FEBRUARY 19 2023
BIG MOUNTAIN TO STRAWBERRY BEACH
Hares: Chippy, Mr. T, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Snapshot Ringmaster: Have-A-Chat Report: Uncle
Weather: Partly sunny, high cloud.
Hash Cash: 1 pm registration with Mr T & Johnny @ VTH3 Kennel: Nắng Vũng Tàu, 5 Lê Ngọc Hân, Ward 1. Total Hashers: ~26 Destination: Strawberry Beach @83 Tran Phu. Chalk Talk: Secs (edited): “Through the Thích Ca Phật Đài temple grounds, up to Ho May Park road, turn right and follow red ribbons along and into the jungle to the big cross, then steps down through church grounds to Tran Phu. Across the road to #83 and down to the beach.” Trail: Use own or share transport to 83 Tran Phu then tourist carts to parking lot @610 Tran Phu. Into Thích Ca Phật Đài temple grounds, past Zen temple, reclining Buddha and tourist stalls, through local commune (noisy dogs), then up to Ho May Park road (eastern end of Tran Phu Hem 444). Go west towards Ward 5 fishing village (Sao Mai) for 1-2 km and enjoy shipyard views until red marker ribbons go into the trees on LH side and loop around to the big cross near eastern end of ‘Rowdy’s Ridge’ (for more details of ‘RR’ go to Trails Archive (vungtauhash.com) then scroll down to run #523, 13 May 2012). Descend ~860 steps to parish church with 32m-high ‘Mother Mary and child’ statue in extensive grounds @140A Tran Phu, then across road and down to beach via #83 Tran Phu steps. Highlights: Snake watching on the trail; views to shipyard and beyond from Ho May Park Road; bay views and selfies at the big cross; socialising on the beach and watching Queenie (Vy’s corgi) search for bones and tunnel her way to Australia(!); kicking a football with local kids at the water’s edge. Happy days! Special interest:
Down Down: Strawberry Beach @83 Tran Phu. Refreshments: Saigon Chill, softies, water, banh mi, water melon, guava. Also yummy Japanese Mochi cakes courtesy visitors Non-Stop Cock and Cement Trader. Trail rating: 10/10 (rounded up from 9.999*) Hash Virgins: Ngo Huong (husband of Trang Pham and father of Alex & Mickey) – welcome 1! Returnees: Chris – welcome 2! Visitors: Non-Stop Cock and Cement Trader (both SH3) – welcome 3 and 4! Temporary departures: Chom Chom, Faulty Brakes, Hot Lips. “Bon voyage 1, 2 and 3 – Hẹn gặp lại!” Hash namings: From this run onwards, Phong will be known in Hash circles as ‘Snapshot’; Steve as ‘Adonis’. Other business:
Circle closed: Garbage bags filled, chairs stacked, eskies de-iced then own or shared transport to Nắng Vũng Tàu kennel to store assets, On On On! etc. Next week: Watch this space and facebook page: @VungTauHHH for more details of next week’s “early start special” all-day trip to Mỹ Tho. "On On"
RUN 1048 GALLERY
0 Comments
FEBRUARY 12 2023
HOÀ BÌNH
Hares: Chippy, Mr. T, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Chom Chom Ringmaster: Have-A-Chat Report: Uncle
Weather: Sunny, but shade along the riverside and at end point Thac Hoa Binh (Eco Park).
Hash Cash: Early start – 11 am. Mr T & Johnny @ VTH3 Kennel: Nắng Vũng Tàu, 5 Lê Ngọc Hân, Ward 1. Total Hashers: 61 and a dog (verified by Hash Cash booking list and Johnny’s roll call before the return trip to ensure no one left behind). Destination: Dam approx 5 km from Thac Hoa Binh (Eco Park), nearly 2 hours drive from Nang VT; north of Ho Tram, Xuyen Moc. Chalk Talk: Secs (edited): “Over the fence, across the Hai Binh dam, down the steps, then follow red ribbons for 5km through the woods, cross the river (several times) to Eco Park waterfalls.” Trail: We debussed at the dam and crossed the overpass, then followed red ribbons along the river negotiating a series of ‘obstacles’ including initial fence/wall, at least one angry ‘killer bee’(!), a high wall descent, locked gate and chicken wire fence (“…the owner said he’d leave the gate open…”!), lots of lower-leg-shredding undergrowth, several barbed wire fences, many slippery rocks and strong currents for several river/stream crossings to Eco Park waterfalls and picnic area. Some (like me!) had googled ‘Hoa Binh’ and thought the trail would be inside the Eco Park waterfalls and that we’d just be climbing a few rocks, but that was 5 km and quite a few obstacles short of reality (as we should have guessed!). Highlights:
Down Down: Thac Hai Binh (Eco Park) waterfalls. Special interest (“cultural awareness”!):
Refreshments: Saigon Chill, softies, water, chicken salad, chicken & mushroom congee/rice soup, assorted fruit – yum yum! Travel esky: cold drinks for return bus trip – two waters too many, several beers too few! (Lyrics for a new Hash song, perhaps? Hmmm…) Trail rating: 10+ Hash Virgins: Yes, several; total depends on whether you count 1 week or 2. But everyone welcomed, as always! Returnees: 6 (plus 1 whose diary was soaking wet so he couldn’t count back 6 weeks – but Chippy nailed him!). Other business:
Circle closed: Garbage bags filled, eskies de-iced. Pleasant return journey: no traffic jams, one comfort stop. Assets offloaded and stored at Nắng Vũng Tàu. Down Down Down: Mr C’s Speakeasy, 3A Lê Ngọc Hân (next door to Nắng Vũng Tàu) – wood-fired pizza and Saigon Chill buckets at own/shared cost. Next week: Watch this space and our Facebook page: @VungTauHHH for details of next week’s trail #1048 and special all-day trip to Mekong Delta on 26 Feb (VTH3 #1049). “On On”
RUN 1047 GALLERY
FEBRUARY 5 2023
HO TRAM
Hares: Bull Ant, Secs, Hot Lips
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Chom Chom Ringmaster: NA Report: Hot Lips
Near-miss at Ho Tram! A bloodbath was narrowly avoided during this eagerly awaited trip to Ho Tram. On setting the run the Hares visited the start of the Hash on possibly a quieter traffic day. The beginning of the run was on a very busy road and Hashers decided to cross the road near a sharp bend in groups busily chatting away and not taking particular attention to the buses barrelling down the road blaring their horns. Although seeing impending doom the drivers of these buses are on a tight schedule and did not slow down, indicating the drivers were possibly big fans of playing Grand Theft Auto IV and were looking for pedestrian points. Luckily there were no fatalities.
