trip report / july fourth, twenty-fourteen

[*vi*]

SCHUTZZIE!!! THERE YOU ARE!!! Was wondering if I would have to put out an APB on you girl!!! I’m happy you are on board now because, to be honest, the ride really hasn’t begun. (smile) Thank you darlin for such kind words. Yes, although I like ALL the beaches in Portland, Winnifred is my favorite. And now that I-Cliff has the drink stand up and running, my favorite spot there is safe!!

I wish every day I had gotten a picture of Rock Bottom. He looks great and is happy in his new surroundings. Broke my heart when the bracelet snapped. But all the more reason to get back Portland ASAP!

[*vi*]

A quick stop at a store for cranberry water on the way to the garage. Of course I grabbed a small bottle of rum…just in case.



He tells me he’ll only be a short time. I say okay and turn on the music while I wait. The car is not parked right. All the action is behind me. I wanted him to come turn it around so I could have a better view, but decided that would be wasting time. So I sat patiently looking at roadway action opposed to the greasy, dirty mechanics dashing about hauling car parts and tools. Which would have been more interesting.



Three men came walking across the adjacent lot. One in his 50’s, one around 35 the last not much older than 27. The 50y.o., of course, caught my eye. He was extremely handsome in his jeans and white button front shirt. I admired how the midsecton buttons were straining to keep the shirt closed over that nice, firm, thick belly. Okay Vi, stop staring and definitely stop drooling.

I look away to adjust the volume on the player when I hear…

“Wow, hello…hello brownin” I look up to see the baby of the bunch smiling and waving at me. LOL Don’t know what made me laugh out loud more, being called “brownin” or it coming from the youth!!!



Twenty-two minutes slipped by before I realize he’s been gone much longer than a couple of minutes. I open my bag to reach for my phone to call Momz.

[*vi*]

“Vi…dem nuh have the part.”
“What part??!?”
“The part to stop the leak.”
“Wait I thought someone was going to look at the car then we will be on our way?”
“I’m going to get my cousin to search out the knocking, but for now I came to check for the part to stop the leak.”
“So you are going to Boundbrook AFTER here?”
“Yes.”
“What were you doing all this time??? I mean you could have gone to Boundbrook then come back here to get the part….wait…if or when you get the part are you having it installed today?”
“Yes, I can’t drive the car long with that leak.”
“How long will it take to install?”
“About 1-2 hours.”
“Take me to juici patte then drop me off at Shanshy beach.”

I sat in the hot car, trying to cool down (anger wise) while he got the patties. I took pictures and promised myself I’m going to have a good time today no matter what. Dyam good think I bought that rum…I have a feeling I’m going to need it.





Oh some dusty guy saw me taking pictures of these flowers and asked if I wanted him to pose in front of them...I said "Sure!" Then he charged me 100J...I got a kick out of that. I showed him the picture and then deleted it.

"So now that the photo is gone, I don't owe you anything, right?"
"Yes baby, you owe me for my time."
"How much?"
"50 dolla."

I gave him 100J.

[Schuttzie]

Haha! You know the tricks with them. Thank you, so much for thinking of me and all the others that you drew in the sand. Such a sweetheart and so very thoughtful. Can't believe you remembered all of us. Ahhh, so wish I could meet you! We used to stay in Fairy Hill at Wrights Apartments but from searching online, it looks as though, they are not renting out anymore. I need to find this place that you stayed at and maybe we can check it out and stay in the future. We were not far at all from Winnifred, my favorite and spent many hours at that beach when Otis was there and ICliff.

Your journey is making me want to go back and visit! It is certainly on our radar. We've been visiting Puerto Rico a lot, recently. I so love your wonderful spirit and it shines!
through in your writing!

[JitterBug]

portland . . . i long to go there . . . one of these trips . . . thanks vi . . . a car is a must in portland. don't have the patience for a driver . . .

on one of my "zion country" stays, rock bottom escorted us ladies to under the rock when it was rocking in the "old days", good man!

you've toured me through all my favorite haunts, thank you.

[*vi*]

Schuttzie, I appreciate anyone taking the time to even open the report to look at the pictures and maybe read a little. But I treasure the comments. Especially the ones I’m receiving in this particular report.

I am not one to promote anything or anyone unless I feel it/they will deliver 100% satisfaction. Winnifred Breeze would be perfect for you and your hubby and the girls. I can’t say enough positive things about this place or the owners. I stayed at quite a few guesthouses in Portland, but this is it for me. I’ll tour other places, but will only stay there.

I’m glad to know you are traveling, but I feel you truly miss Portland. So until you return I’ll do my best to keep you up to date on the changes and the beauty that will be waiting for you.

JitterBug, I want to thank you for your kind words. Means a lot to me because I know how serious you take your travels to Jamaica. I really wished I had gone to ALL the places on my wishlist and share those discoveries with you. It was doable considering the amount of time I was there…however it meant relying on a driver who wasn't conscientiously prepared to accomodate me. You’re right, having my own car would eliminate that need, but I love riding/hate driving so I’ll need to have more than one driver lined up at all times.

[sandman66]

Great report so far Vi. I'm a little put out though, no name in the sand for me (

[*vi*]

Shan Shy Beach
Found a spot, secured my things then stepped into the ocean. I didn’t go far because I had to keep an eye on my bag. That sucked because being shoulder deep in the water is what I needed to take the edge of the morning disappointment off my mind. Also I knew I would be there a while so I was going to enjoy everything about that beach.

Not many people at first which was nice. Last time I was here, I had the place to myself. The owner showed up and introduced herself to me. Again that was October, so the kids that would be sprinkled on the beach were in school. Anyway I enjoy the beach more when it’s overrun with kids of all ages.

[*vi*]

Oh sandman, no and I feel really bad about that. Just like Miss Butterfly I wish I could dash back there to photo sand greetings for you both. But PLEASE don’t let that keep you from coming in and adding your input and reflections of Portland.

[*vi*]