Tarheel Hash 692: January 17th, 2026 - Starting the year off right!
Lickety
Tarheel Hash 692: January 17th, 2026 - Arctic Blast Doesn’t Faze the Hashers!
Who was there:
Hares: Big Box and Jerkules
Newbies, Guests, and Visitors: St. Rollherover’s College friend & fellow hasher, Bobblehead, from the UND H3 (kennel renamed Grand Forks H3, and npw, The Water Bears H3); Jerkules’ friend Just Greg, who lives nearby and moved here from D.C. years ago; and Pedifido's friend Just Holly, a school physical therapist who shares Pedifido's interest in gardening
LateCummer: Poco de Gracia, who bravely followed marks on her own and caught up successfully
The rest of the Pack: Mutant Gene; Rod n Staff; PITA; Field & Stream; Gypsy Rose; Pedifido; Endangered Feces; Chili Willie; Just Susan; Swings on Wood; Short Shaft; DIE Corn; Bullysticks; Windshield Swiper; A$$ Clown; Dicktaphone; St. Rollherover; Slow Hole; SeeNoEno; SpeakNoEno; HearNoEno; Butt-Parking Device; Scrubjay; Comfort; Mr. Cream Jeans; Lickety Spit
Photo Album:
Below is the photo album in Flickr.com for Tarheel Hash 692. This collection includes photos taken as we gathered before packing off, during our adventures on trail, and at the Après, where we mingle after the trail, to enjoy great refreshments courtesy of the hares. The pictures come with captions to read by hovering the mouse near the bottom of each photo.
https://www.flickr.com/photos/147890119@N04/albums/72177720331841700/
Hash Summary
A Major Turnout with Three Interesting Guests
The third Saturday in January arrived cold and overcast; the Triangle had been buffeted by a series of Arctic blasts—a bracing way to usher in the new year. As hashers, however, we refused to be deterred. Quite the opposite—we eagerly anticipated Big Box and Jerkules’ event, knowing their trails are always thoughtfully planned, complete with cleverly placed beer breaks and a concluding Après featuring excellent food and warm hospitality—more than capable of fending off Old Man Winter’s wrath.
Despite the gray skies and brisk temperatures, we had a remarkable turnout. In addition to several familiar faces, we welcomed three interesting guests.
Jerkules invited his friend Just Greg, who lives just a few streets away. Greg was new to hashing—this was his first—and he thoroughly enjoyed the experience. We had a chance to talk on trail, and I learned more about him: he previously lived in Washington, D.C., working in telecommunications, before seeking a new career path and a change of scenery. He and his wife chose Durham as the place to put down roots and raise a family, purchasing a home here eighteen years ago. They now have two children—a sixteen‑year‑old daughter and a seven‑year‑old son—both enrolled at Durham School of the Arts, a progressive magnet school focused on visual and performing arts, where they are happily thriving.
Pedifido brought along her friend Holly, who was curious to see what hashing is all about. While she may not be able to join us again soon—she broke her foot in February and healing has been slow, possibly requiring surgery—she made quite an impression. Holly and Pedifido met through the Parkwood Community Garden, where they both volunteer and maintain plots. Holly works as a physical therapist within the Durham School System, and her main passion outside of work is gymnastics. She competes on an adult team and is currently trying out men’s events as well as women’s. With her diverse interests and dedication to community, Holly is remarkable, and she’ll always be welcome to return when she’s back on her feet.
St. Rollherover brought an out‑of‑town visitor: Nick “Bobble Head” Horst, a college friend who shares the same mother hash. While attending the University of North Dakota, they were part of the school’s hash chapter, originally known as UND‑H3 (with the beer‑drinking aspect reportedly kept fairly low‑profile). Bobble Head was among its inaugural members; the group later renamed itself the Grand Forks H3, reflecting both its location and a broader membership beyond students. A recent online search revealed that the kennel has morphed again, now known as the Water Bear H3. This hashing club describes itself—enthusiastically—as “the funniest group you’ve ever heard about.”
Bobble Head also has a fascinating hobby: troll‑hunting. Danish recycle artist Thomas Dambo creates giant wooden trolls from reclaimed materials and places them in parks and natural spaces worldwide—some hidden, some revealed—to encourage exploration, sustainability, and community connection. Part of the public art initiative “50 States – Trolls of America,” these Troll Projects mirror hashing in spirit: getting people outdoors, sparking curiosity, promoting reuse over waste, and building shared experiences and camaraderie across communities and continents.
