Great pictures and trip update,thank you!!
Printable View
Great pictures and trip update,thank you!!
Great trip report....I am homesick, hungry and thirsty now!!!
Hey kikn! Nice meeting you guys at the castle! So... Did u ever get to the Pelican Bar that next day?...
Fun report!
I'm really enjoying your trip report so far! Great details and I love all the pics!
(sorry to hear about the chicken vendor situation, It's always frustrating when things like that happen)
Please keep it coming - looking forward to the next update:D
Thanks for all of the positive feedback everyone!
Yes, we did! Where was everyone? We were expecting to see you there! But nice meeting you too!Quote:
Originally Posted by murph
The following day, Sunday, was excursion day for us. Monday had been our original plan, but unfortunately YS Falls is closed mondays, so Sunday it is! A few days earlier, at the White Sands bar, we meet Timm and Glenda, a very nice couple who are also interested in going. We had a nice group of 6, and early (for us) the next morning we head out to YS Falls!
The trip started out nicely. Our driver, Steve Positive, picks us up at the appointed time, and lets us know there will be a very slight detour before we head out. We head towards Red Ground, where we pick up the driver's mother and sister. Halfway to Sav la Mar, we drop both of them off at Church. This just has to be a good sign, I am thinking. If a trip begins with taking the driver's mother to Church, there has to be some good vibes going for the trip. They agree to pray for us, and we are on our way!
First stop, YS Falls. Just a beautiful place. It's nice to see the countryside, and how green everything is. We don't bother with the zip line or anything. It looked kinda fun, if you are into that sort of thing. I hate heights, so hell no. But the falls are georgous. We had been one time before, and were allowed to swim at the top part of the falls. This trip, the water was too high, so we just had to observe. A bit lower down, near the rope swing, the water was calm enough to swim in. Cold, but very refreshing. Nothing like wading underneath a waterfall, water crashing down on you. We all had a nice little swim. Took some more pictures, another swim in the small pool at the the bottom of the falls, and it was time to move on.
My wife and I had taken this trip several years before, and had been wanting to go back to our lunch spot ever since. Howies HQ, right at the turnoff to YS Falls, is one of those perfect side-of-the-road type places. You drive by, and see these giant pots of food cooking over wood. Makes me hungry just thinking about it. Curried Goat, Conch, Oxtail, and Chicken, maybe a few others were the dishes that were ready that day. I ordered the goat, my wife the oxtail, and both were excellent! Cheap, about 5 bucks a person, for a fantastic meal.
YS Falls!
Attachment 20827
Love getting out in the country. So beautiful and green!
Attachment 20823
Pictures really don't do it justice
Attachment 20824
Attachment 20825
Attachment 20826
Attachment 20828
Howies is the BEST!!!! Yum!
Lunch at Howies! Worth the trip by itself!
Attachment 20837
Just seeing the giant pots makes me hungry
Attachment 20829
Attachment 20830
Attachment 20831
Attachment 20832
Attachment 20833
Attachment 20834
Pictures again do not do it justice
Attachment 20835
Attachment 20836
Attachment 20838
Great report, Kikn, lovin' it! Looks like you alternate between chill and go. What a fun trip.
The last destinaition, and the place I was most looking forward to, was the Pelican Bar. We arrive at a small restaurant/bar seemingly in the middle of nowhere, where our driver arranges a boat captain to take us to the Pelican Bar. We walk to the beach, and soon we are off, on our way to the Pelican Bar! It was a nice little boat ride, and before long we could see the bar in the distance. We had arrived!
The bar is packed. Everywhere. This was our second trip here, the first time was not nearly this bad. Getting a drink was fine, but where to go from there was difficult. The inside part was totally packed, with no place to hang out at. The only real place to sit was the outside sundecks, whice were not really stable or safe feeling. No one really felt comfortable on the outside part. It was a nice view, and cool seeing the stingrays swimming below us, but the crowds were a little much. Even standing outside in the water was a bit difficult. When we had come here years before, I loved it, but we were with a large group, and we didn't get to spend as much time here as I had really wanted. This time, the plan was to spend some more time here, and enjoy the bar a bit. Unfortunately, with the crowds, I wasn't sure if that was going to happen. None of our group really seemed that comfortable there, at first at least.
The boats gradually left, and we finally had some room to enjoy ourselves a bit. We all had a few drinks. Most everyone was drinking beer. No regular Red Stripes, which just seemed wrong to me. I'm not a fan of Red Stripe Light. I don't like that the bottles are smaller, they have less alcohol, and cost more than the standard Red Stripes. They also had Heinekins. There was also two half-full bottles of rum, one Appleton and one JB. I ordered an Appleton and Pepsi, and pretty soon started to get in the spirit of things. We took over the dominoes table for a bit, and our boat captain helped us learn the finer points of the game.
