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VTH3 #674

27/3/2015

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29 March 2015
PHU MY MOUNTAIN - Another "first" for VTH3!

Hashers all met at Sao Bien 4, an hour earlier than usual because we were travelling to a new trail at Phu My. Rowdy Water reminded everyone to bring extra water, then we boarded the bus and RW showed the way.
We arrived to find The Gardener, Ms Banana, Monsieur ‘Arry, Ice Water, Ronald Reagan and family already there; they explained that they had stayed overnight on the mountain while setting the trail(!!!). We were also joined by a new local runner, Ms Yen from Phu My. How did she know about the Hash running at Phu My? Very simple – she's one of the 1,200 every week who access our website! Anyway, we now had a total of 40 Hashers for our first attempt at Phu My Mountain - which was a good turnout that made all the "behind the scenes" planning and work worthwhile.
The Gardener gave a chalk-talk; and we encountered a group of students also planning to climb Phu My Mountain.
The starting point was in a pagoda, and “On On” we went, after posing for a couple of team photos.
Up the stairs first (there are always stairs to pagodas!), then immediately turned left onto the rocky mountain climb. Monsieur ’Arry, Hard Drive and Gary forgot the red eco-tape and followed the students up the stairs. Fortunately, Samson guided them onto the right track.
After passing some thorny trees, Basil and the last group of Hashers made it to the stairs and took a rest because this was the toughest trail they had ever been on. Some of the group wanted to turn back, but they were encouraged to continue with Basil promising a “reward” at the end!
We eventually reached the top of the mountain, where another pagoda – still under construction – provided a water tank for tourists and workers alike. It was a “life saving miracle” to all those Hashers who had already run out of water!
While there, the students were kind enough to point out which way the leading Hashers went, so we followed the markings and saw what a beautiful place this pagoda will be when it’s finished; Samson thinks he might come back here in the rainy season.
We also found some good views from the top of the mountain – with everyone happy to pose for more photos!
On the way down the mountain we found an unusual stone monument shaped like an armchair where perhaps the emperor always sat (see photo gallery below).
Once down the mountain it was along a track to the open road, with every Hasher eventually completing the arduous trail – no-one turned back, which was a good result.
And then came the promised “reward”: eskies with plenty of ice-cold drinks to quench the thirst, with snacks prepared by Ice Water, Tiny Tim, Mother Teresa, D&G and Mountain Goat and potato chips from Chippy. Yum Yum!
Samson volunteered for Ring Master duties and called the Circle. He welcomed everyone and gave his opinion about the trail: “Great trail, very difficult but everyone made it including the Hash Virgins.” Radio Wave awarded the trail 9 points for going up the mountain, and 1 for the beautiful scenery on the way down – a total of 10/10! Co-Hare Harindra wasn’t with us, so The Gardener did a "solo act" with the Down Down.
Next, we welcomed Hash Virgin Ms Yen, a Phu My local who knows about the Hash by reading the website and contacting Uncle and Basil – and Basil was adjudged to have done a great job guiding her along the trail, so he was also awarded a Down Down! Hash Virgin #2, Ms Uyen, was introduced by SamOnHash and Tiny Rabbit: three more Down Downs!
Today’s Sinners were Monsieur ’Arry, Hard Drive, Gary and Ms Uyen for not following the red marker tapes and getting lost! And it was at this point that a local ranger told us (in Vietnamese) that we were in a “No Trespassing” zone. Fortunately, this potentially tricky situation was peacefully resolved with cooperation by all concerned.
Next, a surprise: the Circle was invited to give a Hash Tag to Mr Son. Hard Drive suggested “No Beer” because he ONLY drinks beer on the Hash (so what’s new? – ed). Mother Teresa countered with “Mr Smiley” because he always gives the biggest smile when talking with other Hashers. Not surprisingly, Mr Son agreed with Mother Teresa and will henceforth be known in Hash Circles as “Mr Smiley”.
We thanked Ice Water, Tiny Tim, Mother Teresa, D&G, Mountain Goat and Chippy for sharing their delicious snacks, then closed the Circle as it was time to leave. And it was now that Rowdy Water picked up a knife that had been left behind. We're sure it must belong to one of the Hashers (Mountain Goat, perhaps?), but he forgot to mention it on the bus ride home, hence this "LOST AND FOUND" announcement!
An announcement that was made on the bus ride home was by Samson, who advised that this was Hash Flash stalwart Flying Finn’s last run for a while – he and Irene will be touring Vietnam for a few weeks before returning to Finland. Many thanks from everyone, FF, you’ve done a great job with the camera, week after week after week. Have a safe and enjoyable trip, and we look forward to your return in November!
STOP PRESS: SamSon and Rowdy Water have confirmed a trail on Small Mountain for this Sunday. They describe it as "Good, long enough and not too difficult", so it's made for fun and a good time can be had by all! The GPS tracks are being emailed to everyone on our distribution list as we speak. If you'd like to join the list, just let us know via the "Contact VTH3" page on this website or email vthash@yahoo.com
We’ll meet on Sunday at 2 pm for 2.30 pm start, at Sao Bien 4 Restaurant in the cable car complex at the foot of Big Mountain (1A Tran Phu). See the home page map: http://www.vungtauhash.com
On On!

