MAY 22 2022
​
SNAKE MOUNTAIN - LONG HAI

Hares: Mr. T, Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Secs, Bull Ant
Hash Flashers: Have-A-Chat, Chom Chom, Chippy
Ringmaster: Rain Stopped Play
Report: HotLips​

​Local man, Damien 'Faulty Brakes’ Moran, promised all people considering attending this week’s Hash run that there would be guaranteed good weather and clear skies. Confirming this as false advertising, a biblical downpour of torrential rain with cracks of thunder greeted the #1009 participants on arrival. 

Earlier panic buying of rain gear during a bus stop by shrewd Hashers proved to be a flex, and unsubstantiated reports came in of 1000% profiteering by scalpers on their hawking of this PPE.  The downpour awaited full disembarkation of the bus to commence and the fashion parade, (led by Mr. T and Jenny), of drowned rats perambulated up the steep incline with initial gusto. This display of Hasher motivation by Chom Chom soon waned after turning the first corner. Storming up the hill (in an actual rainstorm), was Chippy who provided the photographic evidence of the day’s events in such a manner that would give any professional paparazzi a good run for their money.

 A truly family event meant there were loads of children, some wondering what wrong they had done during the week to be punished by such a forced military-style march. The winding tarmac road up the hill turned into a mud path and bush trail.  A well-marked route to the tiled altar at top was taken by most, but some took the road less taken, ensuring early arrival for the delicious food that awaited the hashers.

The marked downward path took us through jungle to farmland, one eyewitness report alleges grand theft of mango fruit (six in number) from trees by an unnamed Hasher ….(Have-A-Chat), authorities would not comment as criminal investigations continue but it is likely the evidence has been eaten. Bull Ant exhibited his LGBTQ+ credentials by forming a close personal and physical bond with the hermit man who lives banished near the top of the mountain. All concerned were relieved that no children on the Hash witnessed the outrageous and gratuitous public display of affection. It has not been established if Bull Ant has returned since the end of the Hash to continue smooching with hermit man.  Stuart and Faulty Brakes took a shorter route to return ‘to protect’ the Saigon Beer stocks, this caused untold anxiety amongst the other Hashers, but to their great relief there were some cans still remaining on their return from the mountain. 

At the meeting point, eyewitnesses claimed the world record for longest distance of a bus reversing down a road was achieved by our driver to great acclaim by the Hashers. The unmistakable shrill tones of a disciplinarian dean of studies, in this case, Have-A-Chat exclaiming ‘photo’ had all scrambling to secure their place in the middle of the road to block traffic. Several local motorbike riders were slightly confused to turn a corner coming down a hill to find foreigners conducting what appeared to be a political demonstration. Our valiant representative of our alcoholic beverage sponsor ‘Saigon beer’ encouraged drinkers and boosted consumption with rounds of cheers and chugging.  Secs marvelled bus riders with his magic trick of plunging his hand into the Eskie of ice with one swift movement and securing cans of his beloved Chill where no man could before could located such a beverage.  Each time this was demonstrated Bull Ant looked like he was ready for the home for the bewildered. 

On the way back to VT the bus driver’s ability to overtake on wet roads and blind corners impressed all onboard. All arrived in good spirits at Tommy’s Bar and Hashers later celebrated with all of Vietnam in their success at football championships. This writer as a returnee explained his long absence from the Hash as due to a global pandemic and necessity to earn a living. This mediocre excuse was summarily rejected by the committee and a yet to be determined fine will be enforced.

RUN 1009 GALLERY

MAY 15 2022
​
MINH DAM MOUNTAIN - LONG HAI

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

It's Sunday again, every Hasher's favourite day, and for some, this day had been a long time coming! With everyone gathering at Hash HQ, Tommy's, it was many hands making light work loading the eskies with the essentials and Mr T taking care of the financials. 40 odd Hashers then boarded the bus and it was time to head to Minh Dam.

