 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MAJOR SPONSOR, SAN MIGUEL! For all San Miguel products in Vung Tau: Ms Dao Email: [email protected] Office phone: 08.39976377 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8am - 5pm) Mobile: 0903 886 899 Home, office, party etc deliveries a specialty! 27 August 2017 LONG SON ISLAND and 800th RUN PARTY!!! Hares: Secs, Mr. T, Uncle Hash Flash: Paddy, Boozer, Radio Wave Ringmaster: Basil Report: Secs For the 800th Run nearly 50 Hashers convened at Hon Ru Ri to mark this milestone event. In a celebratory mood we boarded the Hash Mobile and set off to Long Son Island. En-route we collected Terminator and family which caused the bus to be over its recommended capacity and 5 Hashers were off loaded to a taxi. Soon we arrived at Long Son Island and stopped at Cafe Paris, our down-down point, to offload the eskies laden with San Miguel, soft drinks and food for when we finish the run. We arrived at our starting position and Mr. T, explains the trail. We are to take a short walk through the local village until we come to a passage that will take us up the mountain. It will be a relatively short but steep climb to the top and we will descend the other side of the mountain, joining up with the road that would take us back to Cafe Paris. Hashers were warned that the descent was pretty overgrown and to be careful to follow the red ribbons which would guide them through the jungle.So, under blue skies with fluffy white clouds, on-on we go starting the ascent by climbing some steps and on to the rocky trail that would take us to the top of mountain. Alas, the agreeable weather did not last and most of us weren’t even halfway up our ascent when ominous grey clouds started to form above us. And then, the heavens opened. Sheets of rain poured down, instantly drenching us and the countryside. The going was treacherous as the ground became slippery and muddy. We soldiered on desperately trying not to slip and fall. There were a few yelps as many of us failed to keep our grip and fell head over heels into the mire. With so much cloud it was dark under the jungle canopy as we descended through the thick undergrowth it was difficult to see the next red ribbon. Eventually the trail opens up and we find ourselves on the road now flooded after the torrential rain and it is only a short walk back to the down-down. Bedraggled, sodden and muddied the Hashers slowly trickled back to Cafe Paris where free flowing San Miguel beer was imbibed and soaked up with copious amounts of yummy delicacies provided by various generous Hashers. We spent time socialising, taking pictures and comparing stories of the trail with most people agreeing it was a fun run in spite of, or because of, the rain. Then it was time for the team photo and Basil called to order the circle. Basil announced it was to be a quick circle as we all needed time to prepare for the evening party. He calls the Hares, Mr. T, Secs and Uncle, in to the circle and all Hashers are invited to rate the trail. Nobody disagrees with the 10/10 score put forward by Faulty Brakes for the trail but, since the rain made it so much more fun and, since it was the 800th trail, an additional 790 points were awarded giving a record breaking total of 800/10!.Next in the circle is Superteen who presents a gift from the Russian contingent - a new 800th Run mascot for our Chain of Office. Finally it’s time to present the 800th Run Celebration Cake - a delicious confection that many Hashers seemed to enjoy wearing on their faces! Due to the time constraints there were no Virgins, Returnees or Sinners called to the circle this week. We wrapped up proceedings, thanked everyone for their contributions and boarded the bus, agreeing to meet at Skygarden later that evening for the 800th Run Party. Around 30 Hashers met at Sky Garden for an evening of live music and beer from our sponsor San Miguel. The frivolities began with a fanfare - literally! The Hash Bugle was unveiled and many Hashers tried to get a toot from it before Boozer showed us all how it is done with a nearly note perfect rendition of the First Call fanfare, which certainly woke us up and got us out of the starting gates. First on to the dance floor, shaking a mean paw, was Sandy the Chihuahua with her partner Boozer. One would have imagined Sandy, being of Mexican and Thai descent, would have chosen a more exotic dance style but instead opted for a traditional waltz. Next on to the floor, with an electric performance, were Uncle and Rita, dancing in a style that could only be described as a cross between the Jitterbug and the Tango. Relative newcomer, Ron, fearlessly took to the stage to give a rocking rendition of Van Morrison’s Brown Eyed Girl, unable to resist the infectious grooves Lady D, Blondie and Rita get up and boogie on down. Buddha now joins Ron on stage to deliver a heartfelt performance of The Animal’s House of the Rising Sun. As the evening drew to an end, Uncle gave an unaccompanied and a tad flat and slurred version of Maggie May. Ron, having found a guitar from somewhere, played on after the house band completed their set and the tired but content Hashers slowly dispersed in to the night. Next week’s trail will be at the beautiful Suoi Da (Ice Rock) near Ba Ria. There will be plenty of opportunities to take a dip in cool refreshing rock pool so don’t forget to pack your swimwear and towels. We’ll meet again on Sunday, as always, at Hon Ru Ri: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start - in any weather! On On VTH3 #800 PHOTO GALLERY 
