Gerry G's TRAIL OF ASHES TOUR Final Chapter -- The Mighty Californian's return

After a long night of partying on Friday, I woke up to a beautiful day on Saturday just in time to go spear-fishing. This time, Mike from Memphis came with me. I picked him up on the scooter in front of Seasplash (missed him at first and had to turn around, I was too focused), and I was surprised that Mike got the hang of it pretty good. He didn’t quite catch anything, but he was close.

I filled up with gas, met Charlie and few other yardies for breakfeast at Sea Star Inn, and then decided to round up a little posse to head to Roaring River and Blue Hole. Percy, Charlie’s private driver/errand person, drove us. We made a right at the roundabout, up the hill through Sav La Mar, and soon enough we were close to Roaring River. I called my old friend, Robert, who would guide through the hustlers to the Blue Hole – NOT to be confused with the blue hole at Brighton, which is a joke in comparison.

There is a little road that leads up to the Blue Hole in Roaring River, kind of a tough drive but oh so worth it. The place was spectacular and has been built up with better steps. The Indian lady that used to run the place is no longer around. We all jumped in the water and had a blast.

Here are some pics from Roaring River ...

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Roaring River. Come out and play


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Percy at Roaring River. He is among the best drivers I've ever met. Great guy.


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Welcome to the Jungle. We got fun and games.

Dang Gerry...thinkin maybe it's time to go shopping for new shirts! Stoked to see you looking and feelin good! Enjoying this report as always and wishin I was there. :)

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Originally Posted by LeslieChow

glad you made it home safely...

L.C.

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Don't give away the ending lol .... I will come meet you in Negril, let's get the dates solid. Greatest place on Earth.

The water is incredible when you take a cold plunge into the blue hole, a natural spring that's a so blue you would you fell into the eyes of Paul Newman himself.

What an exhilirating thrill. We jumped in and out and swam around. Then Charlie's girl got stung by a bee, and Robert came to the rescue with some natural ointment mixed from three different plants.

We spent a few hours then made our way back to Negril. We had stopped at Juicy J in Sav beforehand -- they were out of most of the items but they had was good. There was a big party at Seastar Inn that night, so we didn't want to overdo. I wanted to get some rest before the show.

Percy is much more than a driver, he is a fine man with a wonderful family. He owns Percy's Retreat near Logwood. A beautiful yard with delicious food prepared by his wife, an awesome tiki bar built over the creek that meanders through the property to the cane fields beyond. His lovely daughter serves some tasty drinks for sure. We enjoyed the company and had a very memorable day. His likkle son is a very bright boy. I think SeaStar still advertises tours for/with him.

Percy's Retreat is very relaxing. Gotta go there again...

Awesome, my brotha! 60 pounds is simply awesome!

Pretty40, it's only been 3 months, but it feels like forever!!!!

Happy Travels...

Skb

That water looks refreshing!

didn't even recognize Gerry this summer as he lost a ton of weight since this winter..........
he certainly is a lean mean fighting machine these days...lookie out for Gerry G
it was fun seeing you Gerry and just wish wi could have spent more time hanging........
it was mi fault as mi get caught up in the day to day runnnings in Negril.......
just tuff to get off da lane.....between the snorkeling and daily chit.......
think you saw mi out the only night mi made it out all summer....outside of Roots Bamboo.....lol
hey Mike had a blast with you and him sold on renting a scooter when him returns.......
see ya next time mi friend...........

Cool Runnings, Marko

I am quite enjoying myself at Seastar Inn. I just feel so at home here. Chris said I could invite Famous Vincent as my guest for the Seastar show. When I told Chris it would be complimentary, Chris smiled and said: "So you mean Vincent would be MY guest really?" The great hotel owner took another moment and said Vincent is welcome anytime.

It was nice seeing Knoxley again. I really like that guy. He plays keys in the band and sets up to the right of the stage, near the couch area that Charlie has cardoned off as his special VIP area. I explained to Knoxley that with his amazing talent combined with his ability to learn songs without music -- plus his young, good looks -- that he could be a star in the Los Angeles music scene. I think I might have even thrown out the word "millionaire," but I meant it. Steven West, too. If the masses ever got ahold of that guy, he would be a big star, I have no doubt about that. But there is only one Bob Marley, and Jamaica is a lot further from the real music industry than a short plane trip from Miami.

