Mayfield Falls Question

[Marilyn]

Ok so you have 6 ladies who are going to Jamaica in July to celebrate their 50th birthdays. They are going to do a few days in Negril, then 4 in Ochii.

They are not an active bunch at all, as a matter of fact, they are having some real issues already with the hill at Skycastles.

Anywho...the leader of the pack keeps naming attractions she has heard about for them to do. Dunn River Falls keeps coming up. I nix it because if you can't walk down a hill to the pool, how you gonna do Dunn River Falls??

So here's my question. ... They may be with us on the Mayfield Falls day. I haven't been there myself yet ,but is there a part where they don't have to climb, can they just sit somwhere and look at the falls and say "Oh how pretty"? Cause I am thinking that's about all they can handle.

[Nanook]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

In that case Marilyn, I would take them to YS Falls..

I loved Mayfield, but it's a treck I'm glad I did it when I did, I'll never be able to do it again. Liz mentioned there was also tubing at YS now too. The walk to the bigger falls is not taxing at all. And the rope swing is big fun, you can also swim to behind the falls.

[SweeetLips]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

Marilyn you know how bad my knees are and I did YS with no problem. Also I spoke with Greg the owner of Mayfield Falls recently (cuz he also owns Moonsan Villa in Portie where I'm staying), he said there is a back way into Mayfield Falls, that is not such a climb.

You know sometimes people with a little disability, such as arthritis, or being out of shape, don't give themselves enough credit as to what they really can do. I wouldn't attempt 1/2 the things I do in Jamaica here at home, like crawling in and out of a boat, jumping off cliffs, going to YS Falls, and moderate hiking, etc. Maybe these ladies will have a change of heart once they reach Jamaica and they get their groove on and feel rejuvenated. It's amazing what Jamaica can bring out of ya [img]/forums/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[sheanlee]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

So true, my mother-in-law is diabetic and has been ill numerous times last year to the point of hospitalization. The day after the wedding we all took a trip to Dunn's River and she did it, LOVED IT...didn't want to get out of the water! She did scratch her shin on a rock...and for a diabetic injuries are a big no-no ...but it healed and she is STILL talking about it.

[Marilyn]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

OK Family, so from Negril, so I understand it YS is farther than Mayfield right? So to get to the "easier" falls, how much longer am I riding in a bus/van???? From Negril.

[SweeetLips]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

I have no idea. I haven't been to Mayfield Falls yet, and I go to YS from Treasure Beach. Sounds like you're going to have a great time.

[Marilyn]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

Sweets

I hope so. I usually am not the excursion type, but the pictures I see of Mayfield, I just kinda want to go there.

[Sienna]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

Marilyn,

By now you of all people should have been able to explain to these 6 ladies that "age is just a number" and that being here will help them roll back the years! Or, maybe you have but it will take their personal explorations to see that this is true.

Because they are not (so far) the "active type", in order of activity (from highest to lowest) the falls and the 'getting there' rate this way:

Mayfield, YS, Benji's (not really a waterfall but at least they can sit by the creek and "pretend"?)

At Mayfield, the lower parking area is still not finished, and they still would have a little walk to get to the starting spot. They would avoid the steps into the valley and the suspension bridge (part of the beauty but perhaps just not meant to be) but it's not like they're going to step out of the car and just see the water.

It is only my opinion, but Mayfield is a perfect waste of time for people who just want to sit and look. The surroundings are pretty, but you can get that too many other places. Besides, they'd still be charged for the ride time and that doesn't seem worth it to just sit and sip a beer or something while waiting for the rest of you to return. And there's no reason they feel they should have to rush to keep up with the more active set of ladies going. Your driver can give directions to the "fast trackers" on where to go to sign in and pay (could be one of two areas) while walking behind with the slower set. The ladies can walk as slowly as they want. The driver, if he knows what he's looking at, will be able to point out the different fruit trees and vegetation along the way, which can be just as enjoyable to them. When they do get to the falls, if you set it up ahead of time, there can be two guides (I'd recommend this anyway for the size of your group) and one set can forge ahead, and one group can lag behind, no problem.) Sala and I have taken families with infants, and people in their 70's, and one absolutely incredibly delightful 80 year old woman there, and I'm not sure if she or We had a better time! Again, depending on the driver you choose, you'll either be with the falls guides while your driver sleeps in the van, or the driver will be right there in the water with you to help the guide help you.)

