An all-new TRAIL OF ASHES exclusive: The Mighty Californian's last hurrah in Negril

This is it, folks. I'm not sure when I'll make it back to Negril, if ever, because a lot of life-stuff is getting in the way. But I have managed to carve out an opportunity beginning today, and for 16 nights in Negril, I shall enjoy this Jamaica paradise to the fullest extend -- and that's a promise.

Never before in my long history on the island have I looked forward to a trip with more enthusiasm, so I'm quite hoping to have the time of my life. There are good friends that will be there at the same time -- a lot of them -- and that's going to make this particular reach extra fun.

I've got a pocket full of money and no other responsibilities but to have a good time, and I'm at LAX airport now awaiting my flight.

See you pon the Rock. Mi soon come. Ya mon, ya mon, ya mon.

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Love the asian dude photo bombing

"Last Hurrah", eh? We've heard that before. Have an awesome trip, MC! Looking forward to reading this installment.

What happened to your July trip with the kids?

Sitting here at Seastar waiting for this party to get started

*pulls up chair and sits* I'm soooo ready for this!!!

Enjoy!

Feathers will be ruffled and it should be another interesting report from the Mighty Californian

Have a great time Gerry!

I think he lives each day like its his "Last Hurrah" -- we could learn from this crazy guy!!:)

Wish I could make it this year!

Go gerryg123..go!!!! Make it the best trip ever!!! Cannot wait for your TR!!!!

Have a great trip Gerry. We were there last year at this time and had the time of our lives. Wish we could have gone again this year but have to wait till Nov.

Cheers!!

Have a fun vacation..

Have a great trip Gerry!!!!!!

Don't forget to buy a Tonys Bar T-shirt.

Alright! Go get em Gerry!!

Good luck with the tee, they were all out in March :(

Looking forward to some awesome "Ya Mon!" videos of your adventures. Maybe a time of your life night version in on of the local establishments. Have a blast!

The sun was just setting on the horizon to the right of airplane as we made our approach to Sangster airport. We were the only arrival on this night, so it was a breeze through customs, and soon my luggage showed up -- always a relief -- and a nice man named Kelly from Clive's Transport met me out front.

Kelly had a tightly-dressed lady with him whom he reffered to as his girlfriend, plus Georgette, the company's loyal administrator, was around, too, and she came with us after introducing herself, as she felt like she already knew me after I've used the service about a dozen times.

The smell of Jamaica was in the air, the humid heat at night jarred my senses a bit, because it's been a while, and the tropical weather takes some getting used.

"I said, 'Ya mon, let's to Negril,'" and we were off.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gerryg123

The sun was just setting on the horizon to the right of airplane as we made our approach to Sangster airport. We were the only arrival on this night, so it was a breeze through customs, and soon my luggage showed up -- always a relief -- and a nice man named Kelly from Clive's Transport met me out front.

Kelly had a tightly-dressed lady with him whom he reffered to as his girlfriend, plus Georgette, the company's loyal administrator, was around, too, and she came with us after introducing herself, as she felt like she already knew me after I've used the service about a dozen times.

The smell of Jamaica was in the air, the humid heat at night jarred my senses a bit, because it's been a while, and the tropical weather takes some getting used.

"I said, 'Ya mon, let's to Negril,'" and we were off.

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Oh I LOVE that smell of the Jamaica air when you step outside the airport! Well said gerryg123! enjoy your trip :)

About halway towards Negril, we stopped at a shop for supplies. Just as i was getting out of the van, Georgette from the backseat simply said: "Gerry, buy me something."

Now I really knew I was in Jamaica. One thing about the locals, they're not hesitant to ask for stuff, even the ones who have full-time jobs. I don't hold it against anyone, it's part of their culture, and I complied.

Then I kind of thought to myself for second for one of those 'only in Jamaica' moments. Imagine in the USA, if you got a shuttle ride from Super Shuttle or LAX shuttle, and the driver bought a girlfriend plus the secretary asked you out of nowhere to buy her a drink. Plus, other queries from the driver, of which I will leave it to your imagination what he was asking that I might want. Such actions might deem a strongly worded letter of complaint or perhaps get someone fired or reprimanded; here, you don't even blink.

I love it. It's like the wild, wild west in Negril, and that's part of the charm.

I bought a case of red stripe (cold), two 750 ml bottles of JB overproof and two bottles of fruit punch for the girls in back. (The driver didn't ask for anything because he figured it might interfere with his tip, I assume). The total came out to like 73 dollars USA, which seemed like a lot, but then I figured out that a case of beer "cold" is more than warm, as the store clerk had asked me specifically if I had wanted it cold. Another difference between California and Jamaica.

Anyway, eventually we hit the turn where it says this way to Negril, and before long we were headed up the hill to Seastar Inn, my home away from home.

I had started the day when my alarm clock first went off at 4 a.m. in Los Angeles, was at the airport by 6, in the air by 8. We had stopped in Miami for a layover, and it was now about 930 p.m., but only 730 p.m. LA time.

It had already been a long day. But never in my long Negril history had I just calmly went to bed upon arrival, and that includes a long series of overnight flights.

I was ready to party.

There is no way that I can "calmly go to bed" upon arrival! Somehow, all the tiredness just dissolves and I want to be up for a while to do nothing but enjoy the arrival. Continue on.......................................:)

Sounds like a party bus now!:)

Dude! Enjoy the moments!

Looking forward to seeing it thru your eyes!

Skb

Nice!! I can't sleep either upon arrival...things to do and people to see!

Aha! Another GerryG sighting.

How nice it was to see everyone again. After pulling into the Seastar's gates, a lot of folks gave me a big hello, particularly the hotel staff, most of whom I know by name after about a dozen visits through the years.

At the bar was Brent from Calgary, one of my running partners from last reach. I was surprised and happy to see him again; he's a married family man back home, but when he arrives solo in Jamaica, he loves to get a little wild and party all night long, and we share a love for Negril

Also making the scene was Fatty, Tawnee, Rasta Stan and, to my big surprise, Keith from Philly, my expat friend for years whom I haven't seen in quite a while. He was a big part of former Trail of Ashes reports, but we've always been missing each other in Negril (he lives here part time in a house across from Banton's). The retired former Wall Street whiz kid is quite a character, and he was eating a meal at the bar with his live-in assistant, known simply as Rasta, and it was nice catching up on things.

I had touched base earlier with Tattoo Charlie, who is staying on the beach. The plan was for the legendary West Virginian tourist to come meet up later, so I had an hour or two to take a shower and chill out in my room.

God, it felt good to be back.

Keep it rolling, GerryG.....I love hearing about it.... Thursday night has got to include a stop at the Jungle...

More please!

What a good way to wake up in the morning..thanks gerry g!!

Tattoo Charlie, Brent from Calgary and I eventually found our way to my room, where we drank nearly all 24 beers in a long party session that lasted through the morning.

I barely got any sleep before it was time to go spearfishing for the first time, and I was really looking forward to getting back there. I had a brand-new spear that I presented to Famous Vincent, and great boat captain was happy and cheerful and honestly glad to see me again. He is like an old friend, and oh what fun we have snorkeling and spearfishing in the beautiful ocean.

And.......

. . .and, here's a pic of spearfishing a couple of years ago

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Sitting here at the seastar having breakfast with Rasta Stan and GerryG123 Gerry just got back from spear fishing with famous Vincent listening about all the fish he almost speared and of course the 1big one he did get.

My gosh, it felt good to be back in the ocean. I toted my green raft to Seasplash and floated along, enjoying the first time the Negril ocean with no jet-skis. I like it even better this way.

We enjoyed spearfishing, and I caught five or six nice ones. Afterwards, i got some LIME minutes on a phone I am borrowing from one of Marko's friends, and I called ahead and ordered a nice plate of spaghetti for when I arrive back up the hill in a few minutes.

I was settling in to my usual routine, and oh how at home I feel in Negril.

:cool:

Ok Gerry you are having a good time and will be back. Hope Tattoo Charlie is doing well. Miss his feedback.

Yippee Gerry G is back!!! Bring it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tell Tattoo Charlie hello from West Virginia! Hope he is doing well . :)