RUN NO. 2274 LUCKY GARDENS 20 MAR 2012

RUN NO. 2274

SITE: LUCKY GARDENS

DATE: 20 MAR 2012

HARES: PEAHEN/EASTERN PROMISE

FRONT HORN: Madmargz

BACK HORN: Trailblazer

30 hens and 3 chicks

A fine afternoon with the usual clucking as hens gathered at the tent waiting for the horn to set us off on the run. We headed into the jungle by climbing the muddy hill complete with its many excavations. The in trail was on the right and we soon came across the coloured 1^st check paper. Passing the site of the old gardens we turned right onto the main ridge and went up and down along this for quite a while. The hares were kind to us and we did not have to go down into the valley and up again, we took the path left and went out into more open ground along the fence (of what may be the Brunei secret service – who knows!). After walking down and over drains we headed up again and returned to the tree cover. We were now on the opposite ridge and continued all the way along to the end, reaching the junction with the path that goes down to the end of Spg 542. At this point we turned left onto the path that leads to the lake. However before we reached it were turned right and joined the track that goes out to Spg 542. A new area of trees had been cut down just before we arrived at the road. What could they be planning there? Thanks hares for the conveniently placed logs at the exit that saved us sinking into the mud. We returned along the road to the tent.

The shout up was a little quieter than usual with many hens away for the holidays. There were no first time guests, no awards and no new members. However Cow Girl was back with us and we did have 2 dogs on the run. Announcements included information about fund raising for an injured H4 hasher, Terry, who needs to be evacuated to the UK for further treatment following a head injury. A T shirt is being sold at $25 to raise money. Please see Mad Marg to order one or pass to her any donations you would like to make. Other fund raising events will follow. Mad Marg was the honoured hash member who received the hash hit this week when her phone went off during the shout up. She has Nancy to thank for that (and golf) who should actually know better!

Thanks to the hares for the lovely food, a vegetarian biriyani.

On On GI Jane

NEXT RUN: MENTERI HIGWAY PIPES/U TURN - Wear longs as there is some bracken at the start.

HARES: GI Jane/Sid

RUN NO. 2273 SPG 462-86 SG HANCHING 13MAR12

RUN NO. 2273

DATE: 13 MAR 2012

SITE: SPG 462-86 SG HANCHING, JLN MUARA

HARES: SATU LAGI/JANE SHEEHY/ANNABEL M

FRONT HORN: PEE WEE BACK HORN: EASTERN PROMISE

As usual I came straight from work and heard the horn when I parked my car.

After quickly signing in, I rushed to catch up with the other hens, which was not easy as it went up the first steep hill. Reaching the top of the hill we turned right on to one of the main trails of this area.

So along I went on the ridge for a while until there was a left turn going down towards the river and soon I found the blue paper indicating the first check.

Crossing the river we turned right and “OH NO” they made us climb that damn hill!!!! Finally after huffing and puffing I made it to the top, where we turned left again. At least now it was going down the hill and not the other way around. We crossed the log which has mushrooms (some of you might call them fungi) growing on it, just beautiful!

At some stage we turned to the right, going further down until we reached the tip of the swamp, crossing some deep water hole and reached a field. The hens were still scattered in the area checking for the “on” paper. Finally someone called and there we went, back into the jungle.

“Oh No” not another hill to climb, but at least it wasn’t as steep as the previous one. Reaching the top of the ridge, soon we were back down the hill, which we first climbed up.

Thank you hares for this great run.

Sorry, I had to leave right after the run, but here are some notes from my co-hare Eastern Promise:

The Shout up was at Jane’s house across the other side of Jalan Muara and everyone was asked to wear something green, as we celebrated St Patrick’s Day. A lot of hens took an effort and dressed up; some of them looked really nice. Prizes were given to runners finding shamrocks in the jungle.

Jane was given a hash handle and from now on is called “Sticky Rice”.

Finally Satu Lagi and Annabel were given the hashit for indicating the wrong hash site.

The food afterwards was not to be missed. Thanks a lot to the hares for the yummy feast and fruits afterwards!

On On Peahen

By the way, when I picked up the signs last week, I found them in a really sad condition. A big "Thank you" to our honorary member Juergen for the new signs!! and our member Bini Hutan for her support.

NEXT RUN: LUCKY GARDENS Spg 452-48 Jalan Muara, Kg Sg Hanching

HARES: Peahen/Eastern Promise

RUN NO. 2272 DIPLO 6 MAR 2012

RUN NO. 2272

DATE: 6 MAR 2012

SITE: DIPLO

HARES: Squeak & Psycho

The warning:90 minutes for walky talkies
The committment: PTA meeting at school at 7pm
The sum: 7pm minus a shower equals 6.45pm minus 90 minutes hash equals fifteen minutes leawaysomethingisboundtohappentostressmeoutlikeachatoracoldbeverageoradogintheroad so I only went to question three.

Apparently there were 5 questions in the jungle related to hashing, (thanks Psycho and Squeek, as if it isn't enough stomping up and down turning purple and puffing, you want cerebral exercise as well?) I hope the makan was good after that!

I have it on good authority that the two checks were found by Yvette and Mrs Pingu and it went on and on and on after question 3 which was the recommended turning point if you didn't fancy a Wednesday RIPAS breakfast and I did not. Several people reckon they got out in the light even though they went in late and did the whole thing but they were Kiwis so don't believe a word of it. The weather was good to us with zero precipitation, only 750% humidity and no lightening within a two metre radius. The tent stayed up, the chairs stayed down, I have absolutely no idea if the hashit was given out but have a feeling it may be coming my way for these words. Incidently, you know I do the ice to make all those lovely blues and greens and pluses and H20s nice and cold right!!! See you at my place next week for the Patrick's Day shout up. On on Jane.

