Sam I Am's Trip Report May 2011 (Part1)

[Sam I Am]

DAY EIGHT CONT:
After the quick stop we continued on our way to YS Falls. We made the obligatory stop in Middle Quarters for peppered shrimp. I have to say that in all the times I have been to JA and all the times I have passed through MQ, I had never actually tried the shrimp. So I decided that this was the time to do it. C&N love the peppered shrimp and bought a few bags from a few different ladies. It was funny to listen to C talk to the ladies, negotiate and tell them what sized shrimp she wants. She is clearly a tourist, but she has not lost her skills from growing up in JA!

Well after much discussion and explaining of the technique, I gave it a go. And the verdict is... glad I tried it, probably wont do it again. It was a texture thing for me. I didn't realize that you eat them shell on.

After a wrong turn or two, we reached YS. Rookie mistake.... we did not call ahead. They were closed. I knew they we closed on Mondays, so I was surprised but it turned out there was a staff holiday and the place was closed for the next 10 days. Oh well, live and learn, and call ahead.

We laughed and talked about how that was JA for you... your day never turns out as you plan, but you still have a great time. So back in the car, back on the road and back through middle quarters again. We decided that after we stopped for lunch at Mango Tree, we would head out to Brighton and visit Blue Hole Mineral Springs.

We got to Mango Tree and they had our fish set aside for us. We all ordered the whole fry fish. After a short wait, out it came and it was amazing. As you can see I enjoyed it.


From there we headed into the hills to Brighton. Neat drive up there, but really off the beaten track. Two of the caretakers we there and welcomed us. C has been there often and knew one of them well so he gave us the grand tour. They have been doing a ton of work on the place. The blue hole itself is cool, but I really liked the pool.



They showed us around the property and the bar was really nice too. They are in the middle of building 2-3 large buildings on the hillside there too. One is almost finished and they are already renting it out. If you want to really be off the grid it might be a nice place to check out staying. The rooms were spacious and looked really nice. Here is a view from the balcony of the suite: