Day 8 - August 18th, 2012 - Jamaica to Arizona.

Departure day....

Woke at 6 a.m. and got ready.  Gave Felicia her wake up call and finished packing, emptied safe and checked room.  Stood on balcony for a bit, then left 2 bags in room and went down to waters edge.

Of course no camera and I see all kinds of fish, pelican, crabs and even a starfish.

After checking in on momma kitty and kittens, I went over to smoking area and found Tanya there.  We talked for a bit, then I went over to buffet for small breakfast.

Went back to room, did last check and then took bags and checked out of room.

Left 1 bag in departure bin and went down to take a few last photos.

Found Felicia in smoking area, then went up front to await shuttle.

Guy arrived on time, they loaded luggage and us and went to resort next door.  After that stop went right to airport.  Got luggage off bus and went in.

Got boarding pass from kiosk and waited in check bag line with Felicia.  She asked me to check a bag for her, so I did.

Once done, waited in lobby while she went out to smoke, then went through immigration and security.

Terminal is nice.  Gates are fair sized, but seats are bit hard.  Lots of shops, food and bars to use.

We arrived at gate with 90 minutes till boarding (45 minutes prior to departure).  Going to sit a bit, then might go check out a few shops.

Shops were the usual stuff.

Sat at gate and when our boarding time arrive, we had no plane.  It arrived a few minutes later.  So flight left about 20 minutes late.

Flight over Cuba wasn't that impressive.

Arrived in Miami, got through immigration quickly, but baggage claim took forever and customs was slow.  Then had a long walk to bag re-check.

Once out of that, we could finally use restroom (not a single restroom from plane to exit...nice mile walk, an hour of time.  Welcome to America).

Felicia had to go smoke, so stood around.

We had a disconnect and were both waiting in different areas.

Had to go through security again, but went pretty quick.

Gate was in next concourse, so had to take tram over and then we saw our gate was at far end from station.  Stopped for a bit at Wendy's and took food to gate.  Gate was packed (another full flight), so sat on floor to eat.

After food, took a few minutes to check voicemails, texts and Facebook.  Nothing important.  Now just waiting.

Flight should be leaving now, but again sitting here due to rain delay's.  I will never fly through Miami again if I have a choice.

Flight delayed an hour out of Miami, also took about 30 minutes longer to bypass storms.  Flight was okay, just cramped.

Got into Phoenix, got outside, got bus to lot and found car.  Got home even thought traffic sucked.  Unpacked.  Somehow, no idea how, I lost the two power adapters??  They were in the bag? [2019 NOTE: The adapters to allow connection to power sockets different from US style.]

Why does this little annoying shit always happen?

So going to get some food, update online world, look at photos and call it a night.

Cannot wait to get Juno tomorrow.  Miss him! [2019 NOTE: Juno is my cat]

Done!

Day 7 - August 17th, 2012 - Para-sailing finally

Was woken at 7:30 a.m. by fire alarm.  It seems to be sensitive to steam from showers and has gone off nearly every day.  Today it went on forever, almost thought it was for real.

After it was over, I got ready and went to breakfast.  Afterwards did a walk around property, took a few photos and sat and read in book.  Moved over to read in smoking area, but Felicia was not there, assumed she was sleeping late.

Walked over to boat area and para-sail boat was there.  Looks like we are on.

Went back to smoking area and Felicia was there (after quick stop in room to drop off book).

We went over and signed waiver and then waited.  They pulled boat into shore and we waded out to ladder and climbed aboard.

Slow ride out past reef while crew got us in harnesses and hooked up parachute.

Felicia was up first, but then the release for the rope would not let go.  They had her wait a bit while they fixed it.

She finally got on and up she went.  I took photos with her camera.  Also had some dolphins swimming near boat for awhile.

Next up, I was hooked onto chute and slowly let out.  Was a bit rocky back and forth for a bit, but settled down other then occasional shudder when chute caught more wind or boat took a wave.

Was up around 100-130 feet.  Could see quite a ways and see most of reef off hotel beach.

As they were bringing me down (about 5 minutes up) they managed to dunk me into water up to my waist, then back up and onto boat.