NEXT RUN: SPG 462 Sg Hanching Baru --- celebrating ST PATRICKS DAY-----I SEE GREEN, GREEN, GREEN

HARES: Jane/Annabel & Satu Lagi

RUN NO. 2271 SPG 787 JLN MUARA, KG SALAMBIGAR

RUN NO. 2271
DATE: 28 FEB 2012
SITE: SPG 787 JLN MUARA, KG SALAMBIGAR
HARES: NICKI TC/DUCHESS OF CAMBRIDGE/CALL GIRL

Confused ramblings of a self-confessed occasionally delusional hasher.

Right well it’s 4pm on Tuesday afternoon and the kids are safely ensconced in the house doing homework or playing with something so it’s my time to get ready to go to hash – I have luckily remembered that Jane (who could have had a hash name by now as I thought of a good one while I was JM that combined one of the main tenets of physiotherapy with the way she hashes and her hash job and had a great Bruneian flavour but by the time inspiration struck me I was almost out of the job and Jane missed a couple of shout-ups so that’s that she’ll have to wait until some other time) asked me to bring the ice but I can’t go back to the place I used last week because while I was busy paying for the ice I didn’t notice the man helpfully trying to put the ice into the boot of my car not realising that the boot hydraulics don’t work properly so instead of staying up when he let it go it fell straight down on his head and I was sure he was going to bleed all over the place so I’m definitely not going there again – anyway I’ve decided to try a new place along jalan muara where I will lock the car and not open it until I am there to ensure that that the accident (once is an accident while more than that must be on purpose) doesn’t happen again.

– on my way to Diva’s old house which is Nicky’s new abode I get caught in the usual jalan muara traffic jam which I had forgotten about as I haven’t driven this way for some time I contemplate writing to Diva to tell her about the hash tonight but decide that a facebook note would be just as good knowing full well that the way I usually get distracted by stuff means that the likelihood of this actually happening is not promising and that means I’m not the best friend in the world but surely a true friend would forgive me – feeling pleased with myself as I also remembered it was a road run tonight so I’ve worn sneakers rather than my knobbly old hash boots.

I sign in and then talk to various people while waiting for Catherine to toot the horn to start the hash which she does in due course and away we all go down the hill and along the main road before veering sharp right onto a side road which has a steep hill that I decide should be conquered by jogging up it (always incredibly optimistic at the start of a hash) and then along the road we go – pass some graffiti which says ‘dogy style’ which annoys me on so many levels as not only is it polluting the environment it is also spelt incorrectly and moreover true ‘doggy style’ would involve being tied together after mating by intimate body parts for at least an hour which although it would mean compulsory tender cuddling moments (nice) could also necessitate some extremely embarrassing emergency phone calls (not nice)

– by this time the front runners are searching for first check so I go further down the road and low and behold there’s the check so I call it through then continue to where the paper turns left again into an orchard/farm area but by that time Peewee has found paper further along the road so I decide to just keep on the road winding my way through a lovely little kampong where the people are so friendly that a nice old couple wave to me and a younger guy driving passed gives me a thumbs up sign and a little girl sitting in a window waves and shouts hello – back on the main road I make my way to the shout-up passing an overly friendly strange dog that was very lucky not to be run over and the back-horn who had accidently cut out on an earlier road

– thanks to Call girl and Nicky and the Duchess of Cambridge for providing us with a run even after all the jungle they had planned to take us through was removed by the ‘lets make jalan muara an even busier road than it is’ committee as well as a lovely dinner in the form of sloppy joes and pudding which is a treat – the shout up had Sue performing her new duty for the first time which she did very well even telling a joke so I’m sure that her and Cheryl have got this hash sorted – a first time guest was introduced and a couple of returning hashers were toasted as well as a new hasher signed up – afterwards was the time for imbibing various beverages while indulging in some philosophical discussions – please feel free to put in any punctuation you deem necessary to make this missive legible and I’ll see you all next week at diplo where the run will be longish with a couple of interesting river crossings if its fine or shorter with some slippery mud if its wet – onon.

NEXT RUN: DIPLO
HARES: Squeak/Psycho

RUN NO. 2269 - KOTA BATU - 14FEB2012

RUN NO. 2269

DATE: 14 FEB 2012

SITE: Kota Batu

HARES: Dizzy/Madmarg

Another dull and threatening day. Knowing we were to rendevous at Dizzy’s house and there would be hills and more hills, I hoped the weather would hold off. We gathered across the road, many hens in pink to celebrate Valentines day.

A slow start straight up the Spg. and into the jungle track bought those front runners to a sudden halt with 1^st check laid just in the jungle, Sneaky! This had hens scrounging in all directions looking for the on paper which finally got found back down the hill, along the road and back into another jungle trail. Well done hares, A tricky start. Off we went as predicted up and up. 2^nd check proved to be another corker with hens scouring the stream and slowed us up nicely so back runners caught up – as a well laid hash should do. 3^rd check proved to be on the Kota Batu ridge overlooking Kampong Ayer with a bench to rest and gasp upon as we admired the view. Ready Mix J.r kindly laid the paper through and then we were down and out. Back along the road to gather at Dizzy’s for Valentines Day shout up.

An interesting array of Valentine’s wear, a cocktail and proceedings got under way. Two guests introduced themselves. A new member, Wendy Haldane got her rule book and stubby holder.

We were just about to wrap up proceeding for the night when we had a surprise guest – Peter. Although we were delighted to have him once again, and he was very obviously very delighted to have us, I have to say that poor Peter is starting to look a little worse for wear. No longer a young and vigorous Peter we first met 5 years ago, he is now looking more ragged around the edges. His stamina proved sadly lacking with a droop noticeable before we had all been properly introduced. Those legs once young and vigorous now have the look of a voyeur in a raincoat. Alas, Peter is looking used and abused.

Never mind he has served us well.

It is a sad day that I write these words as this was my last run as a hen on the ladies hash.