The drive itself was relatively short and sweet with the bus arriving behind Oceanami Resort within about 30 minutes. It was here where everyone would alight the bus and begin run number 1008. With Faulty Brakes and his band of dodgy jointed Hash Liters heading in one direction, the main group was treated to Sec's usual detailed brief on the day's trail, before heading off in the opposite direction. After a 10 minute walk along the sun drenched road, it was time to head into the scrub and up the mountain. The day's climb was a fairly steep and challenging one with the destination being the Minh Dam mountain summit, overlooking Long Hai and the ocean. Along the way we would pass the Hermit's house (minus the Hermit) where most Hasher's would feel some sort of relief realising the most difficult part of the day's climb was complete. With a bit of a rest and a few photos at the Hermit's house, it was on-on to the top. Upon reaching the top, we were greeted with spectacular views and a very refreshing breeze, which, as always, made the trek all worthwhile. From here, it was a 10 minute downhill stroll to the down-down.

With all the usual refreshments being consumed, it was time for the circle. With Have A Chat leading proceedings, there were some notable returnees including Claire, Rafa, the young man with a PhD in the Jurassic era, and a bigger and better Bullant. There were also some interesting comments on the day's trail including "the hardest thing I've done in 30 years!", which stemmed from Bill the Bastard's account of what the day would entail i.e. a bit of a walk and a few beers. With the Hare's trail rated, virgins welcomed, and returnees welcomed back, it was almost time to pack up and head back to Tommy's for the down down down.

Once the bus was unpacked, it was the usual Sunday night highlights...Randy's pizza (and now very tasty chicken wings), Saigon Chill, and the pleasant tones of Perfect Jive Duo. Another perfect day and night with great people.

RUN 1008 GALLERY

MAY 8 2022
​
LONG SON ISLAND

Hares: Mr. T, Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Secs
Hash Flashers: Have-A-Chat, Chom Chom
Ringmaster: Have-A-Chat
Report: Have-A-Chat

Walking into Tommy’s bar for run 1007, it was lovely to be greeted by so many new faces, along with returnee hashers. It’s refreshing to watch the hash numbers recover. Covid 19 restrictions prevented so much activity, but thankfully all is now looking good again.  With the numbers up, the eskies are getting heavier, mostly filled with that amazing Saigon Chill which we serve at -2 degrees. 

As the bar filled with hashers, the eskies were transported onto the bus with Mr Stu in full energy mode, all were on board in quick time. Then it was time for the bus to pull away. So at 1:30 we found our seats as the bus pulled off. As the bus took its forth left turn, we found ourselves surprisingly back once again at Tommy’s with a young lady on route to the bus from the bathroom. No hasher shall be left behind, be it lost on a mountain or delayed on a toilet seat.

On route to Long Son we were driven, by a bus driver who has grown in all our affections.   A short Journey of 25 minutes passed before we stood at the foot of the mountain. Mr T. Led us all from the bus as we circled up to listen to his direction. Then On On was shouted as we moved off along the trail. 

For about 400 metres we moved through a flat stretch of forest until a sharp left started our 1km trek up through the forest. The initial portion of the day's trail took the hashers through some thick forest which offered the heartiest of us a good cardio workout.  This really is the attraction of the hash, with virgin hashers Ben and Tim saying how much they enjoyed this part of the trail. On reaching the top Have A Chat was ready to flash the hashers for the week's video, with Chom Chom catching all from the rear. 

Next, It was down and down as the trail ventured through a charming bamboo region of the forest.  This portion of the trail set its own challenge, as everyone  kept their balance as they manoeuvred through some tight spaces. This area of the forest is filled by natural bamboo that curves to form a cave like structures which we admired as we passed through it. Lots of photos and short videos were snapped along the way here. 

At the bottom there was a right turn in a forest opening which saw many of the group catch up and prepare for the next stint of the trail.  The trail followed a flat path, until a challenging up and up demanded all to climb.  This was a tough climb for some, who were suffering from tired muscles. But everyone pushed on until the top was reached. Next, a large group stopped for photos as it was here that the first really scenic view for the day could be observed.  

