VTH3# 1041

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JANUARY 1 2023
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HAPPY NEW YEAR ON BIG MOUNTAIN

Hares: Secs, Chippy
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Chom Chom
Ringmaster: NA
Report: Chom Chom

What better way to welcome in the new year with a VTH3 run on Big Mountain. A great opportunity to get out in nature, meet some great people and of course do a bit of much needed exercise.

As the online registrations came in, it was looking a bit different  with 44% juniors, 36% female and 20% male. This was most likely down to the promise of pizza, ribs and chicken at the special Down-Down.

The afternoon started and Hashers began arriving at our Nang Vung Tau home. Whilst Mr. T was collecting the run fees, Secs doing the final preparations of the drinks and selfies being taken around the Christmas tree, it was soon time for the trail to begin.

We assembled outside Mr C’s Speakeasy Pub to do the group photo and video. Sasha had brought a couple of firework style things for the new year celebration that did initially cause some concern – luckily they were just confetti, and certainly enhanced the excitement of the already excited Hashers.

A quick chalk-talk from Secs explaining the trail was made and then it was on-on as we commenced the trail along Le Ngoc Han. We turned off on the fairly familiar road (Hem 105) to take us up the previously moss-covered slope up to Vi Ba where we took a rest to await the remaining hashers.

The trail continued up Vi Ba until we reached the start (or usual finish) of the Waterfall Trail as it is known. I had forgotten how far this steep and rocky path went on for - although certainly preferable to going up the powerlines! With various selfies and breaks during the climb, we made it to the flat section almost at the top. Here Hashers were able to take a break and even push their fitness further with the rustic homemade exercise equipment. The Waterfall Trail continued around the beach facing perimeter of Big Mountain, fairly even, but ups and downs here and there. Some great views over the sea were on offer, together with some beautiful flowers that had recently bloomed.

Eventually we hit Vi Ba once again, and after another break, we headed back down the mountain passing the great sea views, the nuoc mia stalls and the monkey pagoda. This weeks trail took us through the rear of the newly re-opened White Palace and gave several more photo opportunities of the palace itself together with its cannons and other attractions. We got back onto the main beach Tran Phu street and made our way back to Mr C’s Speakeasy pub for our special Down-Down.

Eskies of Saigon Chill, Water, Revive and other softies were placed outside whilst our junior hashers explored this great venue – not taking long to find the pool table! Before long the excitement moved to Randy’s wood-fired oven and the preparation of the ten pizza’s that had been ordered for the afternoon. The juniors particularly loved the pizza’s being prepared and even more once the pizza’s were cooked and removed from the oven, and finally served. Chicken wings and pork ribs were also served making the afternoon quite a feast.

With the volume of food and the excitement in the venue, it was decided that the circle would be put off for this week. There would have been an awful lot of virgins!

As Hashers departed after their Sunday adventure, food was still coming out. Nobody was leaving hungry. A fabulous afternoon that was enjoyed by all, even the trail wasn’t too bad.

I’d like to thank Randy and Tam at Mr C’s Speakeasy Pub for their great work serving us – it’s not often they have to deal with over 40 customers at once.

Finally, as we welcome in the new year, I’d like to wish all a very Happy and Healthy New Year. On On and see you next week.

RUN 1041 GALLERY

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