VTH3 run #595

SUNDAY, 22 SEPTEMBER 2013
Small Mountain, Lighthouse Hill

First and foremost this week was a presentation to our popular Hash Cash, OXO, as she takes a temporary leave of absence to produce a new generation Hasher.  We wish her well and await the return of our #1 Hash family OXO, UXO and Oopso!

And then it was On On! for 27 multinational Hashers through the Front Beach area and behind Lucy’s Sports Bar for a group photo, then a sharp left turn up the pagoda steps.

Behind the pagoda were more steps cut into the mountainside but now through lush undergrowth thriving on the recent rains.  A dirt track came next, through similar vegetation, then up, up again, onto a small road, then more undergrowth - until we finally emerged onto the sealed road near the familiar “hammock cafés”.

Decision time…  With all the red eco-markers having been souvenired by locals and/or tourists, should we turn left to go down the hill or right to go up to the lighthouse?  Displaying true Hash ability to compromise (usually called "indecision" - ed.), the first half of trekkers turned left and the second half turned right!

It wasn’t brilliant sunshine, but at least the rain held off long enough for the camera buffs to get some pics of the Jesus statue on the lower peak of Small Mountain, as well as the main city residential area, Back Beach and East Sea – most of which were accompanied by appreciative bellows of “Bee-ooo-tee-full” by impressed Hashers.

The Circle location was next to the goldfish in Front Beach park, where Mountain Goat showed she’s not only Queen of Big Mountain but also a dab hand in the culinary stakes with a delicious spread of salted pork, salami and pickled cucumber on Russian bread – perfect accompaniments for the gold and silver “liquid bullion” courtesy of our generous sponsor San Miguel, as well as soft drinks, water and the traditional Russian vodka which sets VTH3 gatherings apart from the rest!

Mapdraw identified the various attributes of the trail and awarded 9 out of 10 – an excellent score which earned Hare Falcon a Down Down, accompanied by Mapdraw and her self-appointed “guardian” Mowgli.  Unfortunately, co-Hare KFC couldn’t make it to share the well-deserved accolades.

No fewer than six Hash virgins were welcomed, representing Russia, Vietnam and India; before Mowgli charged himself, Anti and Mr Son for following the wrong trail!  Mile High was welcomed back after an extended absence and joined by husband Toucans for a refreshing Down Down – the family that runs together, drinks together!

We farewelled Mowgli back to Romania with an ambition to start a new Hash kennel (minus 30C winters notwithstanding!) – bon voyage our feral child, you will be missed – and welcomed volunteers Hot Dog (registration and Hash Cash) and Mr Son (Hare).  Uncle and Anti are also
departing downunder this week, but will return in January.

In the meantime, next Sunday will be an away run on Nui Dinh – a trail to be set this week by Hareraiser Falcon, Hare KFC and Hare Intern Mr Son. With all that local knowledge, it promises to be a beauty!  Details will be posted in the www.vungtauhash.com NEXT RUN box, and circulated in the midweek Hashflyer_596.

VTH3 #595 photo gallery >>>
Additional photos by Radio Wave are available at the following links:
One-file download - http://yadi.sk/d/CmgZVD9a9mxi8
All photos - http://fotki.yandex.ru/users/mihalich-kld/album/304398/