• Hazukashii
Oct 2019 – Apr 2020

Who Runs The World

On 10 Oct 2019, I depart Hawaii on a round the world hashing excursion. Original destination was Trinidad for INTERHASH. This trip was cut short due to COVID 19. Time to quarantine, and get caught up on medical stuff. Next trip . . Even more epic Read more
  • Trip start
    October 10, 2019

    And the Journey Begins

    October 10, 2019 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 31 °C

    If this world adventure was not going to be exciting enough, I depart Hawaii today headed for Tokyo (for All Japan Nash Hash) . . . to arrive only hours before a massive typhoon (Hagibis) is due to make landfall.Read more

  • Japan Nash Hash

    October 13, 2019 in Japan ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Wow, what a way to start a world trip. Made it safely into Tokyo on Friday, and the heavy rains started Saturday morning. The trail on Saturday afternoon was in the pouring rain. Streets were flooded, trails were super muddy, everything was covered in 3-6 inches of water. It was a good sloppy 5k trail. Sunday morning trail was a fabulous 8k shiggy trail with rolling hills. Most of the water had drained away, and it was a hot sunny day. The second trail on Sunday was 10k, with much more climbing.Read more

  • Relaxing in Bangkok

    October 16, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 27 °C

    Made it to Bangkok, will be here for a few weeks. Today's trail with the Bangkok Harriettes was a good start to a month's worth of hashing in Thailand. The map does not do the trail justice for how many narrow alleys and side streets we managed to sneak through. Oh, and guess who was tits of the week? Hard to believe it has been six fast years since I last hashed here, so good to be back. On On. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4162…

    Ran with the Thursday Hash last night, another excellent small alley way trail. It does not show well, but what looks like near straight lines is really a bunch of short twists and turns, and ducking for low overhead. Here is a hilarious look at a bad intersection on the Bangkok Thursday hash. https://www.relive.cc/view/vevYVXWJoJO

    Finished off the first week in Bangkok with an excellent shiggy trail with the Bangkok Men's H3. Great times to be had . . . https://www.relive.cc/view/vPOpWYX2KEv
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  • Day trip to Pattaya Jungle H3

    October 20, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 29 °C

    It was a long ass drive from Bangkok (over 2 hours each way), but an excellent trail today with the Pattaya Jungle H3. Over 90 degrees F, and high humidity, but feels so good to sweat it out . . . meaning the beer at the end tastes so good. :)

    Interesting fact about the PJH3, Checks are marked with wooden sticks, with a red X . . . and false trails, with a blue X.

    This makes 8 hash trails over the past 10 days since I left Hawaii. Feeling very good. Thanks to my old Friend Boob-a-lube for arranging transportation.

    https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4175…
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  • More Hashing in Bangkok

    October 25, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    BMH3 - After an awesome trip to Pattaya, it is back for more fun in Bangkok. First off, it was a spin around town with the Bangkok Monday H3. From the Zap Station, trail made the anticipated zig zag through the klongs and alleys in fine fashion. Unfortunately, our hares overlapped last Thursday's trail for a bit. At first it was fine, but instead of clearly marking the departure point, they used an intersection as was done on Thursday, which led the FRBs off in the wrong direction following last week's trail. The pack milled about for nearly 20 minutes before giving up and making their own way back to the start. It was a good time, but . . . 😊 https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4178…

    On Tuesday, Boob-a-lube and I went out for a scouting hike to hare the upcoming Saturday trail for the Men’s hash. It was an excellent 10K hike in the sun, with little shade, but sure made the beer taste great at the end. Looking forward to setting this trail on Saturday.

    BH4 – On Wednesday, it was another excursion with the Bangkok Harriettes. Another interesting trail through the klongs and streets of greater Bangkok. I actually cracked the 12 minute mark (11:40) for a mile, for the first time since the surgery. Getting stronger and stronger . . . my wind is getting better each trail. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4184…

    BTH3 – It was another super humid evening, but a great trail. The mapped track on this trail does not even begin to display the intricate web of alleyways we weaved in and out of on this trial. The hares managed to find every little back alley and street on this city hash. A brilliant live hared trail full of fun. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4187…
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  • Haring the Bangkok Men's H3

    October 26, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 34 °C

    My 12th trail in two weeks since departing Hawaii, and I got the opportunity to hare this one. It was a brilliant trail set up by Boob-a-Lube. It was an excellent runners trail, all flat, with numerous checks. Happy to just be a mule for a change after so many lead hare occasions over the past 6 years in Hawaii. Fun times for sure.

    https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4193…
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  • Another Amazing Week in Bangkok

    November 1, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    S2H3 – After the festivities of the Men’s hash on Saturday, it was off to the Siam Sunday H3. Yet another awesome trail that found numerous dirt tracks and hidden pathways in and around the city. I am a paid up member of the Men’s Hash, the Monday Hash, and the Harriettes Hash, but somehow missed the Sunday Hash, so made my contribution, and now completed the set. We had about 30 hashers turn up, and the weather held out just long enough to complete the circle (we did have lightning and thunder rolling in towards us as a warning). As we sat down for dinner, the sky unloaded and the wind blew, and after about 15 minutes it was gone. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4197…

    BMH3 - My buddy Rawhide set a super shiggy trail this evening. Lots of narrow shiggy trails along klongs and patty dykes. Had a little problem at 3/4 of the way through, when the in trail got a little close to the out trail, and some of us were looping for a bit, but we figured it out and made it back in after dark. Fun times in Bangkok. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4200…

    No hash on Tuesday, but I did go out on a 16 Km + scouting hike with Boob-a-lube for over 3 hours. This is the longest hike I have done since (well, you know). It started out an expected 10 Km hike, but soon turned into an exploration as we took some new turns. It was a great day. Later that evening, we joined the hash gathering at the Kiwi Pub on Soi 8. Good to see some old friends there as well.