By now the mood was very upbeat, as the hashers playfully ran across the top of the mountain to help the video become more eventful. After a short trek along the top, it was time to descend once again. As the sun became less intense, we faced into a westerly scenic direction, as we ventured along our way. Then, at the bottom, we climbed an old ladder which led us into a stone quarry and from there we followed a narrow stretch of road through a very friendly village. As we walked along, the dogs barked, while the friendly villagers presented us with fruit. Miss Vy was given some giant mangoes which were later eaten at the down-down. 

Finally we traipsed in, in two’s and threes, to start an exciting down down. The beers were going down far too easily, as a hungry thirst had been building all day long.  The food for the day would be a special chicken cooked with honey and a green sticky rice. The hash was very generous on the day, and many feasted for quite a while. The circle lasted but a short while, as virgins and returnees were welcomed to a chorus of drink it down down down. Then far too quickly it was time for us to be on our way again. The bus now pointed at Vung Tau,  we moved off with drinks in hand. On return, a splendid night was had by all at Tommy’s bar, as the entertainers were enjoyed by all. Run 1007 would be remembered by all as a great day out.

RUN 1007 GALLERY

MAY 1 2022
​
BIG MOUNTAIN

Hares: Mr. T, Chippy, Have-A-Chat
Hash Flashers: Have-A-Chat, Chippy
Ringmaster: Have-A-Chat
Report: Have-A-Chat

​The tapping sound of rain disrupted the Sunday morning rest. That familiar sound is so welcome when listened to from inside. However, today was the Hash. Everywhere the streets were clean as the rain trickled and then gushed from pipes and gutters that were ill prepared for this torrent. The wonder on everyone's mind was simple, would we be spared a soaking on this day; it stopped then started and teased until it decided, today we would stay dry. 

As Tommy’s bar was waking up and coffees were in hand, our pizza star called Randy was ready and on hand. He printed off the listing of the Hashers for today, for this we did say thank you by an offering called beer. 

Next the eskies were all washed out and filled with Saigon Chill, with a little room for Saigon Green and there were other drinks as well. These other drinks were water, Revive and soda pops and then there were the tea’s that came in many forms. 

As the Hashers did arrive, so did the lovely Miss Smiley, with the food that would be enjoyed for the down-down on that day. With Mr. T taking in the money the flashers they did pounce and all who were there on the day were captured by the phones. 

The pictures were then taken, before we set off along our way, and all who were present did notice the absence of Mr Chom Chom and Secs who were poorly on this day. As the video was taken, good cheer was shouted out. For the wedding bells that would ring out that day for Johnny & Mr T.  Such a lovely couple we can all agree and our best wishes we did send out. Best wishes to you both for now and for all time as you enjoy your futures together.   

Then instructions for the day were given, the climb was to be on big mountain in Vung Tau. The Hash Lite set off first, followed shortly after by the rest. Walking left from Tommy’s bar all headed up the road, before left again as all turned into Hem 89. Then up the steep walkway, for the first challenge of the day, arriving on the Vi Ba and then we were on our way. The climb started in the forest and all were very happy, chatting and exchanging stories. The climb continued until the start of the power cables. This is a lovely climb but it is a little steep. Many of the hashers pushed on and soon were at the top. Others took their time and rested along the way. The first to arrive took on water and snapped some happy shots as Vung Tau scenery was all around. After a short break Chippy led them off to continue the trail along the top of Big Mountain. Have a Chat waited for the last man to arrive and a short break for water and photos and then this bunch pushed off into the forest. The mountain walk provided beautiful views as the Hashers gazed upon all Vung Tau had to offer. Around the mountain all did go while taking lots of photos and videos.   

After just over an hour's hiking, the trail left the forest as it led everyone onto the near top of the Vi Ba. Then it was a long walk down as conversations continued and the mood was very upbeat.  It was great to have our visitors from Saigon hash along with some other hashers who join us on bank holiday weekends. 

Back at Tommy’s there was a lot of excitement as people drank and ate. They mostly talked about the trail and the wedding we would all be soon attending. Due to the wedding we all finished up at about 5pm on the day. Overall, the day was a great success and people enjoyed themselves as they always do. 

RUN 1006 GALLERY