Came back into shore and came up to room to change and get money for tips.

Updated this log and will now go tip guys and return hotel beach towel.

Turned in beach towel and walked over to tip, but guys out again.  Might try later.  While walking around came across Tanya.  Talked a bit with her while she was waiting for snorkel tour.

Bit later found Felicia with usual group.  Hung out for a bit, but then had to use restroom, and also camera battery was dead.

After attending to those, roamed around, grabbed lunch and went to take more photos.

Earlier today I saw a young Asian girl crawling around the shrubs and had asked her if she was looking for the cats.  She indicated there were kittens.

Later on I found her with a plate of chicken from lunch buffet and she was feeding one.  I stopped and sure enough, a mother cat and 2 small kittens.  Figure they were about 3 months old.

Spent some time taking photos and video of cats and watching girl feed mother.  Girls father came by and he went to get water for the cats.

Later again I found her still playing with a third kitten and she indicated another adult cat nearby.

Got more video of her playing with a stick with 3rd kitten.

Took more video and photos of all cats and spent some time watching them.  Eventually girl went to get her parents camera to film as well, so watched her video (she had best angle to see cats and did not want to make her move, though she did offer to let me in spot a few times to get a photo). [2019 NOTE: Videos did not turn out well, most will not orient correctly and sound is horrible, cheap phone I had.]

Eventually I was tired, storm clouds were moving in and her parents came and got her.

Took some good photos after girl left and then came up to room to charge phone (video device).

Looked at video and photos taken on phone, then left it to charge.  Laid back on bed to stretch out back and dozed off.  Woke up about 45 minutes later.

Gathered up gear and went out to photograph sunset.  Was a nice one.

Once done, came back to room to change again (sweat never stops here).  Took a few custom exposure shots from balcony of last rays of light and tried to capture some lightning, but pretty sure I missed it all.

Going to go down and see what dinner looks like and then see what is going on for our last night on the island.  I will go watch Frank play again at 9:00, otherwise will have to see.  Put on one of my shirts from shop so I have clean shirt for once!

Went down first to gift shop to get more t-shirts that are more Jamaica focused.  Bought 3 and got 1 free.  Also liked the music they were playing and bought that CD.  She gave me a sampler CD as well.  Also able to get $100 Jamaican dollar bill from them along with  more coins.

Came back up to room to store stuff and did some cleanup and prep for packing later.

Went down and talked a bit with Tanya in smoking area, and another couple that was there.  Then went to have dinner.

Did pasta station again.  Tube pasta with turkey, tomato, basil, and parsley, with tomato sauce.  A few slices of cheddar on the side.

Then went over to watch piano guy Frank play again.

He played a few modern songs and then did some Sinatra.  Then he said he would take me on a history tour, playing old songs from 100 years ago, and also some Bob Marley and other Jamaican artists.  Then he sampled songs from Dominican Republic, Cuba, Trinidad and Japan.

Another guy and his kid came and we talked a bit, then as night drew closer, Frank was starting to worry about not making enough tips to pay for cab ride.  I had planned to tip him later, but did so now, giving him $20 US which really surprised him.  He was quite grateful.

After he left, went to join group at smoking table and spent rest of night talking with them.  Felicia, Steven, his wife and her sister (Canada), John, Lucy, and Jodi (UK), Kyle (South Africa), Steve (Jamaica) and Phil (Canada).

As night got later and with early departure tomorrow, we came back to room.

We did do a group photo and a few handshakes and hugs (Jodi hugged me :), but only because she was leaving to her room and was getting all of the group.)

Packed and updated this log, now going to bed at 3 a.m. and will be up at 6 a.m.  Sheesh!

Day 6 - August 16th, 2012 - Exploring Montego Bay

Woke at 9:00 a.m., got ready with swimwear in case para-sail happens.  Had breakfast and then walked around to find a good place to read.

Finally found a spot and read 2 chapters, then went around taking photos.  Ran into German couple in smoking area and then went over to para-sail booth.  May not run again today.  They took name in case.

Went back to German couple and talked with them.  Felicia showed up and I came back here to room to change for trip into town to shop.