    BH4 - Not sure whether it was the 16Km hike yesterday, or that I am finally off the blood thinners . . . but I was not feeling so great before the trail tonight. I decided to walk, but after a couple Kms, everything started to feel good again, so was able to run a bit. A short but fun trail from the Ladies, and many dressed up for Halloween. Good fun in Bangkok. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4206…

    BTH3 – Halloween. Trail was disappointingly short, but it was all in the dark, so it had some mystery all its own. Good circle, and fun chatting with the pack. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4209…

    NH3 – An unexpected opportunity popped up, YKM was in town and called a Nonthaburi H3 trail. So off we went. I have not run with the Nonthaburi H3 in 17 years, but it was good to see YKM again. When I first ran with the NH3, there was this horseshoe that was used to determine the next down down, but alas . . . the horseshoe is no more. Unfortunately, the trail on this day was a crap shoot. We actually never found the trail after the first check, and ended up running around looking for trail for the next hour. The only mark I saw after 7 Kms, was a beer stop at a bar about 200 meters from the finish, which had just been abandoned by the hare. Back at the finish, we had several beers and talked about the old days. It all turned out to be a great evening. https://www.relive.cc/view/vMv85y9ZKPO
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  • Bangkok H3 Trail #2209

    November 2, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Getting lots of great exercise, and lots of rest, here in Thailand. Have been able to get in 14 trails and two big hikes over the past two and a half weeks. Last night was yet another interesting trail on the outskirts of the city. With the trip to Japan, that makes 18 hash trails in three weeks . . . time for a change of scenery, so it is off to Sri Lanka tomorrow.
    https://www.relive.cc/view/vwq17kW7RBO
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  • Colombo H3 Trail #2331 - Hukandara

    November 4, 2019 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 29 °C

    Up early in Bangkok, taxi ride to the airport, and off to Sri Lanka. Made it in as scheduled, but was unable to change my return flight, so it will be a short stay. Sri Lanka is a lovely country, arrived on a bright sunny day (although it had been raining quite hard off and on for several days). Was an easy 45 minute transit from the airport to the hotel, checked in and relaxed a bit with a cold Lion Beer. Got in an hour long nap, and dressed for the hash. AINT ZE BUSH had arranged a tuk-tuk to pick me up and deliver me to the hash a half hour away. As it turns out, it was the final trail of a weekend long event that included a Hash Ball, and this trail was the annual joint run where the ladies were invited to run on the men's hash. Excellent pack of over 40 hashers gathered for the 8 Km trail in the Hukandara area. It got very dark towards the end of trail, but we all managed to find our way back to the house, where cold beer and snacks awaited. After cleaning up a bit, we had a rousing circle in the back yard, with a hash bag give-away, and a fully catered dinner. After filling up, and quenching my thirst in ice cold Lion Beer, Bushy again set me up with a taxi back to the hotel for a quick clean up, pack up, and check out of the hotel. Another 45 trek back to the airport for an early 1:15 am flight back to Bangkok. Awesome day, will definitely go back to Sri Lanka again.

    https://www.relive.cc/view/vevW7Qpg8Gv

    http://www.colombohash.com/attend/2379
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  • Back in Bangkok for more fun

    November 6, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    After an amazing trip to Sri Lanka, Wednesday started out with an 11 Km scouting hike with KC. I'm always happy to go hiking, and Thailand has some awesome hiking trails. After a quick snack and a couple beers, it was off to run with the Bangkok Harriettes.

    BH - Another fun trail with the Bangkok Harriettes. Our 81 year old hare Ambrose, kept us guessing on this 8 km scurry around town. Just goes to show you that you are never too old. Well done!! https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4227…

    Thursday turns out is a no hash day during the week of a Full Moon hash, so opting to go out for another hike. Was 11 Kms of scouting, will be an excellent future 8 Km hash trail. In the evening, I enjoyed an excellent Korean BBQ with some of my Seoul Bruddahs Boob-a-Lube, Virginia Slim, and Rawhide.

    BFMH3 - After hashing in Bangkok off and on since 1998, and although it started in the early 2004, I have finally managed to be in town for a Bangkok Full Moon hash. It was an excellent jaunt through town in the dark, and we had many visitors here getting ready for the Mekong Indochina Hash next week. Good times for sure. https://www.relive.cc/view/vXvLY28ND1O

    After a month of continuous hashing, and 21 trails in less than a month . . . I finally took a day off and skipped the Bangkok H3 to catch up on some much needed sleep,

    S2H3 - Back on trail again with the Siam Sunday H3. Things started out a little crazy, but after searching for a long while, we managed to find the paper. From there on out, it was all pretty good shiggy. Great time on the hash, and we had several more visitors prepping for going north to the Mekong Indochina Hash. https://www.relive.cc/view/vAOZBDQWXoO

