Country # 6. . .JAMAICA Day 3 (part 3) & Day 4 (our final day)

YS Falls was so amazing neither one of us wanted to leave.  We got back in the car and headed back to Negril, hoping to make it before the sun completely sets.  Luckily we did not get lost on the way back to our hotel (which was a first), and although we were exhausted and still had to pack, we were also starving, so we freshened up and walked across the street for one last dinner at our favorite jerk shack.  AS my hubby and I were talking to the owners we noticed a gentleman standing not far from us, and it seemed he was having an intense conversation with either himself or maybe Bob Marley, Pam (the owner) introduced us to him aka Mr. Skeebo, the resident security guard.  My hubby bought Mr. Skeebo a drink, and next thing you know they became fast friends. . .The food was amazing as always, and because neither one of us wanted the evening to end we ordered another Red Stripe.  As the saying goes, " All good things must come to an end" we decided to call it a night. 

 

 

The next morning started like every other.  We got up and went to breakfast.  We had a couple hours to kill before we had to head back to Montego Bay to catch our flight, so we decided to just hang out at the hotel.  The water didn't seem to be as rough today as it has been, so my husband decided to was now or never, and headed to the platform to get a dive in.  I on the other hand relaxed and read my book waiting for the moment to catch my hubby's jump on camera.  After what seemed to be forever, he jumped. We then headed back to our room to shower and pack.

 

 

It was a such a relief when we arrived at the airport.  Neither one of us could believe that the car made it back without a scratch.  Not just because of how crazy they drive on this island, but because my husband has never driven a car with the steering wheel on the right side and has never driven on the opposite side of the road.  We returned the rental and the man that checked us in gave us a ride (in the same car) to the international terminal.  As we pull up to the curb, BANG! he wrecked the car into the car beside us.  My husband and I looked at each other grabbed our bags, and ran into the airport, so happy it was him and not us.

 

We boarded our flight, upgraded to business class, and reminisced about another successful vacation.

 

 

 

Jamaica Day 3 (Part 2)

The drive to YS falls was quite interesting.  Of course we got lost a couple times, and at one point we drove through a small town where we kept seeing signs for shrimp.  My husband and I were a little confused simply because we were nowhere near the coast, so we couldn't figure out where the shrimp would be coming from and why everyone was trying to sell us some.  So our curiosity finally got the best of us and we decided to stop and see what it was all about.  Here we learned that the river that went through town was filled with fresh-water shrimp, so we walked up the road a little and my husband decided to try this local delicacy.

 

We got back in the car and headed out again to try to find our  destination of the day, YS Falls.  We had to take a tractor-pulled jitney to get to the actual falls.  So while waiting for the next tractor we changed into our bathing suits and decided to try out another Jamaican cuisine.  The Jamaican patty.  Delicious!

 

 

Now many people have heard of Dunn's River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, and although it is beautiful, with all the cruises, and the popularity of Ocho Rios Dunn's River has become another tourist trap.  YS Falls is the complete opposite.  It is tucked away in a scecluded area, recieves few visitors, is extremely relaxing, and in my opinion, much more beautiful.  Here is a little history of the falls. . .

 

YS was originally a cane farm, with a factory. YS Estate was also a supplier of logwood for export to Europe. The heart of the logwood tree was used for the purpose of making dye.
By 1887 the property had changed hands many times and was held in the Encumbered Estates Court in London. At that time, Great Grand Uncle (John Browne) of the present owner, Tony Browne, had traveled to London to purchase a property in St. Ann. However, upon arrival in London, that property had been sold. John Browne wanting a property with a river running through it bought YS Estate, sight unseen.
YS continued to grow cane, reap logwood trees and raise cattle. With the introduction of synthetic dyes, the need for logwood dwindled. In the 1960’s cane was phased out. In the 1950’s, the present owner, Tony Browne, started to breed and raise thoroughbred horses. Tony Browne continued the breeding and raising of cattle, but now, focuses on the Jamaica Red Poll cattle, which is a pedigreed herd.

Simon Browne, youngest son of Tony Browne, opened YS in 1992 to the public, living out his lifelong wish. However, Simon Browne only wanted to admit 25 persons a day, but the popularity of YS Falls exceeded that. However, Simon monitors numbers to ensure that the natural beauty of YS is not destroyed by inquisitive feet.