Went down and waited in smoking area with German lady (Tanya) for a bit, then wandered a bit until tour got closer.

We met at front of lobby and waited.  After two false bus arrivals a lady came up and said she was our guide and our bus was still en route.  Finally showed and we boarded.

Short ride into center of town.  Brought us to Old Fort Craft Market.  It was a small, hilly area of small shops in a narrow alley like setup.  All were about the size of a walk in closet and staffed by a person.

They were all selling the exact same things? What kind of market would setup like this?

If I would not buy the item in first stall, why would I in later stall.  While Felicia and Tanya were being haggled (almost harassed at times if my experience was typical), I walked around a corner and was attacked by vendors trying to get me into their stall.

Went into one and left.

Another had a deal on shot glasses, 3 for $5.  Glasses were standard size, good glass and nice painted detail.

Another had a small wood shot glass I wanted.  She tried to get $8 and I refused.  She combined it with a small conch shell she had seen me pickup and offered for that.  Talked her down to $6, still a bit much, but reasonable.

Next girl showed me her friends stall, but had nothing I wanted.  Then took me over to her stall.  I wanted a t-shirt, but like the gift shop at hotel, only had S and M sizes.  She did have a set of bamboo coasters that was nice.  She wanted $15, got her down to $10.

At that point I just went to find Felicia and Tanya, getting called at by every shop keeper on the way.

Finally found them.  Felicia was annoyed and while I was relating my experience about t-shirts, another stall owner said she had XL shirts, so I said lead the way.

She had a few that looked nice.  She wanted $15 each.  I told her I could get them for $12 at resort (which is true), so she offered 2 for $25.  I agreed, but only had $24 (without breaking a bill which we were warned was hard, they usually just tried to sell you more).  She took it.

I then left area.  Felicia was out shortly behind me and found Tanya having a beer she bought at curb side.  Guy in lot tried to sell more stuff, but I just said I was out of money.

Boarded bus and went up road to a place called Habanos.  It was a gift shop.  We were getting a 15% discount here.  They had a nice selection (and air conditioning), but again no t-shirt in my size.  I did buy a rum cake for $6 to eat tomorrow as a going away thing.  Might share, will see.

We were all done shopping in 20 minutes, but had an hour.  So walked down street so Felicia could try and find cigarettes (she did) and Tanya tried to buy a gold bracelet, but they would not meet her price.

We then went into Margaritaville for a drink.  Had a Coke that cost me $3.  Was actually disappointed in the place.  We did run into the British girls there, they were just leaving.

Got back on bus and came back to resort.  Tipped driver $1 and went up to room to unload and repack.  Then grabbed camera and went out to do sunset again.  Got some good ones.

Also found a small crab on beach I snapped a few shots of.

Then ran into cats on sea wall, two larger adults, mid size and a small kitten.

Photographed a few different cats, most not being cooperative.  One looked like she may have just given birth, was bloody on rear.  She went out on wall and cleaned herself for awhile.

I found her still there later enjoying the sun.  Got a few photos when the mid sized cat came up and they were very affectionate.  Got some nice shots that I hope will really turn out nice (may black & white a few of them).

Once sunset was done, ran up to room to shower and get ready for dinner.

Waited in lobby for Felicia.  Late again.

Walked over to Italian place.  Waited a bit to get seated.

Drank water again and got fagioli pasta soup and caprese salad, chicken dish on spaghetti.  Was really good and filling.

After dinner we walked down along beach to main stage area.  Sat for a bit, I grabbed a Coke.  She then went up to go hang out at bar and I came up here to room to change and update this log.  Will head back down in a bit and see what the night brings.

Went back down to main stage and sat with usual group watching band perform.

Afterwards walked to disco for a drink, place was dead.

Went down and sat to watch waves and storm on horizon.

Went back later to disco, bit more active, but no one I knew.  So went again to beach and walked a bit.

Third time back some were there (including Felicia) but music sucked.

They all went out to smoke.  I went over to rail, saw a kitty and spent a few minutes trying to call it out (did not work).

Back at disco, all still outside, conversation was nothing I could join and I was not even there basically.