    BMH3 - After last weeks trip to Sri Lanka on the Monday, it was back to the Bangkok Monday hash this week. We had lots of visitors on this one, in preparation for the Train Rumble to Chiang Mai, so the pack was at least three times the normal size. Although trail was a little short, it was full of twists and turns that kept it exciting the whole way. Got to rest a bit, as I have to scoot out to the airport to pick up Founder Pounder to join in on this fun hash excursion. https://www.relive.cc/view/vPOpWZXjVRv
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  • Train Rumble to Mekong Indochina Hash

    November 12, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    FP got a few hours of sleep , and we packed out for a long day of hash adventure. First we rounded up for the busses that would take on various sight seeing adventures along the way to Ayutthaya. We stopped off at the old city palace, had a lunch, then bussed over to the run site by the great leaning Buddha. I was a mule hare for Whoremonger, and it turned out to be a fun but short trail through various Wats. https://www.relive.cc/view/vevW7Qyj9Gv After the trail, we rode tuk tuks to the place we had circle and beers. Once complete, we strolled out the back door and loaded onto dinner boats and floated the river while feeding on excellent Thai food. Then it was back on the busses, to the train station. By this time, we were both ready for some sleep, so piled our stuff up and jumped into our bunk. Sleep on the train was not to bad, especially since they have upgraded the tracks to the long rails, so no clickety clack, just smooth rolling. We arrived in Chiang Mai on Wednesday morning, and made our way to the hotel and relaxed for the rest of the day. Thursday starts 5 days of hash trails in and around Chiang Mai.Read more

  • Mekong Indochina Hash 2019

    November 14, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 28 °C

    Today starts 5 straight days of hashing in and around Chiang Mai, for the annual Mekong Indochina Hash. We are staying in the Duangtawan Hotel, which is a comfortable place, and centrally located.

    Lanna Bush H3 - FP ran with the CM Bunny / Iron P***y Hash (mostly only women), and I ran with the Lanna Bush (Men Only) trail. It was quite an excursion to get out to the run site, as we stopped every 10 minutes for the drivers and the hares to coordinate. Once we finally got on trail, it was an excellent jungle trail, with plenty of climbing. I had to tap out at the beer check, as my chest was hurting. https://www.relive.cc/view/vmqX1NYBdov

    Thinking Drinking H3 - On Friday, we went out of town again for the long awaited 75th running of the TDH3. Hares were Ibo Ibo and Diarrhea, who promised a fun, but elevating trail. It was elevating for sure, lots of climbing. https://www.relive.cc/view/vXOnEZJn3Bv

    Mekong Indochina Hash Trail day 1 - After a sore shoulder on Friday, I was thinking I would have to sit out for the Saturday trail, but I rallied and went out for the short walkers trail. Now this is new territory for me, I have never done a strictly walkers trail before. So off we went for what I thought would be about a 30 minute ride to the run site . . . well,, two hours later we finally got all 20 plus songthaews to the same spot and off we went into the jungle. It was an excellent trail with several checks, ending at a reservoir where the beer was cold and sun was warming. A great day, but by the time I got back to the hotel, my throat was starting to hurt again, so had to make a short night of it, but did get to see the Lady Boy shows at the venue. Also caught up with several old friends that I had not seen in years . . . good times. https://www.relive.cc/view/vrqDmgmXVLv

    Mekong Indochina Hash Trail day 2 - After a pretty rough week, and a few aches and pains, I decided to take today off for some rest. FP ran the hangover trail today, and she is running very well. Even up the front on many trails. Here is a quick recap of my journey so far after 35 days . . . Countries = 3, Hash Trails = 27, Hikes = 4, total distance = 247 Kms. Probably can add another 30-40+ Kms for just general walking around, but lots of exercise to say the least. Upcoming journeys include Taiwan, Korea, and Indonesia to wrap up 2019.

    MIH Full Moon Run - The postlube event of the Mekong Indochina Hash, one that I had been looking forward to . . . I ended up giving it a miss. Still pretty sick (body aches, cold shivers, fever, coughing, runny nose, you get the picture), I stayed in bed all day, trying to recover. Tuesday was a scheduled down day, for anything we wanted to do in Chiang Mai, but it also turned into a recovery day. Wednesday morning, we packed up our stuff, and all the new hash give-aways, and off to the airport . . . next stop: ASIA UNITED in Taiwan.
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  • Asia United Hash

    November 21, 2019 in Taiwan ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    After several days of sickness, finally starting to feel better. Flew out of Chiang Mai Wednesday afternoon, and arrived here in Taiwan (Taoyuan City) in the evening. Getting through the airport was super easy and fast, and then we had a short 30 min taxi to the hotel. We were both feeling a bit hungry, and Jo suggested we get some sushi. Luck was in our favor, there was a sushi bar a half a block from our hotel. Even better, I was expecting it would probably be expensive, but it was ($1 per plate), so after a full dinner, it came to only 420 TWD ($14 US). A beer and a movie back at the hotel finished off the evening, and a good night's sleep.

