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VTH3 #808

26/10/2017

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MAJOR SPONSOR, SAN MIGUEL!
For all San Miguel products in Vung Tau:
Ms Dao
Email: dao.na@sanmiguel.com.vn
Office phone: 08.39976377 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8am - 5pm)
Mobile: 0903 886 899
Home, office, party etc deliveries a specialty!

22 October 2017
VUNG TAU, WARD 12 - "Terminator's Mystery Trail"

Hares: Terminator, Mother Teresa, Super Teen
Hash Flashers: Basil, Boozer, Chom Chom, Viking
Ringmaster: Basil
Report: Chom Chom

This week a more sedate local, but away trail was set by Terminator, Mother Teresa and Super Teen. The three intrepid hares were picked up at Seaview where they then guided a bus full of eager excited hashers to the North Eastern side of Vung Tau, Ward 12.The weather was with us providing a bright, clear and sunny day for the 33 intrepid hashers who were enthusiastically awaiting to enjoy the challenge of Terminators Mystery Trail.
Upon arrival to Ward 12, Mother Teresa explained the trail, a new trail, and Super Teen kindly helped with translation. It was a very picturesque 4km trail starting at the Hai Dang Parish Church, continuing into countryside where we saw an avid variety of prawn farms. Shortly after the trail commenced we walked along the river inlet filled with fishing boats, happy families full of amazement to see us walking along the road. There were magnificent views of the Long Hai bridge, which would have been very familiar to hashers over the past few weeks, whilst we were walking along we were treated to an ambient pungent aroma of freshly caught fish wafting through the air.
After about 1km of the trail, one of our new virgins was clearly feeling hot, tired or just plain bored, and cunningly decided to complete the trail by a xe om – a definite no no. Whilst on the subject of sinners, a number of us, including myself got far too distracted by the views and accidentally ignored the red tape and found an alternative route, a short-cut it was claimed.
There were plenty of animals on show including family dogs, cows, geese and a collection of goats providing additional photo opportunities.
The trail ended at the Ba Thang Hai highway and the icy San Miguels were most welcome. We also were privileged to enjoy a selection of cheese and ham sandwiches from Boozer together with our Russian favourite, meat topped bread, from Mother Teresa. Thank you to both our foodies this week.
Sandy found a new friend, the daughter of the can/bottle recycling lady. She was infatuated with Sandy as if she was her new teddy bear – rather unusual for Vietnamese children.
After shorter than usual refreshments, Basil got us all together for the group photo and the circle was formed.
Hares Mother Teresa, Terminator and Super Teen were first into the circle to get their trail rated. Rita rated the trail 1 million out of 10 so well done to our Hares for setting such a great one.
We had a number of virgins this week, Sergey and Igor from Kazakhstan, Ms Lien and Sunny from Vietnam, and Marina from Russia. A welcome song was perform by everyone
Returnees included Slipper from Finland, who actually returned in shoes (rather than his usual slippers), and Pavile finally return from Russia.
To celebrate Vietnam Women’s Day, Basil provided roses to all the men who then had to present them to our lady hashers.
Many sinners this week, mainly because of distraction on the route and this being claimed as taking a short-cut. Our other sinner, Sergey, who took a xe om to complete the trail.
Basil ended the circle confirming that next weeks hares would be Boozer, Sandy, Lance and Chom Chom who would plan a local trail.

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 #808 PHOTO GALLERY

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VTH3 #807

17/10/2017

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PLEASE SUPPORT OUR MAJOR SPONSOR, SAN MIGUEL!
For all San Miguel products in Vung Tau:
Ms Dao
Email: dao.na@sanmiguel.com.vn
Office phone: 08.39976377 (Mondays thru Fridays, 8am - 5pm)
Mobile: 0903 886 899
Home, office, party etc deliveries a specialty!

15 October 2017
MINH DAM - "A step above the rest?"

Hares: Secs, Boozer, Sandy
Hash Flashers: Basil, Secs, Boozer, Chom Chom
Ringmaster: Basil
Report: Secs

We were back on Minh Dam mountain again this week, and 27 Hashers set off from Hon Ru Ri eager to discover a new trail to the summit from the west side of the mountain. We arrived at the starting starting point where Hare - Secs - explained that this was a simple but challenging trail. We’re to follow the dirt road until we see red ribbons indicating to turn left. There we are going to enter the forest and follow a well defined trail until it takes us under the jungle canopy. This is where we’re going to begin a climb up the many steps that would take us to a magnificent view from a hermit’s house, perched two thirds of the way up the mountain. From there we are to walk around the house and continue up the remaining steps to the lookout point at the top. Then we’re to descend to the carpark by following the steps that go down the other side of the mountain.

