Kilimanjaro Dirt Road Hash

Sunday was a first for me – I went on my first hash! Some of you - particularly my college roommate Laura - are hashing veterans, but this was the first time I’d actually experienced it for myself. A hash is kind of like a group run, but no one knows the trail beforehand. The group follows patches of flour set out on the ground the day before, and periodically there’s an X made out of flour indicating that the trail could be anywhere… so everyone fans out and searches until the lucky individual finds more flour and yells On on! Everyone then falls in line and the hash continues.

Hashes are known for being particularly adventurous, and this one did not disappoint. We ran through cornfields, crossed streams, and traversed many a dirt road. It was a great way to catch a glimpse of rural life in Moshi, and the scenery was beautiful, complete with blue sky and a spectacular view of Kili. I’m sure that the Tanzanians we passed along the way thought we were crazy, but they greeted us anyway and often pointed out the way. Barring a few areas where we are fairly certain chickens ate the flour, we managed to make it through the entire course and back to the host’s house for a giant feast of local fare. It was a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon!