Share a Day Trip to Accompong Town on October 22, 2015

For those of you who will be vacationing or living in Negril on that day, I wanted to let you know about a different day trip into the Cockpit Country I would like to share with you. Linston is going to be taking me from Negril to Accompong Town on that day at around 8:00am. I am going home at long last. We can share the total cost of the fare equally.

It is about a two hour drive up into the Cockpits of St. Elizabeth to the top of a small mountain where I live. I can arrange for a historical town tour and even a hike out into the Cockpits to the Peace Cave for those who are interested. All you have to do is pay a guide a "locals" price to do that. I can introduce you to the town leaders and my neighbors and friends so you can learn first hand about the Maroon struggles and their way of life. Herbal remedies and medicinal plants found in the surrounding area can be gathered for your consumption while on your hike or tour. Here are some pictures of Accompong Town and the area around the town.

Accompong Town is in St. Elizabeth near the St. James border about 45 miles due South of Montego Bay
Attachment 42403
A day hike to the Peace Cave where the Treaty of 1738-39 was signed
Attachment 42404
Community Center/Library and Computer Center. Accompong Town.
Attachment 42405
Drumming Circle under the Kindah (One Family) Tree
Attachment 42406

There are so many more pictures I could post but this would be your opportunity to take your own! If you have any questions, I will be happy to answer them but contact Linston directly if you want to join me on this trip.


You can contact Linston directly
Attachment 42407
Or Email him at linston@redplate-negril.com to make arrangements.

For those who want to explore a part of Jamaica that tourists rarely see, I recommend this opportunity.

Peace and Guidance

Oh Bill, I wish we were going to be there. I would love to do this!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Ras Walleye

Oh Bill, I wish we were going to be there. I would love to do this!

---

One day, Ras. One day.

Respect.

That sounds great, but we won't be there either. My husband would love that.

Hi Bill....did they complete the hotel yet?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Babalew

Hi Bill....did they complete the hotel yet?

---

Hi Babalew,

"Complete" is not an often term for something under construction in Jamaica and "Indigenous Sovereignty" (name currently used) is just another example.

Of the estimated 40 rooms under construction about 20 are "decently" done. There is running water, spartan furnishings and toilets for those rooms. The floors are tiled and (your favorite) "Hot Water" was not available as of my last leaving earlier this year.

One of the things I did send down for our house was a portable propane-fired water heater for the shower which I will be installing shortly after my arrival. Our floors are now tiled as well and a complete house painting inside and out is on the agenda.

I will try to take some photos of the hotel and (later after some work) of our house and post them.

Hope all is well with you.

Nuff Respect!

bill, i'm in. i have a friend travelling with me and not sure if she will go but i'm in. . . . haven't had a "day trip" for a while . . . if she goes, we share it 3 ways . . . i have pm privileges now, so lets keep in touch. . . . love this idea . . . i'm at bar b barn . . .

ok bill, she's in . . .

Oh how I wish you would be there in Feb, this is an adventure I would love to experience......

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by JitterBug

ok bill, she's in . . .

---

Sounds good, Jitters!

I won't have my phone until I get home but, if you leave me your number in messaging, I will try to give you a call. Contact Linston for particulars. You know me, I like to start out early and that will give you and your friend more time to explore. Maybe on the way we can take a bit of time to visit Apple Valley Park for a quick see. 550 acre park on the Black River. Here are a couple of pictures from years back.
Little known and visited Maggotty Falls on the Black River
Attachment 42414
Jitney ride to the Great House in 1988
Attachment 42412
Picture of the old entrance to the park taken in late '80s
Attachment 42413

Been a long time so it will be nice to catch up with you like we did in Port Maria. Many changes over the years.

Peace and Guidance

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Momthor3

Oh how I wish you would be there in Feb, this is an adventure I would love to experience......

---

Unfortunately I have an obligation to be back in South Florida for at least latter January and all of February but Linston knows my best friend Marshall (whose portrait I use in my profile here) and he can arrange any type of visit you want. You might want to even consider a night or two in the town.

Marshall rents a room with two beds which includes a meal for about $30 US for the room or can help get you any other options you might like. Perhaps camping out in the Cockpits can be arranged if you desire. Lots of trails tangle through the mountains that were used by the Original Maroons in their fights with the British.
Marshall with a visitor on a hike along the Maroon Trails
Attachment 42415

This goes for anyone who would like to experience a different culture and a "One Family" way of life. Just contact Linston and he can arrange a trip for you.

Sorry I won't be there myself.
Peace and Guidance

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Momthor3

Oh how I wish you would be there in Feb, this is an adventure I would love to experience......

---

Momthor, If you would like to do this in Feb, I would be all in, let me know.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by jojo p

Momthor, If you would like to do this in Feb, I would be all in, let me know.

