24 MAY 2020
NUI DINH
Hares: Mr. T, Secs, Zidane, Anagram, Chom Chom
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Mr. T, Ringmaster: Uncle Report: Uncle
The first of 40+ ‘happy hashers’ began arriving at Lily’s Baradise & Restaurant (formerly Tommy’s) around 1 pm on an overcast Sunday afternoon. MMC and volunteers soon had the gleaming white Hashmobile loaded for the trip, and off we went for an afternoon on Nui Dinh and the five rock pools of Suoi Da, with just a couple of pick-ups along the way.
Co-Hare Secs explained the A-B trail, with a side-turnoff to an extremely popular lookout spot before a steep climb to Suoi Da. “On on” we went, with the pack stretching further apart as we reached the lookout rocks with so many stunning photo opportunities (including the obligatory ‘group selfies’) which should make a good photo essay for this week’s run. A nearby cluster of shrines and temples also provided ‘local colour’ for many hashers who took the opportunity to explore the very interesting area with its peaceful, friendly residents – surely a great learning experience for junior and senior hashers alike! And then we quickly realised the Chalk Talk description of the next leg was very accurate as the trail went up, and up, and up! But all good(!) things must come to an end, and so we finally descended the last few metres to the Suoi Da rock pools and what must surely now be known as ‘selfie bridge’! MMC and volunteers were soon marshalled to offload the eskies and stock the impromptu ‘Down Down’ area, where our resident chefs demonstrated awesome knife-wielding skills to produce delicious banh mi, fruit and cake, including generous donations from Lovely Anh, Tang Lan and Doyle’s parents Tu Nguyen and Vinh: a big “Thank you” one and all! Hashers could soon be seen enjoying themselves in many vantage points around the area: climbing over rocks, chatting in the shade, savouring the food and drinks, and posing on selfie bridge for Cecil B de Chom Chom’s videos! We eventually managed to collect enough hashers in one place for a rather informal team photo, followed by ‘Circle up’. Duty Ringmaster Uncle introduced today’s hares Mr T, Secs, Zidane and Anagram, who were awarded an enthusiastic “26 out of 10” for a very interesting and fairly challenging trail. Hash Virgins and returnees were introduced and welcomed, including “Junior Miss Congeniality”: 5yo Anna – who made no secret of the fact that she was thoroughly enjoying herself! With the Circle closed and darkness looming, we reluctantly decided it was time to leave, so we cleaned up, re-filled the bus, and enjoyed a pleasant drive back to Lily’s Baradise, serenaded by ‘the back seat singers’. Next week’s trail will be on Long Son Island – hopefully finishing at the popular restaurant 999 with its famous Long Son chicken. Junior hashers will no doubt also remember the ‘balloon man’ from run 927! Explainer – Hashing in Vung Tau: VTH3 moved to a new Hash kennel at Lily’s Baradise (formerly Tommy’s), at 3 Le Ngoc Han, Ward 1, in February. At the same time, a breakaway group was formed as ‘VTCH3’ in a clumsy attempt to confuse the situation; it’s regrettable but not surprising that they still haven’t created a separate brand to show that Vung Tau supports two different Hash chapters. Meanwhile, the real VTH3’s ongoing story continues on this site and social media, and we also communicate via our official mailing list – to which all friends of VTH3 are welcome (scroll down our home page to HOW TO JOIN US > STEP 3). Footnote: We continue to reassess our activities every week to ensure compliance with the VN government’s latest Covid-19 edicts and advice; we wish all friends and fellow residents of Vung Tau a virus-free journey through these uncertain times – please stay safe!
RUN 934 PHOTO GALLERY
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17 MAY 2020
NUI DINH
Hares: Mr. T, Secs, Zidane
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Mr. T, Secs Ringmaster: Uncle Report: Uncle
A bus load of 40+ happy hashers convened at Lily’s Baradise and Restaurant (formerly Tommy’s) on Sunday to mark our second consecutive away run following relaxation of travel restrictions in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. The registration demographics showed equal numbers of male and female adult Hashers, with another 25% below the ‘Junior’ age limit (youngest 5yo) – an indication that VTH3 remains faithful to its long-established ‘family hash’ values.
