, which included the Tackleberry’s were handed bags and allowed the privilege of continuing the fine work started by the Girl Guides earlier in the week. Picking up the trash. Mars Bay like many parts of the island suffered from a trash problem.We live on a beautiful tropical island, is it really too much to ask to carry your empty drink containers out with you? Hairy Leftovers and Idle Trekkie set the standard by hauling out so much litter extra bags were needed.

 During the post hash, claiming other commitments, Bum Ride tried to sneak off prior to her birthday cleansing. That was quickly brought to a halt and the traditional Ascension birthday bath ritual was performed. The water having been especially chilled for the occasion.