26 NOVEMBER 2023
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LONG SON ISLAND - VILLAGE 4

Hares: Mr. T, Secs Chippy
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Chippy
Ring Master: Chom Chom
Report: Uncle

Weather: Scattered high cloud, still air, no rain.
Hash Cash: 1 pm run fees, Mr T @ Nắng Vũng Tàu, 5 Lê Ngọc Hân, Ward 1.
Total Hashers: 44
Trail: Turned left onto Long Son island ring road, dropped Hash Liters, then dismounted Hashmobile at Quan 999 BBQ chicken restaurant in Thôn 4 (Village 4) for Chalk Talk by Secs (edited): “Walk several hundred metres along sealed road then turn right onto flat trail into forest. Follow red marker ribbons across the quarry  then over boulders and up hillside. Cross peak then down rocky fire break, past cemetery and few houses to original sealed road in Village 4 then back to Quan 999 for Down Down. Total distance 3.5 km”.
Highlights: Gathering star fruit in restaurant forecourt.
Down Down: Quan 999 BBQ chicken restaurant.
Refreshments: Saigon Chill, water, softies; bbq chicken, sticky rice, green veg; water melon, star fruit.
Circle: Trail rated 10/10. Hares Mr T, Secs and Chippy thanked. 8 Hash Virgins introduced and welcomed, then ‘baptized’ by Bishop. Three Returnees welcomed back and attributed absences to “busy” (x2) and “travel”.
On on on: Mr C’s Speakeasy.
Next week: Watch this space and facebook page: @VungTauHHH for more details of next week’s run. 
PLEASE REMEMBER: We can all help to keep run fees as low as possible by cancelling registration if suddenly unable to attend (the committee can then order a smaller/cheaper bus and fewer meals if necessary).
“On On”

RUN 1088 GALLERY

19 NOVEMBER 2023
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MINH DAM MOUNTAIN - HERMIT TRAIL WITH WEST LAKE HASH VISITORS

Hares: Bull Ant, Mr. T
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom
Ring Master: Chom Chom / Chipmunk
Report: ChomGPT

The day of Sunday 19th November 2023 was Run 1087 for Vung Tau Hash. The weather graced us with a perfect mix of sunshine and a gentle breeze. The temperature was ideal for an adventurous run through the jungle, setting the stage for another unforgettable hash experience.

The excitement began at our Hash Home in Nang Vung Tau, where over 30 local hashers eagerly gathered, joined by 12 enthusiastic visitors from the West Lake Hash in Newcastle, NSW. So enthusiastic they had already started on their Saigon Green Lagers! The anticipation was palpable as we boarded the bus, with our ever-reliable driver, Mr. An, ready to navigate the scenic route to Long Hai. 

After dropping our Hash Liters earlier, we soon arrived at the real starting point and after a quick Chalk Talk from Mr. T. it was On On! The trail led us down a picturesque road for approximately one kilometer before beckoning us left into the lush embrace of the jungle. The trek through the forest was nothing short of magical, with the rich flora and fauna creating a natural canopy above us.

The real adventure kicked in as we started a steep climb through rocky terrain, surrounded by the vibrant greenery of the jungle. Each step forward was met with a symphony of sounds, from the rustle of leaves to the distant calls of unseen creatures together with the dulcet tones of Hashers panting as they progressed. The camaraderie among hashers grew stronger as we faced the challenge together, reaching a collective sigh of relief as we approached the Hermit's house nestled towards the top of the mountain. An ideal place to take a break, consume some refreshment and take in the views.

A short trek further rewarded us with the grandeur of the flagpoles that stood tall at the mountains peak, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. It was a moment to catch our breath, both from the climb and in awe of the beauty that surrounded us.
The journey down from the was a gentle and scenic descent along a real path, allowing us to soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The trail meandered through the jungle, revealing hidden gems at every turn. The journey down was considerably more relaxing to the climb, with hashers sharing stories and laughter along the way.