We collected one more excited returnee at Seaview apartments (Mr Dat), then completed the trip to Nui Dinh via the newly constructed Ba Ria bypass. Up and up we went, until our driver just managed to squeeze the (v.large) bus into a relatively tiny off-road spot outside the familiar ‘swimming pool café’ about halfway up the mountainside, with only inches to spare! We offloaded, and co-Hare Secs explained that we’d be walking back down the mountain a short distance before turning into the undergrowth; then down, along, over (river beds), up and down again to finish at the starting point. So “On On” we went, and soon found the going a bit tricky – with dry, fallen leaves making it v.slippery underfoot. And then we were suddenly climbing over large rocks up the side of the mountain to an extensive pagoda, multi-shrine and lookout spot, ideal for the selfie brigade! The final leg followed a typical ‘monk trail’ of granite squares to the main road, then down from the bus parking area to the swimming pool café – replete with eskies full of ice-cold drinks and soon joined by several kinds of fruit (including a bag of mangos gifted by Doyle) as the FRB ladies sliced and diced like the culinary experts they are! A bonus this week was Lovely Anh’s home made banana cake – absolutely delicious! And then we were treated to an impromptu performance by the Vung Tau Hash Singers with lead musician Aqua. The skies began to darken (night, not rain!), so we grouped for the team photo by ‘Cecil B de Chom Chom’ and then the Circle was called by duty Ringmaster Uncle. The trail was awarded maximum points ‘plus, plus, plus’: a well-deserved accolade for Hares Mr T, Secs and Zidan! Hash Virgins, visitors and returnees were welcomed, and sinners punished for misdemeanours real and imagined (as usual!). Then the Circle was closed and everyone helped load the assets back onto the bus and dump the rubbish. We thanked our hosts, then headed off back down the mountain with the melodious strains of the ladies choir (with occasional male backing) soon joined by an impromptu ‘VTH3 international aisle-dancing team’! And so another great day drew to a close, with some hard core enthusiasts sharing several delicious pizzas at Lily’s Baradise, courtesy of genuine Italian chef Leonardo. Nothing like a good day’s Hashing to work up an appetite! Next week’s trail will again depend on external factors so will be announced as soon as known – watch this space! Explainer – Hashing in Vung Tau: VTH3 moved to a new Hash kennel at Lily’s Baradise (formerly Tommy’s), at 3 Le Ngoc Han, Ward 1, in February. At the same time, a breakaway hash was formed as ‘VTCH3’ in what seems to be a clumsy attempt to confuse the two identities. The usual strategy for spin-offs is to adopt an obviously different name (there are many examples around the world, including four in Ho Chi Minh City alone…), but that didn’t happen in this case, which is regrettable; we can only hope that common sense and a little imagination prevails! Meanwhile, the real VTH3’s ongoing story continues on this site and social media, and we also communicate via our official mailing list – to which all friends of VTH3 are welcome (scroll down our home page to HOW TO JOIN US > STEP 3). Footnote: In the current CV-19 environment, we continue to reassess our activities every week to ensure compliance with the VN government’s latest edicts and advice about the pandemic; we wish all friends and fellow residents of Vung Tau an uneventful journey through these uncertain times – please stay safe!
