St, Bess & Beyond...

**Diplomat** · 06-12-2007, 11:35 PM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Q3210</div><div class="ubbcode-body">great shots CEW </div></div>

Thank you.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">CEW can you divulge the price for admission to YS?</div></div>

If I recall correctly, it was JAM $400 for locals, and US $13 (I think) for tourists.

**Diplomat** · 06-12-2007, 11:42 PM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Green_Biscuit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">CEW, I am thoroughly enjoying your report. I hope that it is not completed. I am not ashamed to say that I was moved to tears a couple of times while reading it.

I also had to chuckle, at the ex-pat Jamaican man that minds the lizards, etc. Perhaps you shouldn't let so much time pass in between visits home.

(((CEW)))) </div></div>

[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70459-hugs.gif[/img]Green_Biscuit[img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70459-hugs.gif[/img] I really didn't care for waking up and seeing the lizard on the wall like a piece of art or something like that [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif[/img]

**Diplomat** · 06-12-2007, 11:58 PM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

So, having made it to top of the Falls, not only was there this incredible sense of accomplishment, but also one of peace. It was as if in this little piece of paradise, my soul was cleansed. Team members were basically at different parts of the Falls, in their own world, reflecting, meditating, and perhaps "hearing" the same words like I did from deep within. After some time, it was if we were filled; with some reluctance, it was time to go.

Coming down from the Falls, and after seeing this view, I'm convinced that on the seventh day, God rested in Jamaica [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/wink.gif[/img]

Below, I really loved this policy. No harassment [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

**Diplomat** · 06-13-2007, 12:04 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

For the more daring visitors, they could actually gear up in the place on the right and climb, aided by equipment, some really large trees.

Below, this "greeted" us as we exited the jitney.

**Diplomat** · 06-13-2007, 12:20 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

It had been a long day; Treasure Beach and then YS. It was worth it all though and despite the heat bearing down on us, nobody was complaining. We all felt this was an awesome experience and one we would not soon forget. Given what was planned for the next day, a trip to Mandeville, the Black River Safari, and a visit to Little Ochee, the one thing we needed now was to get back to the guest house and catch up on some rest.

Once we got there and after a shower, I indulged in one of my favorites - sugar cane. One night earlier in the week I was talking to Mrs. B, the owner of the guest house, and mentioned my love for sugar cane. The next day she went out and got me this huge bag - peeled and cut up. It was heavenly [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70409-waytogo.gif[/img] Later, someone also left me a whole pile. Boy, was I happy! I did share it with the rest of the group, but they obviously didn't share my passion for it. No complaints from me; I ate it all and contentedly went to sleep.

Next day - Saturday - we set out right after breakfast. First stop would be the Black River Safari, something I had never heard about but was anxious to experience. I usually think of a Safari as an African thing, but here in St. Bess was one like none other.

We paid our fees ($1,100 each) and after a 30-min wait during which we "fueled up" with water, we met Captain Peter and boarded the safari boat for what would be another delightful experience.

**Diplomat** · 06-13-2007, 12:54 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

Captain Peter was an excellent pilot and guide. He seemed to know every nook and cranny of the portion of the river we toured, while sharing stories about the wildlife and flora.

Below, I don't recall the name of this bird, so if anyone does, please share...

Below, all the alligators had names and the guides knew them all. Peter stopped the boat so whomever wanted to could touch the 'gator could but everyone declined.

Things I found out about the alligator (that I can remember):

- They swim at speeds in excess of 30 KMh.
- The sex of baby alligators is determined by the temperature.

**Diplomat** · 06-13-2007, 12:59 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

Below, the view from the front of the boat as we headed down the river. Simply wonderful...

**Diplomat** · 06-13-2007, 01:10 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

If there was any doubt, let's put it to rest. Jamaica is an absolutely beautiful country. If only the government - regardless of party - could get things right...

The next 4 pics below, heading down what Peter called "Mangrove Boulevard".

I was very intrigued by the fact that the leafless branches initially grow upwards, but then grow downwards towards the water. WOW!

Looking at these pictures, I'm somewhat captivated by the reflections of the trees in the water.

**Green_Biscuit** · 06-13-2007, 01:23 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

Wow, CEW. Those mangroves are so cool, aren't they?

The white bird on the water is a Little Blue Heron, I think. Still trying to figure out the other one.

**Diplomat** · 06-13-2007, 01:30 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Green_Biscuit</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Wow, CEW. Those mangroves are so cool, aren't they?

The white bird on the water is a Little Blue Heron, I think... </div></div>

Re the bird, I think you're right as the name is coming back to me now. As for the mangroves, they were like nothing I've ever seen. I recall seeing mangroves while out walking in Grand Bahama a couple years ago, but those were nothing in comparison to these.

**Green_Biscuit** · 06-13-2007, 02:06 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

I think the other bird is a Black-Crowned Night Heron, but we will have to wait for a real birder to come along and confirm.

More more more please. [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/smile.gif[/img]

**PapaMark** · 06-13-2007, 06:27 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

Thoroughly enjoying your pictures and perspectives CEW!!

Thanks for taking the time to share with us [img]/forums/images/%%GRAEMLIN_URL%%/70409-waytogo.gif[/img]

**mo_fire** · 06-13-2007, 07:17 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

The little white birds at the mouth of the Black River (your first picture) are called Egrets... the second are the herons. On any tours we took guests on (and I've probably done that river at least 100 times in my years living in Treasure Beach) that is what the captains referred to them as. They are also the same species I have seen in Cuba (which they called Egrets also).

**kia027** · 06-13-2007, 07:29 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

Is this Kiesha?

We usually do the YS Falls & Black River Safari when we are in JA... the kids enjoy them greatly!!

**Hush Darlin** · 06-13-2007, 10:11 AM

Re: St, Bess & Beyond...

I see Mr Swaby is still doing the South Coast Safari Tour

Couldnt you get a package for both the YS and the Safari Tour along with lunch CEW

Back inthe day when i use to work in tourism I use to sell the package.
dont if it is still done

St, Bess & Beyond...

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