How do you guys do it? I was forgetting what happened, which day after I was back a week! Do you take notes or just have a REALLY good memory? LOL!
How do you guys do it? I was forgetting what happened, which day after I was back a week! Do you take notes or just have a REALLY good memory? LOL!
Okay, I'm back
Mayfield Falls Continued...
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So when we left off, Daisy had decided NOT to rent water shoes.
In her defense, she did not come to this decision out of hubris, but rather for us to have more money to give to our tour guide, when we were done. Very noble. Our tour-guide disagreed with the decision and packed an extra pair of water shoes, should she request it later. Daisy never did. ( that's my girl!).
The sun was getting lower and the insects began buzzing in little dancing clouds above the shrubbery. As we stripped to trunks and bikinis, we began to feel little bites, real and imagined. It was high time to get into the water.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...fieldguide.jpg
Sheldon packed our cameras into a little cooler and guided us down a slippery wood-and-mud ladder to the edge of the river, where the mud gave way to boulders of every size. The water was roaring merely feet away from us now. Conversation was impossible and even shouting helped little.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...fallwguide.jpg
Sheldon screamed: “Canon ball! Canon ball! You can jump! Jump!”
Daisy wiped the water-spray out of her face and looked undecided: “Just jump?”
Jamar took one deep breath and courageously leaped into the wet. Daisy and I followed.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...ingOnWater.jpg
(still frame from the video footage)
Once my face broke below the surface my cheeks were tickled by a million frantic bubbles all racing upwards along the surface of my skin. Every inch of my body suddenly felt like it had been dunked into a soda bottle.
My feet found footing about five feet down. I erected myself and rose out of the ragging water.
I hadn't paid much attention before, struggling with our cameras, focusing on little plant pods and details. When I finally opened my eyes to take it all in, it was overwhelming.
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A turquoise stream meandered downriver from my torso. Its color was so pure and strong, it looked painted. Picturesque boulders covered the river bed , while a lush ribbon of flowers, vines, moss and fern completed the colorful composition with an accent along the winding banks.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...waterfall1.jpg
The trees here and there rose sturdily from the ground, their weight supported by enormous buttress roots that circled the trunk like the radiating fan-blades on a jet-engine. Looking up their height was intimidating. Vines came down some 60 feet or more. When followed by eyes, they disappeared into a tangle of other vines near the crown. I could only ponder, what wonders might be waiting there to be discovered - in that strange, lofty world, the kingdom of epiphytes and clinging roots.
Daisy ripped me out of my thoughts: “You should put on your snorkel, see what's in here”.
That's right. There were discoveries waiting right here. I put the mask on and squeezed for some suction.
First, all I could see were bubbles. The force of the water, racing downriver, grabbed and shoved the air two feet down, below the surface. I struggled against buoyancy and downstream to get a view below the frothy layer. My snorkel was being pounded and wildly shaken by enormous commotion and thus utterly useless. I finally grabbed a hold on a boulder and pulled myself down.
Again, the view that opened underwater was absolutely breathtaking.
I have seen clean water. All of us living in the Western World have, be it filling a pot from the faucet or diving into a swimming-pool. Yet, this was something different. Maybe, because THIS was a river and it WASN'T SUPPOSED TO be that clean. Maybe, because the light shining through it, was somehow more brilliant, I don't know, but what I can say, to me it was like showing someone, who has seen nothing but VHS-tapes, a blue-ray movie on an HD-Screen. STUNNING!
I felt like I was treading on hallowed ground. Suddenly I was aware of all the crap on my body, the sun-tan lotion, the lotion-lotion, the leave-in conditioner, the traces of detergent in my trunks. This water was so clear, I felt like my body in and of itself was pollution, a slight moment of western self-disgust.
There were only two colors down there. The turquoise color of the water intensifying with depth, and the even brownish-gray of the rocks. Every living thing, conformed to that color scheme. The rocks had probably taken the color from the algae growing on them and the fish, snails and river-lobster conformed for the purpose of camouflage.
I rose up with a gasp for air: “Honey you got to see this!”
I tore the mask off my face and offered it.
Meanwhile Daisy and Jamar had been enjoying the force of the river in other ways. Between the biggest of the smooth, round boulders were gaps that smaller boulders were stuck in. The whole configuration created an underwater seat right where the water rushed down the successive steps that made these "the falls" rather than a river.