RUN 933 PHOTO GALLERY
10 MAY 2020
LONG HAI MOUNTAINS
Hares: Mr. T, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom, Uncle, Mr. T, Secs Ringmaster: NA Report: Uncle More than 50 happy hashers met at Lily’s Baradise and Restaurant (formerly Tommy’s) on Sunday to mark our first away run following relaxation of travel restrictions in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. Hash Cash Cleaver was his usual welcoming self as he collected “the necessary” to cover the cost of food, drinks and transport; the mismanagement committee (‘MMC’) and volunteers loaded the bus, and it was “On On” to Long Hai Eco Resort! Hare Secs explained that the bus would stop first at the resort (end of trail and Down Down location), but then take us to the starting point ‘proper’ a little further down the road. Once there we dismounted and co-Hare Mr T’s chalk talk emphasised the option for anyone feeling the strain to turn around and come back to the resort, which had plenty of shade. Then off we went along a long’ish road and steps before hitting the mountain proper – when “On On” quickly became “On Up” a much longer set of steps! The pack stretched out, but the trail was clearly marked so most found the halfway house and selfie lookout spot easily enough, despite the terrain having changed from open countryside to fairly dense undergrowth. And that’s when “On Up” became “On Down”, and a v.steep downhill indeed, that stretched the pack even further! Luckily, today’s Ailing Hash was Chom Chom, who was well equipped with his usual array of technological wonders to make a running commentary for the FRBs who had already reached the Eco Resort, feasted on enough food to feed the mythical ‘army’ (thanks again, volunteer lady Hashers – yet another magnificent job of slicing and dicing chicken, banh mi, and assorted meats and veg!), and nearly emptied the eskies as they fished, played, chatted and generally relaxed after a challenging afternoon’s workout. But thanks to Chom Chom’s commentary, we were able to relax and wait for the final group’s arrival, knowing they were safely on the way. What we didn’t know was that Chom Chom was actively proving that old adage: “Hashers never get lost, they just find new trails” – and so he did! The final group eventually made it back to the Eco Resort as dusk was falling – so just enough time for a team photo by the light of the local conveniences(!), before heading back to Vung Tau where the day had started: Lily’s Baradise! Plan B was to convene a Circle on the bus trip back, but the random noise level was so high that it was wisely decided to forego the tradition in favour of a more relaxed trip courtesy of our very pleasant, helpful and capable driver from Toan Thang transport company. And so we returned to Lily’s, offloaded the assets, and headed home (or to the bar…) to mark the end of yet another excellent day on the road with Vung Tau Hash House Harriers! Next week’s trail will be announced as soon as possible, but at the time of writing is dependent on several external factors. Rest assured though, that if the outcome is as expected it will be well worth the wait! Explainer – Hashing in Vung Tau: VTH3 moved to a new Hash kennel at Lily’s Baradise (formerly Tommy’s), at 3 Le Ngoc Han, Ward 1, in February. At the same time, a breakaway hash was formed as ‘VTCH3’ in what seems to be a clumsy attempt to confuse the two identities. The usual strategy for spin-offs is to adopt an obviously different name (there are many examples around the world, including four in Ho Chi Minh City alone…), but that didn’t happen in this case, which is regrettable; we can only hope that common sense and a little imagination prevails! Meanwhile, the real VTH3’s ongoing story continues on this site and social media, and we also communicate via our official mailing list – to which all friends of VTH3 are welcome (scroll down our home page to HOW TO JOIN US > STEP 3). Footnote: In the current CV-19 environment, we reassess our activities every week to ensure compliance with the VN government’s latest edicts and advice about the pandemic; we wish all friends and fellow residents of Vung Tau an uneventful journey through these uncertain times – please stay safe!
RUN 932 PHOTO GALLERY
HASH FLASHERS: CHOM CHOM, MR. T, SECS
HASH FLASHER: UNCLE
3 MAY 2020
BIG MOUNTAIN
Hares: Mr. T, Secs
Hash Flashers: Chom Chom Ringmaster: Zidane Report: Faulty Brakes
Run 931 in the long history of VTH3 took place on Big Mountain last Sunday. The sweltering conditions ensured a difficult afternoon. The trail entailed the 600 steps to the mountain path and short walk across the ridge of the mountain and returning to base via the “Maria “steps.
Another 'swimming pool' down down plus a gourmet festival guaranteed another satisfactory afternoon.The chilled beer was quickly scoffed as everyone enjoyed this idyllic setting at Tran Phu. We we’re indebted to Mr T and Secs for providing us with this ingenious trail, Zidane for his mastery in the circle, and everyone who contributed to the most enjoyable afternoon. See Chom Chom’s video and capture the pleasant atmosphere of Run 931. Next Sunday we will repeat the exercise again as VTH3 enjoys its 28th year in existence. We hope to have an away run this Sunday
RUN 931 PHOTO GALLERY
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