Exploring the Blue Mountains

[*vi*]

Papamark, I’ve rode up the blue mountains…as high as the road allowed. That’s all it took for me to have the same desire as you and that is to hike through them. It hasn’t happened yet because due to lack of luggage space (definitely a female decision) I couldn’t bring my boots which are a must. But it’s still on my list.

Escorted by the right guide, and respecting your own abilities, I’m confident you will have no problem with the hike. Although I can’t recommend someone for you right now, I will start tapping into my sources and pass on to you whatever information I gather that would be helpful with your planning.

As I mentioned in one of my reports, the entire experience of being in the mountains was incredible but what I couldn’t get enough of was seeing the falls that were visible from the road. Oh my…you hear them way before seeing where the roar was coming from. Then suddenly you turn a bend or take a few more steps forward to find yourself staring in awe at the most breathtaking sight. I know the blue mountains houses many falls you can only see when hiking. Yeah going to make room for those boots this time.

No Maryann, unfortunately I haven’t had the pleasure of staying at prince valley guesthouse but I think I’m going to look into it.

[papamark]

Ohhh thank you Vi! I appreciate you checking your sources...it is nice to have connections.
I always enjoy the detailed descriptions in your trip reports. Your enthusiasm is contagious!
I have a good feeling about this trip...

[*vi*]

Thank you for the compliment, Papamark, and I too have a good feeling about this venture of yours. It will be my pleasure to help in any way I can because of course it will require good planning for it to be successful.

Have a friend on a mission to give me three names and numbers of people he KNOWS WELL who are passionate about escorting tours in the Blue Mountains. A knowledgeable and trustworthy guide will not only show you things you would never find on your own, but you will “feel” the pride and love they have for their country. I will pass their names and numbers on to you as I get them.

Oh and June/July are perfect months to be in Portland. You definitely want to plan something like this outside their rainy season which starts end of august.

Here are a couple of photos for ya…these are on my screensaver rotation because I need to see this area every day.

[*vi*]

[papamark]

A knowledgeable and trustworthy guide will not only show you things you would never find on your own, but you will “feel” the pride and love they have for their country.

Exactly who I am wanting to connect with...passion, pride, the history, the flora and fauna...you get it!!
Your pictures tell the story. Beauty around every corner.
Thank you for sharing them and for being so gracious to help me out. I look forward to it all, and yes planning is important and part of the fun!!

[Kritter]

When I hike to the top of Blue Mountain, I stay at Whitfield Hall, the remains of a coffee plantation in colonial times built in the 1700's. The folks at Whitfield Hall can help you with all your arrangements as far as transportation to get there, guides, etc. The Whitfield Hall is quite primitive, does not have electricity, but you don't really need it. It has been a family business for years, and the folks there are trustworthy, down-home folk. Lynette will cook your meals for a price, and the food is excellent - homemade Jamaican food. The coffee beans are transported down the mountain by donkey, and roasted right there at Whitfield Hall, and then brewed fresh all day long. If you're not looking for fancy, this is the way to go. They have a website now w/ all their pricing and contact information: http://www.whitfieldhall.com/index.html

[papamark]

Thank you for the first hand account Kritter. I had checked their website. Looks nice enough...glad to hear the food is excellent!
If you are like me, you have had enough of this Michigan winter!
Jamaica dreaming...

[ackee]

http://www.yardedge.net/worth-a-visi...-mountain-peak

trip report of a hike

[papamark]

Thanks Ackee...I had not seen this report!
I don't think I am interested in hours of night time hiking, as well.
If I do the peak at sunrise, I will consider staying the night in Portland Gap.
I hate to feel rushed...

[Eco]

Prince Valley is a wonderful place in a small small "town" and it is owned by really nice people.

Some pictures I took of Prince Valley http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB-45...re=c4-overview

Random Blue Mountain photos http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rB-45...re=c4-overview

Prince Valley and Rafjam are both very close to a few small shops and the route bus to Papine. Some of the places up the road a ways are off the bus route and require more hiking. Stock up...or over stock up when you are down in Papine.....you can get the basics in the mountains and not much more.

The cool thing is nobody begs you up in the mountains! So relaxing!