On the way back towards the hill, I stopped and say hi to Stepaside, one of the most respected jerk-chicken guys. I was surprised the stocky barrel chef had not seen the video we made together six months prior, but sometimes I forget just how remote Negril is.

I am so happy every time I see a familiar face. Like I said, I feel more and more at home on every visit, and this is a big reason why. I guess I’ve been to Negril about 20 times now, averaging a little more than a week per visit adding up to maybe a total of six full months all together over ten years. The best six months of my life, that’s for sure.

I loaded up at a little store called Wise Choice, especially juice, but when I got to the room I realized most of the rum was gone. The JB overproof goes down like water in Negril. Never had a single hangover, and we drank a LOT.

At Sunset, I headed out to Sir D Lookout – just me and the sun, not a single other person except the barmaid – then I made my all the way down the hill at dusk to Hi Lo. The overproof there for 750 liters for $1480j – the rate is basically 100 to one now so easy to figure out -- but Marko later scolded me from not using the Chinaman shop near Pee Wees, as the intoxicant is about 15 percent less there.

Debars was calling my name on the ride back, so I stopped in. Eddie is still around of course, and the aging cook was in good spirits.

At Seastar Inn, Rob was there early for the party webcast, and today was his birthday.