2017 Run Reports
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Run Report: 12th December – Run Site 1, Lady Denman Drive, Yarralumla
Hare: Handover
The Pack gathered on the hallowed ground – sacred Hash Site 1.
Guess nothing much has changed over the years except the BBQ’s are new since the 2003 fires. Good to see our ACT tax dollars at work.
The pack waited around for Whiteout to turn up, we all expected her to arrive with her usual entourage of pets and late also (as per usual).
Another Hash man missing in action is the holder of the newly created hash position of Hash Piker – Wallwalker.
Waiting for another 10 minutes the pack decided enough was enough and decided to move off on the trail. Greasy (yes Greasy, welcome back – good to see you again) leading the way.
First check in front of the Zoo, cross the dam wall. This can only end in pain from now on as there is only one way back and that’s a ford many clicks downstream.
Up past the equestrian with a worrying sign that there is actually a WRONG Act, Google that and let us know what the ACT Government were thinking of at the time.
Then it was time to negotiate the ford (just a trickle of water passing through the pipes). Up into the forest and a quick lap around the zoo fence with a sign every few metres advertising the electric fence.
Like good Hash men we finally got the message – the fence is electric (on our side, wouldn’t want to hurt any zoo creatures).
On In, back at the front entrance and arrive back to the welcome smell of Handover preparing a gourmet dinner of meat patties, eggs and cheese, all on a sesame seed bun. Chef tip Handover – can’t go wrong with fried onions.
Well done, Handover the standard has been set for the rest of the summer runs. No more sausages (until its Dingles turn to set a run).
On On Dingles
Run Report: 19th December – 1 Braund Place, Kambah
Hare: Handover
The pack gathered for the annual run before Christmas. Whiteout being the hare (for a change) was not the last Hasher to arrive at the run site.
A suggestion did do the rounds, that maybe we should have Whiteout set all the runs and we could amend her hash name to Never Late Whiteout. Should we wait for Wallwalker was mentioned and dismissed.
Unfortunately the BBQ wasn’t ready so the pack had to commence the run. It’s only a short 4 kilometres was the last word heard as the pack departed through the gate, it only took me 45 minutes to set.
Round the block, down the electricity easement to finally arrive at another Hash sacred site the ‘Kambah Woolshed’. Some silent prayers and a stop for a memorial photo and back on the trail.
Loop around the sporting fields, then up onto and around and around and around the bright orange bridge next to Namadgi Super School.
I did say we went in a tight circle, in fact there was a good chance that at one stage the front runner was almost going to overtake the tail end walker.
A quick venture through the adventure playground (the flying fox did look inviting), back up another electrical easement to a Hash Vista – a section of 6 homes in Kambah demolished due to the dreaded Mr Fluffy.
Then the smell of cooking sausages/onions and chicken kebabs drew the pack back to the start point and the esky which is still loaded with left over beer from the AGPU.
Still no sign of the newly appointed Hash Piker – Wallwalker, just as well we didn’t wait.
Time for a couple of Mondays off for the Christmas break. Back into full swing on Monday 9 January.
Merry Christmas
On On Dingles
Run Report: 9th January – 1 Braund Place, Kambah
Hare: Whiteout
As seems to be tradition, the Hare was late to her own run. The only one later was Missing Bits, but even leaving home the day before, he had a lot further to come.
This was to be a unique run for Canberra Hash, no animals on the run. Unless you count Wallwalker. The trail started well, heading in the inevitable direction of up. With a small twisted route (I am not referring to Wallwalker this time), we did of course end up on Mount Urambi. We must have used every track that Mount Urambi has to offer, we even discovered some we had never seen before.
At some point we noticed our numbers had dropped. What happened to them, nobody could say. It could have been anything; the Mount Urambi Yeti could have got them; they might have run through the Urambi triangle; they might have run into Chicken Little, anything. Experiencing more twisted routes (not talking about Dingles either), the pack came off the mountain and found their way back at the start.
We were a little relieved to find our m.i.a. pack there. We were a lot more relieved that they hadn’t eaten all the food.
On On Handover
Run Report: 16th January – 1 Wybalena Grove, Cook
Hare: Missing Bits
The pack gathered amongst the gum trees.
Sunny 40 degrees C and bushland setting. Mix it all together and what do you get – a Missing Bits marathon. Greasy wrote the Canberra Hash book but Missing Bits is the man who wrote the Hash book on bushland hashing.
Should we wait for Whiteout was the call, sounds familiar doesn’t it.
At least the trail commenced going downhill, however what goes down must go up and what goes up must come down (or so we thought), but this trail seemed to be forever going uphill.
You know it’s going to be a long run when the flour arrows are set about 20 metres apart, Wallwalker remarked “that’s because it’s hard to carry 20 kg of flour on your back, Bits has to ration it”.
