TravelStream™ news feed for member thinkbass on TravelPod's free travel blogs service http://www.travelpod.com/syndication/rss/thinkbass en-us Copyright ©2009 TravelPod.com Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:48:03 -0500 http://www.travelpod.com http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/thinkbass/2/1227142320/tpod.html http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/thinkbass/2/1227142320/tpod.html#comments Travel Blogs http://www.travelpod.com/travel-blog-entries/thinkbass/2/1227142320/tpod.html Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:48:03 -0500 The Green Grotto Caves

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Runaway Bay, Jamaica

I decided to go and experience Mobay Undersea. It's suppose to be a submarine trip from Pier One, Montego Bay. However, the torrential rainfalls put an end to this plan. So we regathered and went to the Green Grotto Caves. (It too was on my list of things to do.)

Place of Departure: Kingston
Time of Departure: 7:30am
Tank: Full

To get to Runaway Bay, St. Ann (cave location) is fairly easy once you are out of Spanish Town - it's getting out of Spanish Town that I loathe. I hereby ask the Jamaican Government to put PROPER signs that let you know which way to take on the round about, where to go from a highway exit and town labels. It was a little confusing to find our way out. I know for the well-travelled it would be a no-brainer.

We thought we would take the Highway 2000 leg to see if it was worth it. It leads of the A3 and the driving is nice, roads are good and speed limit is 110kph. The toll for that leg of the journey (so watch for the exit, stay in the left lane) is J$70 for a car. Worth it? -ahmm...guess so. When you exit you may become confused where to go - bwoy all I can say is go straight.

Once you on the good road west stay on the A3. When you hit Moneague, make a decision: Adventure or Travelled. The Adventure way takes you into , the Travelled way takes you through the town of Ocho Rios. Enjoy the Fern Gully leg, but know that the roads get bad, with some sections made into a one-lane. You are going through Ochi (Ocho Rios) but do not go into the town directly, just keep to the main road and continue onwards.

Good country breeze, quite villages, turny roads, lovely pastures and wide open spaces make for a nice little journey. I saw a wonderful house on the hill and couldn't resist, so I turned in - turned out to be private property but it was so beautiful. Here's a pic - but of course won't tell you where it is located.

Walkerwood Jerk Centre is along the road and I think it would be a solid decision to stop at their Jerk Tour. Didn't do it this leg, but will definitely do it another time.

Green Grotto Cave is located, map wise, between Discovery and Runaway Bay. You CANNOT miss the place.(not from MoBay end either) Good signs, good road, clearly marked lanes and a big jerk centre across the road from it, make you know that you have arrived.

Grounds are well maintained and the parking lot is large and has parking lanes that are specially large for buses.

We got out and bam! - there was a staff member saying Hi and Welcome. He enquired as to our nationality (while in the parking lot) and that was odd but proved useful.

The reception area is surrounded by trimmed foliage, old anchors (look properly) and a good looking calabash tree with gourds on the branches. You are directed to the cashier.

Cost: Jamaicans: J$500 (J$200 for children), prrof of nationality required (you know, the stuff you would have left in the car, but not if the staff met you out there, Aha!)
Non-Jamaicans: US$20 (US$10 for children)

Accepted proof: Drivers' Liscence, J'can workplace ID

Recommended attire: sneakers (or non-slip shoes), jeans

Allowed: Cameras

Not allowed: touching, breaking, sitting on cave formations, smoking in caves, littering

You are transported to the entrance and given disposable head wraps and reusable hard hats. Wear them.

Then you enter the caves and the most breathtaking sights start. Beautiful formations are everywhere. Quiet, except for the tour guides' voice. Yes, there are bats. And also roaches, rats, Jamaican yellow snakes and a few other creatures. The 45 minute tour is a wonderful experience. And you actually do two caves. You may even get the chance to traverse an unpaved route that was used by slavesand the English! My words cannot do justice - so here are the pics.