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 PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MAJOR SPONSOR, SAN MIGUEL! For all San Miguel products in Vung Tau: Ms Dao Email: [email protected] Office phone: 08.39976377 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8am - 5pm) Mobile: 0903 886 899 Home, office, party etc deliveries a specialty! 20 August 2017 BIG MOUNTAIN - "Holy Mother of God!” Hares: Secs, Mr. T Hash Flash: Goalie, Boozer, Radio Wave Ringmaster: Basil Report: Secs This week 34 Hashers met at Hon Ru Ri and jumped into a fleet of taxis to start today’s trail at the down-down spot at 102 Tran Phu. From there we take a short walk and congregate at Bai Dau Pilgrimage Centre, a Marian pilgrim shrine. Mr. T delivers the chalk talk, pointing to the foot of the steps and explaining that we should climb the approximately 800 steps until we reach the cross. After the cross, look out for the red marker ribbons, which take us into forest and up to the very top of Big Mountain. From there we descend through the forest, exiting the forest at Ho May Park Road. We’d have to follow the road until we saw 3 red ribbons indicating we should turn left into the forest taking the a shortcut back to the path, which we’d follow until more ribbons, just after the Cannon Fort, tells us to take another left for the final descent, bringing us back onto Tran Phu next to Vo Van Kiet Secondary School and then turn left on Tran Phu back to the down-down. With just a little trepidation we start to climb the stairs. True to form, returnee Terminator, sets off at an explosive pace and is soon a speck in the distance. It’s not long before we meet the 34m statue of the Mother of God, standing proudly at 60m above sea level. Several “Hail Marys” were uttered as Hashers prayed for the strength to get them to the end of the seemingly never-ending stairs. However, we steadily plodded on, taking breaks to catch our breath and take photos of the striking seascape below us. Thankfully, we arrive at the 3m tall cross, but we’re still not at the top of our ascent. We enter the forest and start a steep climb up to the summit, pulling ourselves from tree to tree. It was worth it, feeling like we are on top of the world, Kings (and Queens) of the Mountain, we behold our domain below. However, no rest for the wicked, we plough on (on) down through the jungle completing our pilgrimage by scrambling over the rocks back down to Tran Phu. One by one, the weary Hashers arrive at 102 for some much needed sustenance, consuming many ice cold San Miguels. Living up to his HashTag, Boozer arrives somewhat mullered, having been boozing since the previous day. He volunteers to take the team photo, but in his stupor he cannot operate the camera, taking a several minute video instead of a photo. Radio Wave comes to the rescue and at last Boozer manages to take the shot. Ringmaster Basil gathers everyone together for the circle and Hares, Mr. T and Secs, enter the circle to a round of applause. Returnee Mother Teresa is invited to give the trail a score. She mentions that it was a difficult trail but a good one to return to after having been on holiday in Russia. She rates the trail 10/10 and rewards the Hares with a kiss on the cheek. Up next we have five virgins joining us: Ms. Ly, Briana and Lucia from Vietnam; Carl, Irina’s husband; Henk, friend of Chippy. All of our virgins expressed that they enjoyed the Hash and Carl mentioned that he really enjoyed the trail, despite missing the turn off after the Cannon Fort and having to do an extra few kilometers, following a previous trail. Now we have the Returnees and we happily welcome back Terminator and his family, Mother Teresa and Superteen, who had been on holiday back in Russia. Chippy had also returned stating that she’d been away travelling. In the Sinner’s CIrcle were: Carl, for going the wrong way; Buddha, Ms Vy, Lucia, Briana for turning back early; and finally, Boozer for not actually making the run but turning up only for the down-down and not paying his run fee. How did however, settle his bill, and wasn’t one of the people who took extra beer home with him. Please remember folks, that all drinks provided by the Hash are for the down-down only and not to be taken away. We rounded up with the circle with Basil announcing that next week would be the 800th run at Long Son Island. Basil will be cooking pork and all the trimmings, for all of us and he reminded everyone that they should provide some kind of food or drink for all Hashers to enjoy at the 800th down-down celebration, which will take place once we complete the run. After the down-down we will meet at Sky Garden at 90 Phan Chu Trinh at 8pm for beer and live music. Since the schedule