VTH3 #908

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15 SEPTEMBER 2019
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SMALL MOUNTAIN - 'The tide is low, and we're going on-on, Sagota is our Number 1'

Hares: Mr. T, Secs, Cleaver, Faulty Brakes
Hash Flasher: Diver
Ringmaster: ​Boozer
Report: Faulty Brakes

​How many times have you walked or driven by that tiny island at the foot of the Jesus Statue and people have said to you that you know that you can walk across there when the tide is low? Well, last Sunday after some strategic planning and a few phone calls to NASA ‘the green light’ was given for an attempted crossing to Hon Ba. The previous day in order to ensure that everything would comply with the safety requirements of VTH3 a trio of Celts namely young Faulty Brakes, Cleaver and Secs tested the waters so as to speak. The planning was undertaken by Secs, having consulted the tidal possibility of being able to cross at a time that would coincide with our departure from Uno Cafe at 1.30, his military genius was verified.

‘SAGOTA ‘ a new word that that should be on the tips of everyone’s tongue for the foreseeable future (pardon the pun). We are proud to announce that they will be our main sponsor of VTH3 with a selection of excellent beers to quench our palates for future imbibing. Sponsors play a vital role in helping VTH3 a Hash that prides itself on being  'family friendly' and keeping costs to a minimum..

Despite the usual late arrivals we set off for the first attempted crossing on the 908th Vung Tau Hash Run to cross to Hon Ba. Wheeling left from Uno, proceeding past the new Lang Rung until we arrive at the foot of the ‘Jesus statue’. Descending down onto the beach which was now at low tide we arrived at the pathway that led to Hon Ba. According to local folklore people who visit the island will have good luck  and happiness bestowed on them. Now with the tide at its lowest we proceeded to cross the slippery stones and the blue-shirted Hashers along with local Vietnamese made their pilgrimage to the holy island. Having been forewarned of the the quick turning tides a brief exploration of the temple and  surrounding landscape it was time to return to 'terra firma' across the the tidal pathway. On our return it was noticeable that the tide had changed, the waves had overlapped the original pathway and now the tide had turned.

Easy trail today? Think again, meanwhile Mr. T and Secs had conjured up another piece of torture to encounter for Run 908. Up the Jesus steps to the red ribbons indicating a turn to right across the quarry  to Phan Chu Trinh Hem 220. It is worth noticing that some entrepreneurs had set up a small coffee stand near the steel barriers we wish them luck?  At Hem 220 we turned left and as usual passing all those little bars and cafes in 'Little Sydney' we arrived at The Winds, an upmarket resort. Up through The Winds and over the wall up the mountain slope and onto Hai Dang Road, which is the road that leads to the lighthouse on Nui Nho. Coming towards the end of what was perceived as an easy trail, it was now time to go through the Yogurt shops and onto the road that links the two military compounds. Soon we  were descending the steps to the temple on Ha Long Road and eventually we arrived in Uno Coffee. 

The good fortune folklore that had been related to Hong Ba was fulfilled when for the first time our Down Down we encountered a new range of Sagota beers. There are two times in life when I drink - 'firstly when I’m thirsty, and secondly when I am not' - an old  cliche and after today’s arduous efforts our new sponsor SAGOTA quenched everyone’s thirst and vanquished any doubts about the quality of their beers, Uno Coffee is one of those places where everyone can relax and enjoy the spectacular views of the ocean. In the meantime Boozer was up to his old tricks again running the circle, this week’s recipient of a Hash name was Daniel from Tipperary, having ‘Diver’ bestowed on him, not surprising he works as  a submariner. A couple of drenchings with ice cold water and beers for the usual Sinners and Hares  eventually brought the proceedings to a halt. The approval ratings for our new thirst quencher SAGOTA  were unanimous among our hashers at 10 out of a possible 10 while the trail earned a 12 out of 10.

Hon Ba (‘Ba’ I am reliably informed means island in Vietnamese) A lady temple was built there in 1781 and now in 2019 it welcomed its first visit from VTH3. There was nothing left of today’s SAGOTA supply of beers and all that remained to complete our day was to empty and return our eskies to the store in Uno Coffee.

RUN 908 PHOTO GALLERY

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