    AU Red Dress Run - We wandered down to the venue in the morning, to register and get our goodie bags (they were plentiful, with backpack, shirt, patch, hat, dish, utensils, and various other unsundries) and met up with a few old friends. Since there is no hash scheduled for Friday, we decided to join in on the Red Dress Run. With all our new stuff in tow, we dragged it all back to the hotel, had some lunch, got some more medicine, and then made our way back to the venue for the RDR. Trail was no better than expected, basically a conga line through the streets, dodging cars and scooters, visited one temple, and then finally turned right and made our way into a local brewery for beer check number one. After about 30 minutes, we finally got moving again, and dodged a few more cars and scooters before finally popping out into an inner city park for beer check number two. This one actually had live entertainment, as a young female drum player rocked the party as we drank a wide selection of juicy beers. After about 45 minutes, we made a break for it and finished trail on our own. Back at the venue, once the pack finally arrived, we were entertained by the best dressed pageant, and dined on some local dinner delights. Circled finished just about the time the drizzle started, so after one more beer . . . we made our way back to the hotel for a hot shower, a movie, and more sleep. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/4271…

    Day 1 - We selected a long trail, just to see what we were going to expect for the weekend, and get in a good workout. We did trail one, for 10 Kms, and I was expecting 90 minutes, may 2 hours . . . but it was some serious climbing and ended up taking nearly 3 hours. But an awesome trail in the jungle, with several views . . . just a bit overcast though. Some of the climbs were so sharp, that they actually appear to overlap on the map below. It was a long bus ride, almost 2 hours, so we were about the last ones to return to the venue. It was packed by the time we arrived, but there was still plenty of food, and the beer flowed freely. The entertainment was good, but we did not hang around to long . . . need a hot shower and some sleep. https://www.relive.cc/view/vmqX1BjV4Lv

    Day 2 - We selected trail 2 for a rebound, it was billed as an 8 or 11 Kms optional trail. Jo went on the 11, while I opted for the 8 Kms as it had a bit less climbing. It was a beautiful trail, with a hearty climb at the start for the first 2 Kms, then the split. Soon after the split, I passed a small cafe, where a gent was singing Karaoke, pretty funny. After a bit more climbing, we finally topped out at 3.2 Kms, then we had a cool long downhill section along a streambed. At the bottom, we turned left and back up for a bit, soon leveled off. We passed an old gazebo that had an excellent over view of the reservoir. From there, it was down some old stairs to the road, then a zig zag on a continuous downhill run to the finish. Very nice. At the On In, we had several choices of food, all delicious, and plenty of refreshing beverages. The circle was also super fun, as we played some games and sang some songs. I won a t-shirt by throwing my shoe closest to it, and Jo came in second on the beer mile. :) We then went back to the venue for the closing ceremony and more fun and games. Jo won the flour blowing peanut counting contest (she'll have to explain that one to you). :) What a finish to a superb event here in Taiwan. Now we have a day of rest before flying over to Bangkok. https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqNN7zzX3q
    www.facebook.com/hazu.kashii/posts/116279207724…
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  • Farewell Taiwan, Hello Bangkok

    November 26, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    After some awesome trails over the weekend, we had a down day on Monday. So we set off to get our laundry done, and found a laundromat right across the street. After fuddling with the instructions for a few minutes, we finally got the right amount of money in, pushed the right buttons, and woosh . . . things started spinning. So while the wash was wooshing, we went up the street and had sushi for lunch. With the days tasks complete, we watched a movie and then did some exploring to find a place for dinner. Ended up at Boot's Italian Restaurant, and watched the drizzling rain come down. Next morning, we packed up all our stuff . . . judiciously discarding the unneeded items, and headed to the airport. We flew into the old Bangkok Airport (Don Meueng) which I used to fly into all the time, but have not been back since the new airport opened. Interesting to see that side of town again. So, here we are now back in Bangkok ready to run again this afternoon. We have 10 days to relax here, get lots of runs in, and prepare for our trip to Seoul, South Korea next week. Woohoo, good times.Read more

  • What, back in Bangkok?

    November 27, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 32 °C

    BH4 - Back in Bangkok, and running with the Harriettes. Had an excellent trail near the area KC and I were scouting last month. This trail barely touched ours, so it was all new stuff, good times. Still recovering from being sick, I was a little slow, but was able to jog a bit again. It got dark about 20 minutes before we finished, but there was enough ambient light to find our way. I prefer not to use a torch if there is enough light. Circle was fun, FP became a new member, and I was a returner after being in CM and Taiwan. https://www.relive.cc/view/v7O9w5X54Lq

    Its Thanksgiving . . . but we are just chillin'. Got my first haircut in a month, that is the longest I have gone without a haircut since probably I was in a combat zone. Feels good to get that hair off my neck again. We also booked some more flights in our ongoing travel, headed to Seoul next, then back to Bangkok. Then up north for the SHOT in Pai. We'll be flying to Bali for Christmas, then up to Phnom Penh for New Years. Actually we'll be flying to Saipan on New Year's Day for a week. Then we'll be down to Guam. After that is still up in the air, but an adventure will be had. :)

    BTH3 - Good to be back in the humid, hot, and hashy city of Bangkok for another Thursday trail. Meeting at the often used start at Beer Garden 45, we had an excellent 8 Km trail through twisty alleyways and side streets, all in the dark. It was all I could do to keep up with the tail end of the pack, as they briskly weaved their way along. It is tough to be DFL, but soon enough I will recover and get my wind back. Until then, I'm just doing my best to keep up. https://www.relive.cc/view/v36Arxy82Zq

    Friday was a fun day, wandering around and getting our laundry done, followed by a gathering of hashers at a craft beer place for dinner and drinks. A bit pricey, but they had a lot of beers available, and the food was good. Jo made plans to workout the next day with a friend, and off we went into the darkness to the train home.

