Hares: Mr. Pastry & Resus Andy

Hounds: Major, 100 Watt, Mildew, Gumby, Bloodsucker, Predator, Talking Head, J. Edgar, Gilligan, Skipper, Organ Grinder, Welsh Rabbit, Shaggy, Mr. Bubbles, Budweiser Belly, Pirate, Street Hasher, Uncle Fester, Little Miss Naughty, Mr. Excitement, Maxine, Taylor, Mike, Craig

The gathering point was the Two Boats Club parking area. This turned out to be a bit of a deception because the finishing point was apparently Mr. Pastry’s residence in Coconuts. He offered to send us there on the way to the start of the hash, just so that those unfamiliar with the address would know the way, an offer politely declined by the hounds. We figured the hash would be long enough, considering the terrain in the vicinity. So, after the usual warnings, loose footing, etc, and the promise of a bit of up and down at the end, the pack headed out down Northeast Bay Rd.

A fairly easy amble led to the first circle check by the side of the road. Of course, the FRB’s made it in record time. After that the route went off-road, down towards the fence-line. The new littlest hasher, Taylor, took her nanny Mildew and friend Welsh Rabbit off on a hash of their own, following the trail for quite a while. Seems she has the on-on down pat now. The rest of the pack continued along the trail all the way along the fence and back out to the road.

After that, another relatively easy bit followed until after another circle check. Then we headed off road again, this time on the other side. A bit of scrambling over lava, up through a gully, up and over little hills, more circle checks, all sorts of hash fun followed. But the "best" was saved for the last. At a circle check at the top of a small hill, we were told by the hares that the trail ahead of us went right up the side of Sister’s. Of course, we couldn’t take the official trail, we had to go straight up the side.

So off the hares went, down into the gully, a short run along the four-wheel track and then it was straight up, and up, and up….. Loose gravel abounded, along with a few unsteady boulders. While most made it to the top unscathed, Little Miss Naughty wasn’t so lucky. Although she did a rather interesting little dance attempting to get out of the way of a rather large boulder dislodged by a climber above her (no names mentioned but there may be a rock on a future hash with his name on it!) she was unable to get all of the way out of its path, and got a rather nasty bump on her knee. She did however manage to maintain her rather tenuous hold on the side of the mountain.

As Bloodsucker patched her up, a few of the gentlemen who were already at the summit gallantly returned slipping and sliding to come to her aid. 100 Watt, Gumby and Fugitive took turns in helping her out, all the while trying to find a shorter route! 100 Watt’s first idea led to a sheer drop so they had to head uphill for a bit farther until they could find a good route to cut across. By the time the ragtag group of rescuers and rescued arrived at the downhill path, the rest of the group was making their way down as well. It was somewhat of a relief to be heading down to solid ground for all!

Afterwards, all managed to find their way to Mr. Pastry’s for a nice relaxing time admiring the view, and enjoying the great grub. The circle of friendship was drawn and a sorry soul was welcomed into the family. Ed will now be forever known as Mr. Excitement. Welcome to the Ascension Hash House Harriers! Thanks to Mr. Pastry and Resus Andy for a great, and eventful, hash. Amazing what some ladies will do for the attention of a cute bunch of men!

Next Week: Red Lion

Hares: Gilligan, Major & Skipper

Please Note: Due to conflicting events, the Hash Formal has been postponed until a later date. Stay tuned!!!