VTH3 #650

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MAJOR SPONSOR, SAN MIGUEL!
Contact Mr Cuong for all San Miguel products in Vung Tau:
email: tadcul@yahoo.co.uk
phone, text/sms: 0938 83 31 83 or 0906 79 11 55
Home, office, party etc deliveries a specialty!

12 October 2014
BIG MOUNTAIN - Adventure Trail with a twist

A big, black cloud appeared above us as volunteer Scribe GeoffK completed registration, but today's Hashers were keen to experience the "Adventure Trail" and "VTH3 runs in any weather", so off we went.
Co-Hare SamSon gave the Chalk Talk and cautioned everyone about the challenges to be encountered on a fairly long trail through mostly dense undergrowth.  "Go slow through the tricky bits, and stay safe," was the message - and then it was "On On" to Vi Ba, turn right, down to Venus 2 nightclub then turn left at the pagoda and "On up" to the top of Big Mountain!
It was a tough climb but we were soothed somewhat by the lovely fresh air and dreamy views of Vung Tau City, the Bay and both peaks of Small Mountain through the mist.
And it was about then that SamSon decided to "upsize" the Adventure Trail by adding a few more challenges and additional bushwalking.
There was not much time to relax as we continued through the undergrowth, but at last we were finally heading downwards to the middle of the mountainside.  Then we suddenly took a sharp right and followed a familiar trail from days gone by - although it wasn't easy to recognise because of the dense vegetation after the rains.
We finally emerged onto Vi Ba and headed straight over to Lam Son park where our generous sponsor's gold and silver "San Migs" were waiting, thanks to GeoffK who is carrying an injury and volunteered to deliver the eskies, which also contained "Vietnamese delicacies by Ice Water" - which were very welcome, as always.
We waited for everyone to make it safely down the mountain and then the Circle was called by duty Ring Master Ronald Reagan.  GeoffP was so impressed by the terrain and length of the trail that he "broke with tradition" and awarded an awesome 10/10 to SamSon and Ice Water, who promptly executed a textbook "Down Down" in appreciation!
We also had great pleasure in welcoming back a couple of popular returnees: KFC and James "Jim" Grant.  Jim is a former VTH3 Grand Master (circa 2004) who was involved in arranging the original sponsorship with San Miguel so many years ago.  So he's at least partly responsible for the popularity of San Miguel in Vung Tau, because many Hashers have developed and continue to develop a taste for gold and silver San Migs as a result of Sunday afternoon Down Downs!
We then farewelled VTH3 stalwart John "Falcon" Mills, who died recently in tragic circumstances in Australia.  We saluted a good friend and offered our condolences to Trinh and young James.  "RIP Falcon".
STOP PRESS:  Hareraiser SamSon has confirmed that he, KFC and Basil have laid a "wonderful" trail on Nui Dinh for Sunday (19 October).  It's 5 km on the mountain and a mix of old and new trails - the GPS route map will be emailed to everyone today.  If we don't have your email address and you'd like to receive regular updates, just let us know at vthash@yahoo.com or via the "Contact VTH3" page on this website. 
We'll meet on Sunday, as always, in the Offshore Bar 1 beer garden at 2 pm for 2.30 pm start - and look forward to seeing everyone for another day of fun and adventure with our new and enthusiastic mismanagement team!  They're working hard to support you - so don't miss your chance to return the compliment and have a great day out at the same time!  Fun, exercise and meeting new people - it doesn't get any better than this!
On On!

Reporting: SamSon, Uncle

Hares: Ice Water, SamSon

Hash Flash: SamSon.  Circle and sundry other photos: Ciprian

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