Due to the heat, the pack kept the pace to a quick walk and even so, managed to frighten off a hare in the process of leaving its own mark.
The first two klicks was a tight trail meandering up the hill from Wybalena Grove following the Bicentennial National Trail (sounds important doesn’t it) to the gates of Mount Painter Nature Reserve, then a quick double back, down the fence line (there is a Hash god). The pack managed to negotiate their way across fallen trees before it turned sharply and crossed Bindubi Street to commence the trek around the Aranda Bushlands.
It was here that Dingles and Wallwalker decided enough was enough and the call of a frosty cold beer could be heard and it was farewell to the rest of the pack, who prepared to venture where no hash man had been for 12 months.
The stalwarts of the pack accepted the challenge and disappeared over hill and under Bindubi Drive, encountering numerous checks to eventually be confronted by a massive gully, it was a corker and not a flying fox in sight, and proved a challenge for our 4 feet drive companions!
A community minded lady asked if everything was all right when she heard shouts of “On On” after one check in a built up area. When told all was OK, we were on a Hash, she shook her head, probably thinking the heat had got us or we were on the real thing.
Dingles and Wallwalker commenced the long walk back to the ‘home amongst the gumtrees’, and on arriving back they were greeted by Mrs Bits preparing to cook pancakes on the BBQ – now that’s something different. Usually its meat patties, egg and bacon on a sesame seed bun, but we can work with pancakes.
Did I mention the cold frosty beer – the first one didn’t touch the sides of the throat. Dam I knew I should have brought extra beer. Then I remembered I did, where is it.
That’s right Wallwalker left his beer at home and I made the supreme sacrifice and said “I brought an extra can, you can have it” (and they say only in America).
Come 8.00pm and the Aranda Bushland pack were still not back yet (maybe kidnapped by aliens), it’s getting dark and we need to have a celebratory drink with Missing Bits for his 70th birthday (and cut his cake) remember it’s still a two day trip back to Tuggeranong.
Right on queue the sound of heavy footsteps (and the pitter patter of 8 paws) could be heard and out of nowhere the stayers arrived back at the start to be greeted by a party of sorts, complete with cake and candles, for the Hare who did not look a year older!
A rousing chant of Happy Birthday with a plastic glass of bubbly wine (Handover still has zero alcohol).
On on to Handovers place in Kambah for next Monday (no worries with zero alcohol).
On On Dingles
Run Report: 30th January – Cnr Charleston St and Clive Steele Ave, Monash
Hare: Dingles
The RA finally learned to master the weather on a day that we actually wouldn’t have minded if it did rain. We knew this would be a sweaty run, even before we began running.
Everyone knew the way to Dingle’s run, but something about the place seemed different. Telling us not to take too long he had a bbq to get to, we set off. Even after the Hare pointed and shouted where the run started twice, it still took us about 100 metres before we saw our first arrow.
Much of the run seemed strangely familiar and I, the Much Acclaimed OnSec, managed to pick the direction on almost every check. Then Dingles obviously decided to change tactics. The trail suddenly became not so predictable, sending us all one way, only to nearly miss the very faded checks that sent us back the other way. We actually left Monash and spent some time in Oxley. Very un-Dingles like.
Getting back to the ornamental bbqs, Dingles served up his version of chicken and chips. With respect to the total fire ban, Dingles served pre-cooked chicken from a plastic re-sealable bag. The chips were the kind a Gobbledok favours. After his first day back at school, Paprazzi, was so hungry, he ate more than everyone else combined.
It was while we ate and drank that we finally realised what was different. It wasn’t enough that they decommissioned the bbqs, they had also taken away the bin.
On On Handover
Run Report: 23rd January – 5/49 Pinkerton Cct, Kambah
Hare: Handover
The Hare has finally worked out how to get around the zero alcohol requirements for another 6 months. Plan B, set the hash from his place.
The weather was slightly cooler than the previous Mondays run, cloudy but still 37 degrees C.
Missing Bits was still recovering from setting his marathon last week so was a no show.
The usual call for “where’s Whiteout” and off went the pack, at the usual cracking pace. Zigzagging around the Pinkerton Cct area and finally up to Learmonth Drive (we all knew that’s where it would end up). Through the gate and onto Urambi Hills Nature Reserve.
The track followed the now infamous Bicentennial National Trail, does it sound familiar. I believe we were walking along that trail 7 days previously. Does this mean we could have followed the trail all the way from Cook back to Kambah.
Paparazzi was disappointed the pack didn’t have to cross any Grand Canyons and it was around this time we encountered the missing Whiteout, glad we didn’t wait.
A quick short cut around Tuggeranong Dam wall and the trail led back to Pinkerton Cct. The trail became confusing in areas due to a competing Hash (CSBH3) placing chalk arrows on the bicycle paths.
