AUGUST 23 2020
SMALL MOUNTAIN
Hares: Chom Chom, Bull Ant, Chippy, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Mr.T, Snowball, Secs Ringmaster: NA Report: Secs
This week, after usual registration procedures at Tommy’s Bar and Restaurant, we jumped on to motorbikes, hopped in to cars and headed to Small Mountain where we were to meet at a Coffee shop near the lighthouse. After navigating a busy and congested Hai Dang road we arrived at the quaint coffee shop. All hands on deck as eskies and provisions were unloaded and set aside for later. The Selfie Gang were already in full swing posing for photos in the picturesque setting.
We gathered round co-Hare Secs as he explained that this week the trail would be a relatively easy trail - especially compared to last week. We were to turn right from the coffee shop and take the next left which was a bit of a detour to take a look at abandoned French battery and its views across the bay to Big Mountain. After that, double back and head down the road until we see the red ribbons indicating that we are to head in the jungle and follow the ribbons until we emerge onto the army road that connects the two bases on Small Mountain. From there simply follow the road until more red ribbons indicate a left turn back in to the jungle where some old steps will lead us back up to Hai Dang road emerging at the famous Yogurt shop opposite where we started. So On-On we go in good spirits enjoying the sunny, breezy weather and as promised it is a pretty easy walk. Plenty of opportunities for fun filled photos including the quirky Hai Dang cafe complete with old style barbers chair perched on the side of the mountain, a quick detour to the other French battery where some of us were witness to a clandestine cockfight, and some artistic graffiti provided the perfect backdrop for the selfie obsessed. Back at the coffee shop Bahn Mi, fresh fruit and other treats are washed down with ice-cold beer and soft drinks. The Hash House Rock Box is soon blasting cool tunes as our resident Hash House Hoofers shake a leg. Just enough time for the group photo before we pack up and head off in to the night.
RUN 947 GALLERY
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AUGUST 16 2020
BIG MOUNTAIN
Hares: Anagram, Bull Ant, Chippy, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Zidane Ringmaster: NA Report: Secs
After two weeks of torrential rain, this week we are greeted with blue skies and sunshine enabling us to tackle the trail set by our Hares a couple of weeks ago. With eskies packed we leave Tommy’s Restaurant and Bar in an assortment of transportation heading for our down-down spot on Tran Phu opposite the entrance to ‘Mother Maria’ Church complex.
As we cross the carpark towards the foot of the steps that will take us up to the cross atop the mountain we realise that this is going to be a hot difficult climb. Stopping in the shade at the bottom of the steps Secs delivers the brief chalk talk - we are to climb the 1200 steps until we reach the cross. Once there follow the red ribbons behind the cross into the bush and follow them around the ridge on the top of the mountain. The trail will take us over some challenging rocks until we come to a temple which will exit on the Ho May Park road. Follow the Ho May Park road until we come to the familiar turn off to the 600 steps which will take us down to the Chinese temple and then a short walk back to the down-down on the beach. It's tough going up the largely uneven, inconsistent steps under the blazing sun, but we take our time stopping to catch our breath and look back at the fantastic views behind us. Upon reaching the Cross it's time to take a rest and rehydrate before heading in to the bush following the red ribbons that our Hares diligently laid out for us. It doesn’t get any easier as we find ourselves hoisting ourselves over precarious rocks but are soon rewarded with some of the best views of Vung Tau. Continuing on we soon find the aforementioned temple where some of us are greeted with friendly monks bearing gifts. We then wearily continue along the path and make the descent down the 600 steps our legs now jelly like after the exertion of the afternoon. Deckchairs, sumptuous chicken wings, salad, fruit and, of course, ice-cold beer awaits as we return to our idyllic spot looking out over the beach towards the ocean. Many of us choose to take a dip in the water to cool off while others simply relax slumped in the comfortable chairs. Our Hash House DJ’s soon get the party started as our hashers find the energy to shake their thang. As the party is winding down ominous clouds gather and distant thunder informs us that it is time to pack up the eskies etc. and make the way back to our home base at Tommy’s. We make it back just before the rain starts to pour down. Another great Sunday afternoon of fun exercise, great views and good friends. Until next week! On-On!
