Clarity, Markus and Jamar in Negril – Nov 2011 Trip Report: Day 1-3

[Hubby-man]

Sheldon pointed into the washing machine. But there was no trace of him. As Sheldon kept pointing we move deeper into the pool. The walls of water around us came down with formidable strength and it took some courage to pass beneath them.

When I finally did, I discovered our lost companion sitting under the overhanging rocks, in a dry spot.
His figure was erect and proud, while his chin was resting on his fist, not unlike Rodin's thinker. He looked deep in thought. It was like he had melted into this otherworldly landscape and became one with it. Jamar seemed like a warrior who had found his power place. He was absorbing all he could.

My arrival stirred him up. He lost his train of thought and dove back out of the cave below the raging water, that had hid him from the rest of the world. Again I felt like a pollutant. It was right after that, that the “praying mantis” picture was taken of him. I think he found something significant there, though he never talked about it.



Daisy and me dove in and out of the froth a few more times, kissing and hugging like this was our honey moon.



But this was the last stage of our adventure and we had to make our way home. Jamar and Sheldon had already started up the steep path back to the campgrounds, and eventually we had to follow.


I think Daisy will agree, that its really the trek home that you need the water shoes for most. I think her feet were getting torn up by prickly seed-pods, sharp sticks and stones. Also touching the hand-rail had serious consequences, as it was covered by armies of vicious little ants, that had claimed this rail as a super high-way.

If you make it to Mayfield Falls, and you feel yourself itching and scratching, these little ants are more likely to be the cause than mosquitoes or gnats. Just stay away from tree trunks, handrails.... or anything really.

The entire time we had enjoyed ourselves so much, also because Sheldon had completely taken over the task of taking pictures. And he had done an expert job, keeping memory card, battery-power, directed and natural snapshots, movies and still shots at a perfect balance. Something I can't even do myself, and he did it with three cameras.

When we got back to the campground, the sun was fading at a hurry. The hundreds of stairs back up to the road seemed insurmountable after the exertions in the water, but we made it.

Me and Daisy last.

Back up on top we were greeted by a Birthday Street Party in full progress. Sheldon and his wife and kids were dancing in the street with Jamar. Other folks and just as many dogs as people were moving about excitedly.

The big smiles from the kids were intoxicating and we hung about for a while. Sheldon’s girls absolutely loved Jamar and dragged him this way and that. What a good time!



It was so sad to say good bye. We gave Sheldon every dime we had and he was extremely thankful. It seems, especially during off-season, going out for a day excursion can really make a difference in someones family finance. And damn that makes us always happier than the money itself ever could have. And what an experience we had.

As far as day trips go I think that was the greatest experience of my life.



And with that I leave you. I think Daisy has the continuation of her family discovery almost ready to go. So stay tuned for that.