Thanks to the higher than average Hash IQ, the members of the pack managed to work out which arrows were for CH3.
Before we knew it we were back in Handovers back yard enjoying a meat pattie, cheese slice and fried onion on a sesame seed bun.
On on next Monday to the well-used decommissioned BBQ in Monash (for decommissioned BBQ’s they get a fair work out).
On On Dingles
Run Report: 6th February – BBQs at Fadden Pines, Bugden Ave, Fadden
Hare: Paparazzi
The pack met at a site not frequented much these days. In years gone by it was a regular Hash site, Plenty of hills and nice shady trees (pines) for those hot runs.
Last Monday 50 degrees C, this Monday 25 degrees C – yep no such thing as climate change.
The absence of our local Hash fireperson (second Monday in a row) was noticeable so we decided we wouldn’t wait any longer than 6.45pm. Text message from Handover – “running late”.
Handover is still on the bike – it takes a very conscientious Hash man to peddle 20 kilometres just for a Hash run (excuse is the starter motor in his vehicle, we know it’s his zero alcohol limit).
The pack commenced at the usual Canberra Hash pace of two steps forward and one step back with an occasional step to the side. Parting comment from the Hare was “don’t read too much into it”.
Round the streets, up a rise which included an evacuation assembly point sign half way up. Of course what goes up must come down. The trail at this point proceeded down a hill that even a mountain goat wouldn’t venture; we expected to be met at the bottom by Handover – who was running late.
Continue around the indoor cricket bubble, still no sign of Handover.
Cross over Isabella Drive via a bridge heading towards Chisholm shops, right turn and past the Chisholm Fire Station (not Whiteout’s station). Wander a bit further on down past Vikings Cricket oval to be met by Handover (did I mention he arrived late).
This time it’s back under Isabella Drive and the site of the Hare in the distance caused a small stirring in the pack, some actually started to jog.
Welcome back to BBQ chicken rolls with coleslaw and a nice cold beer. The Hare surprised us all by producing a birthday cake, with a rousing rendition of Happy Birthday he cut the cake – we didn’t have any candles (used them all on Missing Bits cake a few weeks ago).
By now it was dark and Dingles feeling sorry for Handover and the 20 kilometre peddle back to Kambah offered to put his bike in the back of his vehicle and drive him home. A look of relief on Handovers face.
On On Dingles
Run Report: 20th February – BBQ’s at the corner of Morisset Street and Collett St, Queanbogeyan
Hare: Barbie Tools
Queanbeyan aka Struggletown aka Boganville aka Queanbogeyan. It’s been a while since Hare Barbie Tools has set a run from his hometown – usually it’s from Fyshwick.
The pack gathered under the cloudless sky but the temperature was a pleasant 25 degrees. A couple of late runners, Handover had problems riding his pushbike all the way to QBN and had to rely on a lift from Whiteout. Appears the Handover mobile is still up on blocks waiting on the new heart transplant. Handover doesn’t work Mondays now so the suggestion was put forth that he could be the setter of runs on a Monday from now on.
Of course the pack didn’t hang around. Off they went following some of the biggest Hash arrows ever seen. A short loop through the hospital carpark and down past ALDI where the vacuum created by the pack running past caused car alarms to go off. Then a nice stroll around the streets of Queanbeyan, plenty of shade, a stop off near the police station where the trail went cold. Picked up again across the road and a tight loop back to the river and the suspension bridge with a ‘cheeky’ false trail.
Back to the BBQ’s where Barbie Tools had a variety of snags for the pack to pig out on. Out of nowhere appeared two dogs and Handover/Whiteout. Apologised for once again being late and that they had attempted to follow the trail. Bloody short cutters.
Comments about the new BBQ’s, Paparazzi said they should be called smart barbies due to their red and green flashing lights to indicate off, on or still hot, but this was just going to confuse the pack into thinking they were talking about Barbie Tools.
Just as the pack were getting ready to On Out the boys (and girl) in blue dropped in. We thought they were going to impound Barbies sausage but they had a warning for us that the park is alcohol free (Hasher’s Dream) and maybe we should be more discrete with our beer drinking.
They declined the offer of a snag. Missing Bits drinking ginger beer would have thrown a cat amongst the pigeons. Dingles birthday run next Monday. Missing Bits can you bring the candles back.
On On Dingles
Run Report: 27th February – Cnr Charleston and Clive Steel Ave, Monash
Hare: Dingles
We all arrived on time for once, almost. 5 or so minutes late, but who was counting. All we saw was Dingles when we arrived. Apparently the RA was out there by himself, all alone, with no one else to help him. Fearing he might miss a crucial arrow, we went out after him.
