Thanks to Johnny Hash for his  Trash contributions in 2008!

He is submitting his LAST TRASH - for now!

Hash # 287 January 11, 2009 Spring Gardens, Portland – North Coast Ramblings

Hares: Bulby, Sgt. Pepper, Two Knees

            This was properly described by the Hash Master as a British Army run. The word run being somewhat of a euphemism . As with most British Army operations the start was delayed by the late arrival of the British Navy contingent, but just as the mighty Guano made his entrance Sgt Pepper felt the need to raise his voice and commence proceedings with a reminder of how stupid it is to walk along the highway in Jamaica. Once the concept of single file had been worked out Bulby reassured us that there would be something nice to see.

            The hares stood at the corner they had told us about and like NCO’s everywhere they made sure we all went up the hill away from the flat coastline up a shaded goat track away from the noisy annoyance of the traffic. While a cooling breeze rustled through the leaves, we climbed, looking over our shoulders at the coastline vista as it popped up at the curves along the steadily rising trail.  The path had been honourably set, with consistent markings… I kept far enough ahead getting involved in a couple of false trails thus saving those dallying behind me the unnecessary exertion.  We reached some houses and the bemused residents proved that Bulby had actually passed that way that morning.  I knew we were on the right track. Then Bulby pointed out this giant tree that stood there massive but half dead reaching upwards majestically in ancient splendour barely alive with this year’s green buds reaching for sunlight on the top branches. Both the Energizer Bunny and Wheeler Dealer identified it separately as a “Cotton Tree” and it is by far the biggest tree I have ever seen in Jamaica.

            We crested the mountain near a beautiful hidden villa nestled on immaculate grounds. The house dogs ran down to greet us, more excited by visitors than in any way threatening.  After breathing in the clean air and feasting on the view, we headed back down hill along another trail that hugged a steep inland valley. The trees formed a seemingly solid canopy and in the heat of the day the shade felt almost as good as that first beer at Hash Circle. It was an excellent trail and those around me were just happy to be there.

            Hash Circle was indeed a busy time. Rice and Peas administered his usual interrogation as we watched our group grow again, absorbing the willing recruits. Several new runners were introduced and the rookies smiled sheepishly as we sang. Down Downs were administered by the Hash Master, who found particular pleasure in singling out some “returning” hashers who had been absent from some previous runs. I tried to pay attention but as the circle continued the bitter sweet emotions of good friends lost, started to get the better of me. Proceedings were concluded with the announcement of an imminent departure of a regular.  He stood alone in the circle facing the group, totally embarrassed. Mercifully, the good bye song, (a fittingly off key, off tempo version of “leaving on a Jet Plane”) was cut short before the end of the first tortured verse by a drenching shower of ice water that felt actually pretty good, given the sweaty shirt stuck on him.  He fumbled for words to express how happy he was to have met everyone and managed to toast Jah3 as the “Best Tour Guides in Jamaica.” Festivities concluded with the details of the next Hash and we turned to the food happy to have made the effort to get out of the city for a while. 

As I drove away I could see the jungle mountains in my rear view mirror and the Caribbean  gently caressing the Island and I knew that this beauty would  be here forever , just like that Cotton tree and just as it would be forever in my favourite memories. 

Thank You All,

Johnny Hash