VTH3 #828

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11th March 2018

Big Mountain - "Hem 400 - Hidden Start Trail"

Hares: Boozer, Chom Chom, Graham
Hash Flashers: Secs, Basil
Ringmaster: Boozer
Report: Alice

​After initially meeting up for registration at Hon Ru Ri, at 1.30pm 46 human and 1 dog, Vung Tau Hashers left to move their motorbikes to the Down-down base at Haven Bar and grouped together to catch taxis to the base of Big Mountain at Hem 400 Tran Phu. Once everyone arrived, we grouped around to listen to instructions for our trek and were reminded about staying hydrated as it was a long, long, hard trek. We then started the walk along the small hem that snaked around and between local’s dwellings, sometimes bringing us up close and personal with the occupants and their repast! We were all taken by the stunning views of Long Son Island and the shipyard below us when we reached a high point, so much so that it wasn't until the trailing Hare Chom Chom  got to the point where the others should have started the mammoth trail off the beaten track and realised that the leading Hare Boozer had missed the turning point! After a short consultation via phone, as the group had got too far ahead to holler, the entire group did an about face and marched back to the steep incline that we were assured was our trail............. not at all obvious to the first timers! This would require teamwork for some and that was not lacking, linked arms, hands pushing and pulling each other and all made it with a lot of grunting and groaning. Success! Woo hoo, conquerors! .......... that was only 5 minutes into a very long uphill trail! The inspiration for continuing was the end and a very, very, cold San Miguel and the chance of a cool soothing sea breeze,  things were heating up.
 
Onward and upward the 46 and a half Hashers pushed through long grass, crawled up steep inclines, got snagged by barbed wire, bitten by angry ants and suffered through the pain and unwillingness of dodgy knees but nonetheless all soldiered on! Small groups formed as the pace for some had waned nevertheless we all managed to make it back down the Big Mountain and to a civilised bitumen road. The desire to satisfy a increasing thirst for a fresh cold drink was now paramount! One by one each Hasher returned to the Haven on the front beach passing by the eskies for that fabulous San Miguel on their way to the oasis, a chair! Some were beguiled by the ocean and stripped off for a swim trading salty sweat for salty ocean waters. At this point focusing in any direction became bothersome as the lack of change rooms or want thereof, became apparent.
 
After all were feeling somewhat human again and the lovely sandwiches and bread rolls were consumed, a very loud shrill whistle was blown to summon the hashers to attention, the end of session meeting was to begin. Who was a SINNER? who had dared to come inappropriately dressed, who had led us down the garden path? and who amongst us was a virgin? Where have you hailed from and what do you think of the mighty Hare's trail now you have conquered it? Many a giggle, a few shivers and some punishing sculling later and all were forgiven. Initiation over and all are equal, no more virgins and sinners are now winners!
 
Last minute reminders about the up and coming camp at La Gi and who will be sleeping where............... a lot of wishful thinking or was it a dare if you do not book fast! All's well that ends well, cheers to next week’s bush olympics!

VTH3 #828 PHOTO GALLERY