VTH3# 961

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NOVEMBER 29 2020
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NUI DINH

Hares: Anagram, Bull Ant, Chippy, Mr. T, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Secs, Mr. T, Chippy
Ringmaster: Zidane
Report: Chom Chom

The last Sunday of November took us on an away trail to Nui Dinh. After last weeks challenging for some trail, we were hoping for something a little bit more leisurely.

As usual, Hashers started arriving at Tommy’s to register and pay their run fees. Our new Hash Cash, Zidan eagerly ticked off the names and gratefully welcomed the growing stash of cash. Meanwhile others were busy helping load up the eskies with beer and soft drinks, together with the vast hampers of food that had been kindly supplied by Aqua and Zidan – roast chicken, banh mi, pasties and the usual selection of fruit.

The bus quickly filled up as we neared our 1.30pm departure time so on on it was as we headed away from Vung Tau on our way to Nui Dinh. After an easy, smooth journey we arrived at Tịnh Xá Ngọc Sơn Dinh (Son Dinh Monastery), the start of this weeks trail. As a handy fact, in 2015 this was recognized in the “Top 100 typical spiritual tourist destinations in the South”. We all gathered in a group, excited and motivated, as Mr. T gave his informal but informative overview of the expedition ahead.

Once the magic words of “On On” were heard, off-off we went heading along a paved path through the monastery’s beautiful gardens, passing the famous 20 meter long reclining budha. We climbed up the steps until we reached our first pagoda where Hashers gathered for various photo opportunities and views. From here we continued up until Mr. T directed us to the right, through a yellow gate. It wasn’t long before the paved path ended as we headed deeper into the forest. A pleasant dry dirt track and a few rocky climbs took us through fragrant leafy trees, pools, streams and small waterfalls as we progressed further up the mountain. Passing a small pagoda, we all made it to the top, still with oodles of energy and excitement as we admired the view to Vung Tau City together with the huge rock providing yet more excuses for photos and selfies. From here, it was a simple walk down a railed staircase, through a small community and some more stunning gardens until we finally completed the trail on arrival at the Down Down spot.

Whilst we awaited the return of all Hashers, we enjoyed super cold beers and soft drinks whilst we chatted and nattered in the usual VTH3 spirit.  Once everyone had arrived, the food came out for a feast of kings (and queens) – no one was going home hungry today! Roast chicken legs, pork pasties, banh mi and a great selection of fruit helped rebuild our energy. After more chattering and nattering, the photo was taken and Zidan took up his role as ringmaster this week.

We complemented our Hares (Chippy, Anagram, Bull Ant, Secs and Mr. T) on a very pleasing trail, rated 15/10, we welcomed our six Virgins together with our four returnees and punished our lone sinner, Tiger Tom. Zidan concluded the circle with a brief announcement with his new wife Aqua inviting us to a further party at Tommy’s to celebrate their recent wedding. Congratulations to them both.

It was now getting into dusk and time to plan the journey back. The bus was reloaded once again, together with an eskie of drinks, just in case we had some really thirsty Hashers. A great return journey took us safely and swiftly back to Vung Tau and our home at Tommy’s.

Many Hashers decided to stay on with the Down Down Down and enjoy wedding celebrations complete with cake, flowers, champagne and yet more drinks. Together with all this, we were treated to great live music from the Perfect Jive Duo.
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Another perfect Sunday afternoon with Vung Tau Hash – great people, great trails, great fun. See you all next week. On On!

RUN 961 GALLERY

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