More drinks followed. Pretty soon the Appleton was finished. OK, now, beer or overproof? Uggh, I hate the taste of gasoline. Oh well, suck it up, I can do it. Ordered a JB. First sip was rough, but it gradually improved. More dominoes. An occasional swim/bathroom break. Another few rounds. By now, I'm feeling pretty good, and everyone in the group seems to be having a pretty good time. It occurs to me that I seem to be the only one drinking liquor in the entire bar. Actually, I got the last plastic cup in the place, so I was pretty sure of it. I had already finished off the Appleton. Now, the overproof was getting low. I had a mission! I was going to drink the Pelican Bar out of rum!!
Well, by now we had been there a few hours. And yes, I did kill the bottle of rum. They actually had another bottle, so I did not, in fact, drink the ENTIRE bar out of rum. But did a pretty good job, and eventually put a nice dent in the third bottle. By now its getting a bit late in the day. Sunset is less than hour away. No point in leaving now. Grabbed another drink, and headed into the water for sunset. An amazing view, an amazing place. Getting dark, we finally board the boat for the ride back to shore. After a beautiful boat ride - really, the views were amazing - we met our driver, who probably was expecting us hours ago, and headed back to Negril. Thanks again, Timm and Glenda, for joining us and helping to make it such a fun day.
Arrived at a deserted beach in Southern Jamaica
Attachment 20859
Our ride to the Bar
Attachment 20860
Can see it in the distance...
Attachment 20861
And we're here!
Attachment 20862
Hard enough to walk on the sundeck without a dog blocking the path... beautiful dog, though
Attachment 20863
The Bar
Attachment 20856
My wife outside the bar
Attachment 20864
Cheers!
Attachment 20865
Dominoes at the Pelican Bar
Attachment 20871
Group Photo
Attachment 20870
Is there a better place to watch the sun set?
Attachment 20872
Leaving the bar
Attachment 20866
Attachment 20867
Attachment 20868
What a fun trip!
Attachment 20869
Wow! Love that sunset photo.....might just be the best Pelican Bar photo I have seen!
Nice!
See some familiar faces in in the pics. Did not make it to Pelican Bar. I hope this is in the plans for April/May
Hey Kiknback great trip report! We are really missed our Nov trip to Negril, hopefully we will make it next year. Good thing we have an April trip to get us through till then.
Cheers
Ah the Pelican...nice mon.
Hey I know that dog! That,s Trixy Captain Ted,s dog that isnt his dog! Anyway Trixy rides with Captain Ted from Treasure Beach, and she point out the dolphins on the way.
Missed you guys too! Although we took your room at White Sands this trip, and I like that room better! April sounds like it will be a lot of fun!Quote:
Originally Posted by meinvancouver
That's awesome!Quote:
Originally Posted by poolguywindsor
Kikn, looks like ya had a blast this time around! We actually met last year on the One Love Bus in January (I agree was a great night!) Are ya headed back again in January? Can't wait to read the rest of the report, helps with my January countdown, Only 18 days to go!! :) keep it coming!!!
Cheers
W99
The past few years our November trip has been a group thing. We always have friends around, and people to hang out with. It's great. However, there are times that I like to be alone. Particularly in the morning, when I am not the friendliest person in the world. I regularly go for long walks on the beach, just me, no plans. I casually mention this, and when morning comes, all our friends want to join me. "Can I come with? Can we stop for some breakfast?" Uggh. Not in the mood for people. I had to put an end to it. "No! If you want breakfast, go get breakfast yourself. I am just going for a walk, and it will be on my schedule, and only my schedule! It's not social hour, and it is not a democracy! You can follow if you want, but I am doing my own thing." That did the trick. They all went to breakfast, and I was on my own for a few hours.
Unless I am walking into town or have a place I need to go, I usually walk to where the beach ends past Cosmos. Sometimes I'll continue to the all-inclusives at the next stretch of beach. But usually I just find a nice shady spot near the end of the beach, bring a drink, and chill out for a bit on this quiet stretch of beach before walking back. Usually there is a local higgler around, and I'll get to know them a bit. Some of my best times in Negril have been relaxing on this stretch of beach, just chatting, and usually befriending, a local.
I walk to my normal area, at the end of the beach, and Kyle, who I had met on a previous walk, waves me over to his shady spot. The usual requests. Need any smoke? Anything I can do for you? I decline all offers, I have everything I need, but have a seat next to him and chat a bit. He continues to try to sell me anything and everything, but soon realizes that I am not buying anything and leaves me be. That part of the beach is so peaceful. Rarely anyone around. And that is where I sat for a good part of the morning, relaxing, and watching a Negril hustler in action.