---

Hi Guys,

Just email Linston to set it up

Regards

Cap

This is on my list Linston - hopefully we'll see you in the new year... and Bill, thank you for a wonderful idea.

wow wish we were going to be there,would love to see and learn about the area, We are getting ready to make our move from northern Michigan to south florida at the end of the month. Lots of feelings we are dealing with right now,have lived here for around 50 years, excitement and a bit of sadness but we are ready, Just can't handle the cold anymore and the plus side will be much closer to Jamaica. We hope to make it back in 2017, and would love to see that area sometime esp. with a guide like you that can tell us about the history. ty for the pics

Jojo this would be awesome!!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Momthor3

Jojo this would be awesome!!

---

Great, I have mentioned before I really wanted to do this, message me sometime and we will try to pick a day that will work,
then I can e mail Linston and give him a warning....I mean a heads up .lol....

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shaggy

wow wish we were going to be there,would love to see and learn about the area, We are getting ready to make our move from northern Michigan to south florida at the end of the month. Lots of feelings we are dealing with right now,have lived here for around 50 years, excitement and a bit of sadness but we are ready, Just can't handle the cold anymore and the plus side will be much closer to Jamaica. We hope to make it back in 2017, and would love to see that area sometime esp. with a guide like you that can tell us about the history. ty for the pics

---

I hear you. I moved here to So. Florida from Santa Barbara, California in 1996 basically because of the cost of flights and the time it took to go back in forth usually 3 times a year. A good friend once said you need to change your living location and job every seven years so you can start fresh and put your baggage behind you. I didn't know what they meant until I finally did it. It was difficult at first but as things went forward, it got easier and more fun at the same time.

Now I am close to Ft. Lauderdale and a flight costs about $350 and only takes about an hour and twenty minutes so anytime I feel like it, I can do a Jimmy Buffett "Changes in latitude, changes in attitude". Slowly I am spending less and less time here in So. Florida and more time in Jamaica. I am even getting to enjoy the switching of places so I can get more accomplished. I am going to be working more closely with the http://www.mysticbowieculturalcenter.com/ with a goal of making the children of Accompong Town the best educated children in Jamaica. New library with thousands of donated books, high speed computers and the support of the community puts us on track to reach that goal. You can check out the book shipment at https://www.facebook.com/mysticbowie

I can proudly offer the services of my best friend "Marshall" who is a true Rastafarian and follower of Marcus Garvey to provide the guide services and assist you in making your trip the best experience possible whether I am there or off the island. He works with Linston to make each person's experience special through his knowledge of the Maroon Culture and the surrounding Cockpits.

I was a stranger when I came seeking knowledge and understanding. The Maroon Community took me in, loved me and protected me and sort of even adopted me. They opened my eyes to my ignorance and they filled my head and my heart with that knowledge and understanding. I know it is my path to pay forward what they have given me and hopefully teach and enlighten those come like me with an open heart and mind.

I hope, Jah willing, that I will be here to fulfill that destiny I have chosen to embrace.
Attachment 42421

Peace and Guidance

that is great what you are doing for the children there, keep up the good work

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Shaggy

that is great what you are doing for the children there, keep up the good work

---

Thank you Shaggy but it is really the people like Mystic Bowie who are doing the most and I am only assisting when I am asked to help.

Usually, in Jamaica, it is money that most people ask for when they want assistance. I have found that giving money doesn't solve a problem as much as giving a solution and then assisting others to solve their own problem. For instance, a few families did not have money enough to give it to their children for a meal at school. I found out that feeding those children would cost about $300 US a month. I could have given $300 and fed those children for a month or I could organize cooperative farming and then they could grow enough food to feed those children and teach farming methods at the same time.

It is hard to help people when you only see them on a two week vacation every year and don't live among them to understand the problem first before helping. I realize that not everyone can take the time to do this but I encourage those that can take the time and make an effort to make a difference.

Peace and Guidance

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Accompong

Thank you Shaggy but it is really the people like Mystic Bowie who are doing the most and I am only assisting when I am asked to help.

Usually, in Jamaica, it is money that most people ask for when they want assistance. I have found that giving money doesn't solve a problem as much as giving a solution and then assisting others to solve their own problem. For instance, a few families did not have money enough to give it to their children for a meal at school. I found out that feeding those children would cost about $300 US a month. I could have given $300 and fed those children for a month or I could organize cooperative farming and then they could grow enough food to feed those children and teach farming methods at the same time.

It is hard to help people when you only see them on a two week vacation every year and don't live among them to understand the problem first before helping. I realize that not everyone can take the time to do this but I encourage those that can take the time and make an effort to make a difference.

Peace and Guidance

---

Absolutely. Give a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.

I saved this article, I don't know if it would be helpful or not, but it is worth a read for info on sustainable farming (more for urban areas, but amazing how much food they grow on a small amount of land) http://tinyhousetalk.com/family-grow...re-urban-farm/

~Moose

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CosmicMoose

Absolutely. Give a man a fish, he eats for a day, teach a man to fish, he eats for a lifetime.

