OCTOBER 23 2022
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BIG MOUNTAIN -  ỐC XANH RESTAURANT INAUGURATION

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

​After a couple of days of torrential rain causing massive floods in Vung Tau the previous week, our Hares were worried they’d have to use a boat to set this week’s trail on Big Mountain - however by Friday most of the water had subsided and a magnificent trail was set.

Despite the possibility of rain there were 45 Hashers registered by Sunday morning - perhaps some wanted to check out the new Ốc Xanh Restaurant at our Hash Home Nắng Vũng Tàu where this week’s down-down was advertised. We assembled at 1pm and the weather was fine and sunny as Mr.T assisted by Reardo The Weirdo collected the Hash Fees and Chom Chom filled the eskies with Saigon Chill, soft drinks and the ice that Chippy had organised to be delivered earlier. 

With the pre-hash administration done it was time to gather around co-hare Secs for this week’s marching orders. He explained that it was an approximately 5km trail that would take us along Lê Ngọc Hân and then turn up to Vi Ba road. Turn right on Vi Ba until Hem 36 and then almost to Chơn Không Monastery but turn right up some steps to a small pagoda. From there the Red Ribbons would show us the way in to the jungle and up to a Two Million Dollar View™ of Vung Tau. From there the ribbons would take us through a load of bamboo over the ridge of the mountain to the second view of the day atop the “power lines” trail - and then straight down back to Vi Ba and to Nắng Vũng Tàu.

So On-On we go! Or so we thought… With everyone looking fresh and bubbly it is decided to take the team photo before we headed off. So many Happy Hashers waving at our videographer Have-A-Chat, including a very familiar face… stalwart Hasher Rowdy Water had returned to join us after an absence of many months - welcome back Rowdy!

So now it’s On-On, en masse we march along Lê Ngọc Hân until we meet the first obstacle of the day - the slippery slope to Vi Ba. A precarious path to Vi Ba covered with moss and slime saw our Hashers clinging on to the rusty fences either side trying not to go ‘arse over elbow’.

We arrive at the colourful yellow and blue banistered steps to the pagoda, mostly still in a group and the jungle trail starts… It starts with a well beaten track through lush vegetation and soon turns into a steep rocky climb that culminates with some pretty scary boulders that need to be clambered over. Our Hashers tackle it with aplomb and are rewarded with the aforementioned Two Million Dollar View™.

Elevated and elated, Hashers enjoy the lovely breeze that accompanied the breathtaking panorama of Vung Tau. After the many obligatory selfies it was time to tackle the next section of the trail - the bamboo section.

A well cut channel through thick bamboo led us across the top ridge of Big Mountain parallel to Ho May Park’s boundary fence. A few difficult bits meant that those with walking sticks get good use from their crutches and some of the younger Hashers are given a helping hand by our more experienced Hashers. We all make it to the next view point at the top of legendary “power lines”. After taking a rest and savouring another great vista we make the way down the steep and rocky path. Eventually everyone makes it back to Ốc Xanh Restaurant at Nắng Vũng Tàu.

Back at base we slake our thirst with ice-cold soft drinks and our favourite tipple Saigon Chill, soon the Ốc Xanh food is served and we chow down on delicious beef salad, baby squid, seafood noodle and chicken wings. 

Have-A-Chat calls for the circle  - our Hares are congratulated on a challenging but rewarding trail. There were a few virgins this week but only three made it in to the circle. Johnny and Spring were welcomed back as returnees and finally we all sang Happy Birthday to Catwoman whose husband Borneo Bum Biter had provided a delicious cake that was enjoyed by one and all.

And so, all in all, another great Sunday with Vung Tau Hash House Harriers

RUN 1031 GALLERY

OCTOBER 16 2022
​
LONG SON ISLAND

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

Sunday once again and Run 1030 was with us. This week we were heading off to Long Son Island so there was plenty of interest from Hashers – some no doubt hoping for chicken!
As Hashers arrived at Nang, Mr. T collected the run fees and completed registration whilst Secs and many other helpful souls assisted loading the eskies with soft drinks and Saigon Chill beer.