    BH3 - A perfect day for a hash run, and it was an excellent shiggy trail with the Bangkok Men's Hash. Lots of single file dirt tracks, gravel and dirt roads, and mud rice dykes. Well done to the hares. Followed up by an interesting circle and plentiful dinner. https://www.relive.cc/view/vMq5deWwpQ6
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  • End of November Summary

    November 30, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    It has been almost two months now on the road, (and 4 months since the surgery) and other than this nagging cold / crud I have been battling off and on for the past 4-5 weeks, all is well. It has certainly been an active time for me. As shown, it has been 50 days, 4 countries, 33 Hash Trails, 4 hikes, and well over 300 Kms of recovery exercise. December will be even busier, as we already have it planned out starting with a trip to South Korea, then back to Bangkok, a return to Chiang Mai, and a weekend in Pai. Next it is back to Bangkok for a week, then we'll spend Christmas in Bali. That is not the end of it, as we then fly up to Cambodia for the final weekend of the year, and on NYE, we'll be on our way to Saipan. We'll spend a week in Saipan to start off the new year, before scooting down to Guam for a few days . . . and who knows where after that. Much more planning to do, but lots of fun.Read more

  • Wow, already December

    December 1, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ⛅ 33 °C

    We started December with a day of relaxation, and got some excellent German food here in town. So after a day of rest, we were off to the run with the Bangkok Monday Hash.

    BMH3 - My old friend Noriega teamed up with Boob-a-Lube to set a short but interesting trail in Onnut. Had a large pack of over 25, and the trail kept us guessing all the way. We crossed some of the most rickety wooden bridges, thought for sure one of us was going to take it down. Fortunatly all was well, and we all made it back safely.
    Good times. https://www.relive.cc/view/vPv4JR1Y436

    Tuesday is another day without a hash, so Jo went to yoga, and take care of some travel arrangements. I went to BNH for a medical check up. Well, the doctor gave me the once over, and all my vitals were good (BP was 114/66, and has stayed steady since the surgery). My heart sounded good, my lungs sounded good, but a chest x-ray revealed acute Bronchitis. So in less than two hours, I was in and out of BNH (outstanding service), I was out the door with 4 different medications (antibiotics) and told to rest and stay hydrated. Later that evening, we did go over to the Kiwi Bar to say farewell to Diarrhea,. He is flying back to Nottingham, England after a 7 week vacation here. We ran many great trails together.

    BH4 - Well, after two days of rest, I was feeling better, so foolishly I went to the Bangkok Ladies Hash to walk trail. I fell behind pretty quickly, and walked along with the older crew, until we hit a point where there were no more pack marks. So we lost trail, and eventually just found our own way to the finish. Probably should have stayed in bed, but like I said, I am a fool. :) I was feeling pretty tired after trail, so just came back and went to bed. https://www.relive.cc/view/vPOpWrowgEv

    I have been in bed most of the day today, only venturing out to turn in our laundry, and get some lunch. Had to make a difficult decision, as we were all set to fly to Seoul tomorrow to celebrate the 1000th Hash, and 20th Anniversary, of the Seoul Southside H3 (a hash that I founded back when I lived in Seoul). Very disappointing to miss it, but believe it is the best move to recover now, and not subject myself to the long flight, and the freezing cold air of South Korea. Jo will be going to the Bangkok Thursday H3, while I relax and watch a movie here in the hotel.

    On Friday, after two more days in bed, I finally felt good enough to go out. So we jumped into the Siam Sunday H3 Christmas Party at the last minute. Was a good time up on Soi 24, with about 70 hashers in attendance. I was still not drinking, and the soup was the only thing that looked good to me, but it was nice to talk to people for a while. Jo had a great time, enjoying my share of the booze as well.

    Saturday I took another whole day off, resting in bad, and watching movies. Feeling better now, with nearly a week of no alcohol while taking the antibiotics.
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  • Seoul or Bust

    December 8, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Well, if you have been reading my previous posts, you already know that Seoul was a bust. Due to the bronchitis, had to wave off of flying up to the much colder Seoul for the weekend, in order to lay in bed and get well. Very dissapointed to miss the 20th Anniversary (and 1000th trail) of the Seoul Southside H3, but the wear and tare on my body may have crushed me. So stay in Bangkok, resting in bed, and getting healthy was the absolute right choice. Felt good enough to go out for trail.

    S2H3 - What an irony . . . as I was typing this, I just realized I missed my S2H3 (Seoul Southside H3) trail in Seoul, but got to run the S2H3 (Siam Sunday H3) trail in Bangkok. It was an interesting trail, off in another area I have not hashed in, at least as far as I know (many trails run here over the past 20 years). Driving in, we could see the start was next to a lake. As we pulled into the parking lot and got out of the car, there was a pungent odor. Upon closer examination, we could see dozens of fairly large dead fish floating along the shoreline. Seems something catastrophic happened. There were still birds floating on the water, and smaller fish still gasping for air swimming around. So some kind of pollution must have taken the air out of the water. Anyway, the trail was out in a different direction, and while it did have many odors of its own, we did not have to smell dead fish. Trail was an excellent jaunt through various rice fields, grass fields, and various other dirt paths that kept us guessing. We even got into a bit of mud running through a construction site, but mostly flat and dry treking as we made our way along. Back at the finish, darkness somehow damped the noxious stench of dead fish as we saw the new mismanagement take over the reigns of the hash. I was near dead last the whole way, but managed to finish trail within 10 minutes of the pack. Looking at the directions, seems we'll be on the same end of town for the Monday Hash. https://www.relive.cc/view/vrqodPV9nKv