On-on we go, thankful to have missed the earlier rain that was evident from the all the puddles strewn along the dirt road. After a pleasant stroll in the countryside, we begin the grueling, rocky steps up to the summit. We find that the trail is well maintained and many of us are to pleased to discover that some kind soul has built a rope handrail, allowing us to pull our way up the steep incline. We reach the hermit’s house where we are greeted with a spiritual view of the landscape and a twinkling smile from the resident monk. It’s a welcome respite and we stop to catch our breath while gazing in awe at the beautiful landscape. Breath caught, we push ourselves up the remaining steps to the summit. The sun breaks through the clouds and we are afforded sunny spells and a cool, fresh breeze. Perfect for cooling down after hard climb. Unlike the last time we were here a few weeks ago, where the torrential rain scuppered any view, this week we have great visibility, allowing us to stop for some great photos. Selfie time over, we follow the easy trail down to the carpark and the down-down begins!

After we’ve satiated ourselves with cold San Miguel, fruit and sandwiches from our foodies, we take the team photo and Ringmaster Basil calls to order the circle. This week our Hares are Secs, Boozer and Sandy - a first time outing for Chihuahua Sandy as a Hare (let’s hope the next outing she won’t be near the Greyhound track!). Zidane volunteers to rate the trail and offers an 11/10 - well done Hares - another rating over the maximum 10/10.

We have four virgins this week - with Katerina from Russia saying that she really enjoyed the event would definitely be returning. Lan and Noo from Vietnam. A finally Lance, an Australian who tells us that he hashed many years ago in Papua New Guinea and knows all about down-downs. He then promptly and prematurely poured his beer all over his head as the other virgins looked on with astonishment. Three returnees this week - Black Hawk and his wife, Luicda, both of whom had been vacationing in Russia. We also have Ira who expressed she was happy to be back after a long absence. Welcome back!

In the sinners circle, Boozer nominated himself and Sandy for getting lost despite being Hares - he also charged Ronaldo with the sin of following him! Virgin Lance is called out for having inappropriate footwear - hey ho - another beer to skull.

Basil gives a call out to our resident foodies, Mother Teresa and Boozer, for providing delicious sandwiches every week. Thanks foodies - we really appreciate you taking the time to feed us. We wrap up the circle with the announcement that next week's run with be a “Mystery Trail” set by Terminator and family.

We’ll meet again on Sunday, as always, at Hon Ru Ri: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start - in any weather!
On On!

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VTH3 #806

12/10/2017

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8 October 2017
LONG HAI / MINH DAM - "Stairway to Heaven?"

Hares: Secs, Mr. T, Chom Chom
Hash Flashers: Basil, Secs, RadioWave, Boozer
Ringmaster: Basil
Report: Secs

This week the Hashmobile was packed to capacity with 45 fervent Hashers 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 dirt 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 paths, under blistering hot sun, through the local village much to the bemusement of the locals. Upon arrival at the drinks stall we discover that the red ribbons set by the Hares have disappeared. The ever diligent Hare, Mr. T, stands watch and ensures that we take the correct path up the mountain. 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 we, again, discover that the ribbons previously tied to the trees have disappeared. Our Hares remain at the juncture, directing the Hashers on to the trail. At this point 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 carpark where we will have the down-down.
At the down-down we enjoy ice cold San Miguel soaked up with some delicious sandwiches provided by Boozer and Mother Teresa. But, we have to be careful, some of the resident monkeys have taking an interest in our food and drink and have to be fended off before they pilfer our delicious sustenance. 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 Mr.T. - and, cutting his teeth, as a Hare for the first time - Chom Chom. Karyn volunteers to rate the trail giving it an amazing 12/10 - thanks Karyn!
We have a grand total of eight VIrgins on the sacrificial alter this week. Three ladies from Thailand: Sorn, Duong and Mon - all of whom express their delight at being Virgins again - however, Sorn - being pregnant is a little nonplussed at being described as a Virgin. We also have Gary from Scotland; father and son team - Andy and Leon - from Australia; Phil also from Australia and finally Nga from Vietnam. Welcome Virgins - we look forward to seeing you all in the future.
Next up we have returnees; the aforementioned Chom Chom - who stated, rather cryptically, that he hadn’t been because of the rain, before confessing that he had been back in the UK for three months. Next we had Titanic who had been working and finally we have The Captain, also classified as a Visitor from Saigon Hash, and his reason for not doing the Vung Tau Hash for two years? Well, he said he was a "lazy ba%$^#rd."
Only one sinner this week - a slightly coy Rita - who’d been charged with almost missing the bus from Hon Ru Ri due to a last minute call of nature.
The circle come to a close and we continue to enjoy our San Miguel until our supplies are depleted. We board the bus and head back to Vung Tau - after Boozer has taken a whip-round from our resident beer monsters to buy additional beer for the journey home. A few sing-songs and beers later we find ourselves back at Hon Ru Ri.

