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