Finally - our trip report!

Hi all!

Sorry t0 have taken so long - took us a while to get back into the swing of things here (Negril withdrawl symptoms).

We (8 of us) arrived April 3rd, and made it through customs in about 40 minutes which isn't bad considering 3 flights landed at almost the same time.Attachment 25847

Joe Cool Taxi and Tours (Dean, our driver) was there ready for us. We zipped over to the mega-mart, hoping to get some clamato to make caesars - but no luck. So, we were on our way with the "complimentary" red stripe provided by Joe Cool. Since this is NOT a " single pint" trip - we just HAD to stop and reload!
Attachment 25844

We arrived at the Riu Palace through a rain storm (it was actually raining when we arrived - but stopped shortly after) - greeted with a cold drink and checked in quickly!

Next day, sun out - and a gorgeous view from our room!
Attachment 25845

We spent our first day on the beach, and who do we meet?
Cigarettes.... cigaaRRRs... its gonna be hot hot hot hot!
Attachment 25846 I did buy a cigar from him, and chatted with him almost every day.

I had brought some spare guitar strings and picks in hopes of meeting up with Donovan Dalrimple - and lo and behold!
Attachment 25849
He sure was happy! He came by and played for us every day he saw us on the beach!

Now I think I mentioned that this was my 5th trip to Jamaica (my 2nd time to Negril), and my wife's 3rd (but never to Negril)- everyone else were Jamaican virgins. So, we just HAD to do the catamaran thing to Rick's. It was fun to cruise along the cliffs, and go snorkeling. You've probably all seen "the cannon" - well, here's the anchor:
Attachment 25848

As you all know, Rick's is the place you go so you can say you've been there, then you never go back! LOL

We did the pub crawl on the 7th, sad to say that only 3 out of 8 people went. Yes, I suspect it was out of "fear" that one person didn't go (her hubby came with wifie and I), and the rest kinda followed her. (There's more to that story - but I won't post it LOL). We visited 7 places, Swordfish, No Limit, Xtabi, Pushcart, Bella Donna, Archway, and finished at the Firewater Love Nest. This truly was the highlight of the trip for wifie and I (and the one person who joined us!). Just a couple of pics:

Lenbert at Archway
Attachment 25850

Last stop - the Firewater Love Nest for the sunset:
Attachment 25851

Now, of COURSE during our time at the resort, we did slide over to the ORIGINAL "Office of Nature"! Great guys - we actually popped over there a few times during our stay.
Attachment 25852

Wifie and I were pretty much the only ones to venture off the resort - we flagged a route taxi, picked up some gifties for the grandkids, then crossed over through bourbon beach for a walk on long bay. We hit a few little pubs for pint. See if you recognize this one:
Attachment 25853

Of course, we hit Margaritaville, just to say we did - but the best part was me getting conch soup at cosmo's!!! Fantastic stuff!
Attachment 25854

All in all a great trip - but we did get afternoon rain (for over an hour) pretty much every afternoon. Clouds rolling in about noonish. But, let's face it, you can't pick the weather and a vacation is what you make it!

Ton's more pictures and a great video of Donovan doing the "cigarettes on the beach" song - but I didn't want to bore you with things you've already seen.

Stay Irie my friends!

Bore me; please :p

Looks like you had a great time! When we go in June I'll bring a couple sets of strings ..what type does Donavon use?

I don't think Donavan is all that picky about what brand of strings (I prefer lights so that's what I had and brought). He sure was happy though!

Nice Report!!!! Lovin the pics and lookin forward to more. and if it's not too much trouble can you drag this out at least through this work week? I got Negril on the brain and too much time until D day....

Ok - more pics it is.... LOL

BTW: did I mention that wifie and I had to go to "secondary" screen on our return to Ottawa? It was just a random thing, but we had to open our bags and they customs guy just gave it a quick look, felt around, and sent us on our way.

More pics:

Attachment 25855

Attachment 25856

And the sign at couples:
Attachment 25857

We even brought some floaties for the beach:
Attachment 25858

This guy tried to sell me insurance!
Attachment 25859

At the original office of nature:
Attachment 25860

Sign above the entrance at Pushcart during the pubcrawl:
Attachment 25861

I'm going to show the better half the photo's..we are so ready for June to come.

Really great! Love it. The floatie pic looks like you captured the whole idea. Thanks.

Thanks TandJ! Lovin' the pics :)

Thanks for all the great pics!