VTH3 run 597

SUNDAY, 06 OCTOBER 2013
Big Mountain – Theme Park ridge

A veritable “cocktail” of nationalities and ages met at the Offshore Bar 1 beer garden for Run 597 to Big Mountain (known locally as “Nui Lon”).  Enthusiastic Hashers from Norway to Australia, encompassing the Netherlands, England, Ireland, Russia, India, Vietnam and Japan - with ages ranging from 6 to 60 (and a bit).

The day started with heavy showers (and continued with more heavy showers); however, this failed to deter our resilient group of Hashers: young and old, brave and bold!

“We run in any weather” is  the motto of VTH3, and the sight of some thirty Hashers heading off in a fleet of taxis to 83 Tran Phu was particularly pleasing for those who had set and marked the trail:  Hareraiser Falcon and his trusty Hares KFC and Son.

At this stage it was not looking too good for our trek up the infamous 600 steps; however, the rains miraculously stopped long enough to give cause for hope that we might make it to the top unscathed.

This window of opportunity was grasped with both hands, or should I say both feet, and the groans could be heard as Hashers battled to reach the small shrine at the top before veering left down to the dirt track and turning right onto the ridge, and then it was “onwards and upwards” to the many large boulders at the perimeter of the theme park on top of Nui Lon – we’d made
it!

The rain continued to hold off at this stage, but the more experienced "wily" old Hashers knew this would not be for long and immediately headed “down down” the dreaded 600 steps, now more slippery than usual(!) due to the morning’s heavy rain.

No prizes for guessing what happened as we entered the car park at the bottom of the mountain beside the iconic white statue of Quan Am (revered Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) -  yes, the "heavens" opened and the “window of dry opportunity” had closed for the day!

The wet but thirsty Hashers sheltered in the beachside shed at 83 Tran Phu while the deluge continued, with everyone “hoovering” down cans of iced Silver and Gold and nibbling on excellent Russian fare.

The general talk was about the upcoming "Run 600" on 27 October, and our proposed pre-run party the day before in Offshore 2 - and it’s here that we appeal once again to all our Hashers: If you have any ideas to contribute, please do so via http://www.vungtauhash.com/contact-vth3.html or reply email to [email protected] - all input is welcomed.

“Circle circle” came the cry – although it could barely be heard over the sound of rain pummeling the corrugated tin roof of our seaside shelter.  Ring Master Falcon did the honours.

The run was assessed by Andy, who generously gave a 5 for the first part and likewise 5 for the second part – an extremely high score that clearly didn’t take into account the fact that the Hares weren’t able to forecast the weather!

Two new Hash names were awarded: firstly to Bunny Burrows, who will henceforth be known as "Peter Rabbit" (natch!); and "Catwoman" for her love of all things feline – (but most definitely not for her love of black leather catsuits and long fingernails, we were quickly assured)!

We coincidentally said farewell to Peter Rabbit, who will return to Australia shortly - and Mr “Oil Boom” Ishikawa, who will depart these shores for a short time.  We also thank him for entrusting his Karaoke equipment to VTH3 for our upcoming 600th run party!

The downpour continued at 83 Tran Phu as we took a photo with our new banner so generously donated by longtime major sponsor San Miguel (see photos below).

We eventually returned to Offshore Bar 1 in a flotilla of submarines (oops, taxis): spirits not dampened in the least by what was certainly a "wet one" and second only to Typhoon Pakkar last year.  A rather damp "Blue Bucket" (VTH3’s family silver) and the eskies, were put to bed for yet another week!

Guest scribe Faulty Brakes

Next Sunday, 13 October, will be an away run (out of town) – details to be confirmed midweek.  Keep an eye on the www.vungtauhash.com NEXT RUN box and lookout for midweek Hashflyer_598.

VTH3 #597 photo gallery >>>