But the most lovely thing was the subterranean lake. Transparant, beautiful and with life - shrimp, small fishes. Ask the guide, while you are by the lake, how high the lake can go! The stroll outside, between caves, is also good.

The thing that made me wonder was seeing roots of trees so far down - fig trees will send roots up to mile in search of water. And if you look you'll see the roots snaking through the caverns.

Head on back up and get a quick drink and snack at the refreshment counter. If you left your camera, you may purchase a disposable there. Restrooms are clean and wheelchair accessible.

Ok, for those of you concerned about safety within the caves, there are: clear, lighted chiseled stone pathways, sensor lights, sturdy board bridges with heavy weight twisted rope as holds and all stairways have handle rails. The lake is fenced. The guide is VERY careful to tell you to watch your heads, mind especially slippery spots etc.

If you bringing a child, giving them their own little light is not a bad idea. Control them.

They plan to open a fishing hole soon at a lake above ground on the property. When you finish the tour and you get hungry, go across the road to the bar and jerk centre.

They are Green Globe Certified.

Lovely day trip and very recommended.

Tank: half full
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Hope Bay, Jamaica

No fair! Time to leave already.

Had breakfast at the hotel and planned to stop at Somerset Falls on the way into Kingston.

Somerset Falls

Entry: J$500
Location: (on a corner) in Hope Bay, Portland
Open: 9am to 5pm

When you pay and enter you are immediately at ease. Lovely maintained grounds with birds and a strolling peacock and unobtrusive buildings. You will like the layout and planning that was done. A sound system is beating out the latest Jamaican dancehall songs. And staff is present.









Head for the stairs and go for the boat ride. Plan to get wet, so don't bring yuh expensive camera! At the turning point of the ride, you may decide to have the guide escort you across to get a good soaking at the falls. Head back and sit and enjoy nature. Order food and relax.






There is a tour available for the rest of the property, but when I went the tour guide had 'gone down the road for a little'. Hmph.

Very nice place and worth the stop.

Headed back into Kingston with a light drizzle.

Tank: Half full.



So there it is: My Vacation 08 in Port Antonio. Hope I wrote something that made you want to go!
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Port Antonio, Jamaica

YAH!!! Scuba diving day!

I went with a company called Lady G'Diver. The master diver is Jan Lee Widener. Just give them some notice and let them know what equipment you will need.

Meet them at the pool at the Marina by 10:30am. Bring your diving card and logbook.

Got there a little late (damn ATMS!). You will get a nice debriefing, intro to staff and rules, intro to other divers and registration. I was diving with Jan as my buddy and there were 3 other divers. There was a snorkeler as well. All from Italy, except the captain.

We got on board the 27ft boat, stored our gear and set off. It was a short ride to the first dive site and waters were pretty calm. Down we go!

If you've never been diving I can't tell you the feeling of swimming with the fishes! There were corals, sponges, fishes and three sharks. Yeah - 3 sharks. It was too cool. We were back up and moving on the second dive site which is a few minutes pass Frenchman's Cove. The seas were choppy and I started to get queasy. Went down again and had an enjoyable dive.

Jan is a very good buddy. Very caring and supportive with tips and pointers for you. The other side of the business ; communications and such will be much appreciated by you as they are quick to answer emails and have a nice follow-up service.

The marina is equipped with a shower stalls (with hot water!) And if you did the afternoon dives you may as well hang around for dinner at Norma's on the Marina.

Pictures later since I had someone do them for me.

Was supposed to go clubbin' - but went to the hotel and crashed instead!

Was a great day.
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Port Antonio, Jamaica

Wednesday was a lazy day. Swam, slept, went back tot he marina and the Things Jamaican shop that was there. Decided to eat out at a place called Anna Banana. Forget the name, this place has appealing decor and good staff and more than palatable food.

