VTH3 #835

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29th April 2018

Long Hai Mountains - Minh Dam Base "Hermit's House 'Hot as Hell' Trail"

Hares: Mr. T, Secs
Hash Flashers: Zidane, Secs
Ringmaster: Boozer
Report: Uncle

It was just about ‘standing room only’ on our lavishly decorated Hashmobile as we departed Hon Ru Ri for the trip to Long Hai Mountains under a nicely overcast sky.

We eventually dismounted a few minutes’ drive beyond the main entrance to Minh Dam Base, then hiked another 1 km to the bottom of a track that was deceptively flat to begin with, but soon ran directly up the side of the mountain to a hermit’s hut via what seemed like several thousand mostly ‘natural’ steps!  Luckily, there were plenty of trees to provide much-needed shade!

The hermit is very hospitable; he kept smiling as hordes of perspiring Hashers traipsed through his small abode – and we were even able to keep our shoes on!

Cries of “On On” continued as we made our way to the popular ‘lookout’ boulders.  Lots of selfies and groupies were taken, while others explored the local area or just relaxed in the cool mountain breezes and enjoyed the view over the northern beaches and East Sea.

After what had at times seemed like an almost vertical hike up the mountain, the descent to the car park was a relaxed stroll under the watchful gaze of some playful monkeys. 

Then the day’s main physical activity was over, and ice cold San Miguels never tasted so good!  There was also enough food to ‘feed the five thousand’, so our sincere thanks to the foodies once again – we were treated to a delicious variety of international cuisine, worthy of any restaurant in town!

When everyone had been accounted for, duty Ringmaster Boozer donned the chains of office, called the Circle and asked newcomers to rate the trail.  Scores (out of 10) ranged from “10” to “100”, so Hares Secs and Mr T were duly rewarded with Down Downs to mark their valiant efforts!

Hash Virgins were welcomed from India (Niharika), New Zealand (Barry) and Vietnam (Ms Trong), with the latter also being introduced to the ‘tube of honour’, with hilarious results!  Two Sinners this week, both nominated for ‘inappropriate clothing’: Returnee Black & White (jeans – which also earned her the ‘tube’) and Ms Trang (sandals).

One of seven Returnees, Uncle was ‘tubed’ for trying to blame memory loss on advancing years; he gave an off-key rendition of Amazing Grace to prepare for one of Radiowave’s infamous perforated cups – but not much of the contents reached his throat anyway!
After a spirited and mostly ‘wet’ ceremony, Ringmaster Boozer thanked everyone for their contributions and closed the Circle by shaking his ‘sporran’ and announcing that next week’s run will be a local trail on Big Mountain, to be set by Uncle (note: we’ll start from a Buddhist pagoda where running, loud voices and bare shoulders are considered disrespectful).

Conviviality continued a while longer, and then we boarded the Hashmobile for the journey home in what magically transformed into a mobile disco, complete with fairy lights (don’t ask…)!
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Once unloaded back at Hon Ru Ri and (mostly) showered, a dozen or more ‘die-hards’ convened at the Bach Dang Bia Hoi for yet more eats and drinks – but that’s a story for another day…………

VTH3 #835 PHOTO GALLERY