YS Falls is easily traveled. They will ride up as close as possible on the tram, walk a little way as slowly as they like. The stairs are easy to navigate. They can walk up to as many levels as they like. They could wade in the swimming pool if they didn't want to go into the natural pools from the falls. The only time YS is not "pretty" is the day of, or after a rain, when it looks like a flood of chocolate milk, due to the sediment from upstream that washes into the water.

But then again, you don't have to have everyone go to the same place. Depending on whom you've chosen to be your group's driver, if one group goes to Mayfield, the other group (with a different driver) can go to YS (or Benji's - the least amount of walking, the least amount of activity but still pretty if we finally get some rains to put water in the creek. Your trip is in July so we SHOULD have rain/water by then, God help us if we don't! Even YS and Mayfield would be mere trickles if that happened.)

[Marilyn]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

Sienna
Ok you solved the problem. (depending on the driver) Come on....now you know....) anyway

The ultimate solution I like is the two guides for two sets of people.

You have no idea how I am looking forward to that bridge. I forgot who the board member was, but that bridge shot was my screen saver at work for a long time.

Man I can't wait.

[Marilyn]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

Oh SIenna PS. I haven't gotten a chance to talk to these ladies. The lead lady is sort of organizing this and she talks to them and I haven't gotten a chance to. When I meet them, I am sure they won't be a "old" as depicted.

[Sienna]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

Marilym, iforward them what I wrote if you like, or send the "lead lady" my email address and I'll be happy to correspond with her to chat and put her at ease. I'll Cc you with all correspondance so you know what is going on.

As long as people are willing to take a chance, sometimes the most hesitant are the ones that enjoy the trip the most - because they wind up doing something they didn't think they could do, because they find that there is life in them yet!

Now, are you ready to keep up with THEM if they do this trip to Mayfield and want to break out and continue kicking up their heels for the rest of the trip????? Who knows what 'monsters' you'll have created! [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

[Marilyn]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

Sienna
Lead lady will see this as she advidly reads the boards but does not post. I think we got Dunn River Falls (I have a lot of social issues with that one, because i think the "improvements" have just about ruined it) out of the picture. I am real anit-Dunn River Falls, so I tend to steer people away from that choice.

I am thrilled that they will be with us on a falls day and get to see a proper one. I am sure they will be fine, especially if we have a group who takes it slow.

[Marilyn]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

Oh yeah Sienna
Angie already asked her, now what are you going to do when YOU are ready to go to Ochii and your ladies say, "no thanks, we're staying in Negril."

[Marilyn]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question


...and a great time was had by all.. Maybe I just should have gone to DRF and not done it full of RUm punch and with a bunch of strangers.

[TIAMARGIA]

Re: Mayfield Falls Question

I have been to both YS and Mayfield Falls and both are beautiful. If I had to choose one then I would go for Mayfield because it is interactive and such good fun. The water is mineral water also so your skin feels lovely and silky when you get out of the water.

From Negril the trip is shorter too. None of the tourists I have taken there have been disappointed. Young, old and slightly disabled. The guides are very good and if at any point you get tired they will help you out of the water to rest in the sun amongst the tropical flowers.

The drive up into the mountains is memorable too. Here are some photos I took last week on my trip there.

Driving up to Falls through the mountains.



Mayfield Falls (Top route via steps).




The Steps (Not for the faint hearted).



Having fun with my guy.



Enjoying the natural jacuzzis.



Our driver relaxing before the trip back.



Water Therapy.



Tia [img]/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]