Days 13, 14 & 15 - White Sands Irregular Trip Report

Days 13 & 14
Just as our visit was winding down we met a wonderful couple on the beach on their 2nd day. It is their first trip to Jamaica. They are not shy to experience what is available, and yet there is a sort of naiveté that surrounded them. But their approach is to have an open mind, a good heart and a smile. That works. Here is what we learned from them…
Day 1
• Cliff jumping at Rick’s – injured shoulder
• Ate the WHOLE brownie (had no idea what-so-ever). A waitress from some restaurant brings them back to White Sands many, many hours later.
Day 2
• Still stoned from the brownie
• Bought the “pineapple” weed
• Overpaid for a fishing trip that consisted of a 90 minute tour around the bay – at 5:00am!

These folks are not new travellers. They have been to Central America and a few other places. Why did I describe them as “wonderful”? Because they saw the humour in their misadventures and were more than willing to share those misadventures with us. There was no anger or embarrassment – just some good laughs. Thank you!

Our days were spent on the beach (why do you want to be anywhere else?) enjoying the sights and sounds, and the two for one drink special of the day. I am thinking of donating my liver to the National Museum of Medical Oddities as I am certain that the fact that it still functions (my eyes are not yellow) defies sound medical logic.

On our last evening we went over to the office to settle up. While there, Francis introduced us to the newest addition to his macaw family – Dude. We too made the effort to teach him the phrase “Leafs Suck”. The financials taken care of we bid Francis, Valerie, Henry and Judy farewell. Back to the White Sands Beach Bar, Bistro and All Around Great Place To Be for a nightcap or 4 with Tony, Patrick, Henry, Marvin and Power.

I never pack the night before leaving. I guess it’s my way of hanging in until the last moment. Too soon we go.

It’s hard to accept but our time in paradise came to an end on Saturday, 20/Apr. By noon we were taxiing down the apron at MBJ for takeoff to Ottawa. The noise from the shifting of the rum bottles in the overhead compartments was the last sound of Jamaica as we took flight.

The Summary
Our stay gets better and better every time (this was the 4th – we are rookies compared to so many). From the moment that you step into the warm humid air in the jetway upon arrival, to the very last ray of sunshine during the short walk between the van/car and the departures entrance at MBJ– nothing compares to the experience that is Jamaica, and Negril in particular. An experience like no other is there for all if you have an open mind, a good heart and a smile. We come back home wanting to both get more of and give more to the people that we have come to know.

My intention is not to profess some sort “spiritual” connection with Negril. I am simply attempting to describe the one place on this earth that we have found in all of our life’s journeys, where who we are, is brought out of us by where we are.

We make few plans for our visits now. Our youngest daughter and her husband joined us for a week this trip. They have never been to Jamaica, and they flew down with us. They had plans – parasailing, Dolphin Cove, YS Falls, snorkelling, cliff jump at Rick’s… all the stuff that tourism is made of. By the time we had reached White Sands (noonish) after being picked up by Carleton (Irie Routes) at the airport our daughter had a snoot full (a mickey/pint of Coco Mania and Pineapple Juice) – welcome to Jamaica honey. You’re on her time. They did one 2 hour tour which included a stop at Rick’s so Peter could leap the leap.

The balance of their week was spent taking it in.

After a week of being absorbed by the “flow” they sadly departed for home. Bev and I were on our own.

During our 2nd week we did what you are supposed to do:
1.) Hang out on the beach,
2.) Drink copious amounts to stay hydrated,
3.) Eat,
4.) Drink copious amounts to aid digestion,
5.) Meet new and old friends,
6.) Drink copious amounts to appear interesting and interested to new and old friends,
7.) Watch the sunset at 6:30pm, and drink to stay hydrated
8.) Eat,
9.) Drink copious amounts to aid digestion,
10.) Hang out at bar, drinking until bar closes
11.) Wake up next day, go to step 1.)

A few pics… (we aren’t picture takers; can you tell?)

From the eating/patio area – with the palm tree (from last year)


From the eating area/patio… no longer a palm on the right (lost to a storm).


The hole













The lifeguard stand in the build cycle



Two of the regulars (who won’t arrest you!) taken with an iPhone at night






Sunset (every sunset is a picture)



A few of other views…









We have made our reservations for next April. It’s going to be a long wait – but a worthwhile wait. Our 2nd grandson is due to arrive mid-July and our first grandson will be 2 in October.

Oh Yez… life is good.

Yes I know, the pictures didn't post. I'll try again - sheesh.

Your description is right on!

From last year with the palm...
Attachment 25893

This year without the palm...
Attachment 25894

The hole...
Attachment 25895

The beginnings of the lifeguard stand...
Attachment 25896

Another sunset pic...
Attachment 25897

Leon and his beach buddy...
Attachment 25898

And a few generic pics...
Attachment 25899
Attachment 25900
Attachment 25901

are the brownies readily avilable?

Yup...

The pictures are great, brings back memories. We stayed at the White Sands this year for the 1st time. It was a great place to stay, would stay there again. Missing Negril, although I think our weather is finally going to get warmer.

Hope to be there with you next April!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sam I Am

Hope to be there with you next April!

---

You were missed this year - but there IS always next year... we're booked from the 4th to the 18th/April.

It was wonderful meeting you and your wife on this reach. I owe you a cocktail....lol
Next April , Jah willing.

Yes and they are great!

Great report. Maybe I will see you next door ( Nirvana). Have booked March 21-April 8, 2014

Yeesh. The whole brownie?

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Flipadelphia26

Yeesh. The whole brownie?

---

Yup - they ate the whole thing. Gobbled it down. They were kinda' lucky that it all turned out OK and that they could laugh about it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Rasta Stan

It was wonderful meeting you and your wife on this reach. I owe you a cocktail....lol
Next April , Jah willing.

---

Thanks Rasta Stan. Let's plan on dinner at Canoe next year!

So what exactly is the pineapple weed? Some guy was going on about it one evening while we were walking down the beach, but we don't smoke. He made a good pitch, though. It sounded good.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by RyanP

So what exactly is the pineapple weed? Some guy was going on about it one evening while we were walking down the beach, but we don't smoke. He made a good pitch, though. It sounded good.

---

Pineapple weed is the latest "pitch" (past 2 - 3 years). The sellers on the beach will try and have you believe that their weed is not only the best, but that it was also grown with/in pineapples to give it a distinct flavour. In reality the stuff is the same old, same old that has been dampened or soaked at some point with pineapple juice.

I was gonna ask too but then I realized ohh the pineapple, made me laugh!! Although I have grown a pineapple strain legally here in Oregon .. And man did it taste and smell exactly like it.. But not cuz it was grown around pineapples lol!! When I search for my subs Iam gonna go by strictly looks and smells not the title ice or blueberry, or pineapple!! Names are only relevant on the west coast and a few other spots where strains are closely controlled.. Do you really think many Jamaicans (no offence) are actually separating strains and breeding with consistency?? West coast has it good cuz of the legality.. Until legal in Jamaica and they advance in their techniques just give me the stuff that's covered in crystals and smells like poopie