We mounted our usual bus, greeted by our friendly driver Mr. An and made a prompt departure to Long Son at 1.30pm. Once we arrived in Long Son, the bus dropped us all off in the street and whilst our Hashers were dousing themselves in sunscreen and mosquito spray, we slowly assembled in a nearby park for the trail introduction from Secs. It sounded like a familiar start with a new trail towards the end.

Things started well as we leisurely made our way over through the narrow hems of the village, meandering through houses, graves and gardens. It wasn’t long until we hit the start of the rocky stairs up the mountain. This was probably the most challenging part of the trail as they really do go up a long way – and of course the hottest part of the day.

We took a left turn at the top of the mountain and continued into deep forest areas following the generously placed red tape – it really was a well marked trail, so special thanks to this week's Hares: Chippy, Secs, Have-a-Chat and Mr. T.

It was surprising how much the trail had become overgrown with the recent rainfall. The trail continued downwards making things somewhat easier and with the addition of shade, a far more pleasant experience. The new part of the trail then followed as we continued further into the jungle and started climbing up a more gentle ascent. It was clear this was a newly discovered trail as parts were rather challenging, particularly through the bamboo areas. However, once again superbly marked with red tape so no opportunities to get lost. The climb intensified a fair bit, but knowing the end was close by, it didn’t seem too bad. Once we had reached the top, there was great relief at eventually seeing our Hash bus and the conclusion of this week's trail.

Our Down-Down location was the familiar coffee shop and car park at the top of the mountain. Hashers slowly started returning and joining our Hash Liters who had finished their trail far earlier.   We did the usual pleasantries whilst we enjoyed the super-cold Saigon Chill beer and soft drinks, together with watermelon and pork filled banh-mi.

Have-a-Chat gathered the group for the weekly photo and proceeded into his Circle Master role. Having appraised our Hares for the trail, we welcomed seven Hash virgins who claimed to have had a great afternoon. We then greeted our three returnees, Borneo Bum Biter, Catwoman and Chom Chom who had all been out of the country. Finally we punished our two Sinners, Nikki and Snail, by making them enjoy their Chills from their own boots.
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Another great fun Sunday afternoon. On On!

RUN 1030 GALLERY

OCTOBER 9 2022
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*MINH DAM SECRET ZONE, LONG HAI MOUNTAINS

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

After a day and a half of rain we woke to clearing skies on Sunday, with patches of blue as we registered with Hash Cash Mr T and Uncle distributed preloved VTH3 shirts (500 runs, 20 years, 700 runs) donated by benevolent retired Kiwi Hasher Bruce (ex mariner) Mackenzie. The new shirt owners (from Canada, Japan and Australia) reflect the cultural diversity of Hash gatherings worldwide.

With the Hashmobile fully loaded, we headed off towards the Long Hải mountains and the always different sight of new resort developments along the coast.

We dropped the Hash Lighters near the (former guerilla base) secret zone entrance and continued to the main start point for today’s climb to the lookout rocks behind the hermit’s hut. Co-Hare Secs said in his chalk talk that it was “only about 3 km”, but not necessarily easy (it wasn’t – 3 km mostly uphill ain’t easy for many people at all!).

So “on on” we went, along the road and then sharp left into the jungle. The slightly muddy trail began along flat ground until the steps appeared. Then more steps, and more steps!

Several thousand steps later, we passed former vietcong bunkers and wild mushrooms near the now seemingly abandoned hermit’s house.

Around the corner and up a bit more(!), we reached the huge lookout and wartime resupply point rocks – so it was time for posing at the “stairway to heaven” flagpole and taking in the awesome views (still no rain!) as cameras clicked everywhere!

The ‘B’ leg of the trail was nearly all downhill, but no one complained after what had been a fairly testing climb to the top of Minh Dam.

Then it was time to spread the plastic stools and wash down banh mi, watermelon and the last of Irish Bill’s pineapple slices with Saigon Chill, softies and water while junior hashers helped keep the resident dogs and monkeys at bay with handfuls of ice!

The group photo was taken and the Circle called by duty ringmaster Have-A-Chat. Double two awarded the trail a ‘single two’ (2) because of a snake(!), but the overall rating was much higher so Hares Secs, Mr T, Chippy and Have-A-Chat enjoyed their down-down rewards!

