23rd Sep 2018
Long Hai / Minh Dam - "Stairway to Heaven??"
Hares: Secs, Faulty Brakes
Hash Flasher: Secs Ringmaster: Basil Report: Secs
This week we had 37 fervent Hashers on board the Hashmobile all excited to begin our adventures at Long Hai / Minh Dam. We arrive at our starting point and Hare, Secs, explains that we will follow the concrete road, take a left turn and then follow the road until we reach a drinks stall where we are to bear right and follow the steps up the foothills of the mountain until we see red ribbons indicating that we are to enter the jungle and follow the rocky steps up to the summit until we reach the carpark at Minh Dam where the down-down will be held.
And on-on we go! We follow the dusty path, through the local village much to the bemusement of the locals. The path takes us up many steps, across streams, and into the jungle. At the point at which we are to head up the rocky steps many of our newbies are asking: “Wow, its was pretty hard going up those steps - is going to get easier?”. To which our Hares replied: “You ain’t seen nothing yet” with a mischievous grin. It’s not long before we discover the first viewpoint giving great views of the surrounding countryside and many of us take this opportunity for a welcome respite from the climb and take photos. We continue onwards and the steps seem relentless with many asking; “Are we there yet?”; “How much further is it?” The Hares reassure us that it's not much further and eventually we emerge at the summit where a temple has provided some welcome hammocks for many Hashers to take a rest before admiring at the heavenly view from the top. From here on it is a relatively gentle stroll down to Minh Dam car park where we will have the down-down. At the down-down we enjoy ice cold San Miguel soaked up with some delicious sandwiches After a short time we are replete and Ringmaster, Basil, calls for the team photo and then we convene the circle. In the circle we have Hares - Secs and Faulty Brakes - and, after several bids the trail is rated a respectable 15 out of 10. We have five VIrgins on the sacrificial altar this week. Hugo from Vietnam, Vladimir from Russia, and a three new Hashers who registered with interesting names; Yawner, Young Buffalo, and Girl From Yesterday - we appreciate your spirit by assigning Hash Tags on your first run. Welcome Virgins - we look forward to seeing you all in the future. Next up we have returnees. We welcome back Stubble who had been on a tour of Russia and Eastern Europe; Graham who’d been back working in Australia and Basil who had been busy with work. Basil is awarded the tube of doom for having the lamest excuse. In the Sinners Circle this week we have Sweeper and Young Buffalo whose crimes appear to be that the just wanted to down a beer. The circle come to a close and we continue to enjoy our San Miguel and then board the bus for the journey back to Vung Tau. As has become customary DJ Zidane provides some cool tunes while Velco boogies on up and down the aisle. A few more beers and we find soon find ourselves back at Hon Ru Ri.
VTH3 #856 PHOTO GALLERY
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16th Sep 2018
Suoi Da - "Rain and Rock Pools"
Hares: Mr. T, Secs, Fluffer, Faulty Brakes
Hash Flasher: Secs Ringmaster: Boozer Report: Secs
50 happy Hashers met at Hon Ru Ri to register for Run 855 to Suoi Da (Rock Springs). Half way through the registration process the heavens open and a torrential downpour has everyone scurrying for shelter and the more prepared Hashers reaching for their poncho’s, anoraks and kagools. With no sign of the rain subsiding we make a mad dash for the Hashmobile. Somewhat soggy and slightly shivery under the cool aircon of the Hashmobile and soon we are speeding towards Suoi Da.
