VTH3 #675

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05 April 2015
SMALL MOUNTAIN - a new way to the Lighthouse!

Everyone gathered at the SB4 on what was turning out to be a very hot day.  Not so many Hashers this week – maybe everyone still basking in the glow of last week’s “perfect” trail!
Hare SamSon had to work again, but co-Hare Rowdy Water was on hand to lead the way from SB4 towards Mr Ket’s distinctive landmark signage at the foot of Small Mountain.
It was a long walk past the Front Beach park, where many locals were picnicking under the shady trees and surprised to see Hashers passing by – although some were still alert enough to quickly practise their English!
Rowdy Water gave a Chalk Talk, despite frequent interruptions from teenagers coming down the mountain on motorbikes.  And Mountain Goat suggested through translator son Nic a change of location for the Circle and Down Downs from the planned twin goldfish statues in the harsh glare of the sun, to the shady park we’d just passed.  Approved unanimously!
Today’s Hash Flash, Taffy, then skillfully managed to avoid being run over by a motorbike while taking a group photo!
We followed the narrow road and red eco-tape through the hamlet where over-zealous guard dogs were barking on both sides of the road, to the start of the off-road ascent to the Lighthouse.  This was a new way up that Rowdy Water had discovered previously and promised himself to come back and make a full trail.
Up the hill we went, following stairs to an abandoned villa – then up through the scrub on a trail that RW confided he’d found when being chased away from an intended trail by snarling dogs that he jokingly(!) explained were looking to “eat some hare for breakfast”!
We finally reached the lighthouse to discover some local teenagers taking advantage of the solitude (until we arrived!).
A quick break to enjoy the 360-degree views, then down the “easy way” to Mr Ket while avoiding all the traffic.  There was also some added interest with lots of fairy floss-like silk-cotton (“cay bong gon”) falling off trees and flying around in the breeze until harvested by locals who apparently use it to stuff pillows.
And so we eventually made it back to the park, with Basil and Titanic collecting the new eskies (courtesy our generous sponsor San Miguel), while Rowdy Water fetched Mountain Goat’s knife that she left behind last week. 
We were happily chugging down cold San Miguels when we saw what looked like Hash stalwart Terminator walking by (same hairstyle), but it was a false alarm.  Nic’s wife and young son arrived just in time for a group photo, then Mountain Goat’s niece Liuba decided to try on the Grand Master regalia.
Ringmaster Basil called co-hare Rowdy Water into the Circle and asked Mountain Goat to rate the trail.  With son Nic translating, she gave it 7 for the way up the mountain, but 0 for the descent because it was “too easy” (warning for next week – Mountain Goat is setting a trail on Big Mountain!).
No Hash Virgins today, so Ms Uyen was charged with wearing new shoes.  Her excuse that the old pair were 10 years old fell on deaf ears, and Down Down she went!
The Circle thanked Ice Water, Mountain Goat and D&G for continuing to provide their delicious snacks: so, “Here’s to the Foodies ....”
As mentioned above, Mountain Goat & faithful K9 Hashputin volunteered to set a trail on Big Mountain next week, so we can expect a “classic” from their combined wealth of experience.
We'll meet next Sunday, as usual, 2 pm for 2.30 pm start at Sao Bien 4 Restaurant in the cable car complex at the foot of Big Mountain (1A Tran Phu).  If unsure, see the home page map: http://www.vungtauhash.com
On On!

Report: Basil. Sub: Uncle
Hares: SamSon, Rowdy Water
Hash Flash: Taffy. Additional photos: Mr Smiley

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