I was asked to go for a wee run in the jungle 12 years ago, having only been in Brunei a few days, by Schnapps a.k.a Doris. And a wee run it was, being Founders Day 2000 . We did a short pleasant amble at the now bulldozed NCR water tower. ”Yes”, I said, I like this hashing, “I will return”. Little did I know that next week’s run was to be the dreaded Kota Batu 702. Another site now denied to us. As we went up and up and up, I had my first taste of true hashing in Brunei. 2 hours later more dead than alive I staggered out, and did vow to return. The rest is history. Having now done 389 runs on the ladies hash, 200 odd runs on the hetero hash, numerous “7 in 7s” hash relays and even a “9 in 9” and now hashed in Goa, Cardiff, Wales, Perth, Chiang Mai, Capetown, Mombassa, Kenya, Fiji, Hash away weekends on Pulu Tiga and Merarap Hot Springs in Lawas you could say I have got the bug. Having hashed in so many countries I have to say that BRUNEI IS THE BEST!. I will miss the jungle trails, the mud, the hills, the beach hashes the heat, the pristine jungle streams, and the friends I have made along the way.

On On Magic Roundabout

NEXT RUN: DIPLO (Farewell run for Magic & Tango)

HARES: Sarong/Magic with Buster & Trailblazer

RUN NO. 2270 DIPLO 21 FEB 2012

RUN NO. 2270

DATE: 21 FEB 2012

SITE: DIPLO

HARES: SARONG/MAGIC with Buster/Trailblazer

Peace was broken in Diplo. The horn sounds and they are off. Watch out snakes the hens are coming!!! The hens slipped down the first hill coming to a small brook to find the first check. The hens scatted in various directions. Call Girl spotted the trail from the other side of the water and then had trouble finding her way across. Up and down the chattering hens went to the next check which was located by Pee Wee. The final check was found by Call Girl again. Everyone came out safely if rather dirty and wet declaring it to be a good hash. Thanks to the hares – Sarong, Trailblazer and Magic Roundabout.

Unfortunately it was the last hash in Brunei for Magic Roundabout (so called for getting lost and wandering round in circles for some time, before being rescued) who is/was also our JM. We also had to say goodbye to Tango (who doesn’t drink beer but always carries round a blue cup!!!). They were given a small momentum of their hashes here, along with a card signed by all hens and a photo album. Madam Sin rewrote words to” Those Were the Days My Friend” to make them more appropriate to the Brunei hashing adventures. The song was sung at full volume with everyone joining in the chorus – La La La!

Call Girl announced that next week’s hash (28th Feb) was supposed to be in the jungle and up to the reservoir, but bulldozers have destroyed the trail and left a giant crater. Another hash site gone in the name of progress! The hash has been moved to the other side of the road. Beginning and ending at Nicki’s house #6 787 Jalan Muara – Salambigar. Everyone was advised to not wear jungle foot wear but comfortable running or walkie talkie shoes. (Bring a chair if possible).
Our new JM was welcomed in – thanks Sue for taking on or being pushed into the role. Then it was time to eat, drink and make merry but OH NO! Smurf declared we had run out of blues – Never mind “ON ON”

NEXT RUN: Spg 787 Jln Muara, Kg Salambigar --- Please bring a chair---

HARES: Nicki TC/Call Girl/Duchess of Cambridge

RUN NO. 2268 LUCKY GARDENS-7FEB2012

Hares

RUN NO. 2268

SITE: LUCKY GARDENS (WAITANGI RUN)

DATE: 7 FEB 2012

HARES: Erin/Kathy/Briony

As the muggy heat of the day gave way to a typically beautiful Bruneian evening...so that was still muggy and hot then….a determined group of hashers gathered to enjoy a run and celebrate Waitingi Day with the good time group of hashers that are the Kiwi girls. Kiwis and maybe Aussies apart, most of us really had no idea what we were celebrating but we were determined to do it in style in any case, and although greens were thin on the ground, blues more than sufficed and grown up liquid pear drops a la Legally Blonde’s Bar also somehow seemed totally appropriate.

We set off down the road with Tango as front horn towards the more usual Lucky Gardens hashing site, some of us at a slow jog and others walking sensibly, aware of the ups and downs that were to follow.

Soon we came to the earth cliff which left us no choice but to get stuck in and caked with mud, a spectacle which must have appalled Eastern Promise, judging by the amount of time she spent on cleaning her trainers afterwards! We were joined by a couple of dogs, which confused me at times, as more than once they approached me between the legs at alarming speed, breathing heavily. For a second I thought it was just another night at home, but then realised they were canines, not Mr M!

There was an early first back check which did a great job of bunching us all together again and then a great middle part of the run which got our hearts pumping a bit faster (or was that the dogs again?) as we careered over logs and raced up and down slopes. Hana commented that if you kept your eyes on the path underfoot, it was just like being in the woods in England and she was right, almost. I didn’t like to mention that if she had looked slightly to the right she would have seen a pit viper at eye level, ready to strike. I didn’t see it either, and nor did anyone else, but nevertheless, it was probably there….

The second check was found quite quickly, I think by Ryvita, and then some more running at which point I thought I was recognising the path and convinced myself that we were going round in circles. A third back check gifted Call Girl and me a chance to run out early into the safety of the Kiwis house, and refresh ourselves before the delights of the shout up.

Two visitors were introduced to us, young backpackers who were travelling around the world and took some of us back to our young travelling carefree days of old when all we had to think about was the next party…..a bit like life in Brunei really.

Eastern Promise was hoping to pass on the hashit but honourably refused my suggestion to hide the sign in board so she took the rubber chicken home for another week. The kiwis had decorated in NZ style and produced a couple of All Blacks, and in the dim light of dusk I thought for a second they were real and it was to be a truly memorable night but in the end they turned out to be cardboard (although that still meant they were more animated than most men) . We were however presented with really lovely t-shirts, which everyone was delighted with and are even nice enough to wear to the odd coffee morning or two.

