VTH3 #837

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13th May 2018

Long Son Island

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

This week we return to Long Son Island for the first time in 2018. 31 Hashers disembarked from the Hashmobile on the road just before Long Son Town under a partly cloudy sky. Hare, Secs, delivers the Chalk Talk, advising us that we are to stick together as we walk through the local neighbourhood until we arrive at the point at which we are to ascend the mountain. It will be a steady climb up a rocky path and at the summit we will find a large boulder and dilapidated shack, at which point we are to bear left and follow the red tape down the otherside of the mountain through the jungle until we emerge on a rough stony path. Unlike previous trails, where we would follow the path to the end, we are to follow the path for approximately 100 meters until red tape indicates that we are to turn left and climb a ravine that will take us up to a new down-down spot in a carpark next to Du Sơn Ecotourism Area.

So On-On, en masse,  through the narrow streets, passing picturesque cemeteries until we arrive at the obscure left turn that will take us up the rocky mountain steps. Many of our FRBS bounded up the steps with ease whilst others took a more steady approach. At the top we are rewarded with a fantastic view of Long Son and the famous oyster farms that surround the area. Red tape clearly marked a relatively easy descent through the jungle - only hazards being the razor sharp creepers that snaked through the undergrowth. 

We emerge from the jungle onto the stony path after a 100 meters we spot the red tapes that mark the left turn. Incredulous gasps from each and every Hasher as they spot what looks like a vertical climb up a dry channel cut out of the forest. We endure onwards and realise that the 40 meter scramble looks worse than it really is. At the top another awesome view of the surrounding countryside and then a gentle 10 minute walk through some forest takes us to the carpark where ice cold San Miguel, delicious Banh Mi and fruit await us.

We mingle and socialise for a while as we wait for the stragglers to arrive. The ever valiant and chivalrous Viking returns back along to trail to find the missing Hashers. After finding them he gives them the encouragement and direction they need to get them to the down-down. Alas, there are still three Hashers missing: Graham, Basil and Hope Solo. A quick call to Basil lets us know that having seen the final ascent they decided to give it a miss and head to the main road in the hope that they can find an easier way to the down-down. And again, Viking runs to their assistance. What was a 2km trail turned in to 6km run for the courageous Viking! After some advice from the Hares that taking the road would be more arduous than just climbing the slope the tenacious Hasher retrace their steps and finally join us to round of empathetic applause.

With all Hashers accounted for our resident Ringmaster Boozer assembles the Circle and the games begin. First in the circle are our Hares, Mr. T, Boozer and Secs. Our virgins are requested to rate the trail, giving a 9/10 followed by a 9.45/10 and finally Stubble jumps in giving a 10/10 score - well done Hares.

Next we invite, Sue from England and Blas from Spain our Virgins for this week, both express their enjoyment and subsequently welcomed with a severe dousing of Ice Cold water and beer much to their surprise.
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Returnees this week are Ms. Nhung who’d only been absent for 4 weeks so not technically a Returnee but still pressed to join to the circle. Graham from Australia who said he’d been away. And finally Gordon from Australia whose excuse was that we “wasn’t invited to come back” - tube of shame for Gordon. Down-downs and a soaking for all.

And now time for the Sinners! We have Stubble and Hope Solo for committing the heinous crime of being late and almost missing the bus. Graham, one of stragglers, who graciously declared he was a sinner for “being fat” and Basil for directing the stragglers off course and then having to retrace their steps. Tube of doom for Hope Solo since the bus had to stop and wait for her, she takes it in her stride and manages to down her beer hardly spilling a drop. 

Just some time left for more San Miguel and joviality before boarding the party Hashmobile for a bit of singalong back to Vung Tau.

VTH3 #837 PHOTO GALLERY