 

 

We boarded the jitney, and were driven through an amazingly beautiful countryside before reaching the actual falls.  The falls are about 120 foot high, and consist of 7 levels.  Steps were built on the side to make easy access to the top, and there is even a spring fed swimming pool at the bottom for those who just want to relax.  We decided to start at the top and work our way down.  One of my favorite things about this place was that there were employees there to take pictures (with your own camera) and they were NOT permitted to ask for tips. 

 

The falls were crazy gorgeous, and we wasted no time getting in the water.  There were even natural vines if you wanted to try out your Tarzan impersonation (which my hubby did.)  We stayed until the last jitney was leaving, then headed back to Negril.

 

www.ysfalls.com

 



 

 



 

 

Jamaica Day 3 (part 1)

I almost am embarrassed to admit it, but we actually set an alarm while on vacation.  We wanted to get on the road early since we really had no idea where we were going.  So we got up, packed a backpack, went and had our breakfast at the hotel, and got on our way.  Our semi-plan was to head into the interior of the island to try and find some waterfalls and caves that we saw on the map.  We were really trying to just get off the beaten path and hit some non-touristy places.  This is the part of the trip (any trip) that I love, the unknown.  I could read 20 tour books, and plan every trip to the last minute, but it's what is not in the tour books that makes a vacation. 

Years ago when I was in Jamaica I visited the famous Dunns River Falls in Ocho Rios.  Although beautiful, it was overcome with people from resorts and cruisers.  Jamaica is a large island with beautiful coasts and mountains, and many more waterfalls to be visited, and me being a romantic, I couldn't wait.  We were hoping to have time to hit a couple of falls, and then head to the Black River for some rafting.  So with only an idea, and a tourist road map we headed out.

 

 

We followed the coast to a town called Savanna-La-Mar.  From there we were going to head inland, however like a couple days before, we got lost.  We were trying to find Mayfield Falls, and just like getting lost before, a Rasta on a bike pulls up beside us and tells us to follow him.  Knowing how this works we told him we were fine and didn't need his help.  He informed us that the Mayfield Falls was closed due to a drowning the day before (really don't know if he was telling the truth) and that we should check out the Roaring River Caves instead.  He was very persistent about us following him even going so far as to tell us his Grandmother lived by the caves and he was on his way there anyway.  So in the end he won, and we followed him to the cave. 

We arrived early and no one was there. This time we only gave the guy on the bike $ 5.00.  Then another Rasta appeared and told us that he would be our tour guide.  We tried to convince him that we didn't need a guide, but  to find out that the locals actually lock up the entrance to the caves and only a few of them have keys, so we got ourselves a tour guide.  Again nothing in this country is free.  Instead of going straight to the cave, the Rasta (who claimed to be the medicine man or Doctor of the village) gave us a tour around the mountain before entering the cave.  This is a Jamaica that many don't get to experience.  Along the way we came across children bathing in a creek, a new born goat standing for the first time,  and almonds, apples, pineapple, and cocoa all growing in the wild (and we were able to taste everything.)

 

 

Then we entered the cave.  The caves are dark, and the only light is the lighter that our guide had to light his . . .medicine.  To me once you've seen one cave you've seen them all, but this one was a little different as there were swimming holes where the water would pour into from somewhere.  Our guide allowed us to swim in a couple different places, and even showed us some small cubby holes to twist ourselves into to experience the rushing waters.  Now this was awesome.  The caves themselves were not that large, but the experience of walking through an actual village, and swimming in pitch black caves was priceless.

 

When we were done, my husband gave our guide a substantial tip (some of the best money we spent) and we headed back to the car only to find the guy on the bike was still there.  He wanted more money.  I reminded him that he was supposed to be at his grandmothers, and we did not ask him to wait.  I was getting very irritated and angry, and I had to walk away.  My husband gave him another $ 5.00 just so he would quit harassing us and we left. 

 

Next on our list was YS Falls.  The drive between the caves and the falls was full of surprises, one being bamboo lane.  Basically it is a strip of road that is covered on both sides with enormous bamboos.  It was beautiful and I asked mu hubby to pull over.  I jumped out and tried to get some pictures before the cars came flying past.