VTH3# 1037

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DECEMBER 4 2022
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MINH DAM MOUNTAIN (MONKEY PAGODA)

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

Weather: Sunshine, high cloud – warm but not too hot (and plenty of overhead jungle cover).

Hash Cash: Mr T @ VTH3 Kennel: Nắng Vũng Tàu, (5 Le Ngoc Han, Ward 1).

Total Hashers: 41

Direction: North then East to Long Hai and follow coastline to Monkey Pagoda (at foot of Minh Dam mountain a few km before Minh Dam Base).

Destination: Minh Dam mountain, 6km from Long Hai town in the Chau Long-Chau Vien mountains SE of Long Dat. Height 355m, overall length 8 km within the Long Hai mountain range. The area was military base in French and American wars and re-named after revolutionary martyrs Bui Cong Minh and Mac Thanh Dam who died when their unit was ambushed in 1948. Now popular tourist area for the spectacular natural scenery, intricate underground (guerilla) cave system, and fresh spring water.

Chalk Talk: Secs: “Steep ascent, many hundreds of rock steps. Follow red marker tape all the way up and down again. Through narrow gap between two huge vertical rocks near top of mountain to lookout rock, then downhill to Minh Dam Base car park for Down Down.”

Trail: Many rock steps on steep ascent and uneven ground/tree roots/stones on steep descent created occasional heavy going. But overall safe trail suitable for most age groups and reasonable fitness levels.

Highlights: Many monkeys at start point, hence the nickname. Steep ascent up many rock steps, with occasional views at some rest stops. Huge lookout rock – lovely cool breeze and widespread views of ocean and coastline dotted with new resort developments! Also not on today’s trail but there’s a special shrine at top of mountain via slight detour: remove shoes to enter.

Down Down: Minh Dam Base (“Secret Zone”) car park. Local monkeys and friendly dogs (all hungry, no table manners!). Hub for several other trails; museum nearby; public toilets.

Refreshments: Saigon Chill, softies, water, banh mi & fillings, water melon.

Group photo: Chom Chom 

Duty Ringmaster: Chom Chom (newly married, did a great job!).

Hares (trail rating): Mr T, Secs, Chippy, Have-A-Chat. Rating High, with steepness of ascent offsetting slightly shorter overall distance (and special shrine at top of mountain and/or other nearby trails could add extra interest and distance if required; but no complaints from this scribe who Hashes for pleasure, not pain!).

Hash Virgins: 5 – Ivan, Max (Rus), Thu Ha, Han (VN), Trish (VN/Oz).
Returnees / visitors: 0
Sinners: 2 – Fumi (Jpn), Chippy (VN) shoe faults.

Other business:
Sponsor Office Bar highlights Monday Quiz Night, Wednesday Killer Pool, Friday free cheese and biscuits.
Local trail Christmas Day for time to go home, redecorate then return to Nắng Vũng Tàu to celebrate 30th anniversary of VTH3 – stay tuned for more! 
Circle closed: Garbage bags filled, eskies de-iced. Boom box and travel esky onboard for pleasant return journey. Assets offloaded and stored at Nắng Vũng Tàu.
Down Down Down: Mr C’s Speakeasy next door to VTH3 Kennel for wood-fired pizza, chicken wings, ribs and drinks (incl. Saigon Chill buckets) at own cost.

Next week: Watch this space and our facebook page: @VungTauHHH for details of next week’s trail #1038.

“On On”!

RUN 1037 GALLERY

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