BH3 Away Hash 2022 

13th to 15th of May

By Hazukashii OnOn

Friday, the 13th of May 2022

When I first visited Brasilia last year, it immediately reminded me of Hawaii. Although there are no mountains, and far away from the ocean, it was warm, with palm trees, a large lake in the center, and calm breezes. The city has a strong Kamaʻāina atmosphere, and the Brasilia H3 has a very welcoming and engaging pack. So when they posted a weekend event, I did not want to pass on the opportunity. Working my way down from Trinidad, through Guyana and Suriname, I arrived a couple days early to catch up with friends, and was immediately put to work helping gather the required libations for the weekend. Soon enough, it was time to make the 225 Km drive north outside Brasilia to Alto Paraiso (a town with an “Alien” flair to it).

The drive started on a 6-lane highway to the edge of the city, then down to 4 lanes for a bit, then it turned into a 2-lane road with speed bumps every 10 kms. The road was lined with many cornfields on both sides, in all stages of growth. Corn can be grown more than once a season in Brazil, so some fields were just planted, some knee high, some shoulder high, and then the ones well over you head and ready to be harvested. The winter dry season is generally best for corn, and following the process of double cropping, soybeans are planted in the summer rainy season. There must have been thousands of acres of corn growing, reminded me of home.

Once we arrived and checked into our hotels, it was time to get things sorted for the weekend’s events . . . Packing coolers, getting ice, a quick bit of scouting trail, etc . . . then just at dusk, circling up for the Friday evening red dress run in the center of town. We had nearly 40 hashers on hand to join in on the fun . . . and the small town was enamored with the spectacle. 

After a warm welcome from GM Opulence, and a naming, runners trail made a 6 km loop around town. The walkers had a more leisurely stroll, to where we all joined up in a local park for a rousing circle. Introductions were made, down downs were presented, and we soon adjourned to a local Italian restaurant for dinner and drinks well into the evening. When we arrived, our special custom made event T-shirts were placed at each seat, and we had to wander around to find our seat.

It was an excellent kick off day for what was an amazing weekend of hash frivolity . . . more to follow.

Saturday, the 14th of May 2022

Day 2 started with an amazing act of giving and kindness. Two weeks prior to the event, it was discovered that Casa Abraco (a school and living facility for abused children) http://casaabraco.com.br/ was in need of a refrigerator and freezer.

An announcement was made to the local hashers to collect 3000 Brazilian Real (~$600 USD) to buy a couple slightly, lovingly used models, and within days, 4500 reals were collected, which allowed them to purchase a 540L fridge and a 580L horizontal freezer. With the additional funds they purchased over R$ 1200 in food and hygiene articles. Additional donations included clothes and toys, ice cream for over 100 kids as well as R$2000 in cash.

When the founders of the school came out to Alto Paraiso to be presented with the donations on Saturday morning, there was not a dry eye in the house as the director explained how grateful they were to receive the kind donations. 

What an amazing act of kindness from the hashers of the Brasilia H3.

Day 2, the MAIN EVENT. Our hares, Opulence and Inbred Fred, made an early departure to go set the trail. The original plan for trail had been scouted weeks in advance and would have made a fun and exciting loop around the valley, and finish up at a waterfall, where the circle would be held.

Unfortunately, just three days prior, while on a last-minute coordination trip to the park, it was discovered that another event was also planned for that park, and hash horse play would not fit in well. So, another location needed to be found . . . and super sleuth and GM of the hash, Opulence, found another park, with even more waterfalls, and made all the required arrangements . . . and it was on.

At 1 pm, the pack gathered at a local park for instructions. Instead of the previously planned loop trail, the runners were now getting the opportunity to run an A to B trail, while the walkers drove out to the park for a shorter climb up to the waterfalls. The 8 kms runners trail took in a bit of the town, and then set off up a dirt road headed out into the countryside. After several YBFs, Check Backs, and a bit of dust, the entrance to the park was found. Dashing our way through the reception area, we soon began the slow climb up the wooden walkways to not one, but two peaks, with views of a dozen small waterfalls. Making it to the top of the second trail, the walkers and runner mingled for a swim, and a few dozen beverages were broken out to refresh the weary pack.

After an hour of hash hijinks, we made our way back down the trail to the reception area, where we rejoiced the day with a high-spirited circle. After a few of the usual down downs, we reached out to abuse the many nationalities in attendance. First, the US hashers were called out for a group hug with
the Russians (what a beautiful site). The apologetic Canadians were recognized with a brew. The Brazilians were called out and thanked for hosting this rabble of nearly 40 hashers. The Germans were called out for their lack of humor (hahahahaha, it’s the truth not just a rumor, Hahahahaha). After a few more well-deserved brews, it was time to head back into town to clean up, and make our way to dinner at Jambalaya, a lovely little eatery on the hill. Another absolutely fabulous day in Alto Paraiso, Brazil.

Sunday, the 15th of May 2022

Day 3, the Hangover Trail. After two glorious days of hashing and overindulgence, it was time for one more joyful trot around Alto Paraiso. Newly named Calc-Oholic, assisted by terminal outcast of
numerous hash clubs all over the world, Hazukashii, set a shiggy trail on Sunday morning. Starting at 9 am, the pack assembled at the other end of town for a short 5 km runners (4 km walkers), but elevating trail through some local farmland and points of interest.

After the first half of generally level trail, things took an abrupt turn after the runners and walkers merged, for some rising elevation (and heart rates) to a peak, where fabulous views of Alto Paraiso
could be seen, and of course, the obligatory hash group photo. Making their way back down, several false trails were discovered, but the pack soon assemble back at the cars for a very short circle. 

Scurrying back to town to check out (except a few who stuck around for another day), the pack cleaned up and packed their cars for the drive out to na Mata for lunch. Na Mata is an incredible place, about 4 kms off the highway, up a winding dirt road, in the middle of nowhere. When we entered, the amazing

smell of smoked meat wafted over the place. The food was delicious, and many laughs were had, thinking about the fun weekend we all had.

Many many thanks to the Brasilia H3 for hosting (and letting me join you for) this awesome event. Don’t forget, NEXT year, the Brasilia H3 will be hosting the inaugural PAN SOUTH AMERICAN HASH in June 2023. https://soam2023.gotothehash.net