VTH3 #634

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22 June 2014
LIGHTHOUSE HILL - 'The Peter Rabbit Memorial run'

After a short delay hoping the rain would stop, we decided that we were going to get wet anyway, so the whistle was blown, "On On" called, and 14 hardy Hashers who had been 'straining at the leash' were released to head across town towards Lighthouse Hill.

We made it together onto a road known to many, which meandered towards the Vung Tau lighthouse - yet with a slight 'twist' to it this time.  There were some remarkably fresh-painted arrows to mislead, and they weren't the ones we wanted - but with good fortune and much affability, we all managed to miss the real route before being shepherded back onto the correct course.  Some not-so-silent mumblings about "Dastardly Hares" were overheard from the ranks of the FRBs who had been so cruelly robbed of their lead!

We reached the lookout point near the top, and the markers led the way over a wall and onto a ridge along the peak - including a never-before-seen 'swimming pool' (thanks to the rainwater filling an old gun emplacement).  Yellow combined with red tape ushered all to an historic area which was a new sight for all to see, and it was beautiful - landscaped, almost!  The view over Vung Tau Bay was stunning, even in the rain and mist (or maybe because of the rain and mist) - and many selfies and group photos were taken by all and sundry!

Being in VTH3, it's quite normal to go uphill at least halfway with most of our runs, followed naturally by a downhill aspect.  Today's downhill was no exception.  It looked very steep indeed but, with surprising red ribbon diversions, it was actually quite accommodating for all - although credit must go to those who helped their fellow Hashers off the last tricky bit!  This brought us all into a beautiful green laneway, where we turned left.  (To turn right would have been amazing, but that's for another day...)

Following the trail which was lush, green and really everything you could wish for including a deceptive 'dog leg' bend, it set us all on the track back to the more populated part of Vung Tau below.

It's fair to say that, today, the small mountain known as Nui Nho showed us all a different aspect than generally imagined - and one which was certainly appreciated by our runners.  Mountains have this ability always to surprise and, if you think you know a mountain, it often thinks (and shows) otherwise - even Mountain Goat's faithful hound Hashputin was seen frolicking along the trails with little legs getting an extremely good workout!

"On On" we went across town to the familiar twin goldfish statues in the park overlooking Front Beach.  And what an inspired choice for 'Down Down' location - the inclement weather meant we had the entire park to ourselves, for the first time ever!

We were midway through quaffing ice-cold San Miguels and devouring the Russian and Vietnamese delicacies provided by Mountain Goat and Ice Water when we were joined by the family and friends of Hasher Peter 'Rabbit' Burrowes, who tragically died last week from injuries sustained in a traffic accident.

The Circle was called, with the trail set by Rowdy Water and Falcon being awarded 7/10 by Taffy plus 3 bonus points for the swimming pool, which gave a very respectable 10/10!  Hash Virgin Mai was welcomed and various sinners punished for misdemeanours real and imagined.  Also noted that we sadly say "Come back soon" to VTH3 stalwarts Mountain Goat and UXO - we miss you already!

Then it was time to pay our respects to Peter 'Rabbit' with a minute's silence, followed by a group toast to and with him and his family in mourning.  "'On On' PR - gone but not forgotten. RIP."  (We had earlier given Peter's family a "Condolences" card signed by today's Hashers as well as those individuals and other VN Hashes who had conveyed their respects during the week.)

STOP PRESS: Hares Falcon and Rowdy Water have set a new trail on Nui Dinh for this Sunday's run - they call it 'Mushroom glen': genuine countryside (with a hill) and finishing at the swimming pool, so don't forget your togs and a towel (which can be left on the bus) if you fancy a dip after the run!

We'll meet as usual at Offshore Bar 1 beer garden, 2 pm for 2.30 pm start.

On On!

Reporting:  Rowdy Water, Uncle

Hares:  Rowdy Water, Falcon

Hash Flash:  Rowdy Water, Circle photos Falcon, GPS report Flying Scotsman

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VTH3 #634 PHOTO GALLERY>>>>>>>
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The attached GPS report is courtesy Flying Scotsman...
To view 'Ran 7.04 km on 22/06/2014', follow this link:
http://www.mapmyrun.com/view_workout?w=616967427