  MAJOR SPONSOR: HOSTED BY:  www.sanmiguelbeerinternational.com OFFSHORE BARS 600TH RUN T-SHIRTS COURTESY OF:  SATURDAY, 26 OCTOBER 2013 600th run weekend party – Offshore Bar 2 It had been a long time coming – almost 21 years since the original VTH3 was founded in December 1992 – but our 600th run weekend was finally upon us! The sparkling new 600th run t-shirts proved extremely popular and literally “flew” off the shelves; and then it was time for socialising with fellow Hashers from a wide range of backgrounds! A superb dinner was served: in fact, it’s extremely doubtful that a more tasty meal could have been found anywhere in Vung Tau on Saturday night – many thanks to Ms Hai and the wonderful caterers and staff of Offshore Bar 2, you certainly did us proud! Freshly returned from “a life on the ocean waves”, Rowdy Water welcomed Hashers, family and friends to the historic celebration and handed over to the entertainment directors: Hares KFC and Mr Son. And how fitting it was, with Japan being widely acknowledged as the “birthplace” of karaoke, that the first performance of the evening should be on VTH3 stalwart Atsushi “Oil Boom” Ishikawa’s state of the art karaoke set-up by two of his Japanese colleagues and fellow Hashers! And so the evening progressed, with many different faces and languages keeping everyone entertained with their songs. A staple of VTH3’s “away” runs has always been the return journey’s singalong, which inevitably becomes an international competition with friendly rivalry between national representatives from all over the world. The winner on this particular occasion was acclaimed as popular long-time Hasher, “Kojak” – and so it ended: Norway 1, Rest of the World 0! It was a wonderful night, and our thanks go to those many Hashers and supporters who collectively organised, delivered and patronised such a memorable function – which could not have been possible without our hosts the Offshore Bars, major sponsors San Miguel, and 600th t-shirt sponsors GL Noble Denton, SEC Star Engineering and NI-Limits digital media. Many thanks one and all – your generosity is enshrined in VTH3 folklore, and tales will be spread far and wide through the global Hash movement and its many ambassadors! SUNDAY, 27 OCTOBER 2013 600th run – Big Mountain With many Hashers sporting their shiny new t-shirts “bristling” with sponsors’ logos, there was a great feeling of anticipation as a record 60 enthusiasts assembled at Offshore Bar 1 for VTH3’s historic 600th run. It was a magical atmosphere that was to last all day – getting a great kickstart with the unexpected re-appearance of modern era stalwart “Calamity Jane” Lee. “CJ” was a long-time “ever present” since VTH3 was “re-Hashed” back in July 2011 – so welcome back, CJ: it’s great to see your beaming smile again! And the day just kept getting better and better. The 600th run Hash chariot was a canary yellow bus with a cavernous storage area – which was just as well because it was quickly filled with loaded eskies, tables, food, the “blue bin” and maybe even the odd Hasher or two! We were “straining at the leash” when a quick photo opportunity was called at 360 Tran Phu in the fishing village. Then, photos taken, the 600th run was officially declared "ON ON"! As we were about to discover, this particular trail was designed to epitomise what VTH3 is all about: mountains, steps (lots of steps!), beautiful scenery and splashes of history and local culture – it’s what we do! So On On! we went up the 200 steps to hem 444 and past the old French cannon emplacements, before taking the long trail around the ridge with its many types of vegetation and scenery – then finally(!) reaching the familiar 600 steps down to 112 Tran Phu. With so many runners galloping around the mountainside, we had a designated “sweeper” Hare to make sure no-one strayed off the well-marked trail. Couldn’t happen, could it? Surely not! Well maybe it didn’t, but then again…….. We all have our favourite illusionists, but some 20 Hashers put even the best to shame when they disappeared en bloc, “vaporized” even, then somehow managed to reappear a short time later – which was just as well, because it was time to catch our “yellow submarine” to the other side of town and watch the sun slowly setting over the East Sea (aka South China Sea) as we relaxed on our “private” beach. Sounds romantic, doesn’t it? But the reality was “HHH” – a Horde of Hungry Hashers, washing tasty ham and chicken down with some very welcome coldies courtesy of major sponsor San Miguel. An exceptional ending to an excellent run! The Circle was called and suitably mismanaged by Hares Falcon and Rowdy Water. Virgins Vlada, Liliyo, Vera, Luca, Norm and Gear were welcomed into the fold, then Alex was formally (and finally) named “Diplomat”, along with Andy who became “Taffy”, and Som who will forever more be known as “Som Dum” (don’t ask!). The usual irreverent (irrelevant?) penalties were dished out, including not only “bright shoes” but almost “no shoes” – until, with the Circle over and darkness descending, we finally called “Time” on what had been an eminently enjoyable and interesting day befitting a memorable 600th run weekend! And so life goes on... We’ll meet again at Offshore Bar 1 next Sunday, 3 November, at 2 pm for 2.30 departure to Nui Dinh. Please book your bus seats as early as possible. On On! Reporting by Rowdy Water and Uncle, additional photos by CJ. VTH3 600th run weekend photo gallery >>>   
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 SUNDAY, 20 OCTOBER 2013 Long Hai Mountains Yet another beautiful, sunny Vung Tau day greeted 39 enthusiastic Hashers on Sunday, including returnees Rowdy Water, Tom Cruise, Rapunzel, Pikachu, Aqualung and Hash virgins George, Natalia, Xuan, Hong and Sharon. Nationalities represented this week included Australia, Vietnam, Ireland, Holland, England, France, Russia, Norway, Canada, Thailand and India – so we can be sure that VTH3’s “fame” will extend far beyond the boundaries of our adopted country. The Hash chariot chugged along the highway to Long Hai and then parked at a magnificent location: Ngoc Xuong – complete with manicured lawns, fish ponds and beautiful park. A run briefing was given by Hares Falcon and KFC, then it was “On On” along a wide, flat forest path that suddenly transformed into a very testing ascent alternating through dense undergrowth and boulder-strewn tracks to a temple at the top of the mountain. The views of Vung Tau and Long Hai were spectacular, and kept Kojak and his fellow shutterbugs happily engaged for some time before heading downhill for the Circle. Virgins and returnees received an icing “Vung Tau style”; sinners were punished, and everyone reminded of next week’s landmark 600th run celebrations. It was the usual merry singalong on the trip home, highlighted by the onboard auction of a shiny, new 600th run T-shirt, won by Canadian visitor Sharon who managed to outbid the entire bus! As a well-deserved bonus, the shirt will be autographed by all VTH3 members at Saturday night’s 600th run celebration party! Talking of which, we hope to see everyone at Offshore Bar 2 next Saturday, 26 October, for dinner and karaoke (thanks to Oil Boom for the equipment!) to celebrate our 600th run - which will take place the following day, Sunday 27 October. 600th run t-shirts will be on sale both days! If you haven’t already booked your place for the party on Saturday and/or 600th run on Sunday, please do so as soon as possible to help with the catering and bus hire! Go to www.vungtauhash.com/contact-vth3.html or send reply email to vthash@yahoo.com indicating the number of people attending on Saturday, and also number of people attending on Sunday. See you there! VTH3 #599 photo gallery>>>    SUNDAY, 13 OCTOBER 2013 Long Son island A lovely, sunny Sunday saw the return of new father UXO and his BFF Ivan Grozny (“Ivan the Terrible”) among others – read on. Hot Dog completed registration and two dozen Hashers boarded the bright yellow “Simpsons” chariot for the journey out towards Ba Ria, then a left turn at the Go Gang signpost and over the new bridges to Long Son island. Hareraiser Falcon gave the briefing: “Head up to a small wall, then over and up the mountainside, across the ridge and down the other side to emerge near the Bang Lang restaurant – then another 2 km to the yellow bus for Circle and Down Down”. All completed the challenging run unscathed, and Falcon did Ring Master honours once again: including a new HH (“Hash Handle”) for Aslan. At nearly 2 metres tall (6’ 6” in the old money), what else could we name him but Tiny Tim! We also welcomed John and Andy from downunder, Ms Thuy from Vung Tau, and returnees UXO, Ivan Grozny and Mini Mouse! We hope to see all the new faces, and more familiar ones, at Offshore Bar 2 on Saturday 26 October for a dinner and karaoke (many thanks Oil Boom!) to celebrate our 600th run which will take place the following day. More details to be advised soonest. In the meantime, next Sunday, 20 October, will be another away run: this time to Long Hai mountains – so don’t delay, book your bus seats NOW at www.vungtauhash.com/contact-vth3.html or reply email to vthash@yahoo.com VTH3 #598 photo gallery>>>   
