28 MAY 2023

BIG MOUNTAIN - CAMBODIAN TEMPLE

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

Weather: Perfect! (cool and cloudy)
Hash Cash: 1 pm run fees, Mr T @ Nắng Vũng Tàu, 5 Lê Ngọc Hân, Ward 1.
Total Hashers: 27
Chalk Talk/Trail: Secs (edited): Eco carts to Cambodian temple site end of Trần Xuân Độ (via 750 Trần Phú). Follow red ribbons up the steps then around temple and up more steps to Ho May Park road (Trần Phú hem 444). Across the road and follow ribbons to left, over broken wall then down to Vi Ba. Pass the coffee and nước mía stalls, through the yellow Bodharama temple gate, turn left and follow ribbons down to Trần Phú, then Bếp Nắng (Sunshine Kitchen) at Hash Kennel for Down Down. Total distance ~5 km.
Highlights: Sacha clipping low hanging branches to clear the track for those following. Views over shipyards on climb up Big Mtn and Saigon River on descent. Photo ops with Terminator (formerly VTH3) near hem 444. The Down Down feast at Bếp Nắng. Chippy wins “Salesperson of the month” (9 t-shirts)!
Lowlights: Hien lost the soles of both shoes!
Down Down: Bếp Nắng, 5 Lê Ngọc Hân, Ward 1.
Refreshments: Saigon Chill, softies, water, fish (mackerel), egg salad, tom ‘yum yum’ soup, chicken wings, fried rice.
Trail rating: 10+8=9 (“and many flowers”!)
Hash Virgins: Michael (Denmark), Nam and Hien (VT, intro by Black Panther), Hoa, Huong (Vung Tau).
Returnees: Vaughan and Thuy (sister of Office Bar sponsor Thuy, “Getting married, going to Australia”), Jennifer.
Sinners: Bob, Michael (bypassed pagoda turn-off on Vi Ba).
Other business/Công việc kinh doanh khác:
Chom chom reminded everyone that Hash sponsor Office Bar has a set program every week, all welcome:
(EN) Monday Quiz Night, Wednesday Killer Pool, Friday free cheese and biscuits.
(VN) Đêm đố vui thứ Hai, Bi-a sát thủ thứ Tư, bánh quy và phô mai miễn phí thứ Sáu.
Next week: Watch this space and facebook page: @VungTauHHH for more details of next week’s run. 
“On On”

RUN 1062 GALLERY

21 MAY 2023
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LONG HAI MOUNTAINS

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

Weather: 32C, partly sunny, plenty shade
Hash Cash: 1 pm run fees, Mr T @ Nắng Vũng Tàu, 5 Lê Ngọc Hân, Ward 1.
Total Hashers: 23
Chalk Talk: Secs (edited): “Through the village for 2 km then follow red marker tapes into the bush and up to the temple, then down again different trail to make a 5 km circle.”
Trail: Park Hashmobile at Ngọc Xương eco lodge. Follow ribbons through many narrow lanes in village then onto 487 mostly elongated steps including a series of evenly spaced yellow painted steps with handrails, then rocky jungle trail past two shrines and becoming gradually steeper to large lookout rock at the top outside mountain dwellers’ housing. Descend on very steep rocky jungle trail past a small temple and shrine to ground level, then bypass village into eco lodge to complete a 5 km circle.
Down Down: Ngọc Xương eco lodge.
Highlights: Great views from the top and for first part of descent.
Lowlights: Don’t forget the insect repellent!
Refreshments: Banh Mi, water melon, freshly picked mango (thanks Road Runner!), Saigon Chill, softies (esp. white Revive), water.
Trail rating 19 “Good trail, quite long but not too difficult.”
Ringmaster’s choice: Road Runner’s sporty haircut (“hot girl”!).
Namings: Russell became Soggy Bottom. Dang became Megaphone.
Other business/Công việc kinh doanh khác:
Chom chom reminded the Circle that Hash sponsor Office Bar has a set program every week, with everyone welcome:
(EN) Monday Quiz Night, Wednesday Killer Pool, Friday free cheese and biscuits.
(VN) Đêm đố vui thứ Hai, Bi-a sát thủ thứ Tư, bánh quy và phô mai miễn phí thứ Sáu.
Next week: Watch this space and facebook page: @VungTauHHH for more details of next week’s run. 
“On On”

RUN 1061 GALLERY

14 MAY 2023
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NÚI THỊ VẢI (THI VAI MOUNTAIN) WITH SAIGON HASH

Hares: Secs, Mr. T, Chippy, Cemen Trader (SH3), Non-Stop C**k (SH3)
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Chom Chom, Have-A-Chat
Ring Master: Runny Yolk (SH3) / TJ Hooker (SH3)
Report: Uncle

