VTH3 #605

After browsing through the run report and photos below, don't forget
to support our major sponsor, San Miguel, for all your festive season supplies!
SPECIAL OFFER: From 1 December 2013 to 30 January 2014, anyone purchasing
San Miguel or San Miguel Light bottled or canned beverages will be entitled to raffle coupons for chances to win from a whole range of attractive prizes!
(see 'San Miguel Special Offer' page under 'VTH3 Home').

Contact Mr Tien for all San Miguel products:
tienvtvn@yahoo.com
mobile 0168 385 1068

01 December 2013
LONG SON ISLAND

With our ‘boat’ docked early in readiness at Offshore Bar 1 (that's "bus" to you and me - ed), it was soon time for our 30 eager Hashers to 'up anchor', bring in the shackles and ‘set sail’ for the island of Long Son. 

We began by taking a well known route up to the stone wall, but then embarked on a totally new trail forged over two days by Mr Son & RW to reach the top of the mountain and pass by the ‘mobi’ phone tower with no time for rest or relaxation.  We ‘hashed’ through some 3-metre high grass and other equally lush vegetation that was giving everyone a real experience of the ‘wilder’ countryside available to us here in Vietnam. 

This 'spectacularly Vietnamese' face to face experience with nature was finally tempered by a rather good downhill road to 'The Lake of Plenty' (fish, that is - guarded closely by a seemingly nonchalant but surprisingly alert herd of goats).

Our Hashers were content to attack the usual refreshments, no doubt thinking "That run was on the short side".  And it had been - up to that point!

But then RW arrived, dry as sandpaper - which was an ominous sign to those in the know (he's not named "Rowdy Water" for nothing - ed).  Without breaking stride, RW disappeared on the final leg of the run - a complete circumvention of the rather big lake!

It's not known what was said before RW took off, but everyone laid down their crisps and drinks and suddenly found their second wind to 'run the lake'.  First back?  Not important - Hash is not a competition.  What was important was the impromptu show of support and never say die spirit!

Once all back together with more refreshments, the Circle was called and we welcomed Hash Virgins em Thung, em Thao and their beautiful daughter; co Thao and Rune are from the land of a famous parrot - the Norwegian Blue (it’s time for ‘Google’ again - clue: Monty Python). 

We were also delighted to welcome back old friend and enthusiastic Hare CNR, aka Brent, who has forgotten more trails than many of us have known.  Welcome back indeed, and thanks for volunteering to assist us again while you're here - we look forward to it!

Much appreciation was shown to Hot Dog, who leaves us now, having been ‘Chief Hash Treasurer’ for most of his time with us (a worthy replacement for Hash Cash OXO, on maternity leave).  Forever helpful and encouraging to others on our runs, HD is returning to 'The land of the Southern Cross’.  Bon voyage, HD - we await your return one day.

With Taffy marking his first official (and we sincerely hope not the last,) Hash duty as Biermeister for the day - and having enjoyed not only pouring but also quaffing his own decanted golden nectar (courtesy of generous sponsor San Miguel, of course!), we can conclude that ‘The mystery of the disappearing Glamorgan Cricket Club Cap' is now closed.  (Reported lost on last week's bus but found, to his eternal consternation, in the washing machine - ed!)

Returning to base camp OSB1 with the usual vocal accompaniment, the opportunity was taken to distribute envelopes for donations towards gifts for the needy children on our Christmas Charity Run, 15 December - see http://www.vungtauhash.com/hot-news--events.html

Sincere thanks to those Hashers who have generously made cash contributions already, and a special "Thank you" to the "far too long not seen" Hasher for your very kind donation and support for what we do.

We'll distribute more envelopes next week, on the understanding that there is absolutely no obligation to donate anything because we know that many people have their own preferred way of giving.  However, if you can spare something - however small - you can be sure that some very needy children will benefit from your generosity.  Thank you all.

Next week's run has already been described as a ‘Special Mystery’ trail.  The feedback for this particular run is always very positive.  Some will have run it before - yet each time it is different (hence the 'mystery'!).  It is an ‘AWAY RUN’ and more awesomely beautiful every time!

Let’s do our best to fill the bus for this 'not to be missed' adventure - so please BE EARLY next Sunday!
 
Scribes Rowdy Water, Uncle.  Hash Flash Dracula.  Additional photos by Hot Dog.

VTH3 RUN #605 photo gallery >>>