Typical Dingles trail, following it was almost too easy. Our worst fears were realised as we found Paparazzi, he was lost at a check. It wasn’t long before we were confused as well. This Dingles trail was different. Showing that he can learn new tricks, Dingles set a run like never before. We even went all the way to Isabella Plains. “He’s never set one here before”, we all said. We kept going, not knowing which way the trail would go next. You know, like a Hash run.
We wound our way back to the ornamental bbqs of Monash, to the World famous Dingles chicken wings. We took to them like starving pigs.
On On Handover
Run Report: 13th March – Mount Ainslie Drive, Ainslie
Hare: Missing Bits
After some patchy showers it was a pleasant sunny afternoon. What a pity we had to face a Missing Bits run. We found him camped on the side of Mount Ainslie, next to the naked ladies, about half way up. We were pleasantly surprised to see Greasy again. “There’s at least one gully for you, Paparazzi,” said Missing Bits as he set us on our way.
It is probably the first run Greasy has not started at a trot. With the sounds of gun fire not far away, the trail was a mixture of steep ups and slippery downs. We found ourselves scurrying down and up more than one gully, just as Missing Bits promised. I don’t think we actually managed much running. At some point the trail crossed the main road. Would you believe that someone pulled over their car to ask us which way to the top of the mountain?
Bits must have been running low on flour, with about a mile between the checks and the On On, we spent most of our time trying to find the trail. At some point we lost Paparazzi. He just wasn’t there anymore, but beer waits for no one, so off we went. We knew we were back when we finally saw the naked ladies again.
Mrs Bits was cooking up handmade gourmet hamburgers. As we were scoffing down, Paparazzi finally found his way in.
On On Handover
Run Report: 20th March – Hake Street, Kambah
Hare: Washed Out
Typical bloody Washed Out run.
Rain, rain, rain.
On On Handover
Run Report: 27th March – Hake Street, Kambah
Hare: Dingles
We all showed up at Monash.
We were all there for the Hash.
In ones and twos we came,
And we all knew who to blame.
We all took off, Paparazzi leading the charge,
The rest of us, at the pace of a slow barge.
We counted the checks, there were only three,
Which left us oathing, words to the affect, “oh gee.”
When we finally got back, we found Dingles and son,
With enough barbecued chicken for everyone.
We gobbled it down and had our fill,
‘Til the heavens opened up and let rain spill.
On On Handover
Run Report: 8th & 9th April – West Lawn in front of Old Parliament House
Hare: Australian Running Festival
Everyone likes a good huff and puff in the morning, and Saturday was no exception. A bit chilly and crisp, but for a 10km run, what more would you like?
If you ran on Sunday, then you can have a chat with Paparazzi. He was there! That’s right, they allowed Paparazzi and Dingles be in charge of a drink stop, but all they had was water.
Disgraceful.
On On Handover
Run Report: 17th April – Majura Mtb Park, Car Park, Majura Road
Hare: Missing Bits
The first Missing Bits challenge on this run, was figuring out how to get to it. It used to be easy, but then they built a Big New Road. Some of us did a few laps of the BNR before we manage to work it out and find the start. As a result, there were 2 running packs. Those who actually looked at a map, in the first pack; those who decided to wing it, in the second.
If you haven’t experienced a Missing Bits run, he loves his mountain bike trails. They’re so easy. The trails are already there. Plus, they like to twist and turn a lot. Meaning you can run 10 metres and see the spot from 10 metres ago, only 1 metre away.
Even though we, the second pack, let out bellows of “Are You!”, never did we hear the expected response of “On On”, that we so wanted. No short cutting for us, damn it.
Of course, we had to share the trail with the mountain bikerteers. Now and again, we were jumping out of the way as fast as we could. There was one time we noticed a bikerteer going bush. Obviously not brave enough to take on the challenge of the Hash.
As everybody knows, Mrs Bits excels at in outdoor kitchen. Another Missing Bits challenge, “cook for everyone without enough gas”. Well she managed. According to the first pack, she took the last bit of bacon off the cooker the very moment the gas ran out. For the second pack, it wasn’t “straight of the stove hot”, but we enjoyed it just the same.
On On Handover
Run Report: 23th April – Collins Park, Tasmania Circuit, Forrest
Hare: Handover
There was a run set in Forrest
The Hare the run set was the best
It went up the Red Hill
We all felt like a dill
By the end we wished for a rest.
On On Washed Out
Run Report: 30th April – Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park
Hare: MS Fun Run
It was a great morning for a run! All for a good cause too, so happy thoughts were all around.
I think every Hasher knows the Bridge-to-Bridge around Lake Burley Griffin by now. The trail was no different this time. Somehow we and the rest of Canberra managed to squeeze our way through the footpath on Kings Avenue Bridge. The Orange Cycle Gang, whose numbers were large, wanted to use more of the path than was needed. Most seemed to only do one lap, the pack that was left to run the second was a lot smaller.
