Photos of Negril before digital

Keep in mind that in the 70s we were IMMORTAL!

Cap

I must've dove / jumped hundreds of times from the high spot at Ricks. That was back when you had to walk out on the jagged rock to the smooth spot, and dive / jump out far enough to clear the cliff. Since getting married, having kids and getting older, I seem to have lost my....to be polite, Nerve. At least I don't have to explain why my forehead is bright red and the rest of me is tan.

Wow! I love looking at all the old pictures and hearing the stories!

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Originally Posted by johng

Redlegger,

Yes I could tell your photos dated back to the late 70's. By the shadow the bar at Rick's is casting it appears to be mid afternoon?

As far as jumping again goes I was thinking the other day what would happen if you (or anyone) got hurt in a jump or dive. Who would jump in to save you other than a friend or family member? I don't think they have lifeguards or anything at Rick's you would pretty much be on your own. Somebody had a problem after jumping a year or two ago and I think it had a bad ending.

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Updates. I couldn't get any of my 59-60 year old crowd to go jump. We were staying a Catcha and snorkeling over. Also jumping off Catcha which in some places is close to 30 '. You can't just go over to Rick's and jump any time of the day like the old days. Its mostly when the the boats arrive for sunset when it is ridiculously packed. So I wander over by myself the last day, have no one to leave my stuff with ( glasses,keys, etc). Finding every reason to just say screw it, finally I lay my stuff down climb up to the top jump (35' or so) and the guy tells me I have to go off the lower one first, I reply with all due respect that I jump every so many years when I visit since 1979. He then tells me I have to make a donation in his bucket and also jump off the lower level or no jump. I hadn't brought any money since I was alone and he basically told me to step down. Very Sad. Its nothing but a big tourist trap anymore but it made me sad.

Redlegger,

Sorry to hear your disappointment trying to jump at Rick's. Nothing stays the same unfortunately, but you had the good fortune of visiting Negril back in the day so at least those memories are still intact. Boy it was a laid back Cool place!!

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Originally Posted by Redlegger

Updates. I couldn't get any of my 59-60 year old crowd to go jump. We were staying a Catcha and snorkeling over. Also jumping off Catcha which in some places is close to 30 '. You can't just go over to Rick's and jump any time of the day like the old days. Its mostly when the the boats arrive for sunset when it is ridiculously packed. So I wander over by myself the last day, have no one to leave my stuff with ( glasses,keys, etc). Finding every reason to just say screw it, finally I lay my stuff down climb up to the top jump (35' or so) and the guy tells me I have to go off the lower one first, I reply with all due respect that I jump every so many years when I visit since 1979. He then tells me I have to make a donation in his bucket and also jump off the lower level or no jump. I hadn't brought any money since I was alone and he basically told me to step down. Very Sad. Its nothing but a big tourist trap anymore but it made me sad.

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Hustlers have taken the place over and the vibe sucks IMHO. Is Tom still running the place? Tom is a good dude and my guess is he would appreciate the feedback on crap like this. My last visit was before Tom took it back over, so I am only going off of memory.

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Originally Posted by johng

Yeffers, I can only speak for myself but what brought me to Negril in 1975 was an awesome beach, great weather and a very inexpensive vacation. I either stayed with a family, pitched a tent or rented a small room I made it on about $10USD a day. In comparison Fort Lauderdale and Key West were totally overcrowded and expensive. Negril was still somewhat of a secret and along with being inexpensive everybody going there knew that Ganja was available and lots less of a hassle than the US so combined with cheap airfare from NYC it was a no brainer.

JaHowards, glad my photos invoked an OMG moment for you. The Villa's Negril was one of the best spots and deals in Negril. Close enough to walk to the beach but the pool was killer. Rooms had AC and functional bathrooms with hot water, comfortable beds. Brimsley Hall was second to none as a bartender, always a good act on Saturday nights and a Manager's Cocktail Party (Happy Hour) with free food and drinks. I think the room rate as a solo was in 1977 about $50USD maybe less so I could do a week in a tent and then splurge for a couple of nights at the Villa's.

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Anyone know the where abouts of Brimsley?

We stay at Catcha every year. We met a couple there that have traveled to Negril for years. This man said his first trip was in 1964. He was 78 yes old and jumped with my hubs. I couldn't believe it.

I would love to get a copy of "The Story of Westmoreland, a Jamaican Parish” to read before my next reach. Unfortunately (and as expected) an Amazon search returned 0 results. I will search when I return in December unless someone knows how to purchase a copy online?

My boats 1979:

Second boat say "Rent Me-Cosmo's"



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