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...he-Foam_01.jpg
(still frame from the video footage)
Sheldon gestured me to go there and screamed: “Like a Jacuzzi Man, just like a natural Jacuzzi, Ya Mon!”
Daisy made room, taking the snorkel, as we traded places.
Sheldon: “Push Man, against the rocks, Man, with your feet.”
I fumbled and struggled against the current until my feet finally found what he was talking about. As if created by an ingenious interior designer, nature had placed a little foot board right here, which made it possible to push ones body back against the rushing water and take a seat in the gap.
Once planted there the water pounded against my shoulders violently. I shifted left and right and received a thorough Swedish message at no extra cost.
“We got to go Man!” Sheldon screamed, “Lots more to see!”
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He helped us out of the little pool, we had become so enamored with, and pulled us, one by one, onto the next higher level of the stream.
From there we wandered in shallow water over smooth and slippery rocks further up the river. I expected monkeys and pirates to fall from the trees any minute now, but no such event occurred.
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When I took closer look at the boulders we were climbing over, I was once again astonished by a little detail: On the top edge of every rock, on the side facing downriver, a little lip had formed, grown out of minerals deposited there. That lip consistently took the shape a wave. Like a fossil of sorts, the river had made a mark into every rock. As a little indication of its existence for future generations, the river had crafted, no... , was crafting, a miniature image of itself into the landscape it flowed through, over and over again. Natures self-portraits.
We came to another set of pools, each frothing and bubbling. Sheldon was excited.
“This is a special pool. You can dive through a hole in da rocks from one pool to di other side .”
He showed us the spot and gave precise instructions of how to accomplish the deed.
I went first. So much fun, I did it twice. With the clarity of the water and the current pushing you forward, one could express dive through a hollow under the rocks, from light to dark and back to light. Exciting for the imagined danger of getting stuck, and rewarding for the otherworldly experience. Daisy and Jamar loved it just as much as I.
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The next set of pools had a high-diving board mounted on a tree.
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The final Grand Finale was, what locals called The Washing Machine. Here the water was falling from a bit higher up and in a broader pattern. The gushing forces encircled a pool.
Me and Daisy arrived a little later than Jamar to the spot as our progress was dramatically slower with one of us having no water shoes. Our first question was: “Where is Jamar?”
Sheldon pointed into the washing machine. But there was no trace of him. As Sheldon kept pointing we move deeper into the pool. The walls of water around us came down with formidable strength and it took some courage to pass beneath them.
When I finally did, I discovered our lost companion sitting under the overhanging rocks, in a dry spot.
His figure was erect and proud, while his chin was resting on his fist, not unlike Rodin's thinker. He looked deep in thought. It was like he had melted into this otherworldly landscape and became one with it. Jamar seemed like a warrior who had found his power place. He was absorbing all he could.
My arrival stirred him up. He lost his train of thought and dove back out of the cave below the raging water, that had hid him from the rest of the world. Again I felt like a pollutant. It was right after that, that the “praying mantis” picture was taken of him. I think he found something significant there, though he never talked about it.
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Daisy and me dove in and out of the froth a few more times, kissing and hugging like this was our honey moon.
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But this was the last stage of our adventure and we had to make our way home. Jamar and Sheldon had already started up the steep path back to the campgrounds, and eventually we had to follow.
I think Daisy will agree, that its really the trek home that you need the water shoes for most. I think her feet were getting torn up by prickly seed-pods, sharp sticks and stones. Also touching the hand-rail had serious consequences, as it was covered by armies of vicious little ants, that had claimed this rail as a super high-way.
If you make it to Mayfield Falls, and you feel yourself itching and scratching, these little ants are more likely to be the cause than mosquitoes or gnats. Just stay away from tree trunks, handrails.... or anything really.
The entire time we had enjoyed ourselves so much, also because Sheldon had completely taken over the task of taking pictures. And he had done an expert job, keeping memory card, battery-power, directed and natural snapshots, movies and still shots at a perfect balance. Something I can't even do myself, and he did it with three cameras.
When we got back to the campground, the sun was fading at a hurry. The hundreds of stairs back up to the road seemed insurmountable after the exertions in the water, but we made it.