Night fell and hens gradually drifted home, with the tired satisfaction of another hash completed and the moon and stars shone down to illuminate the green ferns at the side of the road. As I drove away, I’m sure I spotted a pit viper snaking its way out of the jungle…

NEXT RUN: SPG 762 KOTA BATU - Love run - Bring a chair

HARES: DIZZY/MADMARG

RUN NO,. 2267 MATA MATA - 31 JAN 2012

RUN NO. 2267

DATE: 31 JAN 2012 - CNY RUN

SITE: MATA MATA

HARES: TRAILBLAZER/READYMIX/JENNI OF THE BLOCK/SERENE

It was a lovely evening for abit of hashing.

This weeks run started off along the clay slightly slippy flat road. A few of us jogged this part to get the heart rates up before heading up into the bracken and then the jungle.

Although I don’t know who found the checks the frontrunners made some very clear arrows from the paper so the rest of us followers knew which direction to go. Just when we thought it was finished and we were about to head out the path turned and added a little bit extra. Then it was on and out. The path had some ups and downs and it was a nice run. Not too long.

Back at the tent - Before the shout up we all received a small plate and some chop sticks. It was explained to us that we were to toss 9 condiments laid out on a big plate, which included fish for continued prosperity. In we all rushed digging in chopsticks with some tossing higher than others. Not all were tossing the condiments for prosperity……I believe someone was tossing for nookie. That aside, the condiments were delicious and flavours I have never tried before.

Continuing on to the shout up. We had one new guest a lady from France, a joke and the middle of the shout up a cellphone went off. Freddy (Frank - ed) was in trouble that night and the hashshit was thrown by dizzy.

The hares (with their Chinese hens and friends - ed) threw a delicious Chinese new year dinner - although I cannot name or recognize all the items there was duck, chicken, rice, fish (veg-ed) buns, a delicious array of vegetables and sauces and of course mandarins.

Thank you hares for a nice evening.

NEXT RUN: LUCKY GARDENS (WAITANGI RUN) - Please bring a chair

HARES: Kathryn/Erin/Briony

RUN NO. 2266 - TJ BUNUT KANAN 24 JAN 2012

RUN NO. 2266

DATE: 24 JAN 2012

SITE: TJ BUNUT KANAN, OFF JLN TUTONG

HARES: Legally Blonde/Jo

The sky looked a bit shady and the rain stayed away during the run. The pool looked inviting and plans for a swim after seemed very possible.

5.15 p.m. came and off we went out of the gates, up the hill - good for a warm-up and then along the culvert into the jungle. Evidence of Monday's deluge made many places slippery and soon we were wading through mud, and more mud. Very pretty trails as usual and we were soon into the thick of the jungle. Did not catch up as to who found the checks but the trails were laid through and as promised - it was indeed a lollipop although with quite a long stick! Congratulations to all who persevered and trudged through all the mud and was rewarded at the top with a view towards Jalan Tutong and a few bits of the pylon line.

Once back at Legally Blonde's compound the outside shower was a welcome to wash off all the mud, instead of the usual few bottles of water at the back of the car. A real toilet and a sink to wash your hands after! A few hens braved the pool as it started to drizzle and shout up commenced. Possum was busy dishing up her usual delicious "hootch" as we got ready for the shoutup. Hares and fellow Aussies were thanked for the run and food - real sausages with an array of salads and toppings to go with our rolls.

Returning hasher and past JM "Puteri" who now resides in Kuala Lumpur, was welcomed and hashits were given to some offenders over the past weeks. To name a few, lined up against the pool were Dizzy, Melissa, Pee Wee ... and (oh dear) my memory is fading! Pee Wee for the worst offence having lost and found the hashit, but Dizzy volunteered to get wet.

A quiz followed and prizes given out. Yours truly got the booby prize with the least correct answers - I thought I had done really badly but checked to see and found that I actually got 9 right compared to the top results of 21. Cute koala bear keyrings as prizes were given out and well received.

Thank you Legally Blonde for the hospitality and another Australia Day run done.

This week's run at Mata-Mata to celebrate Chinese New Year is not too strenuous although the advice is to practice good sense. The Chinese girls and friends have prepared a sumptious meal for the on on and we dont want to be late for that. Wear red for the shout up if you remember.

NEXT RUN; MATA MATA - CNY RUN

HARES: Trailblazer/Readymix

RUN NO. 2265 KM 22.7 17 JAN 2012

RUN NO. 2265
DATE: 17 JAN 2012
SITE: KM 22.7 COASTAL HIGHWAY
HARES: Possum/Pee Wee

We arrived swerving off the highway, as the entrance is quite tight,

to find a large bunch of ladies hashers ready to go on this Tuesday

afternoon.

A beach walk near Tungku Jerudong is always lovely, so we set off

in a largish pack. Sid and I were way behind the back horn (GI

Jane), but the scenery and flat road track was pleasant, so on we

went. No wet swamps, river crossings or other delays, just a lovely

meander up close to the Empire beach and then back along the

sandy shoreline. As we were finishing off the sunset was displaying

pink, orange and pale blue hues and all was well with the

world.

A lovely, quite rowdy shout up for us girls, and a new visitor, who

claimed Welsh heritage! Prior to the shout up, she was very interested in

the beer and token organisation. Thank goodness we gave her a beer and

a song to relieve her thirst. An Aussie joke with a kind of black humour

to keep the crowd happy; a few messages including mention of the Burns

Supper and the hashshit was undeliverable as the hasher who forgot to

sign out, had already scarpered! The hares put on a lovely healthy dinner

of a cold repast of rolls, cold meats, and salads. The stars were out and all

was well with the world.