The Circle then noted Mr and Mrs Bootlicker’s contribution to enlarging the global Hash contingent with the recent birth of a healthy baby boy! Congratulations both, and we look forward to welcoming ‘junior bootlicker’ to the VTH3 fold!

Then it was Hash-naming time, with Sergii being known forevermore in Hash gatherings as The Mask, and Irish Bill as (what else?) Pineapple Bill – welcome both! 

We finally headed back to Nắng Vũng Tàu and offloaded the assets. Jobs done, the ‘hard core’ continued socialising before heading next door to new owner Randy’s partially renovated and as yet unnamed bar (formerly Tommy’s) – more good fun, and still no rain!

Watch this space and our facebook page: @VungTauHHH for details of next week’s trail, and we’ll see you then!

On On!

*https://www.vietnam.com/en/news/article/visiting-the-historic-guerilla-base-of-minh-dam.html

RUN 1029 GALLERY

OCTOBER 2 2022
​
BIG MOUNTAIN

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

​This Sunday was our first local trail in six weeks. Mr. T dutifully takes the registration and run fees before disappearing - the Australian Rugby League final was on later in the afternoon meaning we were short on our usual downunder Hashers. There were some looks of consternation as there were only two eskies prepared! Not to worry - one was filled with our favourite Saigon Chill and the other is filled banh mi - so all good for most. This week, in order to ease the logistics of getting everything to our down-down spot at our favourite beach shack on Trần Phú. Speaking of logistics - big thanks to Ms. Phạm who generously offered to transport the eskies in the back of her car. With logistics all done it was on to motorbikes and we headed to Trần Phú Street. 

Here we gathered around co-Hare Secs who told us that we’d be starting and finishing at the Beach shack and pointing to the large crucifix perched high atop the mountain behind us where we’d be coming down from at the end of the trail. We were instructed to walk for a kilometre along the road where we would be given further instructions. 

And so, On-On we go!

We marched along the road enjoying the cool sea breeze until we reached the Hem where Secs was waiting for us and explained the rest of the trail - basically - make sure you follow the red ribbons. As soon as we’d walked up the Hem we encountered our first obstacle - a steep rocky cliff and some overgrown steps that would lead us to an old war time pill box style bunker and the first viewpoint of the afternoon.

Beyond the bunker we found ourselves on a pleasant forest path, lushly green after all the recent rain. The path took us to Ganh Ray Battery - an old French Battle station with six large cannons dating from 1870. A perfect place for a rest and photos. Just beyond here we were able to visit the ‘Underground Torpedo’ cave that was used to store the ammunition for the cannon.

Next we have an easy walk along the concrete path that leads to Ho May Park with plenty of opportunities for more jaw dropping views (and photos) of the seascapes of Vung Tau. Soon we see the red ribbons and our Hares pointing us to follow a steep road on the right of the path.

This steep path takes us to a quaint pagoda where more red ribbon takes us back in to the forest. This narrow rocky path takes us to the apex of the mountain where again we are greeted with a vertiginous view. Then we begin the first descent of the day. The path takes us down a steep slope that is slippy underfoot - grabbing hold of any trees we can reach and carefully we make our way down. And then - it's back up again - a short but steep climb takes us up to the aforementioned crucifix and many of us are relieved to know we are on the home stretch of the trail.

From the crucifix there are many, many uneven steps down past many gleaming white Christian statues depicting the fourteen Stations of the Cross finally culminating with the massive Mother Maria statue. Finally we exit through the grounds and then it’s just a hop, skip and a jump back to the Beach Shack.

Back at the Shack we rest our weary legs and indulge ourselves with ice cold drinks and get stuck in to , banh mi enjoying the great view of the sea. Several of our younger Hashers are looking longingly at the sea and are keen to go for a swim. Parents guide them across the flotsam and jetsam that has washed up on the beach after the recent storms and take the plunge in the refreshing sea.

As people seem eager to head home the decision is taken to postpone the circle for this week, and we pack up the two eskies and head back to Nang Vung Tau (another shout out to Ms. Phạm who returned with her car after taking her kids home to help transport the eskies)

Another fantastic Sunday day out in the fresh air with Vung Tau Hash - until next week… On-On!

RUN 1028 GALLERY