VTH3 Run Reports

VTH3 #906

10/9/2019

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7/8 SEPTEMBER 2019

CAT TIEN NATIONAL PARK

Hares: Faulty Brakes, Cleaver, Boozer
Hash Flasher: Kojak, Ms. Huong
Ringmaster: Boozer
Report: Chom Chom

A rather special weekend this week as Vung Tau Hash assembled on a Saturday morning in preparation for the postponed trip to Nam Cat Tien. This report will serve as a brief overview to the two-days ahead.

The majority of Hashers met at our regular registration point at Café Uno and started arriving from 7am in anticipation for a 7.30am departure. Just as we were ready to go, someone was missing. Kojak had failed to show up so a quick call was made to check on his location. He claimed he thought we were meeting at 8am, but luckily he was ready, and we were able to make an additional bus stop at Palace Hotel to collect him. From here we progressed up to Co-Op Mart on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street to pick up the remaining Hashers.

Our journey continued through Vung Tau to Ba Ria and various smaller villages and hamlets of Ba Ria and then Dong Nai. A break stop was taken mid-way to allow Hashers to refuel and relieve themselves.

As we progressed nearer to Nam Cat Tien it was getting darker and darker outside and it was looking as a wet weekend was ahead. We eventually arrived at our home for the weekend at Green Bamboo Lodge at 11.45am. After a very efficient check-in we all made our way to our suites and took the opportunity to take a quick rest and to freshen up before lunch. The rain had started but luckily most had made their way to their rooms in time.

Lunch was served at 12.30pm and we dined with fried chicken, prawns, spring rolls, vegetables and rice.

The main trail was set to commence at 1.30pm so we all gathered and walked down to the ferry point in order to cross the Dong Nai River to the Cat Tien National Park. It took several crossings to transport all the Hashers across the rapidly flowing river.

We set out on our trail along a flat road through lush woodland and greenery, over streams, fords and smaller river tributaries. Our first main attraction was a view of powerful rapids which proved a very worthwhile opportunity to explore the edge of the river together with countless photos. After a brief break, we made our way back to the main road path and continued on our trail. Eventually we made our finishing point, which conveniently was a bus stop where we anxiously awaited our transport to return us back to the ferry. Sadly after a while, it looked as if today’s service wasn’t going to happen, so it was decided we should walk the return route back, making the trail close to 10km.

Having returned to the ferry location for our crossing back, many Hashers took to the convenience store offering gifts, ice creams and drinks whilst we waited for a space on the ferry.

Dinner was to commence at 6.30pm so upon our return to Green Bamboo Lodge, we had ample time to take a break, shower and prepare for the evening session. The barbecue spread included pink snapper, chicken, French fries, vegetables, rice and a fruit medley. Eskies had been unloaded from the bus so cold beers and softies were ready to go. Let the evening begin…

As the evening progressed and the eskies got lighter, we enjoyed the conversation, the drinks, the food and the music. Before too long the karaoke began and for the next few hours we were privileged to hear many hashers take to the microphone including Damien, Kojak, Miss Huong, Hot Pants, Sparkle, Pinkie and many more. Boozer made an announcement notifying Hashers that a further trip to the National Park had been arranged for 9am the following morning for those interested. One by one, the group got smaller as slowly but surely people were getting tired and needing to find their way back to their room.

The next day, a decent crowd of Hashers gathered together for the second trip to the National Park. Again, a quick walk to the ferry point to make the river crossing. Upon reaching the park, unfortunately, once again there was no truck to drive us around. Instead Hashers walked along the trail to a big tree and then onto the Tiger Rapids. The group returned to Green Bamboo Lodge at 11.15am just in time for lunch.

Lunch began at 11.30am and consisted of fish hotpot, fresh spring rolls and barbecued pork. A plentiful feast set us up for the four-hour journey back to Vung Tau.

We checked-out of our rooms, settled our bills and made our way back to the bus. We departed shortly after 12.30pm and after a quick pit-stop midway, we arrived bac in Vung Tau around 4.30pm.

CAT TIEN PHOTO GALLERY - KOJAK

VIEW ON GOOGLE PHOTOS