    BMH3 - Another fabulous trail with the Bangkok Monday H3. The first check saw a half dozen hashers head off the wrong way, all either found their way back to start, or eventually worked their way back into trail further upstream. Trail was full of dirt tracks, along rice paddies and farmers fields. A couple tricky back checks had the whole pack twisted around, at one point, the FRBs had to make their way around the Octogenarians on trail. As darkness settled over the trail, the pack managed to stumble their way into the finish, where copious amounts of cold refreshments awaited. Many thanks to the hares . . . and FUN, was had by all. https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqNNLGdA3q

    Tuesday was an opportunity to scout for our trail next week (we're haring the Thursday Trail), so we spent couple hours going and coming, and a couple hours looking around, and have a pretty solid trail in mind. In the evening, I got the rare opportunity to run on Ibo Ibo's new Bangkok Tuesday H5 (third trail in 8 months). It turned out to be more fun than I expected. Was billed as a drinking hash, and it was, but we also ran over 6 Kms while hitting 5 bars along the way. Jo went to the regular Tuesday Hash dinner at the Kiwi, and we met up later in the evening for dinner. A little too much beer, but an excellent evening. https://www.relive.cc/view/v26M87WDGEO

    BH4 - As it turns out, the Bangkok Harriettes trail today was the exact same trail set for the Bangkok Men's Hash 10 days ago. With so many hashes going on every week, sometimes you have to maximize your efforts, and this one is no exception. It was still an excellent trail the second time around. https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqNNLmVj3q
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  • A Return to Chiang Mai

    December 12, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    We had a lazy morning in Bangkok, before heading to the airport for a short flight back up to Chiang Mai. We arrived in time to catch the weekly Chiang Mai Happy H3, and we had an interesting semi-shiggy trail up over a local dam, and down various dirt tracks into the finish. An excellent and funny circle followed, with ice blocks and lots of singing. https://www.relive.cc/view/vPOpWDEn3Rv

    After we got back into town, we gathered up with a few other hashers and had dinner in a local restaurant. Ended up being family style Thai food, so delicious, and then we ventured back to the hotel to rest and prepare for the opening of the SHOT weekend, with a trail first thing Friday morning.

    We awoke still having no plan for getting up to Pai, but asking around during the hash, we eventually landed a ride with a KL hasher who was driving up on his own. So we took in a decent city trail through the old city of Chiang Mai, scampered back to pack our bags, and off we went on our journey to Pai. https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qV131mK36

    Our journey to Pai was interesting, we made a few stops along the way, and even took in Huai Nam Dang National Park that boasts the highest point in all of Thailand. The drive was difficult, as the road climbed up the mountains, twisting and turning back and forth. The drive up hill was manageable, but when we came down after the park, it got very tough in the back seat, and my stomach was flipping and flopping. Was feeling ill for a couple hours after we arrived.
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  • Solstice Hash On Tour (SHOT) #30

    December 14, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Here we are in Pai, and enjoying our first SHOT weekend event. Friday night we had a brilliant reception at the Bella Villa Hotel, with loads of local favorites in food and beverage. After filling up, we had plenty of time on the dance (yard), followed by a bonfire in the light of the full moon. Soon enough, it was time to crash for the evening, to prepare for the rest of the weekend.

    Saturday, we had strict instructions to be back at the Bella Villa at 1 PM to catch our shuttle to the trail start. When we woke up, it was COLD, but we managed to get our act together. First we turned in some laundry (which if you have not already noticed, is a regular occurrence when you are traveling and running nearly every day). Finally ready to get hashing, we loaded up the songteaws and made the hour ride out to the start. Trail was amazing, through the fields and jungles of northern Thailand. The finish was atop one of the highest points in the area, where we found cold beer and good times. The circle had the usual down downs, and then the birthday people got called up. Ugghhhh, I got caked by the gang from Japan. (video provided below). After a fine dinner of local Thai delights, we gathered up around the fire and sang songs for another hour or two. https://www.relive.cc/view/vrqDmpAoJwv

    Sunday, it was another cold morning as we packed up our bags and made our way over to Bella Villa. The run actually started from the hotel, so off we went for a hangover hash that had several water crossings, farmer's fields, and even passing through a local village for the beer stop. Trail eventually snaked its way up the mountain to the sitting Buddha. https://www.relive.cc/view/v8qV13QZz36

    After making our way back to the hotel, we got a ride back to Chiang Mai with friends, and then made our way to our accommodation for the evening. After hot showers, we ventured out for dinner, and one large Pizza Hut deluxe and a couple beers, we were relaxing and watching the View season semi-finals. Time for a movie in bed, and an early morning flight back to Bangkok.
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  • Last Week in Bangkok

    December 15, 2019 in Thailand ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    Monday morning we were up early, to catch our 7:45 am flight from Chiang Mai back to Bangkok. The condo we stayed in was only about 1 Km from the airport, so it was an easy walk. The flight back was uneventful, and we returned to the Aspira hotel that has good hot water and stable wifi, and is generally clean and in a quiet area. We got back to soi 13 at 10 am, so had to kill some time before checkin. So had lunch at the Sportsman Pub and watched some football (Pitt vs Buff). Then we ventured off to find the MBK Center to check out new phones and batteries. Big zip, Jo decided no on the phones and cameras . . . and I went the cheaper route on a new battery and just got a class C USB cable and will use an external battery for the remainder of the life of my old cell phone. We got back at 1 pm, and were able to check in then, so unpacked and relaxed for a while. Jo got in a nap, while I went to the Monday Hash.