Me and Daisy last.
Back up on top we were greeted by a Birthday Street Party in full progress. Sheldon and his wife and kids were dancing in the street with Jamar. Other folks and just as many dogs as people were moving about excitedly.
The big smiles from the kids were intoxicating and we hung about for a while. Sheldon’s girls absolutely loved Jamar and dragged him this way and that. What a good time!
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It was so sad to say good bye. We gave Sheldon every dime we had and he was extremely thankful. It seems, especially during off-season, going out for a day excursion can really make a difference in someones family finance. And damn that makes us always happier than the money itself ever could have. And what an experience we had.
As far as day trips go I think that was the greatest experience of my life.
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And with that I leave you. I think Daisy has the continuation of her family discovery almost ready to go. So stay tuned for that.
Thanks...again! My day always starts out nice if I get a chance to enjoy your report first. I forgot to close my office door today, and a co-worker walked in while i was checking out that bug, so must remember to close the door! I am leaving for JA in a couple of weeks, and its all I have been talking about....so he see the photo and asks......"is that a Jamaican bug?"
I loved Mayfield when I went, thanks for the pics.
It is a profound experience and one to be treasured always. You have described it so perfectly.
Excellent! Will put Mayfield Falls at the top of my "to do" list. The photo with the kids and their dad is precious. The little girl in the green dress looks like quite a character.
Awesome. Really cool report. All those times I've been asked to go to Mayfield Falls and turned it down now seem like a series of big mistakes! Love the report!
great stuff! I love the falls, too.
When you are under the washing machine the water is like a raging silence. The white noise, it seems to produce a blanket of quite to everything.
I haven't had the chance to go to Mayfield as of yet, I've been to Dunns. I would love to go my next trip but don't want to bring the baby! Especially since I can't swim a lick. I will put it on the "Future To-Do" list.
Water is shallow in Mayfield, mostly walking in the river. There are always areas to avoid swimming, you'll enjoy. Dunn's = Major Tourist trap, Mayfield is very rustic, natural and beautiful.
Thanks for the trip report on Mayfield Falls! Our 9th trip in a few weeks and we've never done that side trip yet and had already planned on fixing that - we're now booked with Kingsley for Feb. 9th
What a great day to start the morning,with a refreshing trip report.:cool: You guys looked like you were really enjoying the falls. I have read on here a few other times that Mayfeild Falls is must, I have put it on my to do list for my upcoming trip. We are doing Mayfeild Falls, horseback riding and the Pelican Bar as our "official "excursions. I loved the detailed descriptions of the feelings the falls made you all have. In particular Markus, I totally understood what you meant when you said you felt like a pollutant in the water. I felt the same way in Jamaica at certain times. From the chemicals in my hair to the ones I put in my body I just did not want it on me or in me any more. For example, on my last reach to JA back in August
I just did not want any more perm or chemicals in may hair so I 've went back to being natural, no chemicals any only natural products on my hair. I remember how bad I felt when I lit up a cigarette in the beach. I was like "this is not right, I should only smoke the ganja" so I have slowly reduced my cig intake but I still hate the habit and trying to quit. I am just more into the natural beauty of things more than before since I started going to Jamaica. I think I have always been a little hippie as my mom would describe me but JA really brought it out in me even more. So right now my hair looks like a combination of Chaka Khan,Kelis(when she first came out) and Diana Ross all wrapped up in one and I love every strand of it! Daisy you look so happy and content in the photos! Nice!!
I was exhausted after Mayfield falls...
My feet were bruised from stubbornly climbing barefoot over all of those jagged rocks, My whole body was aching from head to toe. For anyone planning a trip to Mayfield falls, I have to tell you that the trek through the jungle and up a waterfall is no small feat, so be prepared to be tired afterwards.
Markus neglected to mention that he carried me most of the way back from the falls to the main grounds. I was done for and could no longer walk. He lifted me up and I clung to him tightly, grateful to take the weight off my battered feet. My hero :)
**Next time I'm renting the water shoes**
Despite that, Our trip to Mayfield falls was truly one of the most amazing and invigorating experiences in my life!! I can't adequately describe it in words and I think Markus did it better than any of us could.
