VTH3# 951

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SEPTEMBER 20 2020
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NUI DINH / SUOI DA

Hares: Anagram, Secs, Mr. Vinh
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Mr.T, Secs, Snowball
Ringmaster: Zidane
Report: Secs

This week’s trail took us to one of our favourite mountains, Nui Dinh. After the eskies were filled with beer, soft drinks and ice, packed with an array of culinary delights and registration procedures complete, the Hashmobile was boarded and soon we were hurtling towards Ba Ria. As we turned off the main road our trusty driver skillfully wound the bus up the steep road where we disembarked at the picturesque Suối Tiên. 

In a single file we made our way down the moss carpeted green steps until passing the abundant rock pools either side of us, the river flowing with mountain water from the recent rain. On the other side of the river we gather around co-Hare, Secs, who explains the trail. Follow the obligatory red ribbons until we come to a large temple grounds, then wait for our other hares (Anagram, Mr.T) to show us the way through the temple grounds and through a gate at the back of the temple. After the gate, pick up the trail marked with red ribbons which will lead to a temple with a spectacular view just beyond. Then come back the same way, until you come to the same temple gate but this time follow the trail down to the rock pools of Suoi Da.

And so it's on-on we go. The trail takes us in to the jungle and we tentatively make our way down a slippy jungle trail. We can hear the adjacent river burbling away, and soon we emerge at a quant shrine with colourful Buddha statues and a beautiful rock pool, where the Sisters of Selfie take copious pics perched upon the rocky riverbank. Proceeding on a few hundred meters we emerge at the aforementioned stadium-esque Phat Quang Pagoda where our faithful Hares are waiting to ensure we find our way back out after exploring the temple grounds.

A gigantic white serene Buddha sits cross legged gleaming under the sun  greets us as we enter the temple grounds. After enjoying the hospitality of the local monks and nuns and their legendary milk tea we follow our Hares to the back of the temple and out the gate and are pointed in the up direction. The next section of the trail is a steep ascent through the jungle - but well worth it when we poke our heads out and find ourselves on flat rocky ledge with magnificent views of Vung Tau in the distance and the surrounding countryside. The Sisters of Selfie are in their element, and many pics are posed for and our solitary yogini exhibits some jaw dropping flexibility. About turn, we retrace our steps and make our way back until we pick up the final section of the trail that will take us past the five rock pools that make up Suoi Da.

After admiring the overflowing rock pools, some even stopping to take a dip, we arrive back at the carpark where the eskies have already been unloaded enabling us to quench our thirst with ice-cold beers and soft drinks. Our foodies have done us proud this week with delicious roast pork and luscious fruit. The usual joviality ensues and just as we are getting ready to take the team photo - the sky darkens and the first rain of the day starts to drop. We scurry for shelter and luckily it soon subsides enough for Chom Chom to pull us together for the photo. Next, the circle called!

With Zidane front and center as Ringmaster, our Hares, Secs, Anagram and Mr. Vinh are called and their trail is rated - a respectable 12 points is finally agreed by Zidane. Next up we have a line of Virgins, Returnees and a visitor. The newbies from Vung Tau introduce themselves, we welcome back Bus Stop who has been away for several months and finally we welcome a visitor and returnee from Saigon Hash - Sh**house. With the circle over and darkness encroaching it's time to pack up and mount the Hashmobile and soon we are back at our Hash Home Tommy’s. Another great day out in the countryside - until next Sunday - On On

RUN 951 GALLERY

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