Everyone made it back alive and were able to munch down on some fruit and water (so uncivilised).
On On Handover
Run Report: 7th May – 1 Braund Place, Kambah
Hare: Whiteout
The Pack met for a Sunday morning stroll around the hills behind Learmonth drive.
So off the pack went with Handover setting a cracking pace. Looks like he missed out on breakfast and needed to get back quickly to beat Dingles and Paparazzi to the egg and bacon rolls.
Of course the trail led upwards, once across Learmonth Drive -where else can it go but up. A nice couple of Hash Vistas at the top but a wasted effort as not many Hashers were running today.
Back down the hill only to find that another set of arrows were waiting for the pack. Capital Hash. Oh well too late to go looking for Canberra Hash arrows.
Let’s walk up Learmonth till we find Whiteouts On In and take it from there.
BBQ was cooking the required food on our arrival back to Whiteouts villa. Beer, hash browns and burgers at 11am on a Sunday morning what could be better?
Handover pulled up after two rolls stating that he only had a small tummy.
Run comments while munching on the egg and bacon rolls: Not one Hash Vista but two and the award for Hare of the Year goes to Whiteout for managing to hide her arrows behind rocks. A cunning stunt, 10 out of 10.
On On Dingles
Run Report: 14th May – Rond Terrace, Commonwealth Park
Hare: Mothers Day Classic
Just like a case of deja vu , only cooler. We were back at Rond Terrace, this time because we love our Mothers. Out of a population of 357,220, apparently only 2 to 300 of us do this much. The cooler weather would have tested many.
The usual run around Lake Burley Griffin seemed just like all the others. The mad dash at the start; the congestion crossing Kings Avenue Bridge; and, dodging the running, walking, cycling or coffeeing people, who use the lake to ‘look good’.
After two laps of the lake, dripping with sweat and breathing heavy, I am sure that every Mother knew that we loved them.
As usual, the only after run refreshments were water and fruit. Yay. We should have brought our own, but what would our Mothers have said.
On On Handover
Run Report: 21th May – 5/49 Pinkerton Cct, Kambah
Hare: Handover
What a day for a run, with nice warm weather.
It was an interesting run, full of twists, turns, ups, downs, zigs and zags. Along the streets and footpaths of Kambah the trail went. I think Handover took some trail setting tips from Missing Bits. Mount Urambi loomed over us, but surprisingly, we did not go that way. The trail continued twisting and turning and took us passed Breakys old house (which has only now been fenced off for demolition).
Never sure which way the trail would go next, we found ourselves running passed the (Un)Adventure Playground, then down towards the Drakeford shopping area. Then off zigging and zagging around the streets and footpaths again, but somehow ended up back at the Hares place.
It was very pleasant sitting in the Hares backyard, which was full of sun. Not to mention the big fat pancakes he whipped up from pre-mix pancake bottles.
On On Washed Out
Run Report: 28th May –
Hare: Hash Halt
The Hash Halted.
On On Handover
Run Report: 12th June – Don Dunstan Drive, Bonython
Hare: Washed Out
Interesting. The Fire Brigade were there before us. Someone must have tipped them off.
A good turnout, including Breaky, turned up at Washed Out’s Wetlands of Bonython. We were informed it shouldn’t take us long, and to prove the point, he started bbqing before we got underway. Fearing to prove him wrong and the food would be over cooked, we skedaddled, even Dingles. It was like we had wind. Through the streets of Bonython we went. We constantly had to wait since Missing Bits and his dog Gus kept stopping to sniff stuff. We found the wetlands again and could see Washed Out on the other side... there were more people there than there should be... odd. Coming around the wetlands across the dam wall (excuse me for swearing), we quickly made our way back.
Indeed there were more people there then there was when we left. Kandoo was surprise enough, but the second fire truck with more Firies was a little alarming. As we were making sure the wood, matches and kerosene were out of sight, they explained they were there to give us information. There followed a very informative session on the possible dangers and the what-to-dos of outdoor activities that could occur from snakes, overheating, or accidents in remote areas. Definitely information all Hash Warrens should be aware of.
By the way, there were chicken kebabs and lots of beer.
On On Handover
Run Report: 18th June – Behind the CSIRO, at the end of Frith Road, Acton
Hare: Missing Bits
We arrived to find Mrs Bits playing Tetris and no Missing Bits anywhere. Mrs Bits delivered the bad news.
1. It doesn’t go all the way to the top
2. It is over 10km – that’s why he isn’t here, he’s still setting it
3. The weather is nice
4. The start is over that way
5. I’m going to get the bbq out and start cooking
6. Oh and Handover already started
The start of the trail went away from the mountain, I think that worried us the most. Missing Bits doesn’t waste time on well-made footpaths and roads. They obviously never seem to go exactly where he wishes to go. Ominously, the trail seemed to continue heading away from the mountain and into O’Conner. There we found Handover who confessed he clumsily lost the trail. True enough, it simply did not go any more forward. We did eventually find the trail heading back out of O’Conner, cunningly hidden, which with no other option decided to follow.