I passed out during the car ride back to Negril. Markus shook me awake when we arrived back at the Grand Pineapple
My first instinct was to climb directly into bed and continue sleeping…
I was starving though and my hunger won out.
I was a bit delirious when I stumbled into the dinner area with Markus and Jamar. I sat down, ordered and listened with bleary eyes to Markus and Jamar contemplating their plans for the night.
"Okay, What do you want to do tonight, Daisy?", Jamar asked
"Sleep", I mumbled and then I let my head drop down onto the table. "Boss Lady" was out for the count. The boys were going to have to figure out what they were going to do next on their own.
**
That's when I heard a voice behind me. "How are you enjoying your stay at the Grand Pineapple?"
I snapped my head up embarrassed and smiled "It's Great! We're having a wonderful time!", I turned around in my chair to see who was speaking to me.
It was a young man, handsome and in his mid-twenties. He had hazel eyes,Short dark brown hair and a warm smile. The first thing I thought was how much he reminded me of my brother... especially his eyes. I wasn't really thinking clearly though, so I didn't make the connection right away. He was wearing a hotel uniform.
The label on his uniform said "PAUL"
Markus put two and two together faster than I did. I was just staring at him with a dazed expression.
"You're Paul!", He said "Daisy's relative!"
"Yes, Hello!", Paul said shaking his hand. Then he turned to me..
"Wow!.. hey, hi!", I said extending my hand. ("wow.. hey, hi??" - seriously? Did I really say that? ugh.)
We shook hands, He was smiling and looking closely at my face. I was staring at his. He had such a kind sympathetic face. I noticed all these similarities…I just couldn't stop looking at his eyes, same color as my fathers eyes, same shaped eyes as my brother… smile was like my brother.... His face was a little fuller but we could pass as brother and sister. I didn't expect him to really look like me. Not really. I know he's my cousin (well technically first cousin once removed) but cousins don't always resemble each other. My cousins on my mother's side don't look like me at all.
This was the very first cousin I have ever met from my father's side of the family! So as you can imagine, this was really huge for me. All these thoughts were rushing through my head and I realized it would be so weird to verbalize them, so I was quiet.
"Daisy, right?", He said. He had a full Jamaican accent which for a second threw me off. I don't know why I suddenly expected him to sound like an American.
"Yes, that's me. I'm Daisy" I said
"When Tayshaun told me I was looking at every person that came in tonight... and when I saw you, I knew right away", He said.
Now you would think in a situation where you meet your long lost cousin for the first time, that you would have all these brilliant things to say and it would be like time never passed or something. Tears and hugging... Oprah Winfrey standing on the side clapping..etc.
But suddenly I was feeling incredibly shy and overwhelmed by the circumstance. I had all these things I wanted to say but they were stuck on this roof of my mouth. As a result, I looked like a deer caught in headlights. I was so happy and so sad at the same time. Happy that I had found my cousin, sad that all these years had passed without us even knowing each other… growing up in two different countries... Now we're across from each other as complete strangers with so much to catch up on.. but where do you even START?
"It's great to meet you!" I managed to stutter out. "I can't believe that you're here working at THIS hotel. I mean, There are so many hotels in Jamaica..."
"I know! It's great to meet you too", He said "I called my mother right away and she wants to-"
That's when he was interrupted by someone calling out to him from across the room "Paul!" The staff member was gesturing as though it was important.
"One minute!" He raised a finger and then looked back at me. "I'm sorry I have to go right now because it's very busy tonight. How long are you staying in Negril?", He asked.
"We’ll be in Jamaica for 3 more days. Tonight is our last night at the Grand Pineapple and then we're moving over to other hotels on the cliffs" I explained.
"Okay good, I'll be here early tomorrow morning, so we can sit down and talk then"
"Okay sounds great!"
He smiled and then he was gone.
I sat there contemplating what had just occurred. Both Markus and Jamar were staring at me.
It was kind of a surreal moment for me that is hard to put into words. I remember trying to smile but I wanted to cry. This brief meeting my cousin brought up this intense feeling of loss in my chest. His resemblance to my brother and the fact that he's clearly around the same age right now that my brother was when he passed away... hit me harder than I anticipated. I just didn't expect it to be like this... I felt a painful lump in my throat..