God I wish I owned a record company. I would only take fifty percent and would be able to pay for every trip I ever took to Negril times 10.

in some ways it's sad that artists this talented can't reach more people. We can cherish the fact we can enjoy them all to ourselves, and I'm just privilaged every time I see Steven West and the others perform. They're always great. The drummers are good, too. I liked 'em better with Francine in the band, but hey I am biased.

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

I am quite enjoying myself at Seastar Inn. I just feel so at home here. Chris said I could invite Famous Vincent as my guest for the Seastar show. When I told Chris it would be complimentary, Chris smiled and said: "So you mean Vincent would be MY guest really?" The great hotel owner took another moment and said Vincent is welcome anytime.

It was nice seeing Knoxley again. I really like that guy. He plays keys in the band and sets up to the right of the stage, near the couch area that Charlie has cardoned off as his special VIP area. I explained to Knoxley that with his amazing talent combined with his ability to learn songs without music -- plus his young, good looks -- that he could be a star in the Los Angeles music scene. I think I might have even thrown out the word "millionaire," but I meant it. Steven West, too. If the masses ever got ahold of that guy, he would be a big star, I have no doubt about that. But there is only one Bob Marley, and Jamaica is a lot further from the real music industry than a short plane trip from Miami.

God I wish I owned a record company. I would only take fifty percent and would be able to pay for every trip I ever took to Negril times 10.

in some ways it's sad that artists this talented can't reach more people. We can cherish the fact we can enjoy them all to ourselves, and I'm just privilaged every time I see Steven West and the others perform. They're always great. The drummers are good, too. I liked 'em better with Francine in the band, but hey I am biased.

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Great update Gerry. This post shows some of the big heart that you have, a rarity my friend in our neck of the woods. And I do have to agree about Steven West, the man plays with such passion. Add Sasanya(sp) to the mix with a dash of Fernando and you have a quality show on a consistent basis, like no other.

It’s Sunday in a Negril, a perfect day, and I took extensive notes.

It was just me and Roger doing spear-fishing this morning, and I finally convinced him to a take us to a farther reef that no one ever goes to, and there were a lot of big fish and tons of lobster. I had so many lobsters and fish that I did not know what to do with them all. I gave two lobsters and some moon fish to Clarol at Seastar Inn because she asked – plus I run her ragged with all my little requests and complaints, so it’s only fair.

Beforehand, I hit the small soup stand next to Whistling Bird, the place is great – but no more chicken or meat; even the small-time operations are hurtin’ in the summer. There are hardly any tourists at all. I would go to Seasplash a total of nine times through the days – albeit usually in the mornings – and I never saw one single tourist there the whole time. Or next door. Or the next next door.

Of all the times I jumped on the boat or later got off the boat in front of the far side of the beach (far from Cliffs), I don’t think I ever saw another tourist anywhere near me – except at Bourbon Beach when Vincent picked me up and then Memphis Mike had to hurry and fetch my keys that I left on the bar.

Later, Memphis Mike and a Newbie from Canada and I all hung out at Westender Inn again, munching on Lionfish. I swam in the pool at Seastar Inn, chilled in the room for a bit and after countless subs decided I wanted pizza and that only Angelas from Bar B Barn would do.

I called at the appropriate time but the chef had yet to arrive. Then I called again, still not there, but made a deal for them to call me back when the chef got there – which they did. I was set to order a pizza to be picked up and was wondering the difference in price between a medium and a large. Simple enough, right, considering it’s their signature dish? It took quite a bit of going back and forth for them to figure this out – it’s Jamaica, of course, so I did not even blink – and when it was all settled I said: “Ya mon, do it up and please trust me, I will be there, and PLEASE don’t make me wait an hour once I arrive.”

They said no problem, and thumbs up, they came through.

