Caracas Hash House Harriers #554 - The Dog Run in San Roman


Hash #554: The Dog Run ... in San Roman on Sunday, January 29th Pictures by Jay & Bjorn and Scribbles by Tormod (in black) Scribble (part 1): 'Ivan the Terrible’ and his wife did it again! Once again, a grueling hash run/walk was completed in the hills of San Roman. Sixty+ turned up at Eivind & Torill's on this nice, sunny afternoon ... to be faced with a tremendous challenge to their fitness and stamina. Eivind, with help from Bjørn & Tormod, set trails which had everyone dragging like a dog at the end. After people recovered, Iain & Patrick treated them to a tasty BBQ. *(click any picture to get an enlargement)*


The initial meeting place.	The Host's penthouse (on top).	The last minute planning.

*The group gathered rapidly at the appointed place. Many folks had traveled over the holidays, and it took a little while to get caught up on everyone's stories.* At 3:00 sharp (this hash group is rather prompt) the group moved across the street to a little park.



The Horn sounded and the group 'Circled Up'. Attention to Eivind, our new Grand Master (GM)!


New people were introduced & welcomed to the group.	The hares were brought forward; today there were separate trails for walkers & runners. The 'running hare' described a tough route.


The 'walking hare' then described his route & explained the symbols that were to be followed.


The circle paid strict attention so they wouldn't get lost ... except for the kids, to noones surprise!


The beginning of the hash found the runners & walkers together. The views of San Ramon & Valle Ariba were quite stunning.		A bit further down the road, the downtown area came into view.


At the point where the runners & walkers split, views of Chacao & the Avila treated the group..

Scribble (part 2): During the introduction, Ivan asked how many were planning to do the run. The unfortunate few who volunteered were doomed to a torturous 2 1/2 hour run up hills & down dales ... through San Roman and the adjacent hills. How Ivan & Bjørn could be so cruel to those poor guys & gals is a mystery. It could be their inherent need to punish themselves and others ... maybe as flashbacks of Viking days ... we wonder ... ???


The run started on level ground, and then it turned hilly... every downhill meant an uphill was ahead!


At this point the smiles were few ... almost a quarter marathon had been completed and they weren't even half way thorough yet!		A refreshing stop for Gatorade brings temporary relief.


The walkers were doing better at this time... but only because their route had been all downhill!



Lagging towards the end of the group were the 'buggy pushers'; luckily they had backups with them!


At a lonely intersection half way along the walking route...	... this interesting symbol could be seen on the ground... ??	It is the symbol for a CHHH beer stop, of course!


The beer manager patiently waits for the group...slurp...wait...slurp.	The group begins to filter by & they soon realize what is ahead.	Nothing brings a bigger smile to a hasher's face than a beer stop.


The beer stop allows everyone to catch up & to ensure no one is lost. On this walk, many are already tired & more water is consumed than beer! Some are rumored to have already taxi'd back!


We have to finish up these last few beers, don't we?	Horny announced the end of the beer stop & the walkers ...	... headed up the hill; the 'buggy pushers' smartly accept a ride.

Scribble (part 3): Everyone was wondering what had the chef and his helpers been doing during the run/walk, because the BBQ was still cold when the walkers arrived. The walk was a pleasant, but long and tiring, walk of an hour and a half (including a refreshing beer stop halfway... to help them back up the hill!) The walk became too much for some kids, who had to be ferried back to base!


The first people back dove into the drinks, sat back to relax, or stood around and enjoyed the view.

We could see the US embassy...	... the Valle Ariba Athletic Club ...	... and a few scattered barrios.


More stories were passed amongst old friends ... and chats with new friends were begun.

	<=== The personnel in charge of 'Hash Cash' collected the dues; please pay as soon as you hear "Hash Cash' so that they can quickly complete their duties! The Haberdasher also set ===> out the items for sale; get some hash gear to forgo a down-down!


Scribble (part 4): Luckily all the runners survived & a lot of cold beer was waiting for them ... as well were the walkers, who had been drinking & chatting for an hour. A nice atmosphere was lingering on the roof terrace and the kids had a swim in the pool. The rain also managed to keep its distance!


The horns sounds & people circle for the 'down-downs'; Eivind makes his inaguaral introduction.


The hares are introduced... and they gladly accept a 'down-down' for their trail-making efforts.


The 'virgins' were re-introduced, sang to & then drank at different speeds & interesting fashions!

Since this run was named 'The Dog Run', all dog owners were saluted and asked to drink. The hash proceedings were then turned over to the Religious Advisor (RA).

Scribble (part 5): This was Ivan’s first Hash after being elected GM. He managed the Circle- Up pretty well, even though he could be a bit louder ... in order to drown the always-present chatterboxes (where are the sheriffs when we need them????). Well, he tried to drown them with beers, and the 'rule-breakers' were also punished. One can only wonder if they are breaking the rules deliberately ... in order to get some extra beers and an excuse to down them quickly...? The 'punishments' may be worse at the next event... so everyone better obey the rules!


Most people were following the 'quiet' rule and enjoying the activities... others continued to talk!


The RA singled out the talkers.	This group was punished...	... as was this group.


A warning... you better watch it!	Things settled down and the proceedings continued.

Remember the rumor that some people took a taxi back? It was confirmed... one of the worse 'sins' had been committed. The offenders, and the parents of 'missing' offenders, were called up for punishment... drink up!


As always, there were other various infractions that needed punishment; repeat offenders need worse punishment!		The final announcements were made & the circle was closed.


Please give us some food!	The begging worked and the BBQ was served.


The food line moved rapidly and the tables filled quickly; this group was HUNGRY!


Seating was found anywhere there was space; forget manners!		The cleanup was then organized.

A few more hours were spent socializing and planning future hash events. We also assessed ways to run the hashes more efficiently ... so that they don't require so much effort; it is like catering an event for 60-90 people!		Scribble (conclusion): All in all, a pretty good Sunday afternoon/evening. On-On to the next hash ........ HASH SCRIBE

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