NEXT RUN: Tanjung Bunut Kanan, Off Jalan Tutong
HARES: Legally Blonde & friends (Aussie Day run)

RUN NO. 2264 DST 10 JAN 2012

RUN NO. 2264
DATE: 10 JANUARY 2012
SITE: DST
HARES: Dizzy/Satu Lagi
FRONT HORN: Hash Hound BACK HORN: Trailblazer

Lots of eager Hens were strutting about, waiting for the horn, only this little hen is obviously hard of hearing as she didn’t hear the horn, and so ended up slowly pottering down one of Brunei’s best ‘road to nowheres’. It’s a sneaky little upwards road, which makes running all the more arduous.

However, knowing this site rather well, I suspected where the checks may be, and lo and behold, the first one was to the left at the bottom of said sneaky uphill road, and the on on paper was duly to the right, found I think by Call Girl.

So off we trotted to the right, which was a gentle downhill, easier on the pins. And we met a check towards the bottom of the hill, and the paper was on into the jungle to the right, I’m sorry to say I can’t remember which hen found it as I was busy going round in circles amidst some trees and bushes.

Good running trails led us out onto the gas line, where myself and Squeak were very sneaky, knowing the trail would go right and take us out, we waited ‘til checking was called, and called the on paper, and so we had some good running down the gas line, across a swampy bit, a few hiils then right and out towards the tent. A great runners run - thank you last minute hares!
The shout up was very well shouted up - with a pertinent reminder that ladies cannot just sign in and pop round the hash without any guidance or member taking responsibility for them. We all know how easy it is to get lost and how unforgiving the jungle can be, so let’s keep an eye out for rogue hashers who may need some guidance :-)

As usual, the ‘bring a plate’ makan provided a veritable feast, we really excelled ourselves. And as a result I personally would love Glamour’s dahl recipe! The night pleasantly progressed, with convivial banter and giggles under darkening, starry Brunei skies! Another perfect hash! This week is a very FLAT run, very easy to follow, but the terrain will give you hens a good work out! On on!


NEXT RUN: KM 22.5 Coastal Highway Opp UBD
HARES: Possum/Pee Wee

RUN NO. 2263 DIPLO - 3 JAN 2012

RUN NO. 2263
DATE: 3 JAN 2012
SITE: DIPLO
HARES: Alison/Cheryl/Smurf/Possum

Words written by Wordbird:

A group of very chatty hens gathered for the first run of the year for a celebration of Hogmanay, which we now all know is a celebration of the last day of the year! There was some relief in certain hen quarters when Alison told us the run was not very long, with the excesses of the previous few days weighing heavily upon us - literally! After some minor confusion about which path to follow, we descended down a slippery slope, with the jungle noises no competition for the hens, as they were easily drowned out by sound of hens catching up after the Christmas break, mostly telling woeful tales of husbands not stepping up to the mark with anything sparkly, children eating chocolate by the kilo, and a general feeling that although Christmas is wonderful, for many women it's even better when it's over!

The first check came early and was found quite quickly after some searching and we then proceeded to scramble up and down the hills, and across streams a few times with no one escaping the delightful feeling of mushy, muddy water swirling up and around our legs - almost as good as a Zen treatment - and all for free!

Darkness seemed to descend early as we ventured deep into the bowels of Diplo and some of us temporarily lost the paper, torn between crossing another murky looking stream or tackling an unfriendly looking pile of arbus horribilis (ok, I made that up) and for some of us, only the thought of a smooth flowing green or blue at the end kept us going. Eventually, thanks to the dulcet squawks of hens, we found our way back to the paper and out, after a brief dalliance with some ferns, to throw ourselves upon the mercy of what was contained in the eskys... and thus salvation.

Little did we know that our biggest challenge was ahead of us in the form of the Impossible Hogmanay Quiz which I think even the Scottish people couldn't answer. - and they'd written it - but it was all great fun, and were given a momento by Smurf, which most of us will use as fridge magnets but the more adventurous amonghst us might try to eat.

Amid all this mirth and merriment we realised that a hen was still in and probably lost by now and for the second time in as many weeks, some angelic hens ventured forth to rescue said hen, who emerged unscathed although maybe dazzled by Madmargz lamp after the black shadows of deepest, darkest Diplo.

Still no hashit but we welcomed Karlene as a first time guest and Shantal was awarded a cup for 50 runs ... Congratulations!

Thanks to the hares for a great first run of the year and the delicious soup and bread.

Slainte mhor a h-uile la a chi's nach fhaic

on on
Anna M.

NEXT RUN: DST - Please bring a plate of food to share.
HARES: Dizzy & Satu Lagi

RUN NO. 2262 - SPG 378 SG AKAR - 27DEC11

Glamour relaxing after having done a 4 hour hash!

JM Magic with Cheryl introducing first time guest Karli
Looking for a replacement for this lost bottle in the jungle.
Cheryl explaining her boob roll down the hill.
Cheryl showing off her bottom.
Glamours shoes and walking sticks.

RUN NO. 2262
DATE: 27 DEC 2011
SITE: SPG 378 JLN SUBOK, SG AKAR
HARES: GI Jane/Gung Ho

As Jane said on Tuesday night, ‘there is never a dull moment in Brunei’. I think we should qualify that by adding ‘at the Ladies Hash’!

The evening started out without incident as a small gathering of hens went off into the jungle to the sound of the horn. As I didn’t have my usual walking companions, Kym very kindly said she would stay with me. I am more of a ‘crawly talky’ rather than a ‘walky talky’ these days!

After about 30 minutes we caught up with Glamour and rather than hold up the ladies I was with I stayed behind to keep Glamour company.

We got on well to begin with but as the evening wore on and it got dark we got slower and slower. Fortunately we were well equipped with mobile phones, plenty water and torches. Up on the ridge we keep up a steady pace but as the paper lead us down again onto muddy trails we slipped and slid down to the bottom. I even managed a spectacular ‘boob-ski’ at one point. (Beautiful bruises this morning, one in the shape of Africa, the other quite a good profile of George Clooney!)

