VTH3# 1069

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16 JULY 2023

MINH DAM / LONG HAI

Hares: Bull Ant, Mr. T, Secs, Johnny
Hash Flashers: Chippy, Chom Chom
Ring Master: Rain Stopped Play
Report: Secs

With Mr. T, Secs, and Bull Ant having enjoyed an evening at Ho Tram it was left to Chom Chom, Chippy and the usual gang of helpful Hashers to prepare the ice, eskies, and food for today’s excursion to Minh Dam Mountain near Long Hai. With the Hashmobile fully loaded and rain coming down in buckets our team of eager Hashers were soon on the way to the starting point at Thiền viện trúc lâm chân nguyên - more commonly known as the Monkey Pagoda. 

The Hashmobile arrives at the Monkey Pagoda just as the rain abates and we rendezvous with the Ho Tram Hares who set the trail (including Chippy) on Saturday morning. Secs leads us the steps that will take us up the mountain where he gives the instructions for the day: Follow the red ribbons up the many steps and rocks until you reach the first temple, turn left, go through the temple until you come to a shrine with fantastic views. Then follow the trail until the ribbon indicates a right turn through a cave like tunnel and it's a short walk through the jungle until we come to the second temple of the day, again with fantastic views. Finally a short stroll will take us to the car park at the top of Minh Dam where the down-down will be.

And so, it’s On-On. It’s a bit of slog climbing over the uneven steps and rocks however, the rain has cooled everything down making the going a bit easier. Arriving at Bạch Vân Động (a quaint temple perched on the side of the mountain) we reach the first viewpoint of the day. A welcome breeze helps dry the sweat off as our Hashers marvel at the excellent vista that takes in the Long Hai and its coastline.

Next obstacle is the natural tunnel made from two large monolithic rocks that fell on each other many millennia ago. It's a bit dark and slippery but as always there is a light at the end of the tunnel and we emerge back in lush jungle and follow the ribbons until we almost loop back to Bạch Vân Động but instead take a left turn along a cobbled path that leads to the next temple Bạch Vân Điện. This temple has a multitude of great views, either from a massive smooth rock or from a “crow’s nest” at the top of some stairs. Needless to say our Hashers took full advantage to take the obligatory photos and selfies. 

From Bạch Vân Điện it’s a short walk back to the car park where the Hashmobile is waiting for us - eskies full of our favourite Saigon Chill, Revive and a variety of soft drinks. The usual conviviality ensues and we are treated to sticky rice with a variety of delicious toppings for sustenance. Yum!

The sky darkens and threatens to rain - just enough time for Chom Chom to take the team photo before the heavens open again and it starts pouring with rain again. No time for a Circle this week and we load up the eskies and pile on the Hashmobile ready to return to Vung Tau.

It’s a quick journey back with a short comfort break for the weak bladdered. Back at Nang the eskies are unloaded. Some of the die hard Saigon Chill fans enjoy a final beer before heading to our favourite pizza and wings place - Mr. C’s.

Another good day out with VTH3.

ON-ON

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