APRIL 25 2021
​
NUI DINH

Hares: Bull Ant, Chippy, Mr. T
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Various Hashers
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Have A Chat

​Another Hash and another run closer to run 1,000, what a milestone that will be for the hash. For run 982, the attendance was low, as the clock was ticking down, but then at 1:20, the crowds turned up. A mixture of new virgins and returning hashers that were absent for a few weeks.  We ended up with a smaller crowd than usual but enough to ensure a great day.  The money was collected and names were crossed off as Bullant and Docker climbed onto the bus. 

The back of the bus had become a bit of a kids zone for the first time but this was lovely to see as the children all chatted and played,, but then thankfully fell asleep which was also great. There was a lot of fun and chatter on the bus as we approached Nui Dinh. This was a specular location and the journey there provided so many beautiful sights to look at as folk gazed out their windows.  The usual Chom Chom and Chippy recording on the bus encouraged grins and smiles as the cameras caught the moments.

Finally we arrived at Nui Dhin, and as we disembarked from the bus we were hit by the heat, yes it was a hot day. We gathered round and listened to Greg and then Chippy as they explained the run. They said it wasn't a hard one but a good one. Sure to their word this was a lovely trek. 

As we climbed the mountain the group mostly stuck together which was really nice. The children loved the climb as the adults tried to keep up, but overall it was a great climb. At the top we saw so many monkeys both young and old. The kids really enjoyed looking at the monkeys and everyone stopped and watched as the monkeys jumped from one tree to another. Acrobatics of the highest standard. Little Leo and Bumblebee decided at this stage that they were going to become brothers, as they chatted and played together. Bumble Bee provided a lot of entertainment to everyone on the day, as he ran ahead and then fell behind, he is becoming a great member of the harsh for a boy so young. 

Before we knew it, the climb was over, and we all found ourselves back at the bus. This was a very welcome site for some, as it had been a hot day, but a great day all the same. The refreshments were so welcome as we gathered together around the bus. Bullant was in heaven as the sausage Rolls were opened up. In fact, he was spotted eating a second sausage roll, but in his defence he claimed he had asked Chom Chom for permission. We accepted his defence and the prosecution rested its case. 

As Michael called everyone to attention for the taking of the photo, a frightful discovery was made. While the men were sitting nicely, and drinking their beers to cheers, the fire ants had been busy at work, which left a few scratch marks on a few peoples thighs. 
Then Circle time was called, as Chom Chom got busy on the mike, It was a tuff call as the new kids just wouldn't play ball. “What's your name and where are you from?” No comment, it was as if they were being questioned by the police. Then the table went wonky as the beers hit the ground but all was recoverable.  

Can’t say much more about the day, other than, we gathered our thoughts and our things, loaded them onto the bus and cleaned up the mess. We were leaving Nui Dhin with our happy memories.  The fun had ended for another week.

Hasher of the week Bumble Bee.

RUN 982 GALLERY

APRIL 18 2021
​
VUNG TAU

Hares: Zidane
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Various Hashers
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Chom Chom

​The day started as usual at Tommy's fine restaurant and bar as our Hashers eagily arrived from 1pm. Our Hash Cashers Zidan and Bull Ant checked the registration list, ticked off the arrivals and took the very reasonable run fees. In the background, Smiley and I were sweating away in the storeroom loading our shiny new Saigon Chill eskies with drinks and preparing the necessary tools and condiments to complement today's down down food.

Once registration was complete and eskies loaded onto vehicles, thanks to those that assisted, we headed over to the start of today's trail. This was the delightful Spring Villa by the side of the lake, right behind the Aroma Centre.

We knew by now it was going to be a somewhat different Hash trail this week. No mountains nearby so no breathlessness trying to clamber up dry dusty bushy mountain paths. Zidan proudly announces the basics of the trail in his chalk talk. Essentially, walk around the lake a bit, follow the hems towards the beach, walk along the road as much as you like, cut through to the beach and then walk back towards the villa.

On On it was as our enthusiastic group of Hashers made their way, taking selfies by the lake, by the colourful blooming flowers trying not to disturb the local fishermen busy trying to catch Ca Loc. We turned away from the lake onto a small hem leading to Vo Thi Sau. From here, a quick staggered crossroad took us to Tran Quy Cap, where we passed many hospitality businesses before hitting the main beach road, Thuy Van.

We crossed the road getting right by the beach and confidently marched along the road towards Paradise, the golf course/resort. After about 3km we took a break from the road and cut through to the beach.

From here we headed back the remaining 3km or so along a somewhat busy beach, trying to ignore the rather disruptive decibels of lousy karaoke - you guys will never be Blackpink! Whilst the karaoke wasn't so much of a delight, the breezy warm weather made a refreshing change and with low tide, many Hashers took their footwear off and walked through the mild waves. There were plenty of pleasant views and yet more selfie opportunities for the remainder of the trail.

We left the beach at the flagpoles and completed the final stage of the trail walking along Hoang Hoa Tham back to Spring Villa.

