VTH3# 964

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DECEMBER 20 2020
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NUI DINH

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

After last week’s all day trip to Nui Chua Chan this week normal service has resumed and was back to our normal rendezvous of 1pm at Tommy’s. While Mr.T and Bull Ant  sorted out the registrations a gaggle of helpful Hashers banded together to gather the copious beers, soft drinks, fruit and Banh Mi, place it in the eskies and smothered it all with ice. With the preparations complete we boarded the Hashmobile and after a quick headcount (51) we are soon hurtling towards this week’s destination Nui Dinh.

45 minutes later we disembark half way up Nui Dinh Road at the newly renovated Bồng Lai Quán coffee shop. Many of our excited Hasher disperse to explore the area or relieve themselves. Eventually everyone is assembled and gathers round Secs for today’s instructions. We are to head down the road for about 100m where we will find  the first of the red ribbons that indicate we are to turn right into the jungle. From there follow the red ribbons for approximately 1km before reaching a clearing at which point we will begin our ascent that will take us up, up, up the mountain until we reach a beautiful pagoda offering many photo opportunities. From the temple we are to take the path heading to the right of the temple which will take back to Nui Dinh road then it will be an easy walk back to the coffee shop.

So On-On! En masse we march down the road in good spirits until we meet the aforementioned right turn. Then it’s into the jungle. A somewhat steep, rocky terrain takes us down and then up until we meet a smoother path that we follow enjoying the surrounding nature. It’s not long before we reach the clearing where Mr. T is waiting to guide us over a large boulder that marks the beginning of the ascent.

Trepidatiously we scramble over rocks stopping periodically to catch our breath, take in the view and pose for selfies. Eventually we encounter some dilapidated old steps carved out of the side of the mountain. We reach the top of the steps and from out of nowhere emerges an awesome temple embedded in the massive mountain rocks. Pleased to have reached the apex of the trail it’s time to rest our weary legs before exploring the extensive pagoda and look out point. After many obligatory selfies we follow the path back to the road and finally back to Bồng Lai Quán coffee shop.

Ice-cold beers and soft drinks are waiting for us to slake our thirst. Voraciously we chomp down on delicious Banh Mi and fruit. Once our appetites are sated Chom Chom calls us together for this week’s team photo fully utilising the surrounding landscape to create a two tiered picture with several Hashers climbing up to the ridge overlooking the coffee shop.

Photo done - it’s time for the Circle! Chom Chom takes on Ringmaster duties this week. First up are the Hares, Anagram, Chippy, Mr. T and Secs. The is rated and the overwhelming consensus is very positive with arbitrary scores ranging from 10 to 100. Good job Hares.

Next up are the virgins. No fewer than eleven newcomers this week mostly from Vung Tau introduce themselves and are welcome by a rousing chorus of “We are Vung Tau Hashers..” Welcome Virgins we look forward to meeting you again on future runs.

Sinner time! Ben is coerced into the Circle for the heinous crime of wearing flip-flops - despite wearing perfectly appropriate footwear on the actual trail. Doyle volunteers also for wearing sandals. Any excuse for a beer. They down-down their penance with aplomb.

Finally, Secs takes the mic and commends Chom Chom doing an excellent circle before announcing that next week we’ll have a local trail followed by the VTH3 Christmas Party 2020 at Tommy’s reminding everyone to register early.

It’s time to pack up the bus, say farewell to our hosts at Bồng Lai Quán and head back to Vung Tau. Plenty on bus entertainment as beers flow and boom box booms. Before we know it we are back at Tommy’s. Our Hashers drift off in to the night while some of the die-hard continue to enjoy the hospitality at Tommy’s.

Another great Sunday afternoon - thanks to all who helped. See you next Sunday for the Christmas party!

RUN 964 GALLERY

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