    BMH3 - We started in a familiar location, and the trail had many familiar aspects, but was not marked very well. I was lucky to stay within vision of the tail end of the pack again, and made it in just after dark. My old friend Bangcock from Tokyo was not so lucky. He actually fell down on trail and got disoriented, and did not return to the finish until after circle and dinner. He came in with a bandage on his head, and a bloody lip. So we gave him some beer, and got him to see some proper medical care. He should be ok. https://www.relive.cc/view/vYvE92dKkGv

    We were going to go out scouting for our trail on Thursday, but ended up just relaxing and recovering from 8 straight days of hashing. Had a nice lunch at the Aussie restaurant, then watched a couple movies (Remember the Titans and We Are Marshall), both are slightly emotional movies, so after that we went out to meet the hash gang at the Kiwi Club. Early evening, good nights sleep. Planning to scout Wednesday morning.

    Wednesday, Jo went for an early morning workout, and then we met at the train station to go out to our run site. We spent a couple hours looking for some good stuff, and then had a beer for lunch. Made our way back to the hotel to rest for a little bit, then repack and head out for the hash with the Harriettes.

    BH - It was a short run at the GM's condo. Mostly pavement, but it was a fun trail. We got called out for it being our last Bangkok Harriettes trail, and said farewell to those we won't see again. The rest, we invited out to the Thursday Hash, to run our trail. Will also see some at the Men's Hash on Saturday, and the Siam Sunday H3. https://www.relive.cc/view/vZqNN1dwg3q

    BTH3 - We left town at about 1 pm, to make our way to Watthakat to set our hash trail. We arrived a bit before 2, and after some set up with flour and chalk (and a full bag of paper that we ended on not using at all), we started marking. We had a general plan on what we wanted to do, but still changed a few areas up a bit as we moved along. Since it was a night time trail, we over marked it with arrows and drops of flour to ensure no one would get lost. Trail actually followed along the railroad tracks 4 times, but did not cross paths as we worked our way back and forth trough the neighborhoods. In the end, it took us just over 2 hours to set it, and the FRBs finished in just under an hour. The back end of the pack finished in about 90 minutes, all in the dark, so it was a solid success. Well done to Founder Pounder for skillfully setting trail, and letting me help out. :) https://www.relive.cc/view/vevYV3A3PyO

    Friday is a recovery day, I stayed in bed most of the day except for a couple of trips out to get laundry done and a haircut, then out for lunch with Jo. Other than that, I slept many hours. Saturday was more of the same, ended up going back to see the doctor.

    S2H3 - Felt better on Sunday after a good dinner and sleep. The Siam Sunday H3 was an excellent trail through the countryside. In the end, we had to say goodbye to all our friends as this was our last planned hash in Bangkok.
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  • Bali Hai

    December 23, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 32 °C

    It was an early morning for us, as we scrambled to catch our 3:45 am taxi to the airport. It was time to start the regular movement part of this adventure, after being generally based out of Bangkok. So off to Bali we go. The flight was good, and we landed and got through customs pretty quickly. The taxi ride was short, but took almost half an hour to snake through the narrow streets of Kuta. We were able to check in to the hotel early, and get organized for what turned out to be quite an adventure.

    BH3 - Google maps said it would be about a 75-90 minute ride to the hash, so we organized a taxi and took off. It was only 30 Kms, but the traffic is killer here. We managed to arrive 10 minutes before the start, in the rain. We quickly dropped our bags in the beer truck and off we went. I have hashed here before, so I knew it was going to be an awesome trail. This is Jo's first time in Bali, so was sceptical. It did not take long for her to realize this was the real deal. The rain tapered off after about 15 minutes, but the trail was soaked good by that time and we had lots of mud. We snaked along many rice paddies, irrigation walls, and muddy single file tracks in the jungle. Jo enjoyed it so much she took home some souvenir mud on her bum. O
    It was only 7 Kms long, but it took every bit of 2 hours to complete the trail as we worked our way through all the natural obstacles. Circle commenced shortly after we got back, and it was short. We met a few friendly hashers, and were invited to a couple events during this Christmas week. Time to head home . . . we were pretty far out of town, where taxis don't run, so the GM organized us an Uber. Poor girl did not know what she got herself into. Traffic was much worse in the evening than in the afternoon, and the 30 Km ride took us nearly 2 1/2 hours of stop and go traffic. The Uber charge was ~$10 . . . So we gave her a $6 tip, which she was shocked to receive, but she deserved it. We had planned to come back, shower up, and go out to dinner, but by this time all we could muster was a hot shower and room service. Pizza seemed easy, but was ~$6, so figured they were small, so ordered two. Two full sized pizzas arrived, and now we have about a whole pie in the fridge. I didn't even mention that when we arrived, the street was normal, but after dark, we are in party central. Live bands, and lots rock music bouncing off every side of the street. We eventually managed to fall asleep, but the music must have gone on well past midnight. https://www.relive.cc/view/vJOKX4n3gw6

    Christmas Eve was very relaxing, as we wandered down to the beach, and found a couple nice restaurants to taste the local delicacies.

    Christmas Day was also a nice slow day, we watched a couple movies and relaxed. Then in the evening we wandered down to the beach for sunset. There were a lot of people on the beach at that time, and the novice surfers were still honing their skills on the low waves. We were getting pestered by a couple old women trying to sell their wares, so we had to get up and move to cut off the chatter. In the end, it was a nice evening, and another good nights sleep.

