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

Now I am in my element, out on the open road on the Cliffs cruising along in my motor scooter. I know every turn by now, and I just can’t get enough of meandering my way through what might indeed be the most beautiful scenery the world has ever seen – not including the party girls.

I love meeting tourists from all over the world. There were a batch of ‘em on the Love Bus Pub Crawl. I caught them on the first stop at Sunset After Dark; as sort of an experiment, I figured I would compare their behavior to how they be on the last stop, back at Seastar in a couple of hours or so. In the meantime, I headed to the mini-boardie at Canoe Bar, an event that wasn’t so mini because there were a lot of us there – Jim n Donna, whom I met once or twice before, along with others including Rob and Lisa, whom I had not seen in six months.

It was nice.

Marko, the gray-haired converted Jamaican who even talks in Patois sometimes because the man simply cannot get enough of Negril, cruised along by chance in his bicycle. I was chillin near the front with fattyonthetrock (great guy), and we summoned Marko over. Marko just loves it out here, and he is always in a great mood. He has helped me a lot through the years.

19 more days for us gerry, we really need your posts to help get us through the wait :-)
Thanks.

Here are some pics:

Attachment 32544

Good day spear-fishing

Attachment 32545

Seastar Inn server Nicky

Attachment 32546

Seastar Inn Shakey

Here is a video hanging out with fellow boardie Chickster (awesome guy) at Catcha Falling Star with my regular server Nichollette.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9MZj_RbIa28

I took a ride up to Westender Inn, my second-fav spot to hang in Negril, and I was surprised Negril Bill was no longer working there. Sheldon, a familiar server, said Bill left shortly after new management took over. Also, no lionfish there today, so I had to improvise. I had some fries and enjoyed myself. It’s a fun place to hang with kind of a country feel.

Later I went to Catcha Falling Star and said hi to the bartender Kevin, who has served me many drinks through the years.

I had a piece of chocolate cake and enjoyed the Sunset. At this time of year, the sunset at Catcha is right in the middle of the property, just perfect. I am feeling so at home. I am having the best time in Negril ever. God I would love to move here.

So many expats I’ve met already live here and love it. But alas I have a job and two young daughters at home, so I can’t make the move. But if I ever cash in all my chips and talk my walk into the sunset, here is where I want to be.

I can’t be more clear: If you’re looking for the time of your life, a week to remember forever, come to Negril. Most of the folks here are repeat visitors are live here part time or even full time. Most newbies, once they arrive, never travel to another destination like Cancun or Hawaii. Once you go, you know. And the one thing I am sure abnout is the best times are yet to come. I have an urge to live up it to fullest extent, a strong desire to have as much fun as possible. A perfect combo. Ya mon, ya mon, ya mon.

Gerry; that sums it up nicely.
I'll be there a week from Monday to enjoy all dat.

I really enjoyed being there in Dec. Its different than March/April I actually want to go twice a year now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gerryg123

I took a ride up to Westender Inn, my second-fav spot to hang in Negril, and I was surprised Negril Bill was no longer working there. Sheldon, a familiar server, said Bill left shortly after new management took over. Also, no lionfish there today, so I had to improvise. I had some fries and enjoyed myself. It’s a fun place to hang with kind of a country feel.

Later I went to Catcha Falling Star and said hi to the bartender Kevin, who has served me many drinks through the years.

I had a piece of chocolate cake and enjoyed the Sunset. At this time of year, the sunset at Catcha is right in the middle of the property, just perfect. I am feeling so at home. I am having the best time in Negril ever. God I would love to move here.

So many expats I’ve met already live here and love it. But alas I have a job and two young daughters at home, so I can’t make the move. But if I ever cash in all my chips and talk my walk into the sunset, here is where I want to be.

I can’t be more clear: If you’re looking for the time of your life, a week to remember forever, come to Negril. Most of the folks here are repeat visitors are live here part time or even full time. Most newbies, once they arrive, never travel to another destination like Cancun or Hawaii. Once you go, you know. And the one thing I am sure abnout is the best times are yet to come. I have an urge to live up it to fullest extent, a strong desire to have as much fun as possible. A perfect combo. Ya mon, ya mon, ya mon.