The trail finally went to the mountain and we started climbing. Onward and upward and sideward and downward and upward and downward and sideward (you get the idea) we went. We were amazed at the amount of pedestrian traffic we encountered and had to dodge around. One person even asked us if we knew the quickest way to the top. We told him, “straight up”.
It was after midday when we finally arrived back at the cars. Mrs and Missing Bits seemed like worried parents when they finally saw us. Before we could completely catch our breath, Mrs Bits was pushing food our way. She proved that to make good food all you need is bacon, especially if it is wrapped around baked potatoes. Who would say no? Oh, that’s right.
On On Washed Out
Run Report: 2nd July – Oldfields Hut, Murray Gap Trail, Cooleman NSW
Hare: Bob Mills
It was a great Winter Walk.
If you have never heard of it, the Winter Walk has been a mostly annual event for about 40 years. It began as a trek from Kosciuszko to Canberra by some early intrepid Hashers, with one of the stops being Oldfields Hut within Murrays Gap, just below Mount Bimberi. It was decided “walk from where ever you want, but be at Oldfields Hut, the 1st Sunday in July by 4pm for Cocktails”. While there has always been plenty of grog, the challenge has always been to bring the most elaborate meal, the “Cocktails”. There are legends of Black Forest Cake, Packets of Biscuits, Stir Fry’s, and still to this day for many years, a Lamb Roast.
This year the weather was sublime, it was hard to believe it was the middle of winter. There were even blowflies. As is tradition, we all took our own trails but all came to Oldfields. Everyone dressed appropriately for the occasion and proceeded with Cocktails. Of course there was Roast Lamb as well as Curry Puffs, Satay Chicken to name a few of the meals served.
After a warm night, we awoke to a warm morning, but with low clouds. We saw to our ablutions, had breakfast, packed our packs and walked up into the clouds. It became like a vision out of a movie when we saw those ahead or behind moving behind veils of cloud. After 2 and a half hours of walking we made it out and headed to the Snow Goose in Adaminaby.
When we arrived, we found B2 and Haemorrhoid. Normally at the Snow Goose we drink and have burgers. We drank, but under New Management “we only do pizza all day on weekdays”. So, not feeling good about it, we each ordered a pizza. And like with so many other vices, afterwards, we vowed never to do it again.
On On Handover
Run Report: 23rd July – Car park on Lime Kiln Road, Majura Pines
Hare: Missing Bits
If you ignored the 4 lane highway running through it, the Majura Pines feels just like being in the middle of some wilderness. It was a good turnout, including Big Boy and The Younger who we had not seen in a while.
The Pack got off to a good start, until the Hare called us back and pointed in the other direction. The Majura Pines is riddled with mountain bike tracks and I think we saw them all, although not so many people using them. There came a point where the Pack swore. What we found in front of us was an upward sloping gully. That’s right; we went from running to crawling up rock faces. It was all downhill from there.
We found our way back and we were all blown. Mrs Bits was gallantly managing to cook with a roaring wind. Ham, cheese and pancakes!
On On Handover
Run Report: 20th August – BBQs off Weston Park Road, Yarralumla
Hare: Handover
This was an unusual Hash run – no dogs, no firies, (or fires, fries, furies, fairies or ferries – thanks spell-checker) and the appearance of Messr. le Grease. Also unusual were three Hares being necessary to lay the trail.
The pack thundered off, following a single trail and not three as we had feared. A few checks were thrown our way but they did not prove troublesome. Anticipation was the name of the game, and Dingles proved adept at this essential Hashing skill. We didn’t spend long checking – we just waited for Dingles to anticipate and head off in the right direction, cutting off vast chunks of the trail. He was a real SCB.
Good food followed – bacon and egg rolls – though not many were left by the time the main pack returned to the tubs. Yet another unusual feature of this epic run was the single bottle of beer that appeared at the après-run. What is the Hash coming to???
On Out Missing Bits
Run Report: 22nd October – Yacht Club, Lotus Bay, Mariner Pl, Yarralumla
Hare: Greasy
The Pack met for the annual change over run from Sundays to Monday at the CSCC Yacht Club.
The excitement built up with the arrival of Dingles and Paparazzi (jet set travellers, returned from Europe just to be involved in the activities).
Paparazzi tried to take out a car with his tow ball whilst managing to squeeze his cruiser into a space left for a mini. No damage done thanks to the plastic bumpers on modern cars, the owner of the car arrived to verify this.
Next to arrive with the esky full of the vital essentials, was Handover and Whiteout, then the search party was sent out to find the Hare Greasy.