Weather: 32C, partly cloudy, lots of shade
Hash Cash: 11 am run fees, Mr T and Faulty Brakes @ Nắng Vũng Tàu, 5 Lê Ngọc Hân, Ward 1.
Total Hashers: ~70 (VTH3 + SH3).
Chalk Talk: Secs (edited): “Welcome to VTH3 run 1060/SH3 run 1672. Go 300m along road then left onto the mountain. Follow red tapes up, around and down to start point passing temples, shrines, mountain shacks and lookout/selfie points. Steep in parts. Total distance 5 km. Ascent ~400m.”
Trail: 1 hour 15 mins to Thi Vai mountain, Phu My, about 3 km north of highway 51. Jungle trail well-marked with red ribbons. The higher the trail, the steeper and more rugged it got as we passed several abandoned shacks. Finally the welcome sight of several hundred rock steps to the first of several lookout points at the top, and the sound of Sacha’s Hash Horn! Then down via rocky trail until 1,340 winding granite stairs with handrails to finish!
Highlights: Music from solar-powered units amongst the rocks. Painted sign on rock near summit: “Stop. Sư thứu (“master monk”) -> 200m” prompted jokes about cold drinks being very welcome after such an arduous climb! Awesome views from different lookout points near the top. Camaraderie VTH3/SH3 on and off the mountain: “Kindred spirits!”.
Special interest: Three sacred pagodas on the mountain: Lien Tri Pagoda, Hong Phuc Pagoda and Linh Son Buu Zen. Also a famous stone sky gate (aka Heavenly Gate): two 7-8m vertical rocks in the middle of a small path near the top. 
Down Down: Café outside temple entrance.
Refreshments: Saigon Chill, water, softies, banh mi, sticky rice, mango, water melon.
Joint Circle: SH3 GM Runny Yolk welcomed everyone and presented gifts to the Hares before handing over to Religious Advisor TJ Hooker and “special pundit” Drug Runner. Trail rating 69(!) prompted the first of many bawdy songs. Various “sins” resulted in different Hashers being iced, including Tootsie Robinson and Kama Sutra for arriving late (by taxi from Saigon!). Special line-up for all mothers (and fathers) for Mothers Day! 
Circle closed: Farewells exchanged, “Until next time”! Two SH3ers joined the VTH3 Hashmobile for a swim at Front Beach! Assets unloaded and stored then “one for the road” at Mr C’s.
Next week: Watch this space and facebook page: @VungTauHHH for more details of next week’s run. 
“On On”

RUN 1060 GALLERY

7 MAY 2023
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LONG SON ISLAND - OIL REFINERY TO LAKE

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

The afternoon of Sunday, May 7th 2023, saw 23 enthusiastic adventurers arriving at our newly named Nang Kitchen Hash Home. Whilst Mr. T processed the registrations and payments, various Hashers assisted in the eskie loading. After getting our new driver to move our bus slightly closer to us, we attempted to load the eskies and other essential Hash supplies onto the bus. This caused somewhat of a problem as this, smaller than usual bus offered much more limited underfloor storage. After a bit of jiggery-pokery, Have-a-Chat managed to rearrange things and all was good once again. We departed from Vung Tau shortly after 1.30pm and made our way the short distance to Long Son Island, stopping at Seaview to pick-up an additional Hasher.

The trail started on the highway, and after a quick chalk-talk from lead hare, Secs, we quickly made our way into the forest, where the scenery was nothing short of breath-taking. The dense forest offered a glimpse of the natural beauty of the island, with towering trees, bamboo and an array of exotic plants and flowers surrounding us.

The trail took us on a challenging route, with steep inclines and uneven terrain, making for an exhilarating run, particularly due to the humidity. We had to watch our footing carefully, as the trail was slippery in parts due to the dryness and the loose stones and gravel.

The forest was alive with the sounds of nature, with the rustle of leaves, chirping of birds, and the hum of insects creating a soothing symphony. Despite the challenging conditions, the natural beauty of the forest was a welcome distraction, making the run all the more enjoyable.

As we made our way higher up the mountain, the view of the oil refinery became more and more prominent. The refinery looked like a giant industrial structure, sunlight glinting off the metal structures dominating the horizon, yet dwarfed by the beauty of the surrounding natural environment.

After enjoying the view, we continued, following the trail through the jungle as it snaked its way back down the mountain. It was a gentle trail from this point but offered a decent variety of terrain types and views. We passed through some sort of empty temple, then onto a large track, taking us past some rather large, but seemingly friendly buffalos.

After several kilometres, we eventually reached our destination, a homestay located by the lake. The final stretch of the run was a welcome reprieve, with a gentle descent, offering a chance to take in the scenery and cool down. Upon reaching the homestay, we were greeted with super cold Saigon Chill, soft drinks, fruit and banh mi. It was the perfect opportunity to relax and socialise, with many Hashers taking a hammock for a short nap.

The group photo was taken just outside the homestay, a tranquil setting, with the lake providing a serene backdrop. 

Have-a-Chat took the Circlemaster role this week as we brought in our Hares (Secs, Chippy and Mr. T), our two Virgins (Mr. Louie and Ms. Tu) and our two returnees (Wile E Coyote and Roadrunner). The end of the circle was marked with Secs reminding us of next weeks special run to Nui Thi Vai, with Saigon Hash House Harriers, and finally ChomChom performing a shameful plug for The Office Bar.
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The bus was loaded once again and we headed back to Vung Tau to complete this afternoon's epic day. 

RUN 1059 GALLERY