SUNDAY, 06 OCTOBER 2013 Big Mountain – Theme Park ridge A veritable “cocktail” of nationalities and ages met at the Offshore Bar 1 beer garden for Run 597 to Big Mountain (known locally as “Nui Lon”). Enthusiastic Hashers from Norway to Australia, encompassing the Netherlands, England, Ireland, Russia, India, Vietnam and Japan - with ages ranging from 6 to 60 (and a bit). The day started with heavy showers (and continued with more heavy showers); however, this failed to deter our resilient group of Hashers: young and old, brave and bold! “We run in any weather” is the motto of VTH3, and the sight of some thirty Hashers heading off in a fleet of taxis to 83 Tran Phu was particularly pleasing for those who had set and marked the trail: Hareraiser Falcon and his trusty Hares KFC and Son. At this stage it was not looking too good for our trek up the infamous 600 steps; however, the rains miraculously stopped long enough to give cause for hope that we might make it to the top unscathed. This window of opportunity was grasped with both hands, or should I say both feet, and the groans could be heard as Hashers battled to reach the small shrine at the top before veering left down to the dirt track and turning right onto the ridge, and then it was “onwards and upwards” to the many large boulders at the perimeter of the theme park on top of Nui Lon – we’d made it! The rain continued to hold off at this stage, but the more experienced "wily" old Hashers knew this would not be for long and immediately headed “down down” the dreaded 600 steps, now more slippery than usual(!) due to the morning’s heavy rain. No prizes for guessing what happened as we entered the car park at the bottom of the mountain beside the iconic white statue of Quan Am (revered Buddhist Goddess of Mercy) - yes, the "heavens" opened and the “window of dry opportunity” had closed for the day! The wet but thirsty Hashers sheltered in the beachside shed at 83 Tran Phu while the deluge continued, with everyone “hoovering” down cans of iced Silver and Gold and nibbling on excellent Russian fare. The general talk was about the upcoming "Run 600" on 27 October, and our proposed pre-run party the day before in Offshore 2 - and it’s here that we appeal once again to all our Hashers: If you have any ideas to contribute, please do so via http://www.vungtauhash.com/contact-vth3.html or reply email to vthash@yahoo.com - all input is welcomed. “Circle circle” came the cry – although it could barely be heard over the sound of rain pummeling the corrugated tin roof of our seaside shelter. Ring Master Falcon did the honours. The run was assessed by Andy, who generously gave a 5 for the first part and likewise 5 for the second part – an extremely high score that clearly didn’t take into account the fact that the Hares weren’t able to forecast the weather! Two new Hash names were awarded: firstly to Bunny Burrows, who will henceforth be known as "Peter Rabbit" (natch!); and "Catwoman" for her love of all things feline – (but most definitely not for her love of black leather catsuits and long fingernails, we were quickly assured)! We coincidentally said farewell to Peter Rabbit, who will return to Australia shortly - and Mr “Oil Boom” Ishikawa, who will depart these shores for a short time. We also thank him for entrusting his Karaoke equipment to VTH3 for our upcoming 600th run party! The downpour continued at 83 Tran Phu as we took a photo with our new banner so generously donated by longtime major sponsor San Miguel (see photos below). We eventually returned to Offshore Bar 1 in a flotilla of submarines (oops, taxis): spirits not dampened in the least by what was certainly a "wet one" and second only to Typhoon Pakkar last year. A rather damp "Blue Bucket" (VTH3’s family silver) and the eskies, were put to bed for yet another week! Guest scribe Faulty Brakes Next Sunday, 13 October, will be an away run (out of town) – details to be confirmed midweek. Keep an eye on the www.vungtauhash.com NEXT RUN box and lookout for midweek Hashflyer_598. VTH3 #597 photo gallery >>> 
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