Circle and Trail Share Diversity
When it was time to circle up, we gathered for introductions, especially important considering the guests among us. Some hashers, decked out in bright colors, made me wonder if deer hunting season was still underway. We stood on the hares’ concrete driveway, where several trail symbols had already been chalked. Jerkules, ever the conscientious hare, took the time to explain each one, making sure everyone understood—especially those new to the group.
With symbols explained and expectations set, we packed off, stepping from the hares’ driveway into a landscape that had changed since this trail was last laid. New houses seemed to have sprung up like mushrooms, their fresh construction a stark reminder of how quickly this part of Durham is growing.
Just beyond the new structures, a nearby park offered a welcome counterpoint—a field, a creek, and dirt paths winding between tall, bare trees and patches of bamboo. A midway stop was anchored by an expansive oak, with a large swing hanging from one sturdy branch, hinting at the trail’s clever balance between homes built for a growing, affluent population and nature’s invitation to life’s simpler pleasures. Pedifido and Holly paused at the swing, where Pedifido couldn’t resist hoisting herself up to glide briefly back and forth before hopping down to catch up with the pack.
Returning to broad asphalt roads—some newly laid—we encountered more construction: houses perched atop high mounds, some just shy of completion. Then the trail marks led us back to nature, where we moved along a carpet of rumpled leaves and passed an abandoned tin once filled with kettle chips. Why had it been left behind? Beyond the obvious littering, the container could easily have been cleaned and repurposed.
Approaching a Turkey–Eagle split, we chose our respective routes. I joined the Turkeys along a straight, amber path of leaves flanked by more tall, bare trees. A Hash Halt” appeared in flour near a path–road intersection, so we lingered there, waiting for the rest of the pack to arrive.
On trail, Slow Hole mentioned that she had lived in Prague for a year teaching English, so I later emailed her, curious about the experience—partly because my daughter had visited Prague during her junior year abroad, and partly because its architecture has long impressed me. Slow Hole explained that from 2005 to 2006, she lived in the Vinohrady (Vineyard) neighborhood near Wenceslas Square and learned, through her students, how deeply Czechs embrace the outdoors in every season. One student even skated on a frozen lake during lunch breaks. She has since adopted that same appreciation for nature. Her favorite foods included smažený sýr (fried cheese) and medovník, a honey cake now available locally at the Golden Hex in Cary. She also praised the city’s crisp lagers, which she said spoiled all others. Prague even has its own kennel, Prague H3 (PH3), active on Meetup, Facebook, and Instagram:
Meanwhile, as Turkeys gathered, Eagles began appearing in the distance, some running faster than others. Hashing may not be a race, but as they reached the HH, it felt like welcoming runners across a finish line. Then—surprise! Our late cummer, Poco, swooped in. Though she had arrived at the hares’ place after we’d packed off, she successfully found true trail—and then found us.
After a headcount confirmed everyone was present, the hare sent us on in search of more dollops. I ran behind Bobble Head, whose bright blue jacket revealed he had attended the USA Nash Hash in August 2024, hosted by Southern Maryland’s SBFMH3—the Smutty Butts Full Moon H3. What a provocatively named kennel!
We spotted two pups—possibly Jack Russells—being walked by their owner. Ever the canine enthusiast, Field & Stream greeted them warmly. Farther along, on a two-lane street lined with older houses, I noticed a small shrub with a few pussy willow catkins emerging from their protective skins. I couldn’t resist snapping a photo through the branches, framing Chili Willie and Just Greg as they searched for trail marks. Until now, I had thought pussy willows only appeared in spring.
Leaving the neighborhood for rougher terrain, we passed a disc golf basket lying on its side, its chains hanging limp—a quiet relic of games long past.
After traipsing along these peaceful pathways, we finally spotted the long-anticipated marking: “BN!” with a hare arrow beside it. Like thirsty cattle spotting a full trough, we hurried into the woods in search of the sacred cooler. Reaching the beer check required crossing a footbridge and weaving through a couple of old trees before a structure—likely a picnic shelter—appeared at the edge of the park. Below it sat a sandy seating area with a bright yellow picnic table, covered with snacks and coolers of icy beverages. The setting was relaxed, discreetly surrounded by tall trees. Some hashers explored the shelter but returned for refreshments. The park itself has existed for decades, though the old playground has been replaced with modern, brightly colored equipment reflecting updated standards.