is tight we will be leaving Hon Ru Ri at EXACTLY 2.30PM - please don’t be late - we will not wait as we have to start the run at 3pm. The Long Son Island run will take approximately 60 - 90 minutes and will have the down-down at Cafe Paris before returning to Hon Ru Ri between 6-6.30pm. This should give Hashers enough time to shower before meeting at Sky Garden between 8-8.30pm. We’ll meet again on Sunday, as always, at Hon Ru Ri: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start - in any weather! On On VTH3 #799 PHOTO GALLERY   PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MAJOR SPONSOR, SAN MIGUEL! For all San Miguel products in Vung Tau: Ms Dao Email: [email protected] Office phone: 08.39976377 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8am - 5pm) Mobile: 0903 886 899 Home, office, party etc deliveries a specialty! 13 August 2017 LONG HAI - "Sunny Sunday Stroll” Hares: Paddy, Faulty Brakes Hash Flash: Shomit Ringmaster: Basil Report: Secs Another sunny Sunday afternoon as 36 eager Hashers boarded the Hashmobile to Long Hai. The enthusiasm was palpable as we disembarked, no time for a chalk talk, everyone set off behind Hare, Paddy, and Co-Hare, Secs, who’d gone ahead to ensure that the trail was still clearly marked from when it was set two weeks ago. This was a gentle trail that took us down shady country lanes and passed small farms. Somewhat bemused, the local people and livestock, looked on as the procession of Hashers diverted their attention from their Sunday afternoon proclivities. We head on the main road to take us on the final leg towards the beach, and a thirsty Boozer dashed to the front of the pack, desperate to get back for a cold San Miguel. However, in his haste, he misses a right turn and has to be called back before he ends up in the next province. To ensure other Hashers don't suffer the same fate as Boozer, Co-Hare, Secs, ties some additional red tape to mark the turn off, and Hare Paddy, waits to guide the next set of Hashers in right direction. Alas, on arriving back at the down-down area we discover that the bus is parked several hundred meters from the place we showed the driver to meet us. Despite several requests from various Hashers the driver refused to move the bus, meaning we have hand carry the beer and ice laden eskies, as well as all the food etc, to the area we’d marked for the down-down. Once we’d moved all our stuff to the down-down, the driver suddenly decides that he will move the bus to where he was supposed to be. Anyway, a circle is formed and a tired Buddha is called on to rate the trail. He gives Hares, Faulty Brakes and Paddy, 10/10 for the trail, mostly because he was happy to have completed it and not be the last one back. Well done Hares and Buddha. Next, Ringmaster Basil, announces we have a birthday to celebrate and calls Mr. Luc to enter the circle. We all sing Happy Birthday and Iris and Mushroom present him with a birthday cake, despite finding it challenging to light the candles in the sea breeze. Now the virgins. An unusual first timer amongst the virgins this week; it could be the first time we welcome a canine friend as a Hasher. Sandy, the Chihuahua, is introduced by Boozer. This is not the first time Sandy has met our group, she has been to couple of down-downs and parties before, however, this is the first time Sandy has joined us on an actual run. Boozer tells us that he rescued Sandy from the streets of Thailand two years ago and brought her to Vung Tau last year. Like a true Hasher, Sandy laps up a San Miguel as we formally welcome her to the group. When asked how she enjoyed her first hash, after a short paws, she barked, “Ruff!” Three more virgins to welcome, Peter from Australia - a friend of Zidane; and Mari from Australia and Cartoon from Thailand. This week we have 3 returnees, Brenda and Bob who both said that the can only come back to Vietnam once a year and so do not have the chance to join us a much as they would like to. We also welcome back Aqua who has been holidaying in Italy. The sinners this week were: Radio Wave for forgetting to make sure the battery was charged in the microphone he brought with him; Virgin Peter for wearing sandals, or “Aussie runners” as he described them; Boozer for going the wrong way; and finally, Sandy for not wearing any shoes - making her a “no Shoehuahua”. Hash Flash, Shamil, was also invited into the circle to drink from the Hash Flash Lens cup. Next order of business is to give Shamil his Hash Name and to re-christen Shortwave with a new Hash Name. After some deliberation Shamil decided on “Shomik” which is the nickname his friends have known him as since childhood. Radio Wave, Shortwave’s father, explains that, many years ago, when he joined the Hash and brought his young children along the names Shortwave and Microwave seemed appropriate. However, now his daughter had grown so tall, the name no longer suits her. So time to find a new name and, as she is interested in fashion, the name Chanel, after the prolific French fashion creator and businesswoman, is chosen. Finally, Basil reminded everyone about the 800th run and Faulty Brakes, Secs and Mr. T agreed to set a trail on Big Mountain for Run # 799 this Sunday. We’ll meet again on Sunday, as always, at Hon Ru Ri: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start - in any weather! On On VTH3 #798 PHOTO GALLERY   PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MAJOR SPONSOR, SAN MIGUEL! For all San Miguel products in Vung Tau: Ms Dao Email: [email protected] Office phone: 08.39976377 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8am - 5pm) Mobile: 0903 886 899 Home, office, party etc deliveries a specialty! 