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Hey there NegrilAddict!! Thanks for hoppin on board. Now get ready for a ride around Portland Vi-Stylee. I did have an awesome time this reach and felt like I was really coming home. That sign is there for so many of us who feel Jamaica is like a second home.
I forgot to say "I luvs me some Vi". I hope you remember me. We have met before. ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Really???? okay...I have no clue but would love to know. Please remind me either here or pm.Quote:
Originally Posted by NegrilAddict
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Duane Stephenson featuring Tarrus Riley came right on time when I got that first glimpse of where we were headed…It was indeed time to “Exhale”
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First trip back to Reach Falls since 2011 and I was more than ready to get close to the thunder of that falls.
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$10 entrance fee covers upkeep, security and life guard services. Security is present 24/7 and the life guard on duty during hours of operation which are 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. Keep a note the falls are closed Mondays and Tuesdays…but all the drivers know that.
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The lifeguard will be happy to escort you on a tour upstream to show the cave and additional, smaller cascades beyond the main falls. I so want to do this at least once. But I know me…I’m braver when it comes to moving on dry land. But I’m going to bring my heavy, duty watershoes, underwater camera and wear my it’s-okay-to-get-wet-hair next time just in case I talk myself into the experience.
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I love it here for many reasons. First and foremost is the peace I’m always guaranteed to find. The pool and falls area is not big, but it’s not small…it’s intimate. But its size doesn’t mean it lacks in natural beauty at all. Bamboo and a variety of plants that can’t be found anywhere else in the world thrive in this rain forest.
And the water…so cool, so refreshing, so crystal clear.
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This why watershoes are adviseabe. The rocks are not all over. You can find soft sandy areas as you walk closer to the bush and falls. But getting across can be a little rough on tender toes. Oh and the fish don't bite.
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Because Reach Falls is somewhat remote I just knew we would have the place all to ourselves, but maybe 90 minutes later we were joined by a kind family of 6 from Canada. Mom, dad, son, daughter, aunt and uncle.
The daughter about 11??…a chubby, bubbly sweetheart with long, blonde beaded, boxed braids befriended me. She tells me this was the third time during vacation they came to the falls because she loves it so much.
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“What makes this place so special to you?”
“I don’t KNOW!” clicking the red, black and gold beads as she shakes her head in confusion. “It makes me feel happy all over.”
So precious was her simple explanation.
“Are you Jamaican?”
“No, sweetie, I’m not.”
“I sometimes wish I was a Jamaican Princess so I can live here.”
I laughed out loud and told her I had the same wish on my list.
“But…you …you are um…bro…um tan! You’re tan. Yeah, light brown so you can tell people you are Jamaican and they would believe you. Pretend like a fairy tale.”
“Maybe, but I would know and I wouldn’t feel good about myself inside. But I’m okay with being plain old American because, I’m like you, I’m just happy I can come here.”
“Pardon me.” She injects “but I have to get in THAT water.”
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She takes a few steps towards the water then turn to me..”Is the water cold???”
“No, not really.”