Thanks for this post!

We don't often get to hear about journeys to the blue Mountains.....

thanks so much for sharing, this sounds phenomenal... well everything except the 2:30 am part!

def something i will experience next month...

where did you start? how much was your guide?

Thanks

Chelle

Hello BongoNeija,

Thank you for taking the time to come back and start this thread after your experience.

Sorry that you did not come onto the forum before your adventuresome journey. We could have advised you about the rules to have guide and the time of departure to be 01:30am.

Anyway, it sounds like you enjoyed it and had a memorable trip.

Congratulations.

Chellee,

I was in a group and we partied untill the departure time. No problem. When we got down everyone need a week to recover.

Here are the best pictures that I can find.

www.jamaicans.com/forums/ubbthreads.php…

Scroll down to pages 9-16 for lovely pictures and info.

Open this link for guide contact info:- worldstogethertravel.com/jamaica/blue-things…

hehe... the portland leg of my trip is my relaxation time... can't be partying and needing a week to recover when i'm heading directly to Negril and ATI from there! :)

chelle

I landed in Kingston and took the JUNTA Cab to the Blue Mountains. The cost of the cab was $20.00 US, if I'm not mistaken, which wasn't bad. JUNTA is relatively inexpensive.

As for the guide, he charged us approximately $70.00 US, after quoting us a lower price before departing. But, it was well worth it. I didn't dispute him, for I know they are poor and I didn't mind spending a little more to help them. They tend to do more than expected. The JUNTA cab took us but so far up the mountain, then we had to take a ride in a four-wheel jeep the rest of the way. The cost of the jeep ride was $60 US, which I thought was rather high until I witnessed the rough ride going up the mountain. Definitely needed a 4-wheel drive vehicle. This particular vehicle smoked black diesel fumes, and every now and then, we would get a sniff of it, but it wasn't too bad.

Of course, we arrived the day before the hike and we had to spend the night in a guest house near the trail leading to the mountain. The name of the guest house is Wildflower Lodge. The phone number is 876-364-0722, in case you want to call first. The cost of the lodging was $33.00, not counting the dinner we requested the night before, which was $35.00. That cost included some snacks for the hike.

The lodge is clean, but not modern. For light at night, we were given kerosene lanterns, which made the scenario that more romantic. And, there are bunk beds, side by side. It's like a small dormitory style with about 3 bunk beds.

Don't forget to wear some comfortable hiking shoes. That would be a plus. And, by all means, bring your camera. If you have a camcorder, that would be nice to have too.

If you plan to travel around the island, a cheap way to do so is by the city bus. We rode mostly on a mini bus. The cost from MoBay to Kingston was about $5.00 US. In comparison, a taxi would charge about $100.00 US. If I'm not mistaken, JUNTA's price would be around $20.00.

Hopefully, this info will make your visit a bit better. If you should have any further questions, I'd be glad to answer. That trip was my 17th journey to the island. So, I know the runnings, for the most part. Be careful and enjoy your visit.

Peace and blessings

PS. I'm going again on the 18th of July, for the Reggae Sumfest.

thanks for all the details!

I plan on hiking the mountains, but from the Porty side.. (I'll be staying by Boston Bay)... I imagine the experience is similar but different.....The distances in seem about the same heading in... and the roads are probably horrendous wherever you're coming from! :)

haven't made any plans as of yet... but i'm sure i can arrange when i reach...

now if the next 6 weeks would just hurry up and go by!!!!

enjoy sumfest!

Chelle

Hello BongoNaija,

Thank you for taking the time to give us such a detailed description of the events of your trip. All these details are just further proof of how much you must have enjoyed the climb and all that is involved in doing it. You made it so clear that I felt as if I was with you all the way.

This trip is one of the most interesting and rigorous adventures that a visitor can experience while in Jamaica.

The local citizens that you will meet along the way and also the ones that are involved with getting you up there, are all part of this unique experience. One that will leave a most positive impression on those that dare to get away from the daily chore of lying on the beach.

There is a local organisation that is doing fantastic work in this remote area that was so badly affected after the hurricanes of 2004 and 2005. http://www.bluemountainproject.org/

Here are photos showing the natural beauty of the area. Each of the four photographers shares their story through the camera’s lens.

www.bluemountainproject.org/bmpgallery/

I look forward to reading about your trip to witness Reggae Sumfest.

Thank you.

Thanks for all the great info, BongoNajja!

Greetings JohnnyBgood,

Thanks for the compliments regarding the info I posted. Also, thanks for referring me to the photo gallery. I checked out each one for the year 2006. They were very inspirational, making me want to be there at that moment, but in a few more weeks, I'll be there again. I doubt if I'll return to the Blue Mountains, though - have other plans for this trip. I want to travel to different cities on the island, taking in what I missed on the other journeys.

I've been to the Cockpit country once and would like to return there, if time permits. I'll only be there for 5 days this time instead of the usual 7. I'd love to stay longer, but that would be difficult due to my limited funds. I have to budget very carefully.

Well, I will be posting info after I return. I'm looking forward to attending the Sumfest again, though it has changed quite a bit from the first time I was there, during the early 80's. It's still very enjoyable.

Peace and blessings,

Bongo Najja

Greetings Ohliz,

You're quite welcome.

Have you ever jumped from the cliff at Rick's Cafe? I've been thinking about doing so on my upcoming trip in July, but maybe that is something that is best left to the younger people. What do you think?

I'm very tempted.

Peace and blessings,

Bongo Najja