4H Run No.21, 8 August 2010

投稿日: Sep 22, 2010 11:13:24 PM

From : Thomas

Under overcast, August skies, 23 people loitered outside Maboiri Kaigon

Station, awaiting the beginning of the 4:00pm Hash run. Although the

temperature was not as high as it had been over the prior few days, the

humidity was horrible. Over the next few hours the hashers would run

past monuments, light houses, parks, battlements, beaches and forests.

They would get lost, brave harrowing ascents, sweat bucket loads and

finally replenish lost fluids with much welcomed beer. A hare would be

christened, an Izakaya visited and an unusual bottle opener fondled.

And so it began…after passing some residential areas the run climbed

over 200 steps (yes I counted), through thick vegetation to an awesome

park with spectacular views. Unfortunately the fatigue made it difficult

to enjoy such sites. Ramparts built during the Second World War, some

with their cannons still intact, over-looked Tokyo bay. The route took us

to a monument with a view of the narrowest part of the bay; the Chiba

Peninsula loomed in the distance.

Hymen finished intact, despite showing up late and running in crocks,

the crocks replacing the flip-flops worn during the last run. Crusader

was the first to finish the course in about an hour and a quarter. He was

closely followed by Cliff hanger and Hyman. Santamaria was the back

marker.

While everyone made it to the finish without getting lost, for long

anyhow, there were a few points of confusion along the route. Not all

the arrows were easy to find and therefore, appeared to be spaced at

long intervals.

This meant that hashers went farther than usual along the wrong

routes before turning back. This was in part caused by novice spotters,

myself included! Hat’s off to the two virgin hares for taking us through a

challenging and exciting course. Although there were a few disgruntled

words about the markings, take heart, “Tis only sport to maul the hare”.

On the flip side to the lack of arrows, others choose to ignore the final

arrow! “SC” pointed to a flat stretch of coast line, while the

alternative pointed to a humungous set of steps. The steps led to a light

house, which I can only assume, offered a great view of the bay. Maybe

it was the heat, the humidity, fatigue, laziness, or the lure of beer but

most of the hashers choose the short cut. Santamaria and four others

were the only ones to complete the entire course. GPS watches measured

the course to be around 8km, this was not including the “long-cut”, and

so it was probably closer to 9 km. Given the heat and humidity this worked

out to be good distance.

Once everyone had returned, Tapeworm took the floor and welcomed the

newcomers and visitors; there were seven newcomers and one visitor.

Short-cutters were given the opportunity to own up, which they did in

large numbers. The next point of business was to christen one of the

Hares. The

Hare in question was politely asked to leave the circle while deliberations

ensued. Many names were thrown around, including “Welsh wench”

before “Enter the Dragon” won on a close vote. Santamaria took time to

recite, (or possibly create), some poetry. He then passed out flyers about

the upcoming “Highland Games”. A haggis eating challenge is also on the

cards for anyone that thinks they have what it takes.

The hashers rode the local bus back to an Izakaya in Yokosuka. Food sizzled

and beer flowed. The food was delicious and reasonably prices (3,000YEN per person). The conversation was a great, after that my memory becomes as

reliable as some of the markings!

Thanks to you all for letting myself and others participate, for introducing

us to new terms and allowing me to be the ”scribe”. And last but not least

thanks to the Virgin Hares.

On-On!