VTH3# 1031

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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

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