RUN 946 GALLERY
AUGUST 9 2020
BIG MOUNTAIN
Hares: Live trail on Vi Ba due to inclement weather
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom Ringmaster: NA Report: Secs
Despite Covid concerns and another week of inclement weather a bunch of hardy Hashers met at Tommy’s Restaurant and Bar for Run 945. With the rain already in full swing and the distant rumble of thunder, it was decided to again postpone the trail on ‘Maria Mountain’ and do another live trail in the immediate vicinity of Big Mountain.
Mr. T gathered us around and explained that we will head to Vi Ba, turning right when we get to the top of the familiar steps and then proceed to Hem 36. Then take the steep road up to the temple and continue to the right of the temple as if we were heading to the legendary ‘power lines’ trail. Instead of going to the power lines we are to take a left turn to join a trail that will loop back to Vi Ba and then return to Tommy’s. On-on we go, the rain keeping us cool as we walk towards the temple. Just as we reach the temple there is a deafening crack of thunder and the heavens open and we scurry for shelter. As soon as there is a break in the torrent of rain we continue on, stopping to take in the dramatic view of the Lighthouse and Jesus statue on Small Mountain against the leaden sky. Back at Tommy’s fresh fruit and beer are the order of the day. A team photo is taken and some Hashers brave the weather and head home whilst others continue to enjoy the conviviality, listening to the rain fall on the roof in the cool tropical ambience of our favourite bar.
RUN 945 GALLERY
AUGUST 2 2020
BIG MOUNTAIN
Hares: Live trail on Vi Ba due to inclement weather
Hash Flashers: Mr. T, Chom Chom, Chippy Ringmaster: Uncle Report: Uncle
Sunday was a little different than usual for the intrepid Hashers who gathered at Lily’s (formerly Tommy’s) for a local trail on Big Mountain.
It had been decided to run local trails from now on while social distancing and other preventative measures are in place to guard against Covid-19, but the addition of “Seasonal storm #2”, school holidays and a power failure at Lily’s tested even the strongest desire–although the ‘pain’ was definitely eased by MMC’s decision that today’s run would be free! We had intended to climb the 860 steps to the large cross at the ‘Ave Maria and child’ church on Tran Phu and eventually Down Down on the beach, but that was quickly replaced when the skies opened–and we looked at the cross from outside Ho May Park instead, having observed regulation social distancing all the way (following the stellar examples set by Hares Secs, Chippy, Anagram and Bull Ant)! The storm-tossed mountain flora is a mess, with many fallen trees, but we finally made it back to Lily’s and tucked into water, softies, banh mi’s and fruit – many thanks again to Aqua and her foodies! (stronger drinks were byo…). A group photo was eventually convened (some had already left to escape the rain), and a truncated Circle was held, at which we serenaded the situation with “the Covid song”! (don’t ask…). So it was a ‘different’ day, but a good one–as always! As usual, next week’s run details will be advised via the website and mailing list when confirmed (taking the most up to date CV-19 information into account); please don’t forget to register, so the hardworking MMC can take good care of the logistics, as always! On On! Footnote: We continue to regularly reassess our activities to ensure compliance with the VN government’s latest Covid-19 edicts and advice; and we wish everyone an infection-free journey through these uncertain times–please at least wear face masks, observe social distancing and keep hands clean at all times! Explainer – Hashing in Vung Tau: Earlier this year, a former VTH3 Hasher who had been banned for anti-social behaviour convened an invalid AGM (he had no authority to convene anything!). That meeting elected a ‘new’ committee on the false premise that the incumbent MMC had been voted out–which was patently untrue. That breakaway group still hasn’t developed its own identity–preferring instead to ‘copy and paste’ our VTH3 branding and history, when all they would need to start a valid alternate Hash is to think of a (different) name and launch it! *Hint: there’s no legal requirement to register names, logos, trademarks, etc for clubs or hobby groups–you need only perform due diligence to ensure the branding you’d like to use is not already in use by someone else (as ours has been since 1992!). Meanwhile, this website is home to the original VTH3, and our storied history continues here and on social media; we also communicate with interested parties via our official mailing list–to which all friends of VTH3 are welcome: CLICK HERE TO JOIN OUR MAILING LIST
RUN 944 GALLERY
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