All this resting was in preparation for my scuba diving on Thursday.
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Port Antonio, Jamaica

Had breakfast at the hotel and decided to drive about Port Antonio. Just got in the car and zoomed around taking whichever road I felt like. Not yet into Port Antonio, I saw a magnificent castle - The Trident Castle. Please do turn in their driveway and get closer pictures of a simply awe inspiring structure. They are not open for touring just now as they are renovating and hoping to sell.

The town is a packed one, with the hustle and bustle expected in a small town. People are about their business and children are trying to get to school. You might see children on the road as late as 10 because apparently the bus system is not so regular.

I think that in a new town, not cause you inviting danger, but just in case you should be in need, one ought to check out where the pharmacy is and at least one doctor's office. So I drove slowly and did that. Easy.

I saw a church from the distance that looked very stately. It's the Christ Church and it's a beauty - so stop by and take a peek in and around - they don't mind.



The town is in the midst of some new building developments and one will notice the aim to keep the new structures in the Georgian style of architecture. Taking the road towards Titchfield will have you pass the De Montevin Lodge - a beautiful little building. It too is a hotel but it's a little too close to the road for me.

I got lunch at KFC (yup) and ate it by the Folly Lighthouse. Just look for the white column entrance to the Fooly Cricket Oval and turn. The road to the Lighthouse will take you pass the Folly Great House Ruins. This is completely fenced around at the moment so no getting near - one hopes they going to see about renovating it.

The lighthouse is operated by the Port Authority and the chap there is wiiling to let you in to view the structure and eat. I brought my mat, sat under a tree and ate and read. Parking: Free Entry: Free



The town has most major banks: Bank of Nova Scotia, First Caribbean and another one I can't remember. There are ATMs. Though on the day I went neither of BNS were working. The gas station in town will be selling gas a little higher than in Kingston.

There are a couple clubs, eating places and shops (clothes, computer, grocery). There is a mini photography shop. The main bookstore is Hamilton's I think - with a sparse collection of international books and a decent collection of local ones.
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Port Antonio, Jamaica

The hotel is a bit past the town of Port Antonio (like round couple corners, over two bridges). The construction isn't going on here but the pot holes are going to slow your journey. Look for a sign on the left on the main road and take a right. The road is an uphill drive through the mountains and if you look really carefully at the start of that road you'll see a very interesting building.

Follow the appropriately placed signs and you cannot miss the way to the Hotel. When you get there the staff already heard you coming and someone is waiting for you at the front office - just standing there looking like she had nothing to do but wait for you. It's kind of nice.

Sign in and go upstairs for your cool welcome drink. Take in the GREAT view. And if you are a birdwatcher - bring the binoculars. Sit back and ...listen. Take in the sounds of nature.

Get escorted to room and find a simple, tastefully designed and decorated room. Get acquainted with the property and go to the pool, the gardens and book a massage. I won't tell you about all the little surprises they do for you!











Mockingbird Hill is an eco-tourism resort. They're big on local products, conservation and recycling. That said it is also a very quite, restful place.



Do NOT:
bring any loud instruments
come to party
play any loud music

If you need loud then try somewhere else. If you want to read, sleep, recuperate, meditate and just plain enjoy nature - this is the place.




Had dinner there and it was fabulous. Milles Fleurs, the restaurant on compound, is lovely to dine at, a bit expensive but worth it. There is a gallery as well (not fully open to display when I visited.)
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Kingston, Jamaica

So I decided, mainly by intuition, that Vacation 08 would be in Port Antonio, Jamaica. I got on the internet and tried to find a good hotel that was giving me what i wanted and would not bleed me dry. I decided on Hotel Mockingbird Hill - and I'm glad I did. I'm writing this blog as if you might be interested in going to Port Antonio.

Nationality: Jamaican
Starting Point: Kingston, Jamaica
Departure time: 8:20am
Left with a full tank of gas and a clean car (owned)
Estimated drive time: 3.0 hours

Decided to leave early morning, so that I could reach at a decent time- but not so early that I would catch traffic.

