VTH3# 986

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MAY 23 2021
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BIG MOUNTAIN

Hares: Bull Ant, Chippy
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Various Hashers
Ringmaster: Chom Chom
Report: Chom Chom

Due to the continuing Covid-19 restrictions, another local trail on Big Mountain was set. Hashers eagily arrived at Tommy’s, wearing their facemasks of course, and registered with Zidan and Bull Ant. Meanwhile eskies of beer and soft drinks were being prepared and cunningly disguised with a healthy layer of crushed ice.

This week’s trail was to start at Hem 192 Tran Phu so we transported ourselves and our supplies to our beach Down Down spot. Here Bull Ant gave the first Chalk Talk guiding our Hashers along Tran Phu to the correct turn-off. So off we went in our masks and social distancing along Tran Phu.

It had been a rather wet week in Vung Tau and the skies were looking decidedly dark, it was only a matter of minutes before the downpour was going to begin. We grouped again once we had reached the correct hem. Here Bull Ant once again explained the real trail ahead. Essentially it was up and through the jungle to the top of Big Mountain and then down and up to the cross statue on Maria Mountain. Surprisingly, the trail was meant to be only 2.5km to the relief of most of us.

So, off we went up, up and away, all happy and gay looking forward to the afternoon of exploration, exercise and Saigon Chill. Minutes later the heavens eventually gave way and we were hit by real, serious, proper rain. No messing around, we were soaked within seconds. Some chose to attempt protection with the disposable raincoats, whilst others carried on regardless.

Whilst the rain did have a refreshing and cooler benefit, it certainly made the trail considerably more challenging and fairly treacherous in parts. We carried up on the initial familiar trail up the mountain and then took a new path along the side of the mountain - a rocky and also now rather slippery path.

We carried on, through the never-ending rain, now joined with thunder taking each step rather carefully. It was inevitable there was going to be some muddy clothing at the end of the afternoon.

Once at the peak, we joined the usual path that took us back down the mountain and then up to the Jesus Cross. Great relief once we finally made it. The 600 steps back down to the main Tran Phu would be a complete doddle after the ordeal of the past 3 hours! The rain had given way at this stage as we neared completion of the afternoons trail. We finally crossed the road and headed to our Beach-side Down Down spot, enjoyed todays food and snacks, Pate So and Fruit together with a selection of nicely chilled soft drinks and of course everyone’s favourite Saigon Chill.
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Another great but wet Sunday. See you all next week for another local trail, on no doubt Big Mountain. On On!

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