    On the day after Christmas, we enjoyed our second Bali Hash, this one being the annual Christmas Run. Once again up in the Ubud area, near the Bali Bird Park. The start area looked a bit familiar, so I looked back at my track from when I hashed here in 2013, and yes, nearly the same spot . . . but a completely different trail. Trails in Ubud are some of the most scenic and enjoyable you can find anywhere for hashing. Hashing in KL, Germany, Tokyo, Korea, and several others have many awesome features, but for all around hashing quality, I recommend you check out Bali. https://www.relive.cc/view/vwq17g7pALO
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  • Layover in Jakarta

    December 27, 2019 in Indonesia ⋅ ⛅ 30 °C

    We had an 8:30 am flight out of Bali, so a fairly early morning. First leg was to Jakarta, where we had a planned 90-minute layover to not only change plans, but move from the domestic to international terminal, check in to a new airline, go through customs and immigration, and several security checks. Things started out ok, as the terminals were actually connected. The first security check they thought they saw a knife in Jo's backpack . . . at the bottom. She ended up having to empty the whole thing, as they searched for a knife. In the end, they took her nail clippers to safe face, and sent her on her way. After that fiasco, we lined up (way at the end of the line) at Citilink Air, for our onward journey to Phnom Penh. The line was long, but it was moving slowly, so that really helped (haha). As our time wasted away, they finally realized they needed to get cracking, and called all the flyers to PP up to the front. Since we were nearly at the front already, we ended up farther away from the desk as the mob surged forward. I know once we had our boarding passes, they would not leave without us, but we still needed to get through Immigration . . . and another dreaded security check. Neither slowed us down too much, and we made our way out to the gate, where we simply boarded a bus and waited for all the other stragglers to get in. We ended up taking off about 20 minutes late, but the flight was fine and we arrived in PP on schedule.Read more

  • Cambodia

    December 27, 2019 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    We had a heck of a time getting out of the airport, but we finally managed. Tell you story over a beer sometime. Anyway, we haled a taxi and off we went to our hotel. The good news is, this is the best hotel we have stayed in so far (we are on a budget after all). Large room, comfy bed, the shower is one of those rain shower heads with plenty of hot water, the wifi is steady. It all may be a bit old, but still quite nice. So Friday night, Jo wanted to find hummus for dinner, and we were in luck. There was a hummus house just two blocks from the hotel (we have since been there three times). So good, plentiful, and fairly inexpensive.

    Saturday we went out for a bit of sightseeing here in the local area. Got some nice photos from Wat Ounalom Monastery and the Royal Palace Park, but the Royal Palace was mostly under construction, so not much to look at. We walked down the riverside park, and had a nice lunch. Later that evening, we went in to meet the hashers, check in, and get our t-shirt. We chatted with several hashers for about 2 hours, then they started on a pub crawl, but by then we were pretty done with it all, so after the first stop, we skipped out and went back to the hummus house for another tasty dinner.
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  • Phnom Penh H3 1500th Trail

    December 29, 2019 in Cambodia ⋅ ☀️ 31 °C

    We had a casual morning, gathered up our dirty clothes to turn in on the way . . . and headed out to the designated meeting point for the day's events. Somewhere between 60-90 hashers boarded boats and headed up river to the trail head. After about 90 minutes, we pulled to shore amid some screeching wanna be karaoke singers in what looked like an abandoned house construction. The house looked like it would be awesome if finished, but was just a basic shell. After climbing up a ladder to ground level, we had a quick circle for instructions. There were two trails, runners and walkers, and they were marked in white paint dots, circles, and arrows. The walkers were basically going to do a group walk for about 7 Kms, while the runners had a 12-13 Km actual trail. Easy choice, off we went on the runners trail (even though I am still walking). It was an interesting trail through single file dirt tracks, farmers fields, and dirt roads. We had a bit of scare at one point, when a few cows got spooked and tried to run over a few hashers . . . no injuries reported (Jo had to jump into some pricker bushes, but nothing hurt). At about the 7 Kms point, we had a water stop, where we all gathered up again, and then off into the dust for the remainder of trail. For the next 20 minutes we wandered down this road covered with an inch of dust that felt like walking on the moon. At the 10 Km point, a bunch of runners had gathered having completely lost trail. We all arrived at the same point together, the hare's instructions were just go down this road for 2 kms, when you hit the pavement, turn right and go to the water. I guess some things are to difficult to do . . . like finish marking your trail. So off we went, just like the hare said . . . turn right on the pavement, and 250 meters later we are on the shore, end of trail . . . but not end of story. We hung around the parking lot for about another 30 minutes, when the walkers pulled up in tuk-tuks. Hahahaha . . . seems the hares did not know where the end was. They had all spent 2 hours wandering around, eventually getting lost, and sat waiting for instructions for another hour, when finally they just got a ride. Lots of grumbling as they staggered in. The daylight was getting short, and the food was finally served up. Circle did not get started until the sun was fading in the sky, so most of it was in the dark. Fortunately, it was a short circle, and we soon boarded the boats for the return trip. Overall it was a fun day, a decent trail, and a good time. Beer has a way of making all the little SNAFUs fade away, and easy to remember all the good times. And so it is written. https://www.relive.cc/view/vPv4Jd1PeR6

    Out of curiosity, I looked up the trail from the last time I was in Cambodia (Aug 2012), and it was on the next island over from where we ran this time. Trail was very similar in style, also a good time. https://connect.garmin.com/modern/activity/2146…
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