Nobody anticipated the number of people to be picnicking on the shores of the lake – dogs, cricket, soccer, a band, a wedding plus lots of other exciting stuff.
“There he is”, was the cry as a couple of more members arrived to boost the Pack.
“It’s a short 4.5 k run”, was the advice from the Hare, “Should we order the fish and chips before we go?” was suggested.
Off the Pack set, as we had been warned that the trail commenced from about a 100 metres away, near where the Hares car was parked.
Along the edge of the road, then into the trees to a two way check. Check right and check left. Right took you nowhere, left was the way to go.
Avoid the diving magpies and fighting kangaroos. Down past the Chinese embassy and around passed the croquet to re-join with the edge of the lake for the run home.
Unfortunately the Pack became disoriented around the embassy and the trail was lost. Decision time – do we search for the trail or head on back to the yacht club for the fish and chips.
Fish and chips it was, as the Hare is guarding the esky while the Pack is out and we don’t want him to drink all the beer.
On return to the grassy area, the Hare greeted the Pack with the news that he had to head off as his wife was ill and he wouldn’t be able to stop for the meal. Sorry to hear this Greasy, best wishes to Mrs Greasy for a speedy recovery.
The Pack settled into eat a meal of fish and chips, washed down with beer. Some extra advice was handed out to the ‘yachties’ on how to handle their crafts (which resemble a bathtub) in the windy weather.
On Out Dingles
Run Report: 30th October – BBQs at Norgrove Park, Printers Way, Kingston
Hare: Handover
What does Monday’s run and Barbie Tools have in common? With both, we experienced strong and chilling wind!
The first Monday run of the season and what a run it was... if you can call it that. Dingles was down, as was his Better Half, due to a European bug they brought back from their travels, duty free of course. There were even signs at the BBQs of the bug. The ever delightful Missing Bits got off of his death bed from his Nippon travels, to grace us with his effervescent company... and he brought Gus for protection from the snobs of the Foreshore. There was no surprise when the last to show, after the pack had already left, was Whiteout and Poppy.
Well, the Hare did warn us with, “I’m curious how many arrows have survived the wind”. Some did. When they didn’t, we made it up as we went. The Trail pretty much went along the “coast” of the Foreshore, which “might” be a Hash first. If it is, then “Yay” to Handover. We ran along the boardwalk and crossed over bridges to the Human-Made islands of Fortune and then crossed back again.
We found the On In. Handover must have been running low on flour; it was about 2km from the BBQs.
When we finally returned to the BBQs, there were beef patties, onions and eggs waiting for us. Thankfully they were cooked this time. We ate and drank everything in sight.
On Out Washed Out
Run Report: 6th November – 1 Braund Place, Kambah
Hare: Whiteout
It was a day you wouldn’t read about, ever. If someone said it rained that day, they obviously weren’t there. I’ve seen less water coming down in the shower.
There was no Run set; nothing could have to protect the Hare, the flour or chalk against that torrent. A few of us showed, only a brave few. We were setting down to have a couple of drinks and bbq, when the unexpected happened. They came in the form of Muscles From Brussels and Sexual Education. All the way from Denmark via Kuala Lumpur they came to run with the Hash. Well, we were not going to let them down!
Out we went all five of us, each with a roadie in hand, except the dog that is. She had the keg attached to her collar. As all the bravest Hashers do, we headed up. Along the way we managed to increase the size of the Pack by three. In spite of all our attempts to dissuade them, they wouldn’t listen. So, our Pack of eight, four humans and four dogs, pressed on. Of course, one of them needed assistance climbing the wall (just under 1 metre high), to get onto Urambi Hills. All eight of us made it to the top! Not the toppest top. The not as toppest top. Very windy. We looked around at the surrounding H.V., all the while getting blown.
I don’t know what we did, but it must have been bad. The three tag-alongs suddenly decided they didn’t want to be seen with the likes of us. Even though we mentioned the after run bbq, they chose to go down their own way.
On Out Handover
Run Report: 13th November – BBQs at Fadden Pines, Bugden Ave, Fadden
Hare: Paparazzi
What a delight! Faces! New faces! ...Again!
Looking at the weather and the BOM radar, it looked to be a carbon copy of last Monday’s run. The weather forecast was for afternoon thunderstorms, but the RA being the Hare was determined to make sure that this didn’t happen for him, selfish. Two crappy weather runs in a row – not on his watch.
The First New Face was Jack, a Virgin. Apparently he is a Dentist, so unfortunately, he couldn’t show his face. Weird, but no matter how much we tried we only saw the back of his head. But then again, if you are legally allowed to inflict as much pain on people as a dentist can, you wouldn’t want to show your face either.
The Second New Face was Wallwalker. I suppose not so much a new face, as it is an old face that we haven’t seen since April. He always seems to re-surface around the AGPU time – he has a taste for Thai food.