TIP: Let the hotel know you may be an early check-in - my place was accommodating.

Took my time and drove slowly going through St. Andrew hills, St. Mary (using the A3) and hitting a right at Grey's Inn (thereby taking the A4) Lot's of nice scenery to make this a lovely scenic route and I suggest you have the camera out and ready should you decide to stop and take a shot.

Suggested Pit Stops:

Reasons: You have the time (you on vacation, right?!)
Given early departure time it lengthens trip and delays check-in
Cause the places really too good to just go by.

1. Boone Hall Oasis
A lovely little hideaway. Beautiful flora, nice river at back of property and helpful staff. Nice pathways that lead to quiet spots so you can do some thinking, meditation or just enjoy the sights, or just get cozy with that someone. If u started out late, like 10-ish, then u can probably catch breakfast. Hang a right when you get to Stony Hill Square and follow the signs - or ask. 4 River Road, Stony Hill, 942-3064, Entry: free

2. Castleton Botanical Gardens
A very special place for me. Lots of walking space. Good for a picnic - so skip breakfast at home and pack it and eat it here if you wish. Or bring the daily papers if you can't leave the world behind. But a good book is better. Nice river at back of compound on the right side of road. Yup, the compound is on both sides - so wander a bit. Entry: free

Both these places are nature's paradise so - take only photos, leave only footprints.

Continue your journey through the village of Devon Pen. Near there you may see a nice looking entrance to a place called Tapioca Villas. Mi faas - so me turn in dere. They are just starting a little villa/retreat centre thingy. Good environment - but not yet ready and definitely not worth the $4500 per night they are charging.

Onward.

Go through Broadgate, Chovey, pass by the turn off for Aqualta Vale. St. Mary Banana Estate, given it's commercial aspect, makes that passage way a very lovely tree-lined way to drive through. Come to the Shell gas station. They're turning that fork into a round about it seems. So never mind the dust and confusion (and the fact that the gas sation looks like it's sinking) - just go right.

Now you start seeing the Caribbean Sea. Pass through Annotto Bay and the little towns along the sea side. At Windsor Castle (Hart Hill), if you are a history buff (or just plain interested in old Jamaica) - look up when you pass the Windsor Castle Primary School. In the bushes an impressive fort-looking structure peeps out. If you adventurous like me, use your geography and find the back road that leads you all the way to the structure - it's an old sugar mill! Original parts lying around, rusting away. Property is owned by Devon who is quite enthusiastic with his plans to have it as an attraction. There is the remains of the great house nearby - a bit difficult to get to: it too going to rot or loss at the hands of those who don't care.

Head on into Buff Bay.

Note: Had you taken the B1 over the Blue Mountains you would have come out here. You would have passed by and maybe opted to stop at: The Coffee Estate, Hollywell Recreational Park and Old Tavern Estate. But this road is unpredictable in the rainy season where passge is concerned (landslides and all).

From here on the journey slows down - they doing some major road construction/maintenance all the way into Port Antonio. Big trucks and equipment, detours, unpaved roads, dust, traffic and a few stand still moments. Nonetheless, they have good flagwomen out - who direct you safely, detours are within sight of the normal route, and road signs are more than adequate (like "Paved road ends here", "Singlelane starts here", "Slow") My humble advice: follow all the commands.

Somerset Falls is two minutes into Hope Bay - and I suggest you stop. (Did so on return journey, so more about that later). Head on into Port Antonio. Gawk at the new courthouse just before town.


Stop at the Errol Flynn Marina - it is a BEAUTIFUL centre. I was proud to see something like that in Jamaica. It seh one!
Continue to your hotel of choice.





End Point: Hotel Mockingbird Hill
Arrival Time: ~12:26pm
Tank: Still saying full!
Car: Dirty


Next: Hotel Mockingbird Hill
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