So came up to room to write here and then probably bedtime.

Just hope the para-sail comes through tomorrow.

Day 5 - August 15th, 2012 - Hanging at the resort

Awoke at 7:30 again.  Got up and ready, then walked out onto balcony and saw cruise ship coming into port.  Took some photos, then went down and did more photos along water and got ship again.

No sign of Felicia, so just had breakfast on my own.  Then went off and did more photographs.  Found lots of fish on seaward side of breakwater.

Climbed tower in water park and go some nice photos of ship at the dock.

Came back to room and changed into swimsuit.  Went over to quieter and shadier beach area and read book for awhile.

On way back to use restroom, met Felicia in elevator lobby.  She was going to lunch, so came up to room to drop off stuff and will go join her.

Lunch was weak again.  Served in the main stage area.  After lunch I met her in smoking area and we talked a bit.

I went and did a few more photos and returned to find her with some of the people she has met.

We both went and booked a shopping excursion for Thursday and also booked para-sailing for today.

Exchanged $20 US for smaller bills and then met back in smoking area and talked with group.

We walked over about 2:30 to para-sail, but they were not running today, boat under repair.  So will have to try tomorrow.

I went on doing photographs.  Waded out to breakwater and god some sea urchin and coral polyps.  Also saw some fish near beach and two puffer fish near other breakwater.

Ran into Felicia for a bit and then went to do more photographs.  Storm over mountains has been giving great cloud shots all day.

Came up to room to change out of swimsuit and put new battery in camera.  Almost to 1,000 photographs (though sure some will not make the cut).

While in room, took 300mm lens out to get boats, but only one on water.  Did get a few shots of a pelican flying around.

Going to head back down for sunset shots and then come change for dinner at 7:00 p.m.

Went down to usual spot and started with sunset photos.  Took about 300 shots.  Also caught cruise ship leaving.

Afterwards found Felicia still in main stage area.  Sat for a bit, then came back to room to shower and dress for dinner.

Was at restaurant right at 7.  Felicia arrived about 15 minutes later.  We got sat pretty quickly.  Ordered hot &sour soup (which was really good), and spicy Asian shrimp (was good, but not what I had hoped).  Just drank water.

After dinner, went out, got a Coke from bar and came back to room to update this book, change into something comfortable and get camera.

Went down to main stage and caught last song of band.  Was pretty good.  Next was talent show.

First girl could really sing.  Next few acts were less interesting or good.  Did hear one of Felicia's new friends play drums and he was pretty good.  After that some local school choir/group came up.  Not bad, but just not my thing.

During most of talent show, I sat out watching the lightning from storm north of the island.  Wonder if it will hit here tonight?

Walked around to see if I could do some night shots, but not enough light and without tripod I am done.

Came up to room to change since I did not do so earlier and drop of camera.  Also to dark overall to read anywhere out of room.

Going to head back down, have some Coke and perhaps hit casino and spend a few dollars.

Hit casino and spent $7 on the dollar slots.  Won twice, but only $2 each time, so just played them.

Wandered a bit watching stars and waves.

Sat outside the disco and listened to an old man play the piano.  Finally went and talked a bit with him.  His name was Frank, trained in America and was a school music teacher.  Retired now and looking for extra income.  He will be back on Friday, hope to hear him more and tip him next time. 

One of the kinds in the talent show that was playing piano stopped by.  They had talked before I gathered.  Frank had him sit and play a bit.  Kid was good, played a few songs but can't read music.

Once Frank left I went into disco bar for awhile and saw Felicia.  She mumbled some stuff and left.

DJ wasn't sounding too good and I was hungry, so went over to grill and had a cheeseburger and nacho cheese chips.

Filled a Coke and went back to bar.  This time many were there.  Went outside to sit with them.  Two UK girls stopped, guess they were partying together night before.  Both girls are here with guys, but sounds like may not be a couple, at least for one.  Jodi is tall, slender, beautiful, and I am a sucker for a British accent.  But she is just too young (guess her at 20-25), drinks too much and smokes.

I talked with her a bit while this Canadian guy was giving her a back rub. (His girlfriend was up in room sick...why are so many guys assholes?)

