Tarheel Hash 693 - Springtime in Parkwood: : A Celebration of Colorful Gardens and Frolicsome Forests
Lickety
The first hash of spring showcased Parkwood’s plentiful gardens—color everywhere, and pride in full bloom. We romped through the woods, followed sewer lines, splashed through puddles, and hit mud sticky enough to snag a pair of shoes! Laughter carried us along the way—and best of all, we welcomed a few new faces into the fold. On-On!
Tarheel Hash 693 - April 12th, 2026: Springtime in Parkwood: A Celebration of Colorful Gardens and Frolicsome Forests
Who was here
Hares: Comfort, Swings on Wood, and Short Shaft
Newbies, Guests, and Visitors: One More Nut to Crack; Tits for Tats; Just Will
The rest of the Pack: Field & Stream; Pedifido; Endangered Feces; Panties in the Hood; Taste the Rainbow; Just Lucy; St. Rollherover; Dicktaphone; SeeNoEno; SpeakNoEno; HearNoEno; LickMyFinger; Super Dave; In the Otter Ear; Tight Lips; Gockel Stumper; Cocksford Kink; Queefie; Frau Farter; Rod n Staff; Lickety Spit
Photo Album:
Below is the photo album in Flickr.com for Tarheel Hash 693. 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. Captions accompany the photos, to read by hovering the mouse near the bottom of each picture.
https://flickr.com/photos/147890119@N04/albums/72177720333364563/with/55232251959
Summary:
Gathering and Circling Before Trail
On Sunday, April 12th, 2026, hashers gathered in Parkwood, where spring was in full display—colorful gardens and bright blooms setting the tone for the day’s escapade. Outside Comfort’s home, framed by vivid pink azaleas, hares Comfort and Swings on Wood welcomed early arrivals as the group began to assemble.
Panties in the Hood soaked in the scene—PBR in hand—cooling off while posing among the vibrant blossoms. As cohare Short Shaft signed the waiver, Otter Ear and Cocksford Kink made their way toward the growing crowd migrating from the lawn up the driveway toward the house. SpeakNoEno and Tight Lips joined fellow hashers gathering near the screened porch entrance.
New faces added to the energy of the day. TH4 newcomers Just Will and Tits for Tats arrived sporting shirts from events both far and near: Will’s “Mother of All Hashes” hailed from the other side of the globe, Kuala Lumpur, while his partner’s shirt represented a local kennel by comparison, the So-Pi Hash in Southern Pines. Another newbie, One More Nut to Crack, gave out a delightful vibe and we would have time to get better acquainted at the Beer Break.
Field & Stream brought along her Goldendoodle, Mr. Darcy, a social guy who liked getting introduced to the other hashers. Elsewhere, Just Lucy shared a moment with Endangered Feces and Pedifido, bonding over a shared affection for both dogs and cats.
As hashers mingled, the usual pre-trail curiosity surfaced—“How long will the trail be?”—met with the familiar uncertainty that only the hares could resolve. Taste the Rainbow, grinning mischievously, added to the good vibes with a warm hug for PITA.
Arrivals continued as SuperDave and LickMyFinger signed the waiver and passed it along to Queefie and Frau Farter, pausing briefly between signatures to chat with Field & Stream. Gradually, the group began to circle near the screened-in porch. Gockel Stumper, with his wife Tight Lips, took his place between newbies Just Will and Tits for Tats, while others, like Cocksford Kink, Otter Ear, and Queefie—along with Tight Lips and Gockel—represented both TH4 and neighboring kennels like Sir Walter’s.
One More Nut to Crack, newly welcomed into the fold, stood between Taste the Rainbow and Dicktaphone.
At the far end of the circle, SpeakNoEno and SeeNoEno sensed the moment approaching: it was nearly time to pack off.
When Comfort gave the word, we set off down the driveway toward the street, just as Rod n Staff arrived—late, but perfectly timed to join in as we headed out to find trail.