As we descended, the trail eventually led us to the Minh Dam car park, marking the end of our exhilarating run. The exhaustion was met with anticipation as we were treated to a well-deserved feast of sticky rice, refreshing fruit, and, of course, super cold Saigon Chill and a selection of soft drinks. The camaraderie continued as hashers shared stories of the trail, both good and bade, creating memories that will be cherished for runs to come.

The traditional group photo was taken and then the ever so enthusiastic Chom Chom took stage for his regular informative and highly enjoyable Hash Circle. We welcomed our Hares – just Mr. T and Johnny this week as fellow Hare BullAnt was recovering from his rough night at Ho Tram. Next in were our Virgins, six this week, Hue, Hong, JJ, Phuc, Vy and a rather shy Hai. Returnees this week included Teddy, Adonis and HBO. Finally this week, Bishop entered the circle with his shiny new shoes as a sinner. He punished himself by consuming beer from his fresh pair of footwear. The circle was then passed over to Chipmunk, the GM of West Lake Hash House Harriers.

As another great Sunday of Hash veered towards an end, we packed up our stuff, mounted the bus and started the return journey to Vung Tau. With our newly repaired music box, dancing and singing broke out together with the consumption of many more Saigon Chill beers. In conclusion, another afternoon offering a perfect blend of adventure, camaraderie, and natural beauty. The challenging trek through the jungle, the breathtaking views from the mountain top, and the joyous descent all contributed to an unforgettable experience. As we drew closer to our Hash Home, we couldn't help but reflect on the bonds forged and the stories created during this memorable run.

​Until the next hash adventure, On-On!

RUN 1087 GALLERY

12 NOVEMBER 2023
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BIG MOUNTAIN - INDOCHINA MEKONG HASH VISITORS

Hares: Bull Ant, Mr. T
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom
Ring Master: Chom Chom / Gobble
Report: ChomGPT

This week's Vung Tau Hash, Run 1086, unfolded as a vibrant amalgamation of local and international hashers, as over 30 enthusiasts from the Indochina Mekong Hash joined forces with an equally spirited local contingent. The starting point was our cherished Hash Home at Nang Vung Tau, setting the stage for an unforgettable adventure.

As Hashers gathered, paying their run fee and conversing with their fellow Hashers, there was an element of concern as to what our Hares had got planned for this afternoon’s trail.

It wasn’t too long before Mr. T gathered the 60 or so Hashers together to put their concerns behind them (or not) as he described what the day would entail. Essentially it was a 5km trail on Big Mountain specifically designed to be not too strenuous. After the final words of ”On On” the trail commenced.

We headed onto Le Ngoc Han and took a leisurely stroll to Hem 105 where we started a steep incline, meandering up, through the residential areas to join Vi Ba Street. After a short walk we took a left from the road and entered the gateway to the majestic Big Mountain. The ascent, though demanding, proved to be a feast for the senses as the trail wound through the verdant embrace of the jungle.

As the hashers navigated the undulating paths of Big Mountain, the anticipation heightened with each step. The culmination of this uphill trek was the summit, a vantage point that rewarded the weary adventurers with a breathtaking panorama, together with a perfect resting area. From the peak of Big Mountain, a sense of accomplishment and awe pervaded the air, setting the stage for the next phase of the expedition.

After a short break to recoup energy, the trail continued along the exhilarating Waterfall trail, a route known for its narrow and rocky terrain. This challenging section added an element of thrill to the hike, as hashers carefully negotiated the twists and turns, forging bonds through shared perseverance. The trail eventually led to Vi Ba again, where a descent awaited, accompanied by a stunning view of the bay that stretched as far as the eye could see. Refreshing gusts of wind helped to cool down our already sweaty hashers rejuvenating them for the next stage.

