Ascension : Hash Trash
Submitted by The Islander (Gavin Yon) 30.10.2003 (Article Archived on 13.11.2003)

Hash No. 974
Hash No. 974, October 25, 2003

Hares:  Boots, Scooter, Buzz Lightyear, Bart Simpson, Batman, Mad Hatter & Heathcliff

Hounds: Tiffany, Puff Grannie, Dolphin Diva, Mr. Bubbles, Baywatch Babe, Elliott, Diane, Goat, Joanne, Don, Zoe, Daniel M., Pocket Rocket, Bug Boy, Ellis, Luke, Uncle Fester, 100 Watt, Mildew, Morticia, Bloodsucker, Gumby, Jeremy, Mama 3 Bones, Skipper, Predator, Groovy Chick, Prambo, Fran’n’Furter, Chief Longpole, Budweiser Belly, Chicken Hawk, Pirate

Rock Cottage was the scene of a very special hash this week.  Some of the younger hashers set a Harrowing Hallowe’en Hash, with the cottage all decorated for the occasion.  In keeping with the occasion, a night-time hash was held, with many of the hashers in costume.  Along with all the usual hazard warnings like slippery slopes & tripping hazards, the kids had a more ominous warning - watching out for spooky apparitions!  Then it was on-on (nervously) down the steps in front of the cottage, across the lawn at Garden Cottage and then off into the dark of the trees.

It didn’t take long for people to get scared.  The hash trail was alive with lights as everyone tried to make their way down the slope without ending up on their backsides.  Not all succeeded.  Mildew’s witch hat kept fetching up in the trees.  At least it worked to fend off the rats – aren’t witches and rats supposed to get along?  Not this witch!  Finally, the group made it through the woods and onto Zig-Zag path where they made their way down the mountain.  A brief rest stop found them back in the deep dark woods, and then it was off towards the road.

At the road, the route headed towards the residency, and then on towards Monkey Rock Cemetery.  Sure enough, a ghost awaited the nervous hashers on the trail, but this was just a taste of what was to come in the cemetery!  As the hounds wandered through the gravestones, they were accosted by a scary monster.  Eventually, he allowed everyone to leave relatively unscathed and off went the group, back up the path.  Their relief was short-lived when out from behind a cactus jumped a scary old hag, throwing magic dust at everyone, cackling and howling!  Another narrow escape and off the hounds went back up the road.

Up, up went everyone, although a few circle checks allowed the slower hashers to catch up with the others.  Back near the cottages, another warning at the circle check – the scariest was yet to come!  A few opted for the safety of the cottage, but most were brave and went off to meet their fate!  Of course, the trail then led through the tunnel, where bats and spiders hung from the roof to tangle in the faces of unsuspecting hashers and bones glowed in the dark to light the way.  Near the end of a long, dark walk, a ghostly apparition with a dangerous looking meat cleaver blocked our path, and it took a brave hasher to push their way past!  When the end of the tunnel was reached, everyone found out that they had to go back through the tunnel, again, past that scary monster yet again.  Bravely, the group took off and made it back through in one piece, not missing any ears or noses!

Back on the road, in sight of the cottage, another surprise awaited.  The trail continued up the road, through the big tunnel where yet another monster lay in wait.  On-on up to Bishop’s Path, where the trail veered off.  Luckily for all, it wasn’t very far until a back arrow was spotted.  At about the same time, everyone was met by a bunch of startled sheep, who stampeded through the underbrush, and scared the wits out of the hashers!  They all came charging back down the road, eager to get back to the safety of Rock Cottage.  Enough scary apparitions for one night, thank you very much!

The rest of the evening passed in fun and frolic.  The kids chose the best costumes amongst the adults with Mr. Bubbles winning Scariest and Gumby walking away with the prize for the funniest.  The tables were turned and the adults had a really tough time choosing the winners amongst the children but Jeremy won for the boys and  Grace      picked up the prize for the girls.  Great food followed, including roasting marshmallows.  The party continued all night, followed by a feast in the morning!  Treat bags went home with everyone so they could keep celebrating. 

The kids would like to thank the following people for all their help making this hash special:  the cooks and decorators – Baywatch Babe, Mr. Bubbles, Diane, Mildew, 100 Watt & Uncle Fester; the ghosts – Johnny, Shub, Karen, Rugger Bugger, Bernadette & Paddy; Mr. Bubbles, Cactus Cuddler & Bobby P. for getting candy and decorations; Mr. Bubbles for driving us up the mountain; Skipper for making the pumpkin hash; and Morticia & Bloodsucker for helping set the route.  Apologies if we’ve missed anyone!  Thanks a bunch to everyone.  Happy Hallowe’en!

Next Week:  Traveller’s Gym

Hares: Skipper & Fugitive