Report: Basil. Sub: Uncle

Hares: The Gardener, Harindra

Hash Flash: Flying Finn. Additional photos: Radio Wave

KNOW SOMETHING WE DON'T?
Run reports are compiled from information available at time of publication; so mistakes, omissions, etc can happen.
If you think you can help improve any report, your contribution via the 'Contact VTH3' page will be very welcome!

VTH3 #674 PHOTO GALLERY > > >
see also
https://yadi.sk/d/A2RUBvtpffM8U
for more Radio Wave photos

TEAM PHOTOS BY RADIO WAVE > > >

ANOTHER MOUNTAIN CONQUERED BY VTH3!

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VTH3 #673

22/3/2015

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22 March 2015
LONG SON ISLAND - and a long, long trail!

On what was a very well attended run, some 34 Hashers boarded the bus at our host Vung Tau Cable Car Sao Bien 4 Restaurant and set off to the "mystical island" of Long Son.
It was a surprise for many to discover this trail, as it stepped away from our usual mountain slopes and instead encompassed a variety of trail types: easy and flat, sandy trails, uphill rocky savannah, downhill slopes, shady forest, tarmac road and cut brush. There was all kinds really, including tricky ground-level vines always ready to trip the unaware.
Yet all of this came with superb views along and below the ridge of Ap Ben Do hill. Yes, it was a testing trail, but mainly because it was a little longer than usual.
Eventually completing a full circle ("A" to "A"), we gathered at our destination exactly where we had started: on a football pitch!
We didn't have a football, but we did have cool San Miguel beers and soft drinks to ease our thirsts. Thanks also to D&G for the very tasty food she kindly shared!
VTH3 is a family Hash, and it was delightful to see those with apparently the most energy still running around and thoroughly enjoying themselves: our fast-growing, happy group of "Junior Hashers"!
The Circle was called by duty Ringmaster Rowdy Water, who nominated experienced Hasher Dolly to rate the trail. Whilst acknowledging it was on the long side, a generous 8/10 was nevertheless negotiated!
The Hash Virgins introduced themselves and were welcomed to VTH3: Phil, Anatoly, Thu, Nga, Thuy and Thuy. Returnees Tes, Vo and Blackhawk were similarly welcomed back.
Sinners? Yes, we had them for sure: 'Sex on the bus' and, a first for VTH3, 'Sitting on the bus'! Anything can be a sin if the charge is made eloquently enough!
In closing the Circle on what had been a very nice day, we learned the exciting news about next week's run. Hares Ronald Reagan, The Gardener and Ms Banana have set a brand new trail for us all - on a brand new mountain (for us!) in the never-before visited (by us!) Phu My district. It promises to be a wonderful day for all - and a great opportunity to invite family, friends and other Hashers to join us in exploring yet another corner of our "home province": Ba Ria-Vung Tau.
The bus trip to Phu My is, of course, a bit longer than our usual "away" runs, so everything has been brought forward an hour to help us all enjoy this unique expedition. So we'll meet at our usual venue, Sao Bien 4 Restaurant, an hour earlier than the usual time: 1 pm for 1.30 pm departure.
Please arrive in plenty of time to ensure you don't miss this historic opportunity, which is set to become one of the most talked-about outings of the year!
On On!