When it was time to move on, we followed pathways toward the park’s exit, though Gypsy Rose just had to try the new swing—a large seat suspended from a curved metal frame. Mr. Cream Jeans and Butt-Parking Device teamed up to give her a strong push, sending her sailing through the air. As they walked away, I stepped in, grabbing one rope to slow the swing so she could safely dismount.
Just before reaching the exit, we came upon a Little Free
Library modeled after a beehive, accompanied by a charming sign quoting
Christopher Robin:
“Promise me you’ll always remember you’re braver than you believe, stronger
than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Such sage advice could serve all of us.
Beyond the beehive, the pack wound onto a street the hares have long incorporated into their trails. It was lined with houses, some dating to the ’60s—and we even passed the brick one-story home where my partner, Mr. Cream Jeans, lived as a young boy.
Farther along, we noticed a bright aquamarine structure on a main road that may once have been a home, though the large, striped concrete parking area suggested it had since become a business. Turning onto another residential street, a curious sight caught our attention: a pair of old running shoes dangling high overhead, tied together by their laces and slung over a wire.
As we neared the hares’ street, just a few blocks from their house, we passed a home that appeared traditional at first glance but revealed a more progressive feature on closer inspection: downspouts, front and back, bent like straws into barrels to collect and store rainwater.
The Hares’ Warm Hospitality Includes a glowing Bonfire!
Reaching the hares’ place, we made our way inside to escape the dropping evening temperatures. The kitchen aromas were even more inviting than the warmth, with soup simmering on the stove and in the crock pot. Big Box’s fare was plentiful for both meat-lovers and vegetarians alike, including her sausage and beef ragout and a hearty lentil stew. The hares’ coonhound, Mimi, stretched her neck toward the stovetop, eager to take it all in.
A woodblock table at the center of the kitchen held fresh loaves and a bread knife for slicing, with butter alongside—a very nice touch. Beside it, a long buffet table ran parallel to the dining room, featuring a delicious lineup of sides and snacks to complement the meal.
After entering the house through the garage (removing their shoes, of course), hashers settled in—some having changed clothes—and before long, found seating after helping themselves to the bountiful spread. Mr. Cream Jeans and I secured places at a table large enough to seat a sizeable group, while a cozy side room beyond the dining area welcomed more hashers once their plates were filled.
Ever the gracious hostess, Big Box offered wine—both red and white—and I enjoyed a glass that took the chill off the winter afternoon. Dessert included a moist lemon cake, neatly cut into squares, a longtime favorite of mine. The hares also marked Field & Stream’s birthday with a tasty spice cake topped with luscious, creamy icing.
Finally, as a glowing conclusion, hashers gathered out back on the tiled terrace, warming themselves by the crackling flames of the fire pit. Nearby, a tub garden echoed the natural beauty we had taken in on trail earlier that day. Kudos to the hares—Big Box and Jerkules—for an unforgettable event, seamlessly organized and warmly embedded in the memories of all who attended.
Acknowledgements
Assistant Photographers:
Mr. Cream Jeans made a fine contribution to the album, showing fellow hashers gathering before trail and then gathering again where the Turkey and Eagle trails converge. I always appreciate his handiwork!
Jerkules shaped so many photos preserving memories of this event – sharing images of trail, candid shots of hashers at the Beer Break, and glowing images of hashers in the spacious dining room and, afterward, some hashers seated outside that evening, getting toasty beside the crackling flames in the fire pit. Fantastic job, Jerkules!
Field and Stream’s Birthday was today!
It’s hard for us to imagine a better way than hashing to celebrate a birthday. The hares’ timing was impeccable, choosing this date to host their event.
The Hares, Big Box, and Jerkules
The hares outdid themselves, creating a richly varied trail with many distinct features that connect elements of civilization with stretches of land still in Mother Nature’s hands.
The Beer Break location was ideal; we wound up at a longstanding local park, surrounded by tall trees for privacy with an additional perk: an updated playground renovated just a few years ago!
After resuming and running the rest of the course, the hares hosted the Après with aplomb and warm hospitality. The food was incredible, with pots of soup warming on both the stove and in the crockpot. Dessert included a moist lemon cake, truly a favorite. And, to mark a special day for Field & Stream', a birthday treat was also served: a tasty spice cake topped with luscious, creamy icing.
Finally, as a glowing conclusion, the hares had the brilliant idea of setting up a bonfire out back where hashers could gather as the evening grew cooler.
Kudos to the hares—Big Box and Jerkules—for an unforgettable event! They thought of everything imaginable to make all of us feel welcome. Thank you both, and On-On!