---

Pretty True. I went to Negril for the first time in May 2012.

returned in November 2012
December 2012
April 2013
August 2013
Jan 2014 Week from tomorrow.
April 2014 Tix bought

Tonight we had some action on Seastar Lane right in front of the great hotel, as a vicious fist fight broke out and was on the brink of evolving into a rock-throwing melee -- between two 10-year-old boys.

There were a bunch of adults present, but no one did a thing. Lenbert and the Seastar security guy broke it up. Lenbert was running a bar crawl at the time, and I guess a group of kids regularly follow along and try to win tips from the customers, and that's how the fight started.

Lenbert did a really good of breaking it up. He is a big guy, about 6-3, 200 pounds, and he just grabbed the kid by arm and would not let go, though the kid still was clutching a rock.

I happen to be right at the gate at the time, hangin with Kevin from Norway. It was dark outside, too. The kids were really intent on hurting each other. It's the second time through the years that I've seen a fight between little kids on the lane, and I must say Jamaican kids fight HARD.

The familair faces are what brings me back to Seastar Inn. I so enjoy seeing Chris again, the jovial Canadian transplant with a wild life story who ended up marrying the most beautiful Jamaican in Negril and co-founded the Seastar.

The hotel started small, but slowly the two have built it up, and now there are 19 rooms -- all of them amazing in their own way -- and a fancy covered courtyard that makes the place look like a real resort. The property is covered with plants and flowers, giving the surroundings a jungle feel. Just in front of my door there is a mango tree with fruit hanging down at eye level. Sometimes I feel like taking a bite as I walk by, but Francine would never let me the end of it, I assume.

Shaky is back full-time. He is kind of the Seastar Inn mascot, a gentlemen with special needs whom the staff as taken in as their own. Barbara is kind of like his mom, and Garrett is kind of like his dad.

I know just about every staff member by name, including Leroy, the great chef and unsung hero of the joint. Rochelle is the youngest, I think, and stunningly beautiful. Nicky, a server, also looks like model. Clarol and Barbara have been loyal for years. The one-armed gardener is still here (Francine's cousin), and I'm sure Garrett will be here forever. He is kind of the caretaker of the place, and he lives on site with his dog, Boy, one of the biggest and nicest dogs on the lane.

Gerry,

Good stuff, keep it coming. Francine's cousin's name is Evan or Onna (one arm). Very nice guy and excellent gardener.

Enjoy,

VVHT

Attachment 32586

Nice day at beach

Attachment 32587

Seastar Garrett at my rum punch party


Attachment 32588

Ahee Bees burger. Great guy, good food

Hey Gerry is that burger served on bread and not a bun

Yeah, it's bread but just this day. He was waiting for more buns. It was still good with the bread.

You had a rum punch party without me? I'm crushed!

Tell me you're coming back in Feb.!!!!!! We miss you!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gerryg123

Yeah, it's bread but just this day. He was waiting for more buns. It was still good with the bread.

---

Growing up that was a burger in my mom's house!!!! :)

Attachment 32594

Boy, the seastar dog


Attachment 32595

Elvis from Pee Wees

Attachment 32596

Hangin with Bobo, the wood carver

Perfect shot of Elvis!

Nice report, gotta try the sea star... someday...

I never knew mango's were in season.

I woke up to an utterly beautiful morning on Thursday, one of those picturesque Caribbean scenes that look like a scene from a movie. I motored down to Seasplash to meet Famous Vincent, and this time there were four other snorkelers on the boat, all from Tensing Pen – a resort just up the road from Seastar that costs about 10 times as much per night.

Yes, the Tensing foursome had a view of the ocean, but they said they were miserable because of Tensing Pen’s very poor service and bad attitudes among the staff – a mild surprise considering the Cliff resort’s good reputation, but, like everything in Jamaica, totally believable.

Among the highlights of the excursion was spearing several nice fish. Also, there was a huge stingray we sighted that lay kind of nestled in the sandy bottom before swiveling away at the last moment.