6 August 2017 LONG HAI - “One step too far?” Hares: Mr. T, Secs Hash Flashers: Paddy, Boozer, Radio Wave Ringmaster: Basil Report: Secs With blue skies and glorious sunshine, 31 Hashers boarded the bus to Long Hai. We disembarked at the picturesque Ngoc Xuong Ecotourism Area where Hares, Secs and Mr. T, advised that the trail was a steep 200m climb over rocks and steps, it was suggested that people take their time and stop to enjoy the spectacular views, especially from the temple at the summit. The descent would take us down the other side of the mountain, through the rainforest and eventually out to a local village and onto the road to loop back to the starting point. So “On-On” we went, along a dirt path before quickly encountering the relentless rocky steps up the to temple. Boozer, Secs and Short Wave were first to reach the summit - despite Boozer’s constant whinging about sore calves. The rest of the Hashers took the Hares advice taking it easy, stopping to enjoy the stunning views and take pictures. The initial descent was almost as arduous as the climb up with a steep decline into the rainforest, however, it soon leveled out and became a pleasant walk under the shade of the jungle canopy. We passed babbling brooks, and jumped over fast flowing jungle streams, giving the opportunity to cool off by splashing the refreshing water on our faces. We exited the forest onto a concrete path which led us across the foothills, down some more steps and finally back in to Long Hai town, where we joined the road for the final 3km back to the Down-Down. A slight concern as Basil realised a couple of Hashers hadn’t made it to the summit. Diligent as ever, he called FRBs to check back at the Down-Down to see if they had turned back. However, back at the Down-Down Buddha was the only one to have turned back and he hadn’t seen anyone. Not to worry, just as we were about to send out a search party we received a message to say that they had arrived at the top and would take their time to complete the trail. Slowly but surely, the Hashers arrived back at the down down exhausted, thirsty and hungry. Thankfully, there was plenty of ice cold San Miguel and soft drinks, in addition to delicious pancakes, BBQ Pork ribs and fruit contributed by various generous Hashers. The light was fading so Ringmaster Basil, who was shepherding the remaining 2 stragglers back, called ahead to say that we should go ahead and take the team photo before it was too dark. We took the picture and 30 minutes later all the Hashers were safely back and Basil called to order the circle. First up in the circle were the Hares, Mr. T and Secs, and returnee Lady D was invited to rate the trail. She described the trail as a “doozy”, clarifying that “doozy” meant outstanding, it was the perfect trail to help lose some of the kg she’d gained whilst back in Australia, rating it 10/10. Next up were the Hash virgins; Ron, a Welsh/Australian, who’d heard about through a friend who knew Faulty Brakes; and Gordon, brother of Mr.T. Both agreed it was a great trail but perhaps a bit challenging for the first one. Now time for the returnees. This week we had 5 returnees with various excuses: Paddy - “off in another land”; WiFi - “weather”; Lady D - “in Australia”; Ice Water - “I don’t know why” and finally Ms Huong - “lazy and busy” In the sinners circle this week were: Buddha for turning back and not completing the trail; Secs for briefly going the wrong way despite being a hare (again!) ; and Gordon for wearing sandals; and finally, Zidane, for wearing a new T-Shirt (?!), any excuse to down a beer. Next, Faulty Brakes announced that next week’s trail had already been set and would be starting from the same place in Long Hai, but would be a much more sedate trail, mostly flat with the Down-Down by the beach. He reminded everyone to bring hats, sunscreen and swimming gear. Finally, Basil and Faulty Brakes, reminded everyone that the 800th run would be on the 27 August at Long Son Island. There would be food provided at the Down-Down and then we would return to Hon Ru Ri, giving people time to go home and shower, before meeting at 8pm at Sky Garden, Phan Chu Trinh. Beer will be provided by San Miguel and we will be entertained by live music. The new 800 run T-Shirts will also be distributed on the 800th run. Look out for an email requesting numbers for the 800 run so we know how much food to buy. We’ll meet again on Sunday, as always, at Hon Ru Ri: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start - in any weather! On On VTH3 #797 PHOTO GALLERY  |
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