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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.”
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Time to go. Waved goodbye to my little friend who yelled goodbye back.
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that back road to reach is wonderful . . . always, always takes my breath away . . . vi, you were a stone's throw from my little place where i used to stay . . .
i drive that road at least once alone when i hit portland . . . it's like major meditation driving through it . . . from commodore, sometimes i don't see any folks until almost reach falls . . .
Reich IS something special.....and you've captured it so well......SIGH
Beautiful pictures of the falls! I haven't been there for probably 10 years. Last time we were there, we got stopped and searched by the police in Manchioneal on the way to the falls. I did go under the falls like the guy in the picture - that water is cold though!
Magical and beautiful! I love your pictures, Vi! How wonderful to chat with the little girl and see her refreshing take on your surroundings ;)
Jitterbug, I haven’t driven in Jamaica yet but would like to give it a try on one of the back roads beyond Long Bay. We coasted along for miles without even passing another car. So very relaxing. Please continue to share your memories and thoughts with me. This was my 6th visit and although I get out and about, I know there are still tons of discoveries waiting for me.
Sammy, you have to go back as soon as you can. You will be pulled into her all over again.
Thanks Rachel, I’m sure you noticed a lot of changes. Plus there was some landscape shifting due to Sandy. The lifeguard said it took a while to clear away the debris but they were grateful they only lost one small building. Next time I plan to go under the falls.
Schuttzie, that little girl had much love and respect for Reach Falls. I can see her writing about her first visit there and using the word “magical”. You could see she found a place she embraced and wants to return to again and again. Her family wanted to go to a beach that day since they were leaving in two days, but she begged them to do the falls again. She’s a princess alright.
Just lovely!
Yes it is Goldilocks Please try to see it for yourself one day soon :)
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On the road again and I was hungry now and wanted a LOT of food. I searched my bag for a purse to see how much I had to spend. Wasn’t sure if I had the big meal money or change for snacks.
Discovered I had the journal with me which I rarely take out of the room. I like to write updates in the morning…in between ventures…then late at night if I don’t pass out first. Don’t like to take it out because once a half full journal ended up getting rained on. I was devastated. These are the special gifts I’ve been getting from Sammy since 2005. I treasure them even before I rip the padded envelope to shreds getting at it. Then it becomes like gold by the end of the reach. Filled with new memories that I can reflect on.
Well anyway, I had it with me and decided to open it and read what I’ve done so far as we traveled along. A couple of bills dropped out as I was flipping through the pages. I forgot I put them in the journal…bookmarks.
“What?!?! Is that a 20 dolla?”
“Yeah and a 2 dollar bill also.”
“Where you find them?”
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I told him how they found me. Right before I was to come to Jamaica for the Independence celebrations in August of 2012, a co-worker said she had some Jamaican money she knows she’ll never use so they’re mine if I want. Sure!
When I saw the denominations I knew I would never spend them but I didn’t discover just how special the 2 dollar bill was until I got to Port Antonio that reach and overheard a couple of people talk about the image. The same image from the 2J was used on all currency printed for the 50th year independence.
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He told me that not all of Jamaica thought it was a good idea to change the image. This is because some relied on the “image” to tell the difference between the denomination rather then the numbers on the currency. Often the 100J and 1,000J were mixed up. You use a 100J when payment was more, the vendor or recipient made you aware of your mistake so you went digging for the 1000J. But if the mistake was reversed, sometimes you were SOL!
I still think it’s cool to have such a special piece of history that will come with me on every visit.
And (((Sammy))), thanks bunches for the beautiful journal for this reach.
Back to travels…
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“Long Bay Beach coming up. You want to stop?”
“Yes…but briefly because I’m ready to eat something.”
“What about de potato sticks?”
“They’ve been long gone.”
“oh…”
We pulled in and all I could do was say “Oh my goodness” when I saw the restaurant/bar once called “Chill Out”.
How cool about the 2J bill. I had to go look at our stash of J money and the lowest paper bill I have is a 50J. I have the 2J coin and much more so the 2J bill with the great image is so neat!
Schuttzie, I was happy to get the bills since I've never saw those denominations before, but felt like I won a prize when I found out about the image.
“What happened?”
“Hurricane mash it up. No owner fe repair it.”
I quickly slipped the journal back into my bag and jumped out the car to get a closer look.
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Sad yes, but hopeful that someone will soon come along to give this place life again.
I was glad to see that the beach itself was still in goos condition.
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Vi, The journals are really for my pleasure.....I get to read your thoughts via a trip report:) The money images are KOOL!
Long Bay coming up........Lawd help me!
Excuse me while I exit your report.......can't return until I have a ticket in hand, maybe then I can bear seeing Long Bay.......SIGH
Well….lol…you KNOW, Sammy, I can’t report ALL that’s written in the journals…some of the recollections shock me and I was there!!!! The first three from Negril are locked in a safe!! Bet Zane would pay a little something to get those stories.
Now a questions about that ticket…WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?????? These pictures don’t do Long Bay or any other beach in Portland the justice these oasis deserve. You know as well as I do…being there is the only true sensation. So don't go anywhere...just Get That Ticket!!!
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I love all the beaches in Portland. I honestly don’t have a favorite. Each beach has its own style and character so I get different pleasures from each one. One who frequents the beaches can identify the location just by seeing a shot of a corner or small area. They are just that individual.
Long Bay Beach is spacious and always invitingly quiet. I feel it’s the perfect beach for picnicking or chilling with a good book. I admit I daydream about having my wedding here IF the man of my dreams should ever materialize.
The area residents keep it clean by coming in groups to rake fallen leaves and sticks.
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You won’t see a lot of children at this beach because the undertow is strong so most parents won’t allow their little ones to swim here. I’ve waded in the water and can testify regarding the strong tide even during calm flow. But the boldness of these waters makes it so invigorating.
Oh, the ocean floor is sandy, no rocks or shell chips to worry your feet. But I would wear watershoes for support and balance.
Today there was a bit of agitation within the waves so not even going to go calf deep. Just let the toes and ankles get wet then leave out with sand covered feet.
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The beach sections in the housing area remind me a little of Cape May, but one look at the pristine water lets me know this is NOT south Jersey.
chill out has had a sad history . . . one owner after the other . . . it's real difficult to sustain a business in the off season . . . it looks so sad.
thank you vi for sharing your story and pictures.
did you happen to stop anywhere else in long bay?
JitterBug, the first time I came here it was NICE!!! Everything about Chill Out convinced me I wanted to spend time there and all around Long Bay. The next visit is when I heard it was shut down. the visit after that, someone was fixing it up...but I guess that didn't work out.
A cook shop is the only other place I stopped in long bay. Please pass on suggestions if you have any so I can check them out next reach.
LOVE this photo.......Quote:
Originally Posted by *vi*
Long Bay holds a special place in my heart.........
Remember our first visit there? ......special memories for each of us :o
Sammy, remember how it was? Here are some pictures from our first visit in 2011. Like I said it was really nice.
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I still make sure I stop there every visit...you are so right, this place will forever be special
Lovely beach photos...I just inhale and relax looking at these, thank you!
Thanks Schuttzie. Guess what's coming up soon....yep, Winnifred Beach!!! Boy what a day that was...interesting from noon to dawn. Please stick around because remember this post is dedicated to you and your hubby.
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I never did find out the meaning of the above display but isn’t it creepy???
After a couple of stops here and there, I finally made it back into Port Antonio searching for food. Don’t remember from where but got a very tasty fried chicken meal then back to the room.
*Vi* your pictures are making me want to book and leave today... just beautful