I arrived at Bar B Barn, one of fav beach hotels (I have stayed there three or four times through the years), and the old security guard, Michael, was there back at his old post. When I had first met him years earlier, Negril was so safe in those days that when I checked in (first ever non AI experience, first ever solo), I didn’t bother with the lock for the safe when Mike escorted me into the room, and he said: “Don’t worry about it. You don’t even need it.” And he was right. Nothing was ever touched. Just a great vibe with lots of returning guests.

The pizza was ready, and when I opened the box it was like that scene from Pulp Fiction with the mystery suitcase: The Pizza was like it came from the Gods. I am a pizza aficionado, and it’s hard to find good pizza in Negril to a Brooklyn-Chicago degree, but this was it.

But don’t just take my word for it. I have video for later.

thumbs up! good report . . .

Gerry's trip reports are properly done. Some of the best on board in my opinion. Truthful, with just enough reflections and silliness to make them entertaining.

Later in the day, I hung with Charlie at the Seastar pool, then there was a blackout in Negril for those who did not have their own generator, including Bourbon Beach – bad news because the place was hosting a party with live music that night. Eventually, they got the power back.

At Seastar Inn, Rob and Lisa showed up to watch TV because Sonia was singing in a talent contest that was kind of Jamaica’s version of “American Idol.” The folks at Seastar were having problems making the telecast work from the Net onto the TVs, and apparently Seastar worker Garrett saved the day by finding the right plug-in chord.

I also went to Sunshine plaza and bought a bottle opener for the bar to replace the one I had borrowed and lost; I later found it, so I guess I have an official Seastar Inn opener. Who knows? It might have opened a Stripe for Luciano back in the day.

I also bought some special cake, and the rest of the night is a haze.

Keep it coming gerryg,loving this report,living the cliffs through you!

Here is some exclusive video of Bar B Barn pizza from Angelas:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=CVfTelyaZX4

We missed the tasting part! Enjoying your report,glad you are back!

And above is my absolute favorite part of Gerry's trip reports. The "exclusive" videos. Cracks me up every time. Donkey Pony is far and away my favorite, but all of them are great. Gerryg123' ya mon Makes my day sometimes, and that is truth.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by booger

Great update Gerry. This post shows some of the big heart that you have, a rarity my friend in our neck of the woods. And I do have to agree about Steven West, the man plays with such passion. Add Sasanya(sp) to the mix with a dash of Fernando and you have a quality show on a consistent basis, like no other.

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You know it really IS rare in "Our" neck of the woods and I think that is a partial reason I love negril soo much... here in cali we have soo much and people are soo greedy and unhappy... But when you go to negril and you see these beautiful people stuggling to put food on the table for their family but they are nice and happy to just be alive ... It is truly inspirational and touches my heart... Thank You Jamaica!

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Originally Posted by Hussyband

My absolute favorite part of Gerry's trip reports (are) the "exclusive" videos. Cracks me up every time. Donkey Pony is far and away my favorite, but all of them are great. Gerryg123' ya mon Makes my day sometimes, and that is truth.

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I appreciate that. In your honor, a Sunday special extra video, this time at a little convenience story across from Bar B Barn, as I try to re-up on Cell minutes. The storekeep said I could video her face only if I first paid her extra money, so thus the clip is from the neck down ....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=fKqAUA_S9fg

Angela's pizza rocks and so does Michael. We call him our own "Mr Roarke"!!

The morning started at breakfast, where Charlie and I both had a minor disagreement with Barbara about the way eggs should be cooked.

A rasta-style tourist from Massachusetts is visiting Seastar Inn, and we all had a great discussion about Bob Marley and all things Jamaica. Charlie has a Marley tattoo on his arm, and it’s a great convo-starter.

Charlie and I have been spending a lot of time together, but we split up today, as I went spear-fishing and he and a few others went on a catamaran cruise.

Several others were on the boat today with Famous Vincent including an Indian family; all nice folks.

Later I hung at Bourbon Beach with Memphis Mike and Nicky, an old fling. A local who lives nearby is a good spear-fisher, too, and I told him to bring all the lobsters to Seastar Inn, and he showed up with six of them. I had the cook make them for me, requesting that the take all the meat from the tails and mix it with spaghetti and marinara sauce; oh what a treat, that platter lasted me for three days.