Upon completing the trail, Hashers enjoyed chicken, bread, fruit, snacks and of course a selection of cold soft drinks and Saigon Chill beer. Thanks to the pool at the villa, many took a dip in the glorious weather. Others took to the lake and enjoy the quiet outside.

The day came to a close as Hashers one by one departed. Good numbers headed back to Tommy's for the continuation of the Down Down taking advantage of the great Saigon Chill offers and promotions, live music and pizza from Leo's. 

Another great Sunday afternoon with Vung Tau Hash (VTH3).

Thanks to Mr Vinh and Erik for the use of their vehicles today, thanks to Zidan for banh mi bashing at Lotte Mart to source today's food, thanks to Smiley for purchasing the fruit and finally thanks to all that came along and enjoyed their day with us.

RUN 981 GALLERY

APRIL 11 2021
​
BA RIA - GREEN STONE LAKE

Hares: Chippy
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Various Hashers
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Zidane

RUN 980 GALLERY

APRIL 4 2021
​
LONG HAI

Hares: Bull Ant, Chippy, Secs, Teddy
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Various Hashers
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Secs

This week’s Hash started, as always, at Tommy’s with an eager bunch of volunteers gathering the day’s provisions only to be surprised to see five, yes five, brand new eskies!! Generously donated by our new favourite beer, Saigon Chill, these sizeable ice boxes are a welcome addition and will play a vital role in ensuring that soft drinks, food and, of course, Saigon Chill will be maintained at icy cool temperatures while we’re on the trail. Not only that - they have wheels! Now we can single handedly move the eskies around without risk of hernias. Thank you Mr. Phi and Saigon Chill.

With money men Bull Ant and Zidane completing registration and said eskies loaded, it's time to board our trusty Hashmobile and head off to this week’s destination - Long Hai mountains. With our capable bus captain, Mr An, at the wheel it does not take long before we find ourselves disembarking at one of our favourite down-down spots, the picturesque Ngọc Xương resort. 

We gather around Hare Secs for our marching orders. He explains that this will be an approximately 5km hike that will take us up quite a few steps to a temple where we can expect some awesome views, from there we going to go down the other side of the mountain through the bush, following red ribbons until we come to a path that will lead us the rest of the way down the mountain, bringing us out on to a road. Follow that road for a few hundred meters until the red ribbons indicate a right turn which will take us through the rural outskirts of Long Hai until we come back to Ngọc Xương. We are warned that it will be a hot trail on the way up - make sure you have water with you!

So on-on we go. And Secs wasn’t kidding - it was blistering hot. This doesn’t deter our hardy Hashers and step by step we make our way up the steep rocky steps stopping wherever we can find shade to hydrate and cool down. About two thirds of the way up we encounter some locals from the aforementioned temple who are carrying bags of sand on their heads up to the temple. We look on in awe as these guys and gals methodically haul their burdens up the steps in the sweltering heat of the afternoon. Still it makes us feel less worried about our own heat exhaustion and push ourselves up the remaining steps to the temple.

Arriving at the top we are delighted to find a quaint temple under shady trees and best of all a cooling balmy breeze. We perch upon rocks and steps and slump into hammocks and gather the strength to climb out to the rocky platform that gives us today’s spectacular view. Triumphant we stand on the rock and marvel at the view that looks across to Minh Dam mountain, the cool breeze drying our sweaty garments as we take many selfies of our achievement. 

Mostly recovered, we begin our descent that takes us down some steps at the side of the temple until we find ourselves in the jungle. Flanked by trees and dry bamboo we duck and dive under fallen trees and push our way through the bamboo. Eventually we emerge at a concrete path that leads us down the rest of the mountain. With little shade to protect us from the still beating sun, we march on enjoying the panoramic vista with Vung Tau in the distance across the sea.

We arrive at the road at the end of the path and it's only a few hundred meters until we reach the final leg of the trail. Red ribbons lead us to the right and we are strolling through a maze of rustic narrow paths. After several right and left turns we arrive back at Ngọc Xương where we are grateful to see a row of gleaming blue and gold eskies waiting for us.

Upon opening the eskies a treasure trove of delights greets us, frosty Saigon Chill and a varied selection of soft drinks. We slake our thirst and are soon laid back on the grassy slope chillin’ with our Chill. Our faithful fruit carvers divvy up mango and watermelon and we feast on banh mi. Down at the lake a couple of our Hash House Horrors are fishing - even managing to catch a couple of tiddlers. With the sun relenting there is just enough time to take the team photo before packing up and boarding the Hashmobile and heading back to Vung Tau.

The conviviality continues on the journey home as the Chill keeps flowing all the way back to the Home of the Hash - Tommy’s bar. Again our volunteers rally around to unload the eskies and in a heartbeat everything is back in the store room. 

But it doesn’t end there… 

The camaraderie continues with our hardiest of Hashers hanging out at Tommy’s and, of course, enjoying our favourite beer Saigon Chill, washed down with Randy’s legendary wood fired pizza. With Perfect Jive Duo on stage we keep on rockin’ into the night.

Another perfect day out. Thanks to the many Hasher who contribute every week to make every Sunday an enjoyable day out for all.

See you next Sunday. On-on!

RUN 979 GALLERY