We crossed another stream, crawled over a log and then came to a horrendously muddy hill. I did try to haul myself up it but decided it would be too difficult to propel Glamour to the top. That is when I phoned Heather and asked for help.

GIJane, Marcella and Fiona (Gung Ho) came to the rescue. Jane took us back a little bit on the trail to meet up with the ridge, thus avoiding the muddy mountain. Then after a short while we heard the welcome chatter of the rest of the hens.
Thank you girls for coming back into the jungle to get us, we could not possibly have done it without you.

The on-on was conducted by MAGIC (Jan)standing up and me sitting down! It was a pretty short affair; the hens were thanked for the run followed by splendid food, then KARLI was introduced as a guest. Only one announcement, from me, about the forthcoming Burns Supper (on the 26th January at Serasa Yacht Club – write this immediately in your new diary!)

No hashit given.

All in all just another night at the Ladies Hash!
Next week’s run needs another recce, so details of difficulty, length. etc will be announced before the horn.


NEXT RUN: DIPLO - HOGMANAY (A Scottish New Year's Eve celebration) wear any bits of tartan if you have
HARES: Cheryl/Alison/Smurf/Possum

RUN NO. 2261 - 20 DEC 2011 - TASEK LAMA

RUN NO. 2261
DATE: 20 DECEMBER 2011
SITE: TASEK LAMA - XMAS RUN
HARES: NEVER WRONG/HEULWEN
FRONT HORN: RYVITA BACK HORN: JENNI OF THE BLOCK


As we arrived at Jalan Teraja by the Radisson Hotel, jockeying for car park spaces were observed with a few local walkers watching with curiousity.

A couple of hens had gone to the wrong end of Tasek Lama but soon were reunited with the coup before the horn sounded and we all headed up Bukit Salelah. It was quite a different scenario as we passed many locals or were passed which was a change from only a group of ladies sauntering along the trek. As the walkie talkies got to the radio mast we were greeted by some macaques with their oranged coloured babies. (upon research it appears it was the natural colour of their babies as some of us were intrigued by the colour).

Extract from Jungle Drum:
"PLENTY OF MONKEYS IN BRUNEI.
To those of us driving to work or out on the river, monkeys are a familiar part of the Brunei Darussalam landscape. Borneo has two distinct groups of monkeys - on the one hand leaf monkeys and the peculiar proboscis monkey, and on the other hand, macaques. Leaf monkeys spend all of their time in trees, whereas macaques can sometimes be seen on the ground.

The long-tailed macaque ( Macaca fascicularis) is the monkey most commonly spotted on nature hikes or drives to the office. Its call, krra krra, gives the monkey its Malay name, kera. The long-tailed macaque is also called crab-eating macaque because it is common in coastal forests including mangrove and beach, and along rivers where it can easily catch and eat crabs, frogs, or insects. But macaques love other foods as well such as ripe fruit. Macaques therefore live sometimes close to humans where they soon lose their shyness and can become arrogant and even aggressive.

The leaf monkeys that can be seen most easily in Brunei are the silvered langurs. They tend to be most well-behaved, being naturally shy, not inquisitive and never showing aggression, certainly attributes for which the macaques are not noted. They are entirely dark grey and have a distinct crest of hairs on the top of their heads and around their faces, giving them a pretty appearance. Their infants have a surprising bright orange colour.

Silvered langurs live in small groups of five or six and are mainly found in coastal forests, where they feed on leaves, shoots, and fruits. They are also seen in riverine and swamp forests. They appear to co-exist well with the macaque and have been seen feeding on the same branch on a number of occasions. They appear to be more confident in groups, and are less likely to leave their feeding area to 'escape' the intrepid observer.

The silvered langur could, at least until the end of the 1992, be regularly seen close to Panaga, in the swamp forest to the rear of the G4/5 housing area. At present, we have no confirmation of their presence there.

Both the leaf monkeys and the macaques look quite sizeable with a head and body length of up to 60 cm for the macaques and up to 75 cm for the leaf monkeys. They are very light in weight, though, even the taller males rarely exceed 7 kilograms.

© Panaga Natural History Society (PNHS)"

We plodded along (walkie talkes) as I am sure the front runners ran! the familiar trails and at the top went down left and through a part of Tasek Lama not usually used by many. The steps were very corroded and luckily although we have had lots of rain previously, the evening was fine and the trails not too slippery. We caught up with Glamour who actually finished the run. I stayed with Glamour till we got to the tarmac and headed for home. The park was very busy with walkers and families enjoying the facilities. Never Wrong was at the start of the run checking out the sign-in sheet. Four were still in but they were soon out by 6.45 pm, including Tina who had not done her first complete run sinice her knee injury April last (2009).

We then all headed towards Never Wrong's place for the shout up and everyone was dressed for the occasion, looking very relaxed by the pool. A lovely punch was served and JM Jan started the shoutup welcoming Ryvita's mum who is visiting from Sweden and will be in Brunei till February. No hashit was given although the pool was most inviting for a group hashit! Soon Secret Santa arrived and Readymix was the first to sit on santa's knee - strangely no one else sat on Santa's knee and gifts were dished out for all. Dinner of roast turkey with all the trimmings and yummy desserts was served with a few carols being sung by a small group of boisterous hashers, The evening soon concluded before the rain arrived. Thank you Possum for the xmas coolers! and Thank you Never Wrong & Heulwen for being great hostesses. Until next year, keep safe - on on

NEXT RUN: SPG 378 SUBOK, KG SALAMBIGAR - OPP RUBBISH TIP
HARES: GI Jane/Gung Ho

RUN NO. 2260 - 13DEC2011- LUCKY GARDENS

RUN NO. 2260
DATE: 13 DEC 2011
SITE: LUCKY GARDENS
HARES: Peahen/Eastern Promise
FRONT HORN: Hash Hound BACK HORN: G I Jane

Tune: O little town of Bethlehem

Oh Lucky Gardens was the site
Where eager hens stood by,
To venture on another hash
Adrenalin was high.
Then in the distance calleth
The ever beeping horn,
The hopes and fears
Of a truly great run
Were met right here tonight!

