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!