We were a little concerned about the recent passage of Ivan the terrible but, as it turned out, we had no need to worry . We have a good travel agent and she made calls and contacts for us to ensure a pleasant stay at a good rate,(6 nights at RIU Negril - all inclusive - $950/).
During the shuttle ride, I saw areas of isolated landscape damage and minor structure damage from wind but nothing too serious. No damage to the road from MoBay to Negril by landslides but piles of debris that had been cleared lined the roadsides every now and then. Most of the coastal towns along the way, like Lucea and Green Island, also incurred only slight damage maybe 2 or 3 homes out of 10 had roof repair.
As we turned south toward Negril, however, a different story began to unfold. Landscape damage became much more widespread and more severe. Homes that were built in relatively protected areas,(by sheltering hillsides), sustained only minor damage but ones out the the open, or worse,(on promontories), suffered more readily apparent loss. Throughout Negril and continuing south to the lighthouse one could easily tell that you were approaching "Storm Central" for the area. I can readily imagine that the south coastline of Jam. must have taken a brutal hit from Ivan. Everything from the center of town southward incurred some damage and Ricks was closed, (Sorry JamCan ). To be continued...

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The horizon is not my boundry - rather an ever-expanding destination. Enjoy the ride!

Salt, where are your pictures?

Whew...gimme a minute PY! You know us "oldies" aren't as computer adept as you whippersnappers! I'm having them put on a cd so I can send them better. I may have to go through Her JamCanness 'cause I've had trouble getting stuff onto ETJ before. They'll be a-com'in, just have a little patience, my dear.

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The horizon is not my boundry - rather an ever-expanding destination. Enjoy the ride!

Good, can't wait to see the pics.

Continuing on... Power had been restored throughout the city but the 'burbs and rural areas were only partially restored. People were hard at work, that was obvious, on cleanup and restoration. Some of the other resorts were closed - Swept Away was not quite as it's name suggests, but nearly - and many more homes had new or temporary roofs, roughly 7 or 8 out of 10.
Bloody Bay, I learned the tragic meaning of its name latter, is more sheltered than 7 Mile Beach - well, duh - and so, our resort was in full operational mode, except for a few, infrequent power outages. It was great to be reuinted with Ting, callaloo, curried goat and such. I bagged me some Blue Mtn. coffee to bring home - WOOHOO!!- and, of course, we were more than a little generous to the staff who, in spite of their personal difficulties at home, showed up for work each day as if we were #1 on their list. RIU is a mega-style resort with 2 big pools, nice beach, BIG food buffets, and plenty of activity, if you want it. Mrs. Salt voted it "Best in Negril" and said if I had chosen any other I would have been in hot water. She had a great time and I got my just reward.
Photos are forthcoming and I will attempt to build a computer-type album that all may view, (I may need help on this)!
In closing, please continue to pray for the families in Jam., Providence did spare them but many are in difficult situations, and, of course, may God bless you all.
One Love.

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The horizon is not my boundry - rather an ever-expanding destination. Enjoy the ride!

No worries dude....just your words are enough for me to hear. Thanks for keeping me up on whats gwaan down in Negril. It sounds sad but hey....on the bright side you got a SLAMMIN' deal at the Riu. Isn't it usually ALOT more expensive than that? Did you get it so cheap cause of the hurricane?

Anyway if you need any help with the pics you know how to email me. I'd be more than happy to post them if you need.
And thanks again Oldsalt for tellin us what it looked like. Can't wait to "see" it too. Glad you have a great time.

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Old Salt, how coincidental that we both planned vacations for the week after Ivan hit. I'm glad you enjoyed your time with your wife just as I did. I would go back tomorrow if I could.

Nandii enjoyed time with Oldsalt's wife????????

Just jokes kids... My bad.
That's too bad you didn't know this ahead of time or you could have met up! That was very coincidental.

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[size=2]nice summary of your travel OldSalt, I felt like I was in the back seat
looking out the window ... terrible Ivan couldn't keep the people down,
may be able to rough them up a bit, but they'll get right up... glad you and
the Mrs. had a good time.[/SIZE]

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"Make your words soft and sweet, you never know when you have to eat them" Saudi Prince Bandra

"We are unknown to ourselves,
we seekers after knowledge."
Nietzsche

Leave it to you, JamCan to make a joke about that. I meant that he enjoyed his time with his wife in NEGRIL just like I did.

Thanks Old Salt for the trip report. Looking forward to your pics soon.

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***UPDATE***
Oldsalt has sent me the first 5 of his pics, the introductory offer! LOL
I had to do lots of resizing cause he's used a giant's camera to take pics! heehee.....but he's gonna send them all to me, then I'll work my magic and post them all....patience kids.

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I very much enjoyed the info. on Negril also!!! Thanks!!! I will be in Negril in 80days!!!

Look forward to pics also, I may need some help with my own pics too JamCan!!! LOL! LOL! I know who to go to for help!!

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My anti-depressant: JAMAICA!!!

Yep Dwell you can send 'em my way if you need a hand posting them. Since I ain't going I might as well post your pics and pretend thier mine! LOL

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I was at the Riu Tropical Bay when Ivan hit ...
All I can say is .. It was windy as hell
I have been to the Riu 8 times in 3 yrs , and have always been treated good .
Well we should since we are their #1 repeat customer .
I have the hurricane on DVD , Yes I was standing out in the hurricane to tape it.
As other posts have noted , Negril did get hit pretty hard .
Only bad part was , no electric , no food ,and stuck in our room for 60 hrs .