Next we will be back on Minh Dam mountain - but a new trail.

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 #806 PHOTO GALLERY

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VTH3 #805

4/10/2017

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1 October 2017
BIG MOUNTAIN - "A Sunny Sunday Afternoon"

Hares: Secs, Faulty Brakes
Hash Flash: Basil, Secs, Boozer, Aqua
Ringmaster: Basil
Report: Secs

Twenty Hashers arrived at Hon Ru Ri this Sunday and we boarded taxis to take us to our starting point on Big Mountain - Lam Duong Restaurant. Many of the Australian contingent are noticeably absent due the NRL Grand Final on Sunday morning. In contrast to last week, we are blessed with a scorching hot sunny day. We arrive at the restaurant and immediately climb the 120 steps on the opposite side of the road. At the top, this week’s Hare - Secs, gave us our brief. It will be a simple trail, taking in most of the mountain path but we are to look out for a detour that will take us through the forest, shortcutting one of the long loops on the road. The down-down will be beneath a pagoda on the other side of the mountain. Our descent will be marked by the obligatory red ribbons that would guide us down through the forest.

So on-on we go! It’s an enjoyable, easy going trail as we meandered along the path taking in the quiet countryside and views of the sea. When we reach the detour the ever chivalrous Viking waits to assist those in need up the steep incline into the forest shortcut. After a short but steep climb through the forest and we find ourselves back on the path and continue until we see the red ribbon marking the way down. We thank our lucky stars it’s not a rainy day as the terrain is quite sheer and muddy. We arrive back in the shadow of the pagoda walls where this week’s beer monitors, Buddha and Faulty Brakes, are waiting for us with our favourite refreshment - ice cold San Miguel.

Once we have quenched our thirst it’s time to convene for the team photo - only to find that our team banner has been misplaced. Undeterred, we pose for the photo with San Miguel beers held aloft and then Ringmaster Basil calls the circle to order. As is customary the Hares are first to enter the circle, this week we have Secs and Faulty Brakes. Returnee, Big Bird, is called on to rate the trail. He says the first part of the trail was hampered by the lack of shade making it a sweltering start, cheekily adding we should have requested some more clouds. However, he enjoyed the detour through the forest and that the second part of the trail was sheltered from the blazing sun. All in all, he rated the trail 8/10.

No Virgins this week, so the aforementioned returnee, Big Bird, enters the circle again to give his excuse for missing the Hash. He mentions that he was back in the US but wasn’t responsible for US President Trump. We had two sinners this week - Boozer and Faulty Brakes - both guilty of the most heinous crime of having new shoes. Faulty Brakes was a double sinner this week for being the one responsible for misplacing the team banner - let’s hope we find it before next week.

Basil then makes a couple of announcements. First, we will be doing a charity run before the end of the year and we are looking for suggestions for worthy causes - please let us know if yiu have any ideas. Secondly, some of regular Hares will be on vacation in October and we are looking for anyone to volunteer to be a Hare. Finally, Secs tells us that, together with Mr. T, a trail would be set back at Long Hai for next week.

In the effort to find the banner, our resident jester - Boozer, discovers an old St. Patrick’s Day hat and proceeds to jape around much to the consternation of various Hashers. As the frivolities come to an end, we disperse into taxis to our various destinations.

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 #805 PHOTO GALLERY