Tune: Jingle Bells

Dashing through the mud
Squelching as we sway
Scrambling up the hill
Chatting all the way! ( that's probably why I have no idea who found the checks, sorry!)
Crossing over streams
Keeping spirits bright
Oh what fun to slip and slide
On the paper trail tonight!

Jungle belles, jungle smells ( or that could be me!)
Jungle all the way
Oh what fun it's been to hash
With my fellow hens today!

Then it was time to gather for the shout up. JM thanked the hares Eastern Promise and Peahen for a picturesque run. She also thanked front horn (Hash-hound) and back horn (GI Jane) who had apparently both volunteered for the task.

Two first time guests were welcomed, Kathryn's mum and Satu Lagi's sister in law. This was followed by great jokes from Possum and Dizzy. There were no announcements this week. No hash shit again either as apparently it's still missing! However JM assured everyone that some members have very long memories and there would be a mass hash shit in the New Year! Finally, many thanks to the hares for the delicious rotis and vegetable curry.

NEXT RUN: TASEK LAMA - From Bukit Salelah (Next to Radisson) Xmas run
HARES: Never Wrong/Heulwen - Dont forget present for Secret Santa

RUN NO. 2259 RIMBA - 6DEC2011

RUN NO. 2259
DATE: 6 DEC 2011
SITE: RIMBA
HARES: Ryvita/Melissa/Hash Hound
FRONT HORN: Mrs Pingu BACK HORN: G I Jane

It was a clear day, no sign of rain, unlike a week ago, when it was raining cats and dogs!!
When I arrived at the former hash site near the Rimba compound (we hadn’t run there in a while), a few cars were parked there, all wondering where the run was. Luckily someone headed further down the road and turned back to inform us.

Before we headed off we were informed that it is a 5 km run. At 5.15 pm sharp, all of us followed the front horn along the road, back to the compound and turned left just before the entrance. We followed the paper all along the fence, a bit up, down, through some rubble, some mud, saw the nearly finished housing project (this had been abandoned for a long time; so good to see it made up) until we finally arrived at the entrance to the jungle trail. Not far along, the first check was called and everyone headed in different directions to try and find the on – paper. It took a while until someone called, in the end it was a back – check.

Further we went through different vegetation, some areas with ferns, some with shrubs, a few ups and down, but not too strenuous. Second check was a back - check again, found by Readymix, I assume, as she headed off in that direction. Thereafter I lost track of any other checks. I still remember plenty of trips on the trail, some thorns (not too many), some logs and trees blocking the path. We came out after 50 minutes and only ran appr.
3 km, but had a good workout.

It took a while until everyone was ready for the shout-up; also it was getting quite dark. The hares would get the usual down-down. We had one new guest from the Czech Republic, who got a down – down, too and one new member was confirmed.

It was Domestic Goddess 64th Birthday; Congratulations, you really have done well!!!!
Some jokes were shared before our JM brought up the hashit issue. Oh no, it’s missing, so who ever was a nominee has been lucky this time around. But for sure, it’s not been forgotten.
Our thanks to the hares for the delicious treats, the baked potatoes and condiments were really tasty.

NEXT RUN: Lucky Gardens
HARES: Peahen/Eastern Promise

RUN NO. 2258 - SPG 370 JLN MUARA 29NOV11

RUN NO. 2258

DATE: 29 NOV 2011

SITE: SPG 370-16 JLN MUARA, KG SG TILONG

HARE: Magic Roundabout

Words will be posted as soon as received.

NEXT RUN: RIMBA - Wear longs

HARES: Ryvita/Melissa/Hash Hound

RUN NO. 2257 DIPLO 22NOV2011

RUN NO. 2257

DATE: 22 November 2011

SITE: DIPLO

HARES: Sarong/Debra/Kim

FRONT HORN: Mrs Pingu BACK HORN: Erin

A new hash year, a new committee. That’s funny; some of the faces up there looked very familiar.

After the excitement and jollity of Founders day last week a quieter bunch of hashers turned up at Diplo for a lovely run. All the usual, a bit of water, a small hill or two, lovely trails and scenic views as is to be expected in Diplo, our favourite hashing spot, and Sarong did us proud as she showed her virgin hares the ropes and got them trained up for laying future runs.

We had 8 guests, 4 of them first timers. Pat from Canada introduced herself to a great whoop of delight from Kim our lone Canadian. A South African and someone from the UK rounded out our cosmopolitan bunch.

The front runners started off in good form only to be seen milling in confusion as Sarong led them in at a different path, over the drain and off to the right, struggling to spot the very skinny paper. They soon got the scent and headed off toward the stream. Various methods of crossing were tried as some dainty girls tried not to get their feet wet. Some of us, we are nameless, managed to trip over our own feet not once but twice. Checks were called, yours truly not among the lucky ones to discover the on paper and set the hens in the right direction. With all the wending and weaving we only covered one small area of the pristine hashing still available to us in Diplo.

It was a nice tight hash with the hens all coming out more or less together. No one got lost no one was late out. Perfect. With all signed out the first hash of the New Year commenced.

JM’s Magic and Cheryl tizzied (not dizzied) around getting the hens in order. The hares were thanked and accepted their due rewards- water or ‘ads’. Guests were introduced, entertainment, announcements, then our ‘Survivor’ Judy was presented with a memento of her hashing years in Brunei as she will be heading off to Penang to settle in the near future. Those of us who have known Survivor Judy for the many years she has been with the ladies Hash wish her well and we will miss her tenaciousness, her pluck and fighting spirit as we have seen her take her first tentative steps after returning to Brunei after many months of fighting to survive. Her laugh, her jokes at her own expense as she struggled to do her own hash steps, Diplo being a favourite area with its paved road. The book was a marvel. Thank you Mad Margz for the compilation. Judy has extended an open invitation to anyone wishing to visit her in Penang. Possum being first on the list.