Embarking on a Memorable Trail: Adventures Well-Shared
The adventures began with a moment of uncertainty. At the bottom of Comfort’s driveway, an eager group of hashers tested a left turn, only to realize they had chosen incorrectly—true trail lay in the opposite direction.
A brief re-group set everyone back on course, a familiar rhythm of trial, error, and discovery.
Early distractions proved irresistible. A Little Free Library appeared along the way, and Pedifido paused there with Rod n Staff—a fitting “Book Break,” their kind of BB. Meanwhile, Gockel Stumper made his way past a tranquil pond, only to uncover a reminder of why being a “fish out of water” is best left metaphorical.
Eventually, I caught up with him to ask what he and Tight Lips had been up to lately. With characteristic nonchalance, he filled me in on February’s inaugural Nash Hash in Ecuador—a Carnival-themed cruise hosted by the Cuenca Alpaca H3. He and Tight Lips were among the well-traveled hashers aboard, joined by historian Ed “Hazukashii” Howell, another one of just 56 participants taking part in the festivities.
As he recounted the journey, our pace began to pick up. The pack veered away from Parkwood's residential section to enter a lush green tunnel, accelerating to a fast trot—almost a gallop—as we pressed forward, whether in pursuit of trail or simply the thrill of the run. Puddles and muddy stretches hinted at wetter days before the drought, and not everyone escaped unscathed: Panties in the Hood’s shoes became stuck in a bog before she managed to recover them and press on.
Regaining momentum, the group followed a sewer line, navigating terrain both rugged and memorable.
Along the route, the unexpected continued. SuperDave made a playful descent down a manhole cone—likely a prime target for flour tosses during trail-marking. Simple forest footbridges guided the way, while a rare teepee structure sparked curiosity and admiration. Emerging from the woods, the hashers passed a modern playground—one of many signs of Parkwood’s thoughtfully planned community.
Soon enough, a classic mark appeared on the ground, prompting the question: Which way to go, the Eagle or Turkey trail? The pack split, each group choosing a path with the promise of reconvening later. And later, as we continued, a sign showing a barred dog-pooping silhouette served as a reminder to “keep Parkwood beautiful,” which earned a knowing “woof” from the group.
The trail was taking us down a neighborhood street and then – voila – we were in front of A$$ Clown’s home, where he stood purposefully. Nearby, a sprinkler refreshed us with an impromptu cool shower. With permission granted to pass through his property, we transitioned from the sun-heated street to an invitingly shaded forest, adding comfort as we pushed onward.
Eventually, the woods opened up, at least somewhat, revealing clusters of hashers in the distance—gripping cans— the telltale sign of a Beer Break. And indeed, the scene unfolded like a vibrant tableau, a gathering that might rival a hasher’s version of Bosch’s Garden of Earthly Delights. Conversations ripple through the group, while AC, Pedifido, and Endangered Feces keep a cautious distance from lurking PI.
Fortunately, cold brewskis were thoughtfully delivered to them, ensuring their spirits remained high.
Trail conditions explained certain wardrobe choices— case in point, Frau Farter, Panties in the Hood, and Dicktaphone were among those wearing long socks as wise protection against dubious undergrowth. After stepping away from the crowd, Cocksford Kink, with furrowed brow, shifted focus to his phone, attempting to get through.
Was the signal weak or simply busy? I guess the rest of us may never know.
As the break unfolded, stories and connections took center stage. Dicktaphone shared news of her daughter Claire’s recent wedding, while Taste the Rainbow raised a White Claw in celebration. Just Lucy found steady footing on a small mound near her husband St. Rollherover, and he was surveying the ever-shifting clusters of hashers. Field & Stream took a moment to relax, soon joined by Dicktaphone for easy conversation, while One More Nut to Crack recounted her husband’s misadventures with the Krispy Kreme Challenge.