I stopped at Smokey Joe’s jerk stand for a quick bite on the way home, then ran into Negril Bill, and we said our hellos with vague plans to hook up later in the week. I think he is gun shy cause last time we were together, I totally overdid it at the Jungle and at the ensuing after-party, and I remember he was bit wide-eyed about the whole thing.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gerryg123

I stopped at Smokey Joe’s jerk stand for a quick bite on the way home, then ran into Negril Bill, and we said our hellos with vague plans to hook up later in the week. I think he is gun shy cause last time we were together, I totally overdid it at the Jungle and at the ensuing after-party, and I remember he was bit wide-eyed about the whole thing.

---

ALOT of people are gun shy of hanging with GerryG, not for the meek, minor-leaguers!! LOL:o

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by beachballler

ALOT of people are gun shy of hanging with GerryG, not for the meek, minor-leaguers!! LOL:o

---

I am sure it would be one hell of a ride though! :)

Elvis is looking good! First thing We do on the morning of Feb. 3rd is make to 1 minute walk to PeeWee's and order a Elvis omlet. YUM!:p

Love Smokey Joes.

2 trips ago. Jackie, African (A friend, in tourist - local terms) and I played Dominoes at his table. African crushed us. 10 times in a row, and smokey joe was howling every time. shaking his head at us for being so bad.

Here are some pics:

Attachment 32707

The beach is lookin' good


Attachment 32708

Seastar dog Boy


Attachment 32709

Kevin at Catcha Falling Star

Marko called, and we planned to hook up later. Meantime, I’ve been hangin out with yardies, including Chickster, a fun-loving tourist from Canada with a shiny bald head and a big heart.

I took the scooter up the hill, past Ricks to Banton’s, my long-time friend who runs a little bar up towards Westender. He always has the same red-eyed ambience and cheery disposition, a classic ya-mon fist bumper who represents everything that is irie on the Cliffs.

At Westender, it was time for lunch, so I told Kayvon to bring a big lobster, and he gave me the go-ahead to take a little dip in the pool adjacent to the restaurant. You can float along and gaze at the most beautiful green-mountain scenery you’ve ever seen in your life.

I met an expat who was staying there, having made the short trip from Montego Bay where he and his wife run a business for tourists. Talk about an incredible life – who on earth would not love to be in their place? He’s one of those long-hair tie-dye types who simply belong on the island and would not be comfortable anywhere else. There are a lot of ‘em in Negril. I’m starting to turn into one myself.

Once again, I implore anyone who are considering a vacation to Negril to push the button immediatley. You will NOT regret it. If ever a vacation destination had a satisfacton guarantee, this is the place.

Or, to put it another way: "ya mon, ya mon, ya mon."

Hey GerryG,if you see Kevin and Bradley again please make sure you tell them BillNDonna miss the great service and awesome drinks,we stayed there for Thanksgiving week and I'm pretty sure they will remember us and all the Jager shots!!Thanks pal and keep the reports coming,they are awesome and keep us dreaming of our home away from home!!

I spent most of the afternoon hanging out with Kevin from Norway, my yardie friend. He stays long-term and loves Negril, and we like to listen to old-school rock together – a nice change of pace from old-school reggae and electronic new-Jamaica music.

I often bond with a Seastar Inn yardie, and to this day former hotel neighbors like Brasi and Tattoo Charlie remain good friends. Kevin is that guy this trip. He loves everything Negril and so do I.

It was Chickster’s last night, so we all went to Catcha Falling Star for the bon voyage – the Canadian and his girlfriend, Kevin and myself. Nichollette was our waitress, as always. She has a good attitude and unique smile with a little space between her front teeth. We dined on pasta dishes washed down with rum punches, and a fellow boardie was at the next table and recognized me, so we all hung out together toasting drinks and puffing ganja under the moonlight. There was a nice breeze as the waves touched onto the Cliffs, just a perfect Jamaica evening.

It was getting late by the time we returned to Seastar Inn, but the night was just getting started. I slid Shaky a 20 to run up to the corner for another bottle of JB Overproof, and a few of us eventually gathered in room 14 for some more drinks and laughs before eventually calling it a day.

