13 JAN 2019
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SMALL MOUNTAIN - "​Inauguration of the new meeting point - walk around Nui Nho "

Hares:  Boozer, Mr. T, Faulty Brakes
Hash Flashers: Secs, Frenchy
Ringmaster: Boozer 
Report: Frenchy

UNO Coffee, as the name indicates, was already known to many hashers as a former Down Down place. Furthermore, they had been well warned about the change by the mismanagement, so not one of them made the mistake of going to Hon ru ri. 42 Hashers chatted happily while waiting for the start of the run. That occurred punctually at 1.30 and all followed Halong street towards the Cape for about 800 metres under a scorching sun.

Then, at Hêm 22, started the climb, almost  directly uphill, first on a concrete way, then, past a temple and its smiling female monk resident, up up in the forest, a true relief, in spite of a rather steep slope, as the trees protected us from the sun. It was not a difficult climb, as the forest there was well cleared of the sometimes thorny bushes, and the ground quite even and free of stones and rocks. Then we reached the well known path gently sloping up South-Easterly towards the stairs to the 30 m high statue of Christ. About 150 m before reaching them, we turned left where a notice said “Khu Vuc Cam” = No Entry ! it was only a brief encroachment on Vietnamese army grounds, an excellent shortcut to the statue. We didn’t stay long up there, but soon started the descent on the steps. About 2/3rd of the way down, to the surprise of many, a lot of red ribbons on the left indicated that we had to leave the stairs by stepping over the low wall- which we did under the amazed looks of a number of Vietnamese visitors ; a lady even enquired about what we were doing and might join us one of these Sundays. We cut across the slope, practically horizontally, not many trees, a few bushes, but a very nice breeze helped to walk in the sun. All that part of the run was especially pleasant, in spite of the stony ground, as it afforded a superb view on the sea and the islet Hon Ba ; after a short , but steep climb on rocks, we arrived at  the sort of platform which is very popular with Vietnamese youth, as it’s easily reached by motorbike ; we were then on the other side of Nui Nho with an excellent  view over the city and  Nui Lon. After following the lane leading up to the lower part of the hill between the 2 summits (the statue and the lighthouse), the circle was closed as we found ourselves at the top of the trail that we had climbed first. It was not so easy to go down on the rather slippery soil, especially for the younger ones who could not grab the trees for help.
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However, everyone reached Uno Coffee safely, ready to enjoy the well deserved drinks, sandwiches and the banh mi provided by our precious Russian lady, Mother Teresa. A bottle of Jameson went around, courtesy of Faulty Brakes to the delight of the amateurs. A Russian lady, Irinia and a Vietnamese young man, Binh were duly “baptised” as virgins, and the sinners : Ron and Lanie, Faulty Brakes, Moonlight, Grandmother, Finn Lady, duly punished for avoiding what was the best part of the run, by continuing down the steps instead of leaving them, a shortcut which enabled them to return “home” much earlier.

Was it the very pleasant site of  Uno Coffee, with the sea just across the avenue, the pleasure of a not so difficult but spectacular run, it seems that the hashers were particularly merry that day ; Ron played beautifully the guitar and sang, there was more singing and even dancing ! after a beautiful sunset, everyone went home happily for a well deserved rest

VTH3 #872 PHOTO GALLERY

ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM FRENCHY

 6 JAN 2019
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NUI DINH - "Two Trails - Three Pagodas"

Hares:  Flying Finn, Boozer, Mr. T, Cleaver
Hash Flashers: Secs
Ringmaster: Boozer 
Report: Secs

​Standing room only on the Hashmobile this week as 53 Hashers crammed aboard bound for our favourite mountain - Nui Dinh. With children stacked on top of each other and Hashers sitting on the aisle floor we are soon on-on our way. After passing Ba Ria we turn off the Highway on to the precipitous, meandering road that will take us up the mountain. At one point we think we are going to have to get out and push as the Hashmobile almost stalls. Thankfully, our skilled driver miraculously finds another gear and the Hashmobile laboriously trundles up to our starting point 280m above sea level.

Disembarking we are informed that this week we have a choice of two trails - a challenging one led by Mr. T and an allegedly easier one led by Faulty Brakes. The more adventurous of us gather round Mr. T for our chalk talk whilst our comrades follow Faulty Brakes. Mr. T explains that this trail will take us through three pagodas, it’s mostly following the road but take care to look for the red ribbons at the second temple which will lead us left through the garden and then through some bushes.

So On-On we go, pleased with the blue skies and fresh breeze we enter the shady forest path. After 1km we arrive at the first temple and take the path to the left of the steps until we emerge at the next temple. We are greeted with a spectacular view, an impressive meditation bell, and shimmering white Buddhist statues. Many take the opportunity to take photos and ring the bell (!). 

Moving on we find the red ribbons indicating our path through the beautiful garden until they lead us to a thick bush. Somewhat apprehensively we wriggle through the bush relieved to find that it opens up in to a narrow jungle track. We follow the path until it abruptly ends bringing us out at the back of Chua Hang Mai - our third temple. After taking time to admire the views and monuments we take the steps up through the pagoda and out the otherside.