It’s not long before we arrive at the turn off from Highway QL51 and our skillful bus driver diligently navigates the narrow Hems, through puddled potholes to the Suoi Da carpark. We pile out of the Hashmobile pleased that the rain is now a mere smattering. We gather round as our Hare, Secs, explains that we are to follow the path from the carpark passing the five rock pools and then it’s a steady climb up rocky steps until we emerge at a dirt track where we are to turn left and then climb a slope to a temple, continue on passed the temple where we will be rewarded with a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. Once we’ve admired the view and taken the obligatory selfies we are to turn around and come back the way we came and anyone who desires a dip in the rock pools will have the opportunity on the way back. And then On-On we go. Passing the various rock pools our left we soon find ourselves ascending a rocky path surrounded by lush greenery. We cross quaint bridges, leap over stepping stones and soon the hot, steamy humidity of the jungle has us stripping off the rainwear. As we approach the summit we meet the front runners on their way back down, giving us words of encouragement that it’s not far now - and the view will be worth the effort. And they weren’t wrong. Just after passing the quirky temple at the top after a few more meters we step out onto a rock that affords us the aforementioned spectacular views, made all the more dramatic by the thick grey clouds. Taking time to admire the views and a well earned rest, many photos and selfies are taken. And then we begin a steady return to the carpark, with some of our more spirited Hashers stopping to take a dip in the cool refreshing rock pools. Arriving back at the carpark we find our sacred San Miguel waiting for us ready to slake our thirst. A veritable feast of Banh Mi, Golden Fish’s spring rolls, and Boozer’s famous Ham and Cheese sandwiches take the edge off any hunger. After some convivial socialising it’s time to take the team photo and then Boozer, our Ringmaster extraordinaire, calls to order the circle. As is customary first in the Circle are our Hares, Mr. T, Secs, Fluffer and Faulty Brakes. The trail is rated with a superb 12/10. Next up we have only two virgins - Thomas from Berlin and his Vietnamese partner. Asked how he enjoyed the Hash, Thomas replied it was difficult but he met some “interesting” people. Boozer suggests that he has to do the trail again - much to Thomas’s chagrin. Down-downs for them and then it’s on to the returnees. Misty, Evgenii and Dynamo are asked to give us their excuses for being away for more than six weeks. Misty has been spending time at the temple and our two Russian friends were in vacation in Russia. Misty’s excuse is deemed unacceptable and as such is required to show her prowess with the tube of doom - which she handles admirably. Next we have a special occasion - three of our regular Hashers are celebrating their birthday with us this week; Young Ben, Shirley and Zidane. An ornate, marine themed, birthday cake is on display adorned with the letters “OBF”. Intrigued we have to ask - What does OBF mean and are informed it means - Old, Bald and Fat! Must be in honour of Zidane! Although we are not sure who the subtitle of “young butterfly” applies to. Sinners are up next and first we have Graham, Hope Solo and April who decided to go straight to the rock pools for a swim rather that actually doing the trail first. Then Boozer charges a rather bewildered Secs to the Sinners circle. Curious as to his sIn, Boozer proceeds to relate the tale of last week’s extended down-down where Secs, after having imbibed perhaps a little too much is found asleep and missing his shoes. A lesson to be learned - always keep an eye on your shoes! Finally we announce the date of the of our super overnight away trail extravaganza. The weekend of the 3rd November we are planning to return to Coco Beach Camp. Stay tuned for the email with instructions as to how to register. Then it’s back on the Hashmobile and after a few more San Miguels, music from DJ Zidane, and some questionable back of the bus dancing from Velco and Grandma Rita we are soon back in Vung Tau. Another great day of Hashing!
VTH3 #855 PHOTO GALLERY
9th Sep 2018
Small Mountain - "Всего наилучшего Superteen!"
Hares: Mr. T, Secs
Hash Flashers: Secs, Kojak Ringmaster: Boozer Report: Faulty Brakes
This weeks home run on small mountain was dedicated to Superteen A.K.A Dacha daughter of Terminator and Mother Theresa the longest serving members of VTH3. We bade her farewell as she enters into academic life in the university of Hanoi. Superteen has completed over 300 hashes and an ever present member from our Russian community in our family friendly multinational hash.
This weeks trail was set by Mr. T and Secs around the small mountain incorporating the quarry, the military barracks and the return across the mountain path back to Cafe Uno. Registration took place at Hong Ru Ri and hashers were directed to Cafe Uno on Ha Long for the starting point where the awaiting Mr. T and Secs outlined the task awaiting us on this week’s trail on another sweltering Sunday in Vung Tau. Leaving Cafe Uno turning left and up the hill past Lan Rung hotel to the steps at the bottom of the Jesus statue, 47 Hashers proceeded to climb the steps to the point where Mr. T directed them to turn right. Families with children were urged to take care, particularly in the quarry area, then proceeding along the path that circles this mountain we reached the Army base. Walking the sloped ground to the mountain path and eventually to the temple and down steps to Cafe Uno completing 3 kms of mountainous terrain with sensational views of Hong Ba island and the South China Sea. Cafe Uno has become one of our favourite Down Down locations, cooling breezes along with shade, toilet facilities lends to a relaxing ambience where everyone drank the chilled San Miguel (prepared earlier by Buddha) complimented with Banh Mi and Sandwiches and soft drinks. Next our weekly hash pic was taken and it was now time Boozer, Lord of the Ring to conduct his circle or Showtime as we know it. The trail was rated a deserved 13 out of 10, virgins were welcomed and duly doused with cold water, returnees treated with the same disdain. One junior hasher was given the handle of "Strawberry" and everyone was welcomed to the Vung Tau choir conducted by Boozer to join in our hash song “We Are Vung Tau Hashers" etc., etc. Now the time had come to say farewell to Superteen, Mr. T presented her with a picture with photos of her in her time with VTH3 and Young Faulty Brakes presented her with a bouquet of flowers whilst a tearful "Mother Teresa" looked on. All good things come to an end and Sunday's hash was no different, eskeys were returned to H.Q and the possibility of a return to Coco Beach Camp in the near future brought a smile to a lot of Hashers' faces. Watch this Space for further details. Next week we hope to travel to an away venue.