I bought phone minutes, visiting the peanut man (always a tradition) and, as usual, spent a good deal of time fending off the beggars and hookers and dealers and hustlers that are always part of the Negril landscape. It’s just something you deal with. I hate it, but it’s worth it to be on the island.

Later, a visitor from the USA had some California chronic that he smuggled in – risky but ingenious, he simply grinded up a nice little batch and fitted it in his money clip with rubber bands around both sides through the x-ray machines. He shared a bit, and it was the highlight of the whole trip!

He smuggled weed to Jamaica. I can not imagine feeling any dumber or looking any dumber if one were to get caught doing that. What would you tell your friends?

It wasn't me!

California Dreamin! ...Ahhhhh!!! Feeling re-energized...

Nobody does it like Slim GerryG123...Heyyyyy!

Happy Travels,

Skb...

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Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

He smuggled weed to Jamaica. I can not imagine feeling any dumber or looking any dumber if one were to get caught doing that. What would you tell your friends?

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Or your employer, unless U are self employed, jobless, or retired.

TSA is more worried about security, while customs is looking for the contraband. And if he took off from Cali you can fly within the state if you are an MMJ patient. International is a completely different story, however it's still the same TSA.

Not one to judge, but man that was stupid. Who wants to get locked up in Jamaica?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by booger

Or your employer, unless U are self employed, jobless, or retired.

TSA is more worried about security, while customs is looking for the contraband. And if he took off from Cali you can fly within the state if you are an MMJ patient. International is a completely different story, however it's still the same TSA.

Not one to judge, but man that was stupid. Who wants to get locked up in Jamaica?

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My apologies MC for the hijack. Loved the last update and am really looking forward to the rest.

Yeah. My bad too. Just jumped out at me.

It was fun convincing Memphis Mike to rent a scooter with me. I told him I would take care of everything and that he wouldn't have to put down a deposit or a credit card, just his good name and passport info.

It was harder than I thought. I guess if you're like me and you pay up front for the whole trip, they will take a risk on you. But for one day rental, it's tougher. Let's face it -- what a $100 deposit is really for is to MAKE SURE YOU RETURN THE SCOOTER, as opposed to leaving it at your hotel or wherever. I have never done this but a couple of times through the years, the Scooter guy forewarned me about please don't do it.

But we did find a great scooter for Memphis Mike, who is athletic but was very shaky at first. After a mile or two, he was keeping up, and soon we went to go get gas at Shell (cause his was empty) -- and that's a daunting task, going up the hill and trying to make a right against traffic. But we pulled it off.

We went to Westender Inn again -- no Leslie Chow sighting -- and drove all through the hills chasing each other full speed. It was fun. It is quite thrilling to speed through those back hills against the green scenery with the birds flying and cows trotting away and the goats and the vultures that remind you to be safe. All that stuff is fun stuff.

But the sad truth was I knew I was leaving in a few days, back to the real world, back to reality. I can't help it, I get in count-down mode. Four nights left. Three nights left. Two nights left. Oh my god.

I hate that feeling...the dread of knowing it is almost time to go home!

do you think TSA (or whomever) is looking for people bringing weed INTO Jamaica --- joke man!

it's a treat for the Jamaicans to smoke a different sub

and I don't have to run down the street looking for subs soon as I hit town --- the trade rate is equal :-)

Here are some pics:

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Cool locals riding a motor bike

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Near Sav ...

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The beautiful Negril ocean

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Mom and daughter

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Hangin with Memphis Mike

Keep them coming GerryG,thought you got lost in all the LC drama,love the reports dude!!

GerryG looking great! I'm enjoying the ride, fellow Californian :)

Here are some pics:

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Famous Vincent boat near roundabout behind Burger King

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The great bartender at Bourbon Beach


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The peanut man, a hard-working man in Negril

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Great view at the beach(!)

We call that "Bourbon Booty"

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Speaking of Bourbon Booty!

Dayam! One size fits all!