VTH3 #690

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19 JULY 2015
SEAVIEW > LE QUY DON > EAST SEA - "We can jump puddles!"

Maybe the now-established rainy season early afternoon shower kept some folk away on Sunday, but the hardy 19 who realised it would soon stop were not disappointed – and we experienced a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon in the “northern suburbs and beach”, having jumped (or waded through) a few puddles along the way – see photo gallery below.
We debussed at Seaview Apartments and walked as a group to the far lefthand corner of the estate and through some narrow lanes, before doubling-back to the right and eventually turning left on Hem 225 through a mix of housing styles and terrain – everything from concrete to mud, stones and cow tracks as we followed the nearby canal and its six bridges to the north.
“On On” we went for 3.5 km through the allegedly mafia-controlled area* towards Le Quy Don school, where we turned right and crossed Highway 51 (very carefully!).
*Front page article in Thanh Nien newspaper last week.
Then it was down a small, bumpy but very soggy dirt track through the local countryside, before turning onto a newly-constructed road and seeing our bus parked down near the beach!
Lots of ice-coldies followed, plus “pikelets” courtesy of volunteer foodie Fot tret.  Some stayed to chat by the eskies, while others headed for the beach – very useful not just for the incredibly peaceful ambience, but also to remove the mud from today’s hike (very few of us managed to jump over every puddle – it was sometimes a matter of putting your “best foot forward” and wading through)!
Ringmaster Basil eventually called the Circle and Taffy scored the trail an extremely high 11/10, including bonus points for variety!  A delighted Uncle explained that “trails don’t have to hurt to be enjoyable” and swiftly down-downed his reward!
Hash Virgin Hieu was introduced by his mentor Basil (“Hieu” too!); Henry, Taffy and Faulty Brakes were charged for (in name order) creating a sinkhole in a particularly slushy part of the trail, wearing new shoes, and trying to save the Hash camera instead of Hash Flash as he was vanishing down aforementioned sinkhole!
Enthusiastic young Hasher Fot tret was ceremoniously thanked for voluntarily producing the day’s snacks (we could all learn a few things from Fot tret about selfless participation!); then Henry was adjudged the winner of today’s “eyes wide open” challenge by counting 117 trail markers, which was 1 more than the 116 actual, but certainly close enough to win an embroidered VTH3 hat when they’re delivered about a month from now!
Discussion followed about the various pros and cons of a “foodie system”, and it was agreed that basic fare such as chips, baguettes etc are fine, to be provided every week by Mismanagement (hopefully with the aid of volunteer/s), and not resulting in any increase to run fees.  Any other food is always welcome but on a purely voluntary “generosity” basis.
Fot tret will be in Russia next week(!), but volunteered as “apprentice Hare” to set the trail for run 692 (2 August), so Uncle and Basil will set a trail on Big Mountain for next Sunday – focused on low-medium difficulty plus maximum interest value.  Details to be confirmed later this week, but they're contemplating Hem 444 to the old French artillery battery then across Big Mountain to descend at or near the big pagoda onto Tran Phu and hopefully a new Circle location in the vicinity.
We'll meet next Sunday as usual at Sao Bien 4 restaurant: 2 pm for 2.30 pm start - in any weather!
On On!

Report: Uncle, Basil
Hare: Uncle
Hash Flash: Uncle. Circle photos: Fot tret, Henry

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