VTH3 #854 PHOTO GALLERY
ADDITIONAL PHOTOS FROM KOJAK
2nd Sep 2018
Nui Dinh
Hares: Mr. T, Secs
Hash Flash: Secs Ringmaster: Boozer Report: Faulty Brakes
By the time the sun had set over Vung Tau last Sunday, (which coincided with Vietnam’s national Independence Day and Russia’s International Oil workers day) nearly 60 people had enjoyed a trek across Dinh mountain on a trail which had been marked just hours earlier by Mr. T and Secs. They unselfishly had driven that morning to Nui Dinh to ensure that this trail was correctly taped to avoid any persons getting lost - which for them meant they had to do the return journey also.
This week’s large numbers caused our bus to be oversubscribed but luckily we had a Vietnamese family with a car who carried another 5 people and followed the Hash bus to the partially built highway near Ba Ria where our hares were waiting to greet us. Registration was handled at Hon Ru Ri by Boozer and Faulty Brakes and now all hashers should see the importance of pre-registration and guaranteeing a seat on the bus. Leaving Hon Ru Ri a little later than usual, our bus followed by our trailing car headed for Ba Ria, through Vung City stopping to pick up extra people on the way and on to Ba Ria and coming to the starting point which had been messaged to us early. The bus spewed its passengers and meantime Boozer stayed on board to bring our driver to Dinh mountain where the Down Down was to take place. Directions were given by Mr. T and Secs follow the red tapes and pointing to the top of Nui Dinh nearly 60 people transversed the peak on a 4km trail and with an elevation of 320 meters. Meanwhile at the Down Down our very own Beer Doctor (Buddha) was setting up the San Miguel Beer Hospitality Suite with Fresh Banh Mi, Russian Sandwiches which Mother Theresa had prepared and Simon’s award winning Cheese and Ham sandwiches and this week we had Vietnamese spring rolls kindly donated to the feast by Golden Fish. The trail was tough but fair starting on the flat and gently climbing through a Bamboo forest on a warm sunny Sunday afternoon was what our Vung Tau Hash is all about, eventually reaching the tarmac road and the awaiting bus nearly sixty people with a demographic from 3 to 70 years came in at the different times,nationalities including Russian, Australian, Vietnamese, English, Irish, Scottish, Swedish and had successfully completed Trail 853. Thirsty and weary from the afternoon’s exertions the cold beer and food was welcomed by our Hashers as people chatted and set around resting in this idyllic setting only to interrupted by frequent shouts of ”Motorbike“ warning of the local, yes you guessed it, motorbikes driving up and down the mountain. This week we welcomed 13 virgins which sounds a little like a bawdy RUGBY song and when our photo shoot was taken it was now SHOWTIME! The Ringmaster supreme, Boozer put everyone through their paces, Hares, Virgins and Sinners. A reminder that next week’s trail will be at home on Nui Lon or Small Mountain. Singing Hash songs drinking beer and eating sambos, ”sure you would kill your granny to be there”, soon the time for departure back to Vung Tau was up on us, with our Musicologist, Zidane, on leave at the moment Roy Orbison music was played as we made our way home and back to Hon Ru Ri when a good time was had by all, others continued into the early morning with further celebrations as Dublin completed a four in a row victory by defeating Tyrone in the All Ireland Football final - does it? can it it? get any better?
VTH3 #853 PHOTO GALLERY
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