VTH3# 1148

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19 JANUARY 2025

BIG MOUNTAIN - CAMBODIAN TEMPLE TRAIL

Hares: Chippy, Chief Stoker, Jolly
Hash Flasher: Chippy
​Ringmaster: Uncle
Report: Uncle

Weather: High cloud, cool breezes.
Hash Cash: 1pm run fees Chom Chom, Bull Ant @ Nắng Vũng Tàu, 5 Lê Ngọc Hân, Ward 1.
Total Hashers: 21
Trail: Eco carts to 750 Trần Phú; left onto Trần Xuân Độ and dismounted at Hem 33 for Chalk talk by Chief Stoker. Headed uphill past two temples incl. one with Khmer-style stone handrail carvings and artefacts (hence “Cambodian temple”). Followed red marker tapes up several tiers of steps making total 850 to trolley rails up mountainside behind second pagoda. Marker tapes for right turn onto jungle track near top of trolley rails had disappeared but Hares ensured everyone followed correct trail.
We eventually reached the summit and crossed Hem 444 aka ‘Ho May Park road’ to begin southern side downhill leg. Climbed over broken park wall and enjoyed shipyard views, then followed a long and often steep and rock-strewn downhill forest track with two lengths of barbed wire fencing and finally emerged onto sealed road at a Vi Ba hairpin above the army camp (pleased to find the narrow concrete exit slab now augmented by several bags of cement for easier balance!).
Continued downhill past the army camp and coffee shops, through Chùa Bồ Đề (Bodharama temple) at 25 Vi Ba and enjoyed comparing the various upper class mountainside residences on the way down to Trần Phú.
Finally circled behind the Hilton construction site to Nắng VT/Paper Garden at 5 Lê Ngọc Hân to complete what was arguably the best Hash run in recent times, with moderate but eminently acceptable degrees of difficulty and interest, and probably the most photo stops ever made on a single trail as we well and truly conquered Big Mountain! Total distance ~5.3 km (worthy of note: Hash Liters trail ~9.3 km!).
Highlights: Shipyard views from the construction area near the broken wall on Hem 444. Lots of friendly banter on the way down to Tran Phu as we passed the upper class homes! Sumptuous Down Down buffet at Nắng Vũng Tàu’s stylishly renovated Giấy Garden. Total relaxed and friendly ambience amongst Hashers; we started and finished as a single, happy group – for which the organisers and Hares deserve a big pat on the back for what was surely one of the best VTH3 runs in modern times!
Down Down: Giấy Garden restaurant @ Nắng Vũng Tàu.Refreshments: Buffet with smoked duck, spring rolls, fried rice, salad; water melon slices, pineapple chunks. Bia Saigon, Revive, softies, mineral water.
​Circle: Trail rated 10,10,10/10. “Superb”, “Maximum points”, “Best ever”! Hares Chippy, Chief Stoker, Jolly applauded. No Hash Virgins. Returnee ‘Lily’ welcomed back after 12 months absence (works in Germany and Vietnam). There couldn’t possibly be any Sinners on such a good day!
On on on: Not sure as the “Một Hai Ba Yo!” and “Chúc mừng năm mới!” salutes were still ringing out as this scribe departed, but possibly Mr C’s Speakeasy if any stayers.
Next week: Watch this space, Zalo, facebook page @VungTauHHH and direct emails for details of next week’s run.
PLEASE REMEMBER: We can all help to keep run fees as low as possible by cancelling registration if suddenly unable to attend (mismanagement can then adjust transport and/or food and drinks if necessary).
“On On”

RUN 1148 GALLERY

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