Felicia disappeared early on, assume she went up to bed, was pretty drunk I think.

Eventually the bar closed, the other British girl had a fight with her man, some dude from Ohio joined our group, some guy from Philly was totally wasted and going on about something, but I could not understand him.

Party suddenly broke up with British girls wanting to go smoke weed.  Canada guy offering to get it (and claiming he lost room key to try getting in their room I think), and I decided it was time to go to my room.

Think I will go to bed since it is nearly 3 a.m.  Might step out on balcony for awhile though.

Day 4 - August 14th, 2012 - Zip Line Adventure

Woke at 7:30 again.  Got ready and found Felicia downstairs in smoking area.  We had breakfast and then sat around to wait for excursion shuttle.  I got us reservations for the Italian place on the property for Thursday night.  She then did the same for the Asian place on Wednesday night.

I bought $20 US worth of Jamaica money, but the hotel exchange rate is big rip off.  Should be $150 Jamaican to $1 US, they gave me $78 to $1.  Still need a $100 unit bill as well.

Shuttle cab arrived 10 minutes early and us and one other group got on.  We drove to resort next door and sat there.  Eventually they moved us into another larger shuttle bus which was nearly full.

We drove south out of Montego Bay and into the mountains to Montpelier.  Passed lots of local settings and road was winding around a lot and narrow.

Turned off onto property of orange orchard and down a dirt road to the excursion place.

Part of group was there to tube down river, others like us were there to run zip lines (some did both).

We got signed in and they got us into harness, helmet, and gloves.  After safety brief, broke into 3 teams and staggered our departures.

Hiked a bit till first zip line.  120 feet across river.  We all did good.  Felicia did really good even though a bit scared.

Next line was across large ravine, at least 700 feet.  Then more hiking.  Another 50 foot run took us to tree stand.  Then 20 foot rappel drop.  Hike up hill to big run.  1,100 feet and 300 feet above river, and fast.  After that, hiked a bit and did 3 more runs, each a few hundred feet.  9 lines total.

Hiked back up to road and was picked up by a 4x4.  Taken back to base and got out of gear.  We then got back on shuttle after short break (Grabbed a Coke at store.)

Only part of day that was bad was I lost my lens cap somehow?

Got back to resort with 30 minutes left for lunch buffet.  Not much there, so had a Coke and cold cut sandwich.  Found Felicia, who wanted to smoke first, still in smoking area.  I went off to photograph and she grabbed lunch.  Found her a bit later, we talked a bit, then I left to see about a cheeseburger at grill, she was going back to room.

Had 2 cheeseburgers, fries and Coke.  Then spent some time walking property taking photos.

Found Felicia at smoking area later, she never made it to room.  I told her I was going to wait till sunset to go up and went back to photographing.  Eventually decided to come to room and drop off stuff and clean face.

Still an hour till sunset, so wanted to get this entry done now.  Going to go back down and get more photos now (had to change battery for first time).

Spent about 2 hours taking photos of sunset, shore, ships and planes.  Also watched a little crab in shell explore area around my feet.  Photographed it too.

Finally after last color was gone, I went back up to check on dinner.  Walked into main stage area and just happened to see Felicia at a table with some people she met.

Sat with them for a bit, and dinner was being served there tonight for a band of steel drum players.  Listened to them, took some photos and even tried video from the phone.

I tried to eat, but nothing looked good.  Took some fish, but tasted like crap.  Did find the pepper soup, so had a bowl.  Wasn't really hungry anyway.

While eating, saw, photographed and even petted one of the stray cats on the property (I would guess a dozen or two on the property).

I was really hot, still dirty from hiking, tired and just in a bad mood, so decided to come up to room and shower and update this log.  Will go back down in a few, but thinking I will take my book and read.

Went down and got a coke and found spot to read.  Moved to a better light spot after 1 chapter.  Finished another, but was getting hard to focus.

Walked down to empty beach and watched waves and looked at stars.  Then came back up to room and went to sleep....exhausted.

*NOTE:  Found my lens cap in swimsuit while moving it.*