The Pack sat around waiting ...and waiting. The Hare finally arrived back from setting his Run and with the knowledge provided to the Pack of the starting point – off we set.
Around the church for a quick confession, a false trail, then down the underpass heading towards Chisholm. He looked like he knew the way, so we followed Handover at the Checks. Once again we proved that looks aren’t everything. Time and time again, he would turn around, look at us and simply say “not this way”.
We followed the trail around Chisholm and saw more of it than we wanted to. It took longer than it should have, since Handover couldn’t seem to find the On On quick enough.
The Pack eventually arrived back at the tubs to a welcome meal of roast chicken, with options of cheese, coleslaw and mayonnaise on a flat hamburger bun. We all ate well, while washing it down with ...you guessed it, Beer.
On Out Dingles
Run Report: 20th November – BBQs at Latrobe Park, Bedford Street, Deakin
Hare: Handover
It was a wild, wet and windy afternoon ....... well, not really. Had that been the case it may have explained the low turnout.
A huge turnout at the appointed location in the heart of Canberra's most well to do suburb. The run could have been a biathlon given the size of the puddle at the entrance to the park. After introductions and without further ado the Pack set off, Handover coming along to show the way as no one brought a torch. Given the number of checks, the Hare believed that the pack would not get back before dark!
A brisk walk round the side of Red Hill revealed how the hill got its name, red soil exposed in the wash aways, and that we really are the bush capital. Not a lot of wild life was seen, however the 6-7 km walk was most enjoyable. Well, we were gone over an hour, so must have been that far!
Anyway, back at the start, girls thanked us for a good time and hurried off, leaving the pack and Hare to enjoy the BBQ flavoured chips and range of dips. Can you believe TAMS has taken away yet another BBQ?
On Out Paparazzi
Run Report: 27th November – Western end of Banaga Place, Aranda
Hare: Missing Bits
Easy to find Place or so we thought, only person who didn’t get lost finding the start spot was the Hare.
On arrival at the designated start point the Hare was on his own, when asked where was Mrs Bits he replied "over in the park with Gus watching obedience classes". Not too sure who the obedience training was for Mrs Bits or Gus.
The Pack waited as long as possible for Handover and Whiteout to arrive (yep they both got lost), a bit like Wallwalker - he was lost at Canberra Airport looking for a Pollie with a Cracker.
Off we set after final with instructions from the Hare that we would need flashlights as it’s a 15 k track. Did we really expect anything less from him? A cunning small loop to kick it off, still in sight of the tubs and still no sign of Handover and Whiteout.
The Pack managed to put the local AFL team to shame, as they were training on the oval beside the Pack – good to see they had their hands on the hips and taking big breaths as well.
Up over Belconnen Way and our first check. Virgin Paul, checked right and managed to come back with a handful of balls – something you don’t see often.
On On up the hill and finally met up with our two missing Hash persons and several big roo’s, even Whiteout's dog backed off. Follow the forest trails for a few k’s when Dingles received a phone call from Mrs Dingles to say it had started raining in Tuggies. With some Insider Trading and the call was for a quick exit stage right as its getting dark and looking stormy. Even Hashers aren’t that ‘stoopid’ to stay out in weather like this. We know when it’s time to go.
We managed to make it back to the tubs just as the first drops of water started to fall from the heavens, several prayers from the Pack for the good management of getting back in time. Much to the Hares astonishment – Pack of Pussies was the call, “scared of a bit of water, took me 2 hours to set the trail and your back in under 60 minutes”.
Sheltering under the trees and enjoying a BBQ meal cooked by Mrs Bits, back from obedience training. Looks like their dog, Gus must have eaten the meat patties. Hamburgers without the meat, however we did have onions, bacon and mushrooms were waiting for us on a sesame seed bun.
On Out Dingles
Run Report: 4th December – Oriental Kitchen, Brierly Street, Weston
Hare: Handover
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day. Just as well the RA was about to be sacked, along with the rest of the Hashittee. In all fairness, it did stop raining by the time we all rocked up. “The Trail’s gone”. What were we to do? Whatever the question, the answer is always ‘beer’.
We proceeded to proceed with the proceedings with a procedural from the proceeds. (We cracked open a beer and drank it). After toasting the commencement of the AGPU and Broken Seal’s visitation, we decided to perform Live Hare. While it may sound like a kinky activity, I can assure you it was not. Although, we were wet and satisfied when we finished, some of us were even panting from the exertion.
Arriving at Orient Kitchen the informalities began. The previous year s Hashittee were all sacked and good riddens. The new improved Hashittee, with state-of-the-art gadgets, free shipping plus the offer doubled was voted in.
With all the informalities over, we ate and drank to welcome in the 49th year of Canberra Hash House Harriers.
On Out Anonymous
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