Report: Rowdy Water. Sub: Uncle
Hares: Rowdy Water, Ice Water, M. 'Arry
Hash Flash: Hard Drive. Additional photos Mr Son, Flying Finn

VTH3 #673 PHOTO GALLERY > > >

MR SON'S "FAMILY SNAPS" > > >

FLYING FINN'S CONTRIBUTION > > >

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VTH3 #672

15/3/2015

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15 March 2015
BIG MOUNTAIN - A Mountain Goat 'family' affair!

Hashers all met at the Sao Bien 4, as usual. Mountain Goat's son, Nic, translated that the Down Down would be our beachside cafe at 83 Tran Phu, then everyone boarded the taxis and followed Mountain Goat to the start point further along Trang Phu.
Basil and Flying Finn volunteered to take the eskies to the end point, which they did, after the taxi driver had mopped up all the water leaking on his expensive upholstery from our eskies!
Trusty Hash Flash, Flying Finn, took a group photo and Mountain Goat gave her chalk talk, then it was up the stairs past the twin lions, through the temple, and follow the familiar red markers with Mountain Goat gently nudging some in the right direction.
A quick reminder to "beware thorns" and then we continued on up to the top of the mountain peak and down again through a village.
Once we reached the familiar "cement road", MG explained there was a short cut and a "long cut" to the road below - which eventually led to the old French artillery station where groups of local tourists were enjoying afternoon drinks.
We turned left, and that's when we realised we were now following a new trail around the mountain! We quietly and respectfully side-stepped a lonely grave on the path, then continued down the mountain until we reached a particularly rocky area. Fortunately, Samson, Ronald Reagan and Nic were on hand to help everyone make it down without too many scrapes!
Then it was on down to Tran Phu and back to #83 for refreshments, with lots of Vietnamese tourists wondering where all the foreigners were coming from!
We lined up for the group photo but Ice Water discovered that Basil and FF had left the GM's hat and sponsor's banner back at Sao Bien 4 in their haste to deliver the eskies and join the pack! So Basil rushed back and gathered the missing items before too many Hashers realised what was happening! Not surprisingly, Basil was nominated for Ring Master, with the hat - and a Down Down!
So the Circle was called, and that's when we got another surprise - Mountain Goat and Hashputin were joined by MG's granddaughter Liuba for the trail rating, and son Nic for translations (again!). And did we mention it was on the beach? Just another perk of Hashing with VTH3!
Hare stalwart Samson had managed to join us today (he usually sets trails but then has to work on run days!), and he rated the trail as "exciting, totally new and a good challenge" - very worthy of a perfect score: 10/10! And that's when Mountain Goat confessed it was Liuba who discovered the new way down the mountain - so granddaughter earned her very own perfect score on her first Hash!
We welcomed Hash virgins Alex, a schoolteacher, and Vlad, a building consultant - both introduced to the Hash by veteran VTH3'er Stubble, who was also called into the Circle for a Down Down. Returnee Gopinath was welcomed back after 16 months at sea, and Samson, of course, for being here to set trails but absent on run days!
Basil and Flying Finn were the big Sinners - with Basil scoring "double Down Down" for not only forgetting the banner and hat but also the plastic cups! And FF for not realising that he'd forgotten them!
There was a big welcome for Mountain Goat's family: granny MG and faithful K9 Hashputin, son Nic and wife, daughter Liuba and her little brother (sorry folks, HP ate my notes so I don't have the missing names!).
And last but definitely not least, a big "Thank You" to Ice Water, Mountain Goat and D&G for sharing their delicious snacks!
STOP PRESS: Rowdy Water, Ice Water and M. 'Arry confirm a new trail set on Long Son Island for Sunday 22 March. Long socks or trousers recommended to protect lower legs from pricklies, and carry extra water as the going will be "hot and thirsty"!
Meet at Sao Bien 4 Restaurant, as usual: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start. See entry map on home page this website.
On On!