It was fascinating to watch. Like I said, very little traffic on that stretch. Mostly the all-inclusive folks out for a little walk. But Kyle had a little something for everyone who would walk by. Single guys, he would offer pot. Couples, he would try to sell souvenirs, then pot. "I want to be your Jamacian Boyfriend" was his line to an older, not particularly attractive woman that must have been someone's grandma. He had everything. This was Kyle the drug dealer/souvenir salesman/rum and vodka distributer/Gigalo/Pimp. A man of many talents. And I am pretty sure if there was anything else you wanted he could find it. But it was just really interesting to watch the reactions, and the interactions. Half the people walking by were afraid to even look in his direction. Most were simply dismissive and kept walking. A few were respectful. I think he had a shot with grandma, if she came walking back the same way.
I stayed for over an hour, just relaxing and watching the interactions. Just fascinating people-watching. In that time, he made nothing. Not one sale. Its a tough living being a Negril hustler. As I am getting ready to leave, a local girl walks up. She looks like the quiet, nice girl type. "Would you be interested in a massage?" No, thanks. She then looks my way. "I like your Bamboo." Excuse me??? I'm in a bathing suit, but its baggy, not a speedo or anything. She can't possibly see my bamboo. I must have misheard her, so I ask her to repeat herself. She looks me down, straight at my bamboo. "I like your bamboo." Ok, it's time for me to go! I walk back and join my friends, having had one of the more interesting mornings of my trip. So much more memorable than breakfast!
My peaceful little spot at the end of the beach
Attachment 20882
Attachment 20883
Great report!
I agree with Marley, best sunset/Pelican Bar pics ever! Wow, how cool. What a great day. Then the next to have your manhood affirmed, out of sight but still alright! Like how you roll!
It's now the last day of the trip. Reality is starting to set in. Need to try to get one last day of fun in. And what better way of doing that than to finish the trip than the same way we started it, on the drunk bus!
We had thought our friends were going to miss out of the One Love Bus Experience. They were not around on either Wednesday or Fridays. However, Lenbert had said he will do a private run with eight people. And convieniently enough, we had a total of eight people interested on Tuesday, our last day. So we were off, on our semi-private One Love bus!
Since we had pretty much taken over the bus, we had say as to what stops we went to. For the first stop, we went to a bar that we have become semi-regulars at over the years. The Police Station. Yes, the actual police station. If you are not aware, yes, there is an actual bar at the police station. I think even Lenbert was surprised that the bar existed. Not the nicest bar in the world, but where else can you say that you got a beer (or rum) at the police station?
From there, many of the standard stops. On the Rocks. No Limit and Peewees. Peewee's was interesting. For those that have not been, it is a beautiful bar overlooking the cliffs. There is also a staircase to allow access to the water. Like many of these stairs on the cliffs, it is not for those with a fear of heights. No railings, steep, wet and slippery. We decide to go down anyway. We walk halfway down. We're at the scariest part. And there, right where the stairs make a little turn, where one slip could mean serious injury, what did we see? A banana peel. I felt like we were in a bad cartoon.
We survived, and next stop was LTU. Our friend was a Negril 1st timer, and had never seen Rick's before, so we walked over there during the stop to take some pictures and see the sights, before walking back to join the group. And finally Sir D's, the best Sunset location in Negril. Dinner at Jenny's/C&D, and then back to White Sands for some final craziness.
Another wonderful trip. The next morning, we wake up, a final swim, and time to pack everything up for the trip home. And time to plan the next trip.
And the Drunk Bus pulls into the Police Station
Attachment 20964
Not sure what is more disturbing... that there is a bar at the police station, or that they watch cartoons there.
Attachment 20963
Sign at the next bar. The policy was self explanatory at the previous bar.
Attachment 20965
Nice place, though.
Attachment 20966
Walking down the steep steps at PeeWee's
Attachment 20969
Someone's just messing with me.
Attachment 20968
Steep walk.
Attachment 20967
Had to make a quick stop at Rick's
Attachment 20975
Maybe a tourist trap, but still, one of the coolest tourist traps around.
Attachment 20976
Attachment 20977
Sign in the bathroom
Attachment 20974
Attachment 20978
And off to Sir D's for Sunset
Attachment 20979
Attachment 20980
Attachment 20981
Attachment 20982
Not happy to have to go home...
Attachment 20983
lol, thanks pine tree john! And the crowds seem to love it at Seastar! But I stand by my original opinion of reggae electric slide though! Or any electric sliding! I'll be throwing up now, thank you!
the banana peel picture is right up there with monty's goat in the box picture, lolol!!! i really like the report. i think we would could share a few in negril!
Definately a great report,thank you!!