Looking at the road ahead of us we get a sense of why this is the more challenging trail - before us is a near vertical slope. We take a deep breath and on tiptoes begin the arduous climb. Our calves already screaming for mercy we approach the first bend in the road only to be confronted with an even steeper slope. We trudge up the relentless 20% incline until it eventually flattens out and our legs can take a break. But not for long - another corner - and yet another steep slope. Now at an altitude of 450m we continue for another 1km before more red ribbons indicate a right turn back into the jungle. It’s a steep descent - but at least it is going down. The trail takes us through lush greenery until emerge on the road where we meet up with the Hashers from the other trail - which apparently wasn’t as easy as some were led to believe. Another kilometer and we turn the corner to find our Hashmobile waiting for us - this week’s Beermeister - Fluffer - having readied the eskies filled with ice cold San Miguel.

A feast also awaits, Boozer’s and Mother Teresa’s legendary sandwiches, home smoked salmon from Mr. Kabul and delicious banh mi sate our hungry Hashers. We exchange tales of the trail, rest our legs and quench our thirst until Boozer blows on his whistle and we begin the circle.

Our Hares this week are Mr. T, Boozer, Flying Finn and Cleaver. The rating of the trail begins with scores as diverse as 5/10 to 100/10 - a compromise was met and the ultimate rating ending up at a very respectable 13/10.

5 Virgins this week from Vietnam and Russia. A Russian gentleman is welcomed by having his nipple exposed, the tube of doom and a good dousing by Mr. Kabul. Welcome to VTH3!

Returnees next and this week we welcome back Mother Teresa who has been in Hanoi with daughter and legendary Hasher, Superteen. Mr. Kabul has been busy working. Fluffer was travelling. Aqua and Kiki’s also rejoin us this week - with the lame excuse of simply “lazy”. Tube of Doom for Aqua.

Next up we have a mass christening. Time to give those who have completed more than six runs with VTH3 a Hash Name. So….

Dan will now be known as “Snail”, Hien took the name 222, My Hang will now officially be called Moonlight, Yolanda is Jolly, Frank is the Chief Stoker. Finally we have a whole family of regular Hashers who are now called Push Ups, Happy, Lucky and Haircut.

Welcome to the VTH3 family!

Finally we finish with an important announcement. From next week we will be meeting at Uno Coffee at 48-50 Ha Long Road. Registration and departure will continue to be 1pm for 1.30pm departure.

With the sun setting we pack up and pack ourselves in to the Hashmobile. Stopping briefly for more beer and followed by the inevitable comfort break we soon find ourselves back at   Hon Ru Ri for the last time.

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30 Dec 2018
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Big Mountain 

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

The starting point for this weeks trail was Hem 542 Tran Phu and our 41 Hashers made there way here by taxi from either Hon Ru Ri or our final Down Down destination of “Old Ladies House” at 102 Tran Phu.

Whilst we excitedly awaited our full group of Hashers to arrive we had time to explore the starting hem. The dried fish seller was of great interest to our female Vietnamese members whilst the male Hashers seemed more interested in the pair of old cathode ray tubes and a lonely bra discarded in the curb side waste.

After a very brief introduction of the trail ahead by Mr. T, we proceeded up the steep road heading into the mountain. We took a fork to the right and continued along a smaller concrete path still making good progress up.

We continued along a forest path for a while observing the vast amount of damage that had been caused by the recent storm. Many trees, both young and old, completely uprooted and blown over. It added a bit more depth to the trail as they did cause a few obstacles for us.

After trudging through the forest we soon hit a gravel track and made a right turn. This track was of a much calmer incline, and although we were still making progress up further, it was clear there was not far to go. We arrived at a small temple and joined the familiar path originating from the Cannon and Fort area from Hem 404.

As usual, many Hashers were far too busy chatting or taking selfies to notice the heavily flagged right turn into the forest and continued along the path until it ended at the cable car. It can be so frustrating having done this previously and being so aware of the dead end! Having now backtracked and taken the correct turn, we soon arrived at the small temple before we were presented with the 600 or so steps down the mountain back to Tran Phu Street. Upon reaching the main street and taking a left turn, “Old Ladies House” was soon in sight where our supply of snow-chilled San Miguel’s and soft drinks were waiting.

Boozer started the circle and we were introduced to our Hares, Mr. T and Secs. This week we welcomed five virgins, three from Vung Tau, one from Australia and one from Russia. We also had five returnees including a travelling Hasher known as Crazy German. He was chosen to down his drink with the pipe and confidently stripped no doubt impressing some of the ladies and scaring some of our younger Hashers. As a special treat this week, our hostess (“Old Lady”) was introduced to the circle and whilst we showed our appreciation to her, she enjoyed downing a refreshing San Miguel beer. The circle was concluded, and we continued our jovial drinking and chatting.

As the evening drew closer, people departed by motorcycle or taxi. As the last Vung Tau Hash of 2018, Here’s to a very Happy New Year ahead of Hashing. On On!

VTH3 #870 PHOTO GALLERY