Report: Basil. Sub: Uncle
Hares: Mountain Goat, Hashputin, Liuba
Hash Flash: Flying Finn

VTH3 #672 PHOTO GALLERY > > >

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VTH3 #671

8/3/2015

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08 March 2015
LONG SON ISLAND - International Women's Day

Hashers all met at the Sao Bien 4. Even though it was International Women’s Day, the Cable Car parking area fortunately wasn’t full.
Basil had plenty of roses ready for today's Hash ladies, and the bus was ready and waiting outside.
Eco Slipper was running a bit late, but everyone waited. Then it was "On On" to Long Son Island - until the bus engine gave up and the driver asked for a push to re-start it. Time for the men to show their strength!
Arrived at Long Son and Rowdy Water gave a Chalk-Talk; but before we headed off onto the trail, we had to show our strength once again with the bus!
It was a long walk through Long Son township until we reached the mountain; Virgin Hashers forgot to bring water, so bought from the local convenience store before heading up the mountain.
We followed a familiar route, turned right up the hill, along a rocky mountain path, and then reached what looked like a farm house on top of the mountain, with a neat stone fence and great view beyond Long Son Island to Vung Tau City.
Then it was time for the descent, with Hash Virgins worried that they couldn’t see the “red tape”. Luckily, co-Hare Rowdy Water was there to lead the group down the mountain.
Once at the bottom, we reached flat land and a house where the farmers were happily drinking wine and the ladies were taking care of the kids. With the sound of dogs barking at the passing Hashers, the farmers invited Rowdy Water for a cup of wine, which he happily accepted!
More dogs barking as Hashers began passing through the farming village, then we finally arrived at the Down Down, in the village centre. Our happy bunch of Hashers were getting plenty of attention from the village children and adults - and the dogs were happily barking at (with?) Hashputin.
After lots of food washed down by San Miguel and vodka to celebrate Women’s Day, a group photo was taken by Tiny Tim’s camera just as a motorbike passed by, so it was time for a re-take!
Then the Circle was called, with Basil nominated as Ring Master. He welcomed everyone to the “International Women’s Day” run, then called for the trail to be rated. Hares Rowdy Water, Ice Water, The Gardener, Harry and Ms Banana came into the Circle as Mountain Goat awarded full points; but translator UXO used his power of veto and deducted half a point for reasons unknown to make it a very credible 9.5/10 - well done, the Hares!
Next we met Hash Virgins Ms Mai Nhi and nephew Thien, then Ms Hanh and Mr Thinh were introduced by Mr Loi, a Hasher/Best Man/Boyfriend. So Mr Loi naturally joined the Circle for the introductions.
Then we met visitor Doug, a Hasher from Calgary, Canada with a Hashtag deemed too "adult" for a family Hash like VTH3!
Now it was time for the Main Event. All the Hash Ladies came into the Circle with their roses for a sincere "Thank you" from the Ring Master. All are valued members of VTH3, but special mention went to Mountain Goat, Mother Teresa, Ice Water and Ms Banana for sharing their delicious snacks every week and helping to set so many trails.
Then Eco Slipper, quoting photographic evidence from Flying Finn, charged Mr Loi and Ms Hanh for sleeping on the bus!
We had a call for volunteers to set next Sunday's trail, but UXO translated that Mountain Goat and faithful K9 Hashputin have already set a trail on Big Mountain. So we'll meet at Sao Bien 4 Restaurant as usual: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start.
After the Circle, we packed to go home, but only after the men showed one last skill(?) to start the bus, by pushing it back and forth - much to the amusement of the ladies!
On On!