VTH3# 1017

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JULY 17 2022
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NUI DINH

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

​This week the ever industrious Have-A-Chat and Rabbit were at Tommy’s early getting the eskies ready with all the Saigon Chill and soft drinks ready for this week’s excursion to Nui Dinh. Already packed with our super new ice supplier it was a simple job for the helpful Hashers to simply carry them on to the bus. Meanwhile Mr. T and Bull Ant are busy collecting the Run Fees and ticking off the names on the lengthy  registration list - a total of 51 Hashers this week. Some consternation are Have-A-Chat and Rabbit appear to be missing - but not to worry they have been out collecting the delicious Bahn Mis for later. 

With such a smooth preparation process complete the bus left exactly on time at 1:30pm and soon we were speeding through the streets of Vung Tau - next stop Seaview to collect some more Hashers and then onto Nui Dinh where yet more Hashers are waiting for us to join what is to be a great trail and down-down.

We disembark at Bồng Lai Quán coffee shop, as we assemble squeals of delight are heard from our Hash House Horrors as they spot a glistening swimming pool at the back - definitely something to look forward to after the trail.

We gather round Secs who, with a wave of a red ribbon, explains this week’s trail. It’s a circular trail where we will start and stop at Bồng Lai Quán. The trail will take us about 1.5km down Nui Dinh Road where we will see red ribbons indicating a right turn on to a path that will take us in to the jungle. We will join a path that will take us down to a river that we are to follow until red ribbons will lead us up the mountain until we get to a temple. From the temple we are to follow the path back to Nui Dinh Road and come back down the mountain to Bồng Lai Quán.

And so, On-On! En masse we start marching down the road much to the amusement of people trying to get past us on motorbikes. Sasha and Mr. Dan led the way merrily jogging down the road. In the distance we spot three figures sporting familiar T-Shirts walking towards us - are they lost Hashers? Nope, it’s the Hash Lighters coming at us at a determined pace. We wave and continue on until the aforementioned red ribbon leads us in to the jungle.

The next part of the trail is a pleasant stroll through lush greenery until we meet with the normally dry riverbed, now flowing with water after the substantial rain we’ve had recently. We follow the river and then see more red ribbons atop a rock - this is the start of the ‘real’ trail.

Trepidatiously we scramble over rocks stopping periodically to catch our breath, take in the view and pose for selfies. Eventually we encounter some dilapidated old steps carved out of the side of the mountain. We reach the top of the steps and from out of nowhere emerges an awesome temple embedded in the massive mountain rocks. Pleased to have reached the apex of the trail, it's time to rest our weary legs before exploring the extensive pagoda and look out point. After many obligatory selfies we followed the path back to the road and finally back to Bồng Lai Quán coffee shop.

Our Hash Lighters have already unpacked the eskies and a bevy of Saigon Chill, soft drinks and delicious roast pork banh mi awaits. Several Hashers, young and old, avail themselves of the refreshing swimming pool filled with cooling fresh mountain water. Plenty of time to sate our hunger and quaff our favourite beverages before its time to take the team photo. Then Have-A-Chat calls for the Circle. It's an arduous task as the not_so_trusty Hash microphone has decided it wasn't in the mood for a circle, poor Have-A-Chat had to shout over some garrulous Hashers. 

As always the Hares and first in the Circle, and the trail is rated and the general consensus being than 10 out of 10. Next up several Virgins are introduced, including, but not limited to, Evy from Vietnam who came with Lien and her son, also a Virgin. In addition to friends of Chippy and Doyle - welcome.

With the Circle complete, it’s time to pack up the bus, say farewell to our hosts at Bồng Lai Quán and head back to Vung Tau. Plenty of on bus entertainment as beers flow and the boom box booms. Before we know it we are back at Tommy’s, where some of us enjoy a sneaky beer outside the storeroom as a reward for unloading the eskies. The usual suspects remain to enjoy delicious pizza, more Saigon Chill and the sounds of Ben and Friends.

Another great Sunday afternoon - until next time…

RUN 1017 GALLERY

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