TRAIL OF ASHES TOUR: The adventure continues as Gerry G returns to Negril

[gerryg123]

As we headed out in front of Roaring River, I couldn't believe who I ran into: It was a local gentleman named Lightning, who had guided me through the area about five years ago, but in the interim I had not seen him since. I had asked several times about him -- Lightning was an incredible host who literally CARRIED my two toddler daughters through some of the tough terrain back then -- but never had a chance to see him again until now.

Lightning did remember me -- how the heck do Jamaicans always remember peeps when sub sandwiches are supposed to hinder your memory??? -- and we made a quick hello. It was nice to see him again, and the chance meeting was among a series of reunions this reach that brought me back in touch with some of the original locals I had grown so fond of. When I first met him, he had a very bad limp and had never seen a doctor (that's what happens when you can't afford good medical help, I guess), but this time he had a bicycle.

Now the challenge was on: It was twilight with still a lot of road to cover before we made it back to the coast, but Chunkey swore up and down we would make it back by sundown. Sure enough, he didn't even have to speed, and we made it!

I spent a good part of the evening with Tattoo Charlie at Canoe, then I headed back to Seastar Inn and crashed early. At least, that's the story I'm going with, lol.

[Smokin Kevan]

When is your next getaway Jerry and are you still in the record biz?

[CherryNorth49]

Lightning did remember me -- how the heck do Jamaicans always remember peeps when sub sandwiches are supposed to hinder your memory??? -- and we made a quick hello.

If my intro psych class from back in the day is to be believed, as long as you are in the same state as when you learned it, your chances of remembering are good. Of course being students, there were certainly those who wished to apply the theory right away. Subs with studying therefore meant subs with exams. I'll admit wasn't prepared to test the theory then and I wouldn't recommend the strategy now. Still, I kind of think for some Jamaican's, the steady sub diet is their key to keeping the memories intact.

[gerryg123]

Soon come. Music biz, yes, but if I keep disappearing to Negril, who knows???? lol ......

[Smokin Kevan]

Very cool... Seems like a good A&R person could make some awesome discoveries in Jamaica. I was always surprised that some of the mainstream talent like Tessanne Chin, Cherine Anderson, Colin Levy and Taurus Riley have not broken big in the U.S. I've heard resort karaoke singers, nobody knows that would rival the Star Search talent...If your part of the record biz leans toward A&R or someone likes your vibe enough, you might just be able to disappear into Jamaica and get paid for it. I of course would gladly be your assistant! All it takes is one person to see your vision! Beautiful report...Live long and prosper!

[gerryg123]

In the morning, I was greeted at breakfast by Gugiray and Sweetie Pie, a fun couple from Michigan. I got along especially well with Gugiray, who is simply an incredibly cool guy.

And Suzie Q, of course. We'd grown quite close, and after spending most of her time with me she decided she wanted to extend her vacation! She had done a package through Expedia with no free changes allowed of course -- rookie mistake, lol -- and according to one of the agents, to change the flight they were going to charge her something ridiculous like 500 dollars. Plus, her nightly rate she was paying at Seastar Inn was higher than it would be if she already had two feet in Negril, which of course she did now.

She asked for my help, and I found a one-way flight that was affordable. Then i implored Chris to give her a SICK rate for staying on, and of course the great hotelier came through as he always does for his loyal returnees, and so it was settled. Suzie would stay for as long as I was there, until Sunday, a huge move because it was only Wednesday morning, so four more glorious nights and five glorious days.

Suzie Q flipped her credit card out like an old Western gunslinger .... Ya mon.

We hung out for a bit at Bantons and with my friend, Keith, from Philly. He lives right near Banton's, and he's always doing something fun. The house he built overlooks the sea but was a bit of a project when he first bought it, but Keith and his live-in assistant, known simply at Rasta (great guy), have built the place up nicely.

My project for today was to find a Rasta named Bobo, a good friend of fellow boardie Negriloholic from Oklahoma. She had recommended Bobo strongly as just a great guy to hang out with, a really trustworthy soul, and my only clue was that he worked in one of the craft shops near Rockhouse.

I had tried to find him last reach, but alas it was harder than I thought because someone said there was more than one Bobo. But this time, I just yelled "where's bobo?" a few times as I whooshed by in my Scooter, and eventually the Rasta yelled out "Here I am! Ya mon, I heard you were looking for me!"

[gerryg123]

Here are some more pics from Roaring River (top to bottom):

1, Little shop where I met Bam Bam

2, Same shop, this is another nice lady

3, Robert, loyal guide at Blue Hole Gardens and Roaring River

4, This is the real Jamaica

5, Little shack on the outskirts

6, Lightning, the elder Roaring River guide

7, Bam Bam, what a great Jamaica smile

[gerryg123]

Here's some video of HALF MOON BEACH ....

[Vince]

Irie report!!!!!!!!!

[Lady Jane]

WOW! Loving this report.

GERRY!!! I just wanna hand with you next reach. Seriously, you know everyone and have sooooo much fun. You should offer tours.