Eventually, Swings on Wood nudged the pack back into motion. Leaving the forest behind, we regrouped on the street to press forward once more in search of true trail. The neighborhood rewarded us with some sweet eye candy: azaleas in brilliant bloom, along with gardens displaying bursts of color at every turn. White azaleas stole the spotlight in one yard, and then a lone pink camellia-like bloom caught Queefie’s eye. Yellow daffodils—both beautiful and deer-resistant—stood proudly alongside orchids of striking elegance and delicate violet flowers reminiscent of bugleweed.
Looking skyward, the afternoon sun illuminated a Japanese maple, shining down and glowing through the translucent crimson leaves. Even whimsical touches stood out—two lingering Halloween skeletons, seated in Adirondack chairs, invited Queefie to pause and sit between them.
The trail continued with another Turkey–Eagle split, giving hashers a chance to choose paths once more before regrouping. Queefie took center stage on a wooden bridge, with a foot on each side, striking a perfect balance between poise and playfulness.
But even seasoned hashers can lose the trail now and then. Distracted by snapping garden photos and Queefie’s finding a bucket of industrial-style outdoor lights as “trail treasure”, she and I wandered off course—only to be found and then redirected by Endangered Feces, who pointed us toward a shortcut back to Comfort’s place. Our early return marked a fitting end to a trail filled with twists, turns, laughter, and shared adventure.
The Après: Charmed by Scrumptious Selections - and an Ogling Owl
After trail, the focus shifted—naturally—from adventure to appetite. Inside Comfort and Rick's kitchen, a generous spread was neatly laid out on the stove and countertops: warm pans of lasagna, cabbage casserole, rice, macaroni salad, bread loaves, and a plate heaped with freshly baked chocolate chip cookies. Helping hands were quick to appear and deliver the food to a table waiting outside. A crockpot of homemade vegetable soup, lovingly prepared by Swings on Wood, remained inside the screened porch, a contribution everyone appreciated.
The scrumptious selection drew hashers in like a magnet and kept them coming back for more.
Hungry hashers filled their plates and began the familiar après ritual—circulating, chatting, and scouting out the ideal places to sit. A foosball table near the refreshments added a playful element to the scene.
Comfort proved to be the consummate hostess, ensuring there was plenty to eat for everyone. Newcomers Tits for Tats and Just Will enthusiastically dug in, quickly settling into the rhythm of the group. The couple entered the screened porch and savored their meal at the table, looking right at home.
Second helpings became a theme, as Swings on Wood joined Endangered Feces for another round. Meanwhile, wardrobe changes prompted nostalgia laced with humor; Endangered Feces changed into a shirt from the 1997 InterAm in Trinidad, proudly displaying a bit of hash history. The shirt's front side displayed a photo of Sir Walter’s hashers, in the buff, holding small signs - positioned like fig leaves on Roman statues - that collectively spelled “SWHHH”. On one end, Tiny Tank (the GM at the time) covered himself with the “Hashshit” instead– an old toilet seat cover, historically "awarded" to a hasher guilty of an act either stupid or ribald, and thus "doomed" to carry it during the entire trail. When Feces turned around, the other side of his shirt revealed the hashers’ backsides. Appearing to "moon" the photographer, this rowdy group joyfully displayed a somewhat… irreverent pose.
As the good times continued, conversations flowed just as freely as the beverages. Just Lucy and SeeNoEno found a shady spot to talk about everything from local success stories to farmers’ markets, along with SNE’s recent wrist injury. Nearby, Frau Farter, Panties in the Hood, and Gockel Stumper relaxed together in lawn chairs, savoring the lingering glow of trail memories. Rainbow appeared to be sharing something amusing, judging by Pedifido’s grin—a reminder that the laughter doesn’t stop when the trail ends.
Longtime hashers Rod n Staff and Pedifido chatted quietly, possibly reflecting on life beyond the hash. In the backyard, a pair of bicycles leaned up against a tree- Pedifido and Endangered Feces’ transportation to the event. Biking has also been a source of recreational fitness, not unlike one of Rod n Staff’s favorite hobbies, sailing. Fond memories of navigating his boat over the water's surface, propelled by cool breezes, would explain why he'd rather be sailing.
