VTH3# 1001

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MARCH 27 2022
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LONG HAI MOUNTAINS

Hares: Chippy, Secs, Have-A-Chat, Rocky, 
Hash Flashers: Secs, Chom Chom, Have-A-Chat
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Secs

After last weekend’s extravaganza of a trip to Ta Cu Mountain and Coco Beach Camp this week normal service resumed and we met once again at 1pm at our Hash Home Tommy’s. Faulty Brakes is back on registration duty and collects the fees from our Hashers, many of whom are sporting their brand new Vung Tau Hash T-Shirts - including our trusty Hashmobile driver, Mr. An. Meanwhile, a band of volunteers gather together the provisions for the trip and ensconce them in to our shiny new Saigon Beer eskies. With everything, and everyone ready, we hop on the Hashmobile and soon we are hurtling our way towards this week’s destination, Long Hai Mountains.

We disembark at one of our favourite Down-Down spots, Khu du lịch sinh thái Ngọc Xương, a charming little spot with a grassy bank and a fishing lake. Co-Hare, Secs, calls us to attention and tells us that this is about a 6km trail that will start with a pleasant 2km stroll through the rural countryside paths on the flat following red ribbon until we come to a road where we turn left and follow the road until we come to the steps that will guide us up the mountain, we are to keep an eye out for the red ribbons that will lead us in to the forest and follow the trail until it takes up again where will find ourselves at a pagoda which will give us some spectacular views. After the pagoda follow the steps down back to our Down-Down spot.

On-on, and our jaunt takes through the colourful, picturesque, village lanes flanked by mango trees, pig pens and blooming shrubs. We’re blessed to be graced with the presence of our Hash Lighters on this leg of the trail, however when we get to the road they leave us to head off on their own adventure. The rest of us head up the road and soon we are climbing the steps that will take us on to the mountain. It’s a hot, hot day, so we take our time as we continue to follow the exposed single track concrete path that snakes its way up the mountain. We look behind us to see a magnificent view of the seascape with the silhouette of Vung Tau in the distance. 

The next leg of the trail soon arrives with an array of red ribbons indicating a left turn into the jungle. It's an easy enough trail, giving some shelter from the relentless sun as we duck and dive under dried out bamboo until we reach the ascent up a rocky path that takes us up to the pagoda. The quaint yellow temple provides a welcome respite and we take time to cool down, rehydrate and take full advantage of the array of hammocks on offer. Some spectacular view points provide a breezy chance to dry out our perspiration soaked new T-Shirts, whilst the usual selfie brigade take a myriad of photos.

But it is not over yet - we still have to get down. The descent is via many, many stone steps but we soldier on, our legs aquiver, as we enjoy the views afforded by the descent. As we finally arrive at the flat dirt path that leads to the Down-Down spot we breathe a sigh of satisfaction as the eskies have already been laid out waiting for us to slake our thirst with ice-cold Saigon beer and soft drinks.

Conviviality ensues as drinks are quaffed and delicious pork banh mis are devoured. Then it’s time for the circle. Chom Chom gathers everyone and as always first up are the Hares - Chippy, Have-A-Chat, Secs and Rocky, the trail is highly rated and beers are down-downed. Next up we have a couple of Virgins, including Joe from Las Vegas. A few returnees including Hot Pants and Doyle are welcomed back. Finally we wish Happy Birthday to HBO. A cake is cut and a thunderous rendition of “Happy Birthday” led by Have-A-Chat is bellowed out.

Just time to take the group photo and then it's back on the Hashmobile and before we know it we are back at Tommy’s where many of us enjoy copious amounts of Saigon Chill, some legendary woodfired Pizza and live music. Another great Sunday to follow on from last week’s momentous 1000th celebration. Until next week…

On-on

RUN 1001 GALLERY

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