I slept well, dreaming of the ocean and riding through the cliffs and enjoying jerk chicken and kissing beautiful girls.

I woke up early the next morning for spear-fishing, and I got seven fish and two lobsters. At the Seastar pool, Garrett is off work today, so he was hosting his two sons in the pool, trying to teach the little one to swim. On a past trip, Tattoo Charlie had helped teach the older one to swim.

I went to the Westender Inn and ordered their home-made onion rings – only got six rings for six dollars, not the best deal in Negril. I popped by Out of Town pastries and said hi to Colin, who served a veggie roll and cherry-pineapple drink plus a stack of Lion Pride.

I met Marko at Tony’s cook stand across from Pee Wees. The chef was not the most friendly one I’ve met in Negril, getting miffed when I asked to better secure my to-go plate with tin foil, but for $6 he serves a nice yardie plate with chicken and rice and veggies.

I drank Dragon Stoudt at No Limit bar, where I met a pretty tourist from Virginia who knew the runnings well and was traveling with her dad. Back at Seastar, I poured rum drinks with Kevin from Norway, mixing JB overproof, fruit punch and a little OJ on top. Garrett joined and we all drank together.

At first, Garrett came just to fix the balcony light bulb, but he ended up staying until the bottle was gone. Then we escaped to the bar for more imbibing, and Shaky and Bobby from Canada (next door neighbor, cool guy) and Rochelle and Randy were all present. I took some photos at the bar, then crashed hard after turning the key and collapsing onto the bed.

Overproof! That was your first mistake.

Thanks, my brotha, I needed this..Blessings and Happy New Year!

It’s Saturday in Negril, and I’ve had to check myself and relax a bit. I tend to overdo it in Negril, always on the go, go, go, and all the activity has caught up with me – particularly the late-night drinking, something I don’t do at home.

The bartender Alicia at Seasplash always remembers me. She’s seen the youtube video I did a year or so ago with her making a fruit punch, and she likes it. I ordered some fries and lay on my raft on the ocean. I looked up and met a boardie named Gus from the east coast. He says he’s a TRAIL OF ASHES fan and that he’s glad to meet me; a lot of folks recognize my face from the board – I kind of like it.

Gus is loyal to Treehouse, which is next door Seasplash. He has a great life story that includes being struck by lightning, and he is a successful guy who has served as a benefactor for some of the locals on the beach, helping them build up a little restaurant, Aunty’s Patties I think it’s called.

Soon Famous Vincent showed up, and we went spear-fishing, the highlight being spearing a lizard fish, one of the bigger things out there. The were four others on the boat, all from Tensing Pen.

Here are some pics:

Attachment 32746

Getting into the groove in Negril


Attachment 32747

Catcha server Nichollette

Attachment 32748

Canadian Chickster n girlfriend

You gotta love us Canadians, Gerry! You know you do, EH?;)

You still in Negril Gerry?

GerryG - hate that I missed you but Summer works best for me... I got 10 days locked in July... Might be able to do the week between Christmas and New Years next time.... Marko is missing you... I know you had another Great time!! Negril is so much fun and special.... I need a scooter friend in July... You now Marko can't keep up on his bike... :D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by beachballler

I need a scooter friend in July... You now Marko can't keep up on his bike... :D

---

One afternoon in front of Hi Lo, Marko was loading two big bags of groceries on his bike when from behind I did my best Negril accent and said: "Ya mon you got 100j?" He was surprised it was me, but we ended up tying the stuff to my scooter, and together we toted everything up the hill side by side at 5 mph.

He loves that bike, but having a scooter is the most bliss thing in all of Negril. I couldn't be nearly the same tourist without it.

Me and my wife went over to Ahhh Bees for lunch and guess who is there 3...2...1... Gerryg123, that's who! Is was a pleasure to meet you Gerryg. What a Berger, I can't believe I ate the whole thing. Keep up the play by play.

Hey gerryg, if you get by seasplash again would it be possible to see pic(s) of Alecia and or Natasha? Love those girls and sure do miss them! Loving your report as always!