I saved this article, I don't know if it would be helpful or not, but it is worth a read for info on sustainable farming (more for urban areas, but amazing how much food they grow on a small amount of land) http://tinyhousetalk.com/family-grow...re-urban-farm/

~Moose

---

Here is the problem with farming in Jamaica as I see it. I currently (along with my friend Marshall) have about 20 acres of a variety of items planted like sorrel, dasheen, plantains, ginger etc.. Clearing the land is not easy. Jamaicans us Gramazone and Paraquat to kill the weeds and then often over fertilize with "ferti" commercial fertilizers. When you don't have much money then you can't take the time to laboriously hand weed and grow "organically".

Yes, they could grow a lot more on a small amount of land but with limited resources and the constant need to feed your family as well as your pocketbook, planting and reaping is all you really have the time for.

Water is also a problem as there is no piped in water so rain water catchments are a necessity. Most farms are outside in the hills and a far way from any catchment. Thus, there is no irrigation without carrying 5 gallon pails to and from your house.

Marshall is a very smart guy who understands his limitations and is constantly improving his methods and marketing of what he produces. These "techniques" are the "fishing" in your parable. Just teaching a man to farm in the outdated way doesn't necessarily guarantee he will eat for a lifetime. Success breeds more success. Thanks for the link. I printed it out and will take it to Jamaica soon.

Nuff Respect!

Accompong, I know one very good way to organically clear land and I would expect it would work well in Jamaica. Goats!
http://www.grit.com/animals/goats/ra...z14jazreg.aspx

I hadn't even thought about water. I guess we take a lot for granted here. I can appreciate all the hard work it must be then.

~Moose

Accompong that was a beautiful read. I am summer granny at their place and she log in leave for me so just reading. Ahhhhh memories so sweet

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CosmicMoose

Accompong, I know one very good way to organically clear land and I would expect it would work well in Jamaica. Goats!
http://www.grit.com/animals/goats/ra...z14jazreg.aspx

I hadn't even thought about water. I guess we take a lot for granted here. I can appreciate all the hard work it must be then.

~Moose

---

Goats! We got goats all over the place! Unfortunately, goats don't eat the roots so, within a short time, you have weeds again and you can't use them once the crops are growing or you will have none of the either.
Here is a little picture of our farm shortly after planting a couple of acres
Attachment 42433
Here is another picture of a more mature patch.
Attachment 42434
As you can see, the land wants to revert back to jungle almost as soon as it is planted.

Peace and Guidance

Can't have a yard here without a goat mower!!
We have a few mowers in our yard! :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Summer

Accompong that was a beautiful read. I am summer granny at their place and she log in leave for me so just reading. Ahhhhh memories so sweet

---

Just before I go back home, I tend to reminisce about my likkle section of paradise. Glad I could evoke some sweet memories.

I might exist in Babylon but I only live in Paradise. It's time again to LIVE !

Big Up Summer Granny!
Peace and Guidance

Moose. You will definitely see, there is no goat shortage I'm Jamaica.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

Moose. You will definitely see, there is no goat shortage I'm Jamaica.

---

Hence why I suggested goats, but hadn't considered the roots part. I doubt raised beds would help with weeds.

I waved the white flag to my personal garden here, it got overrun by weeds and some lemon balm I planted. That stuff is invasive!

I'd love to see the area there Accompong, perhaps next time I'll try and get there with Linston. Already too many things to see and do and not enough time. :(

~Moose

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by CosmicMoose

Hence why I suggested goats, but hadn't considered the roots part. I doubt raised beds would help with weeds.

I waved the white flag to my personal garden here, it got overrun by weeds and some lemon balm I planted. That stuff is invasive!

I'd love to see the area there Accompong, perhaps next time I'll try and get there with Linston. Already too many things to see and do and not enough time. :(

~Moose

---

Mulch helps control weeds a whole lot. We started heavily mulching our garden with clean straw this year and didn't pull a single weed from July til now.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by TAH

Mulch helps control weeds a whole lot. We started heavily mulching our garden with clean straw this year and didn't pull a single weed from July til now.

---

My long term plan is to use raised beds in my garden, which is in itself a giant raised bed, and put down weed fabric and then crushed red stone in between the raised beds, but a lack of time and money has so far prevented this. :(

One nice thing about the town I live in, after leaves are collected, they are mulched at a composting facility, then some of this is trucked back to behind the police station, and any resident can go and grab as much as they want of nice rich leaf compost/mulch.

~Moose

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bnewb

Can't have a yard here without a goat mower!!
We have a few mowers in our yard! :)

---

We have the same mowers. Wish they didn't poop so much though

Cap

thank you linston for one of the best days out in the country.
i personally don't like having drivers, but you were an exception.
even though i could not handle the whole way up to accompong, i got close!! and the wait at the shop was not bad.
bill, thanks for inviting . . .