VTH3 #834

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22nd April 2018

Small Mountain "Hotter Than Hell Trail"

Hares: Flying Finn, Slipper
Hash Flashers: Gary, Chom Chom, Flying Finn
Ringmaster: Boozer
Report: Chom Chom

​​Having fully recovered from last weekends Weekender, things returned to normal for the
Vung Tau Hash with 33 hashers keenly waiting at Hon Ru Ri for a local trail on Small
Mountain – later, to be named the Hotter Than Hell Trail!

The trail commenced at our registration area and we eagerly and energetically progressed
along the beach road, towards Phan Chu Trinh. We decided to take a detour from the beach
road in the hope of finding a bit more shade onto Tran Hung Dao, some choosing the street
route, others taking the more scenic views through the park. Eventually, after almost
exhausting the length of Phan Chu Trinh, we made the welcoming right turn at Hem 296 and
started ascending on the mountain path. Now it really began…

The solid tarmac road we started on, soon ended as we joined the sandy, dusty path and
continued to make our way higher up the mountain. As the trail progressed we passed the
back of the fairly impressive massive “haunted” abandoned house. We approached a road and
whilst it seemed more appropriate to turn left (getting closer to our Down Down location) we
made the requested right turn and continued the climb along yet more sandy, dusty paths. The higher we got, the hotter it got. With very little shade and virtually no breeze, some of us
started to suffer in the dense heat we were blessed with this fine Sunday afternoon. Bottles of
water were running out quick and many breaks were necessary for some. The pace had
slowed down considerably!

Eventually after a rather long walk of mainly uphill terrain we made it to the Jesus statue and
the steps of decline approached us. A few hashers took advantage of the shadier rest areas on
the way down, others just needed a top-up drink or ice cream at the occasional vendors
nearby.

Reaching the main Ha Long road, we found that final boost of energy, crossed over and then
made it down the final hill to our completion point at Beach Valley where our returnee Baz
had been carefully taking care of the super cold San Miguels, soft drinks and food. A big
thank you to our regular foodies, Mother Theresa and Boozer.
​
After the usual group photo, the Circle was started with our customary Ringmaster, Boozer,
taking his role of glory. After meeting our Hares, the trail was initially rated 8 although after
further feedback was raised to 11, so well done to both Flying Finn and Boozer on another
success. A presentation was made to our Fearless Finn Twins, Flying Finn and Slipper as
they will be leaving us temporarily as they are returning to their home lands for a time. They
will be greatly missed and have done an amazing amount of work for VTH3, so many, many
thanks to them and we look forward to their return. They were both presented with a VTH3
mug as a leaving gift. We were reminded of the special party that had been arranged in their
honour and that next week would hopefully be an away trail.

With the extended Down-Down / Party due to start at 5.30pm, most Hashers chose to leave
early in order to prepare for the evenings food, drinks and entertainment. Taxis were provided
back to Hon Ru Ri for those with motorbikes parked there.
About 30 Hashers returned for the party at Beach Valley in honour of Flying Finn and
Slippers imminent departure. Whilst the ladies enjoyed preparing and cooking the food, the
gents enjoyed the cold San Miguels. What a feast we had - roasted pork (heo quay),
Barbecued Prawns, Steamed Fish, Salad, Bread, Fruit and of course a very generous amount
of San Miguel Beers (together with the usual selection of soft drinks). We were even treated
to some pickled herring. Music was provided by a large speaker with a tablet, so we could all
choose (or squabble over) what we wanted to hear. Many of us took to the dance floor,
overlooking the sea on this now rather dark evening. All in all another great VTH3 success
and many thanks to those involved in the organising.

VTH3 #834 PHOTO GALLERY

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM FLYING FINN