The hazards continued for the Hashers as when entering the jungle had to deal with the biggest pricks ever seen in the guise of very sharp thorns on bushes. Although the route was very well marked one hasher who will remain nameless (Mr T.) acting like some Pied Piper of Hashlin took one alternative path and children who followed had to climb over several killer ant-infested tree trunks. The perils continued and the terrain got steeper, and it was every person for themselves, wives were abandoned by husbands and children disowned on the trail. Hashers were delighted to reach the top and parents surveyed the wonderful view not noticing their children perilously close to the cliff edge. VT Hash child protection guidelines soon to be drafted at the next emergency meeting. Hashers were delighted to make their descent back down to the campsite and were greeted by an overly anxious camp manager. Beverages and food was enjoyed by all and Chippy had brought two lovely melons. The group was concerned when an 'inflatable' was produced but soon relieved to see it was a blow up surfboard, so now we also had a 'hash boat'. Also deciding to enjoy the water was Rusty, who decided to go for a swim in the sea. Horror struck the beach goers as when he emerged from the sea he appeared to be wearing a pair of blue 'Budgie Smugglers', women and children screamed and scattered in all directions. Rusty had apparently been trying to emulate James Bond's blue togs in the movie 'No Time To Die', but Hashers said they would prefer to die than witness the scene again. Any hope of a relaxing snooze on the bus home was shattered by the VT Hash male voice choir and a savage rendition of YMCA, followed by 'why go on with life' lyrics from Morrissey and The Smiths. On-On!
RUN 1046 GALLERY
JANUARY 29 2023
MINH DAM MOUNTAIN - HERMIT TRAIL
Hares: Mr. T, Bull Ant, Chippy, Have-A-Chat
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Have-A-Chat Ringmaster: Have-A-Chat Report: Hot Lips
“LIES!” - exclaimed one hot and bothered breathless Hasher who has been promised a moderate easy terrain, “mostly downhill” run this week. Although this weeks run began with a slight elevation, it soon turned into a steep incline, nearly vertical which made the assent feel very similar to climbing a fireman's ladder in full gear. At the top of the mountain Secs appeared to be vaping to save his life and complained of a lack of oxygen due to altitude. A discussion was overheard between two veteran hashers who were questioning if ‘Vung Tau Mountain Rescue’ had a helicopter and how long it would take to get there. Not all were deterred though, as demonstrated by Chom Chom who stormed up the mountain like an angry Special Forces instructor, and more quickly downward casting aside anyone poor soul who got in the way. On return to the coach car park it was noticed several participants were missing. Shortly afterwards a group of Hasher women led by their ringleader, Johnny, sheepishly entered the car park. A dubious explanation of having ‘taken a wrong turn’ and missed the mountain was doubted by everyone in attendance. It was later discovered, through release of CCTV footage, that this group of women had been sipping Iced Frappuccinos in a local cafe, and according to the audio file were compiling a list of Top 10 complaints about men.
In better news, this week VT Hashers celebrated a milestone birthday for ever popular member Bull Ant, and birthday cake was apportioned by Chippy and the VT Hasher catering department. It was decided due to a potential fire hazard not to put the correct number of candles on the delicious aforementioned cake. The cake was especially enjoyed by the children -(controversially defined by Hash authorities as any human under 1 metre in height). Bull Ant had earlier remarked to a fellow hasher that -“I'm 92”, which would suggest he looks incredibly good for his age, or the more likely that he weighs 92 kilos in which case should not have been given cake. After singing 'Happy Birthday' it was decided members should stick to walking as singing was not the group's forte. Karaoke fundraiser now cancelled. Following the down down, hashers were excited to discover they would be treated to an impromptu showcase of traditional Vietnamese dancing. Very quickly the audience had a change of attitude and were visibly unsettled and blushing. The presentation appeared to be some kind of interpretation of a female feline mating ritual and the shocked viewers quickly averted their gaze. Prior to departure, suspicious activity nearby the rear of the coach which drew attention and caused great concern. Recent VT joiner 'Curry Rice and Chips' was seen by an eyewitness attempting to entice a monkey into his knapsack. It was alleged the so called 'Curry Rice and Chips' had shared a can of Saigon Chill with the primate, which caused distress amongst VT Hash management fearing a sponsorship PR disaster. The monkey was shooed away and was seen staggering into the forest hiccuping. The Hash offender was admonished for his misconduct and was told - “No, he couldn't bring the monkey back to Ireland”. Hash dignitaries are to review membership joining criteria and vetting. On-On!
RUN 1045 GALLERY
|
RSS Feed
All Content © Vung Tau City Hash House Harriers 2013 - 2023