Thirty Years Ago on the Beach - #14 Bidding War

By sunset we were all very tired and sleep came upon us easy. We had all survived the hurricane and this knowledge removed the urgency of yesterday's chaos.

As the sun came up on Wednesday, the heat was noticeable. All the rain we had received was being transformed into steamy humidity. No clouds to break the heat, bright sun to warm the day. The groundsman was out early clearing the property, placing all the dying foliage in large piles. We joined in this clean up.

Not being used to the tropical heat, the humidity took its toll. After just a couple hours we were hot, sweaty and exhausted. Since we were not really helping all that much, the groundsman made us stop and suggested we try to find a place to relax. We didn't argue.

We decide to check out more of the beach and started south on our way down to Alfred's. The sea was calming so walking along the shore became somewhat possible. Getting to the Treehouse we noticed a mass of tourists all grabbing for something.

The Treehouse was giving away ice to anyone who wanted it. And it sounded like everyone wanted it. Apparently there was a line, but some didn't want to wait and offered to buy the free ice. The Treehouse staff was taken aback by what they were seeing. The demands of yelling tourists for ice. One man yelled, "I will give you $5 for that handful of ice!" Another one said, "I will give you $10." A bidding war had erupted.

The staff stood firm and made everyone get back in line. No one could pay for the ice, it was free. And you had to wait your turn or no one would get any ice. That threat got those without money to menace those with money , making them get back in line and shut up. Treehouse handled that well.

Further down the beach we were informed of the first death from the hurricane. But it was not from the storm but from looting. A shop owner had killed a looter and the word was out. Looters will be shot.

Alfred's was not open, nor were many places. An enterprising young entrepreneur had a cooler, ice and beer and opened up shop. Cold beers for a us$1. That was a steal in this heat! We had a couple and contemplated exploring more.

The sights and sounds were rather depressing. What was the calming, beautiful Negril we knew two days ago no longer existed. It was replaced by this ravaged jagged Caribbean coastline. Time to start thinking about getting to the airport.

We got back to Native Son about the time that we heard the first chainsaw fire up. Two property owners had gotten together and started to clear the road of debris. The road was beginning to reappear.

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