We all shared a sense that spring would promise plenty of good times yet to come.
As the afternoon continued, SpeakNoEno debated going back for seconds while Pedifido remained content with a cold PBR. Rainbow noticed a common thread—Garmins on their wrists—proof that tracking miles and moments is all part of acceptable hash behavior.
In the backyard, an unexpected figure captured everyone’s attention: an owl perched atop a post. Equal parts curiosity and conversation piece, it became the subject of admiration—and plenty of photos.
Rick, Comfort’s husband, snapped a picture of me standing beside the owl, whose practical purpose—keeping birds away from freshly planted grass seed—enhanced its charm.
Behind the scenes, Rick played a key role throughout, from helping set up the buffet to ensuring everyone felt welcome. Meanwhile, the hares…finally took a well-earned moment to relax after orchestrating a memorable trail—and event.
As the event was winding down, gratitude came naturally. Comfort, Rick, Swings on Wood, and Short Shaft outdid themselves, hosting Tar Heel Hash 693—an event that perfectly blended scenic adventure, spirited camaraderie, and warm hospitality. Altogether, this was an ideal way to celebrate the arrival of the vernal season.
Acknowledgements:
Trail facilitator
A$$ Clown: He greeted us in the front yard as we passed through, and the sprinkler nearby was turned on to cool us off! He allowed us to pass through his property to continue a well-planned trail, into the woods to reach the Beer Break. Thanks, AC!
Assistant Photographers
Gockel Stumper: His collection encompasses the essence of this trail: following hash marks on the neighborhood streets; hashers spread out on broad dirt path in one of the many wooded sections; a snapshot of Panties in the hood – behind her shoes that had gotten stuck in the mud, mid-stride; a sewer line passageway with ample dollops and friendly shade; and a brigade of hashers marching knee-deep in tall lush grasses. But I got an especially big kick out of his photo of a dead fish several feet away from one of the lakes. Perhaps it had been meant for release back into the water—though with very poor aim!
PITA: Some delectable photos of: beer break refreshments, neatly bagged—or were these simply the remains after consumption? Hmmm..his second photo reveals the selection of mouthwatering fare in the kitchen: a flavorful cooked cabbage to serve over rice and pans of freshly baked lasagna. The coveted dessert of chewy chocolate cookies were barely visible behind the entrees. Thanks for the delicious memories, PITA!,
Rick, Comfort’s husband: I am so glad Rick took a picture of me with his trusty owl: so much more than a mascot! Mr. Owl continues an ongoing career as a “scarecrow” to discourage birds that would have otherwise devoured the grass seed when it was planted. Now the seed has germinated into grass so rich and robust: what an incredible lawn! Thank you, Rick.
Queefie: As we passed the gardens, Queefie pointed out some memorable finds, lovely blossoms new to me; she also discovered a couple of life-sized skeletons seated in Adirondack chairs, Halloween relics that hadn't lost their magic! A candid shot of her, seated on the grass between her new friends, was a “must-save” for this hash’s Flickr album. Queefie, I had so much fun on trail with you!
Additional Fare Contributions: Besides the scrumptious selection outside, Co-Hare Swings on Wood’s homemade soup was just delicious! We all lined up inside the screened porch to ladle a bowl from the crockpot. The ingredients included organic fresh vegetables reminiscent of a trip to the farmer’s market. Piping hot, with the crunch of garden goodness, this was an ideal complement to a spring meal. Excellent springtime fare, Swings!
And The Hares:
The hares, Comfort, Swings on Wood, and Short Shaft, did a spectacular job orchestrating this event, one which celebrated the springtime gardens of Parkwood, the adventures of a multi-featured trail, and the fellowship we shared after the trail concluded with a delightful feast and a shared camaraderie so characteristic of the hash. Thank you all for a memorable celebration of spring!