This isn't easy to write about... so I'll just leave it at that for now.
I went to bed right after dinner, I lay in bed for a while before I could fall asleep because my mind was racing. It was a lot to digest. I couldn’t wait to tell my parents about this and I was looking forward to having a longer talk with my cousin.
The moments before I finally drifted off, I remember feeling a sense of peace. At that moment, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. Everything in life happens for a reason, and another piece of the puzzle had just fallen into place.
This trip was turning out to be so much more than a vacation for me.
Oh my!
That's such a cool thing to have happen...there is something to be said about moments such as these. Congratulations on making such a wonderful connection. Can't wait to hear more! :)
Oh Daisy...PLEASE, please don't leave us hanging to long....I am on pins and needles.
Absolutely Amazing!
I have a mix of tears and smiles all at the same time.....
This made me laugh and think of one other line that is similarQuote:
Originally Posted by Clarity
"I carried a watermelon?"
LOL
marley9808... perfect comparison: "I carried a watermelon". I can't count the number of times I have said something stupid I wanted to take back and immediately after it crossed my lips my next thought is always "I carried a watermelon"!
LOL marley – that had me laughing up at my work desk:D
It was very much like that
http://i1181.photobucket.com/albums/...watermelon.jpg
It’s funny how you have an idea in your head of how a first meeting is going to go and how you’re going to be. Then it happens and it’s nothing like you imagined.
Sam I Am – exactly!
Crusher – thanks!
Rum – Lions and tigers and bears.. ..:) I’m looking forward to your next TR update by the way.
Iriesistah – The update I just posted today is the last one in this thread.
I’ll be starting a separate one tomorrow for Day 4-7 to cover our stay up on the Cliffs (Seastar Inn and Catcha Falling Star)
We’re going to finish that one a lot faster than this one.
No really, We swear!
Hahaha, me too, I usually say it out loud and laugh, that's how I get over whatever embarrassing thing I just said, that way I can pretend I am laughing with them. LOLQuote:
Originally Posted by Sam I Am
Marley & Clarity - Well hopefully we can meet at the 4/21 seastar show and have our very own awkward "watermelon" moment!
Daisy, I just love this story and the people behind it . Hearing about it and meeting some of the people involved when I was there was just like seeing the movie after you read the book ....Its my feel good movie of the year ....:D
I'm in, I'll even carry a watermelon, if I can find one!Quote:
Originally Posted by Sam I Am
Quote:
Originally Posted by marley9808
I'll help you eat it!
@booger thats good cause marley wont eat she hates 'em. Clarity YAY YAY YAY. Its all I can say besides I love this trip report.
That's a true story! I can't stand watermelon, but I will carry one, and you can eat it! lolQuote:
Originally Posted by ralonzo29
:(
I really love your report and something someone just posted about you.
You are a beacon of kindness. I hope to meet you and your husband someday, you guys look like a bucket of fun...
And he must be an awesome guy if someone so sweet chose to be his wife.
Respect and thanks for the "love" it's really helped...and your report made me wanna do the Falls trip!!!!
Have a blast in April...
I'm tryin to pull it off!! Respect!
Great stuff, Clarity .... You're a really good storyteller. ... I am sure you had a GOOD cry, I know I did just reading it!
Clarity, thanks for taking us along on your adventure. Now you know our loved ones may leave this earth, but they are always with us. Everytime I land in Jamaica, I say to myself "Mom we are back.." She longed to travel but couldn't due to raising 6 kids. So she travels with me to Jamaica twice a year and she loves it!!
Um . . . what Brasi said X 2 (one for Mrs. Peel).
I don't know if I said this before (or not) but your reports always remind me of "The Great Gatsby" - it's probably because of your real name.
Thank you so much for sharing your journey, I love your report and pics!
Who feels it knows it.Quote:
Originally Posted by pretty40
I only wish I could have shared Jamaica with my Parents.
Give thanks for the beautiful reports Clarity and Co.
One Love
B
If I really like a book, I can't put it down! So I have waited until now to read your trip report, moving onto the Cliffs next :)
I'm enjoying every emotional, blissful, perfect moment! Thanks for sharing it!!
Also, Manda, I know your friend Marvin! Small world. ;)