Hashits were mooted but the all important chicken being AWOL it was put off being awarded until it returns to the hashing fold. But, we JMs have long memories!

On On Magic

NEXT RUN: SPG 370-16 (Opp Villa Mauri), Jalan Muara, Kg Sg Tilong

HARE: Magic Roundabout ---- PLEASE BEING A CHAIR

RUN NO. 2256 BKT SERDANG, K BATU 15 NOV2011

RUN NO. 2256

DATE: 15 NOV 2011 --- FOUNDERS DAY

SITE: BUKIT SERDANG, KOTA BATU

HARES: Dizzy/Ryvita

FRONT HORN: Tango BACK HORN: Trailblazer

How are all you groovy hash chicks? Here I am, the new hash kid in town being asked to write these words on the momentious events of the past week namely Founders Day. What an honour. I bow before you duly humbled. Where to begin? First there was the mysterious and perplexing start to the trail which nearly had the troops running out to Menteri (perhaps the pile of roadside checkpoint paper was construed as recent trash thrown out of a car window since some out-with our lofty group fail to keep Brunei tidy). Quick as a flash all sense of direction was recovered and pride restored when the trailhead was located and the assent of Everest, I mean the wee hill commenced. Up, up, up, up, up and more up, then down, down, down, down and yet, more down and then it was all shower up, tidy up, presto, change into your favourite musical character. My oh my, what transformations unfolded before my very eyes.

This peace loving hash chick who is having a hard enough time as it is learning everyone's name (since new hash chicks from all over the world keep appearing from out of the woodwork every week) and their hash aliases, finds she now has to assemble even more bits of information in her brain to try to guess who these gals (and in some cases gals in drag) are supposed to be, not to mention needing to not make any mistakes guessing who they are supposed to be (let's face it, sometimes that was easy, others not) and put a name or hash alias to the characters incognito. No small feat that, but this hash chick gave it the old college try and managed to identify on first attempt a few of the personalities gracing her presence e.g. Carmen Miranda, the Phantom of the Opera, the naughty nun, Dorothy and the Wicked Witch of West (such astonishing powers I hear you, say yes, I know, thank you, thank you but enough about me). The power of three was evident on the night as well with the three muchacos and the three red and white wigged lovelies I was beginning to feel lonely until I remembered that I brought me, myself and I to the ball. At least one other hippy chick graced the horizon (thanks Wendy).

With loads of star performances from Alice and her dainty folk tale entourage (complete with English subtitles), the girls in the nightgowns regaling us with their "Favourite Hash Things" and the Mad Dr (complete with white lab coat) and the Hashettes singing the Monster Hash, in a flash we were well and truly underway with our memorable evening, even if the chef and sous chef still hadn't turned up for duty. What a patient lot of hash chicks were were. Nothing phased us on the night. With a shout of "The show must go on" and an expert DJ (thanks Freddy Mercury (or was it 2 Karen), I mean Salsa, I mean Mandy, see what I mean?) and revved up dancers, the floor was a movin' and a shakin' so much that any inhibitions that had entered the venue that night disappeared for good. What talented gals you all are.

We thank you from the bottom of the very tasty punch bowl. Even the waiting staff were shaking their booties and other bits to the groove. Oh what a night. The food was nice and tasty once the chef decided to fee the masses (no pun intended Sister Hash Hound). Do you suppose he had run off with the sous chef and they changed their minds once they got word of our star line up of the evening? No worries, once fed we forgot all about it. It is good to be forgiving, right Sister Hash Hound (SHH)?

Top marks go to those who helped set up, decorate, organise, those who won prizes and awards on the night. Well done everyone! You know who you are and so do we. Sincere thanks go again to all our committee members for the terrific job they have done for us this past year. Best of luck to the incoming committee too. It will be full "on on" once the reins pass to you. It was also nice to meet the guests. We hope to see them again in future.

The paparazzi were out in full force as well. With so many great photos taken you are sure to be able to recall many fun moments from the evening, even once the ads haze wears off (surely not the nun I hear you say? Sister, I will leave it to your conscience to confess or not). Just flip through your Founder's Day 2011 photo album any time you simply want to remember your Favourite Hash Things... and then you wont't feel ... so bad. Thanks for a memorable evening everyone.. Peace baby.

NEXT RUN: Diplo HARES: Sarong/Debra/Kim

RUN NO. 2255 - MATAMATA 8 NOVEMBER 2011

RUN NO. 2255

DATE: 8 NOVEMBER 2011

SITE: MATA

HARES: Satu Lagi/Anna M/Jodie

FRONT HORN: Fertile Myrtle BACK HORN: Dizzy

The rain came down half an hour before i arrived at Mata Mata, and i was optomistic that it would be very localised and only on Jalan Kota Batu. This wasn't the case but in any event the rain had pretty much stopped by 5.15. It did make life rather slippery in places but hey ho.

Mata Mata was looking lovely with rain drops catching the light, on what is always a pretty run. To start we had to avoid a couple of drains and then we had a few ups and downs, but nothing very strenuous (Oh how time dulls the memory). This led into wiggle wiggle by the stream and a cheque (check - ed). For those who hurle themselves across these hazards, i can recommend a cooling down of the feet. It really does make a difference and lessens the possibility of a sprained ancle. We passed a very inviting pool but i think those infront of me were in the running grove, and as i was bring up the rear, a late night in the jungle didn't seem such a good idea.

All in all a good run followed by some very delicious curry - thank you Hares.

The on on was fairly short and sweet. The last one with the current committee.

Many thanks to all of you who have participated in the smoth running of the hash this year

I wouldn't happen without you. Scribe: Dizzy

NEXT RUN: Jalan Kota Batu, Bukit Serdang - FOUNDERS DAY

HARES: Dizzy/Ryvita