Ascension : Hash Trash - Hash No:1206
Submitted by The Islander (Shari Parkhill) 01.05.2008 (Article Archived on 15.05.2008)

A large group gathered at the Barracks 13 Patio for what was promised to be an interesting hash more than a difficult hash.

Hash No. 1206

Hares:  Bloodsucker & Gumby-Two Scoops

Hounds:  100 Watt, Mildew, Flasher, Irish Whiskey, I’m Easy, Headmistress, Pee Nuts, No Nuts, Plain Nuts, Blastoise, Stinky Fingers, Chicken Cock, Uncle Fester, Nip’n’Suck, Wobbly Bits, Over & Done With, Winnie, Hole in One, Chief Bald Eagle, Fleur des Isles, Bullet, Mowgli, Chocolate Button, Tiny Terror, Oompah Loompah, Wonky Willie, Ten to Two, little Big Man, Walkie Talkie, Jackie, Nathaniel, Loo Brush

Apres Hashers:  Buford T., Kerb Krawler, Lanky, Drives Me Nuts, Little Chuffer, Madam Mardy Pants

A large group gathered at the Barracks 13 Patio for what was promised to be an interesting hash more than a difficult hash.  Since Gumby-Two Scoops had bailed in the rain when setting the route, Bloodsucker had had to do it on her own, and was the only one who knew the route, and since we all know how slow she is…….. Well, it was soon on-on up Cardiac Hill.  Plain Nuts kicked up a bit of a stink, and soon headed back with Stinky Nuts.  At least we think it was Plain Nuts fussing…it might have been his dad doing a really good imitation, just to get out of the hash….seems a few were out late the night before!!  Buford T didn’t even attempt the hash!!

It wasn’t long before the WATs could see a bit of confusion on the road ahead. Obviously Gumby-Two Scoops had missed the turn!  But, they eventually found their way into the clearing, the first circle check, and the first area of interest.  All around this area, there were WWII tent cities for the American servicemen.  Cleared areas, rock walls, pathways, and little scraps of memorabilia are evident.  Even an old canteen was found.

Next it was on-on behind detachment, and off in the direction of the road.  Again, the remains of antennas could be found.  A couple more circle checks and we were crossing the road into the open area below Command Hill.  The route was easy here with the FRBs bounding along the old track up to a cement pad.  Here I’m Easy gave an historical lesson about the telegraph poles that can be seen in the distance.  As the Americans first neared the island on the Coamo, they realized that no telephone poles had been included in the massive amounts of supplies that had accompanied them.  A cable was hurriedly set off to command about the situation.  The answering cable gave the not so helpful instructions: “Just cut down some trees when you get there!”  They improvised by using old track from the guano harvesting sites around English Bay, and a few of the old poles constructed on the rails still exist, including on the side of Command Hill!

After a bit of a back-track, it was an interesting journey through the old Air Corps area.  Seeing all the old remains of tent areas, cement pads, old barrels and bottle dumps is certainly a step back in time.  Imagine, between three and four thousand servicemen living in the area around the airport, Command Hill, the current base and Donkey Plain!

Although a few of the FRBs attempted to cut the hash short by skipping over to the return track, Bloodsucker set them right & led them to the circle check and turnaround point!  Even on the way back, the FRBs continued to veer away from the hash and get a little lost!  Eventually, all made it back to the road, where we headed into our next tent city area behind the present day Hazmat storage area.  More interesting sites, a few more FRBs heading off-track, and we finally made it up to the caves, where one younger hasher tried to give everyone a heart attack by blithely jumping over the cave opening!  Luckily, he made it intact, and we didn’t have to mount a cave rescue!          

On-on took us into the camp area behind the Grotto, although about this time we realized that Mildew had met with an accident, a bit of a trip had dumped her onto the rocks, and she was taking a short cut home with 100 Watt!  After the Grotto, it was down the hill where a home arrow was found.  All headed back to the base (a fair number of them running I might add!!).  Guess they needed to get refreshed!

Back at the patio, the barbecue was soon lit and great food followed.  The Circle of Friendship was drawn and Josh was welcomed into the Ascension Hash House Harriers with the name Loo Brush.  Something to do with his haircut!!  Steve tried to sneak away with an excuse of having to get ready for work.  Unfortuantely for him, when he dropped by (all cleaned up), there was no escaping.  His proposed name of Game Cock (for his home state’s university team) was quickly altered to Chicken Cock on account of his attempt to sneak away without getting named!!  Never a good idea, Steve!  Welcome to both of you! 

The Ascension Hash House Harriers received sad news this past week.  Our own Private Banjamin lost her battle with cancer and passed away on April 20.  In tribute, pictures of Deborah were displayed at the après hash, and the hash itself was proclaimed the “Private Benjamin Memorial Hash”.  It was especially fitting that we toured old WWII US Army sites, since Deb was an army vet.  Deborah, you’ll be missed, and always remembered by your hash friends on Ascension Island! 

Next Week:  ADF Fair (short hash to celebrate Ascension Day)

Hares:  Buford T.