Taking full advantage of this scenic interlude, hashers passed by the charming sugarcane (nước mía) and egg shops before making a delightful right turn into the peaceful enclave of Bo De Temple. The temple provided a tranquil respite, allowing participants to soak in the spiritual ambiance before the adventure continued.

A brief decline through dense jungle and woods marked the next stretch of the trail, guiding hashers back to the bustling Tran Phu Street with the sound of motorbikes and ocean views. The echoes of laughter and out of breath conversation accompanied the group as they traversed the footpath, creating memories that would linger long after the run concluded.

The triumphant return to Nang Vung Tau heralded the traditional Down-Down ceremony, a moment to raise a can of Saigon Chill and enjoy fruit and pork banh-mi in celebration of the shared triumphs and challenges faced on the trail. As libations flowed, laughter echoed, and stories were exchanged, the true essence of the Vung Tau Hash experience shone through — a community bound by adventure, laughter, and the enduring spirit of exploration. 

Chom Chom performed his regular ritual by opening the circle by welcoming our visitors and introducing the Hares, Mr. T and BullAnt. With mixed feelings from our visiting Hashers, there was some background singing something along the lines of “shitty trail”. As we didn’t have any virgins, returnees or sinners, the circle was passed over to Gobble, GM of the Masterbatemans Hash House Harriers who continued in a more serious Hash way introducing the many GM’s from the visiting Hash kennels.
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Run 1086 not only etched indelible memories in the hearts of the hashers but also underscored the power of hash running to unite individuals from diverse backgrounds in a common pursuit of adventure and camaraderie. Until the next trail beckons, the legacy of Run 1086 will linger as a testament to the enduring spirit of the Vung Tau Hash. Get ready for Run 1087 next week. On On!

RUN 1086 GALLERY

5 NOVEMBER 2023
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NUI DINH - TEMPLE TOWN TO SOUI TIEN

Hares: Secs, Chippy, Bull Ant, Mr. T
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Chom Chom
Ring Master: Chom Chom
Report: Bull Ant

Sunday again, and for Hashers, our favourite day. 1pm at Oc Nang saw the usual activities, Mr. T and Johnny ticking and flicking, Chom Chom completing his apprenticeship on loading eskies, and others manoeuvring the goodies down the slope in preparation for loading the bus. Probably the biggest challenge of the day was fitting everything on the smaller bus, with the driver treating the load like an aircraft being very fussy about the positioning of everything appearing to calculate the weight and balance of the load. With a fully laden bus, we were off! This week our Hares, Chippy, Mr. T, Secs and Bullant have set a trail on Nui Dinh.

Traffic was lighter than usual and it wasn't too long before we arrived at our starting point. 30 odd Hashers surrounded Secs as he detailed the day's trail. Bottom line...follow the red ribbons. On On and off we go. After a short stroll we were hit with an estimated 5 to 600 stairs leading to a temple complex inhabited by many well behaved monkeys. Following the path through the temple we then deviated up the mountain through the jungle. Once we surfaced from the jungle, we were back on a path which lead to the view of the day, a stunning view overlooking Ba Ria in it's entirety. After a plethora of photo's were taken it was time to hit the path again, as some people were very thirsty. The path would then take us up some very steep hills before eventually ending at the main road. Only a short stroll away from here was our destination, a perfect setting of flowing water and rock pools.

It was now time to enjoy the refreshments on offer, Revive, Saigon Chill, soft drinks, and very sumptuous pork noodles. Whilst everyone was enjoying their drink of choice, it was getting late and there was no sign of our Hash Liters. After some concern, they finally arrived claiming to have just completed a half marathon. Our Ring Master Chom Chom lead the circle where we celebrated the Hares and returnees and welcomed the virgins. With the circle complete it was time to pack up and head back to Oc Nang. Surprisingly, a stop free trip back!

With the bus unpacked, it was time for the down down down and the customary Saigon Chill and pizza at Mr. C's.

Another great day, thanks to all.

RUN 1085 GALLERY