Jamaica

"The Blue Mountains"

Considered the most scenic in the Caribbean, the immpressive Blue Mountains rise 7,402 feet above sea level.  These blue giants stand between Port Antonio and Kingston, their magnificent peaks scraping the sky.  Tinting the mountains a misty blue from afar, patterns of clouds hover in the distance.

Spectacular vistas appear at every bend in the road winding around the contour of the mountainsides.  Discover breathtaking scenery, quaint villages and the tantilizing aroma and taste of the Blue Mountain coffee.  Climbling the narrow twisty road, dodging the occasional goat, mule or cow, the mist thins and the colors become a green that is unshakable from one's memory.  Lush rolling hills stretch out below you like an artist's canvas painted with fertile, tropical landscapes.   Periodically, sparkling rivers and tiny villages dot the canvas.  As you climb higher and higher, the air gets cooler and crisper.  At these elevations, its not unusual to drive through clouds.  Reach out of the window, you can feel the moisture.

Bamboo plants share the rainforest-like environment with tropical vines, ferns, banana plants and coconut trees as you weave around the narrow road.  At about 3,000 feet elevation, you'll enter the world famous Blue Mountain Coffee region.  Several small plantations dot the roadway and offer a good opportunity to stop, stretch your legs and enjoy a cup of the world's best coffee along with the awesome scenery.  While driving thru the mountains, be sure to drop by the Gap Cafe & Gift Shoppe, an ideal stop for delicious refreshments and High Tea.

As the elevation increases, the temperature drops significantly (60 degrees at higher levels) and the air gets sweet.  There are five major peaks on what is called the Grand Ridge:  John Crow (5,750 ft high)  St. Johns's Peak (6,332 ft high)  Mossman's Peak (6,703 ft high)  High Peak (6,812 ft high) and the highest of all, Blue Mountain Peak (7,402 ft high).

Jamaica's military post of Newcastle comes into view at the highest point of your excursion.  The road passes right through the Jamaica Defence Force training base.  Beyond the gatehouse, there is a parking area where you can enjoy the awe-inspiring view of what's ahead, if you are continuing down the other side.

You can take one of two routes through the mountains.   Route A-3 from Annotto Bay to Kingston is the principal road.  The other more scenic route is B-1.  It travels from Buff Bay to Kinston via Newcastle.

Put on your boots and start walking if you have a desire to reach the top of the mountains.  Paved roads won't get you to any of the peaks.   Good hiking trails exist and guided trips can be arranged.  There are about 250 species of birds living in the mountains.  They are also home to the six-inch swallowtail butterfly, largest butterfly in the Western Hemisphere.

Hikers can take overnight trips through coffee plantations, alongside the waterfalls and on up to Blue Mountain Peak, the top of Jamaica.  From that altitude, on a clear day its said you can see Cuba.

Blue Mountain Coffee

One sip of Blue Mountain Coffee is all it takes to understand why it is world famous.   Aromatic coffee beans produce a rich, yet gentole flavor that goes down smoothly.

Harvesting Blue Mountain Coffee is laborious.  When the beans (or cherries as they are properly called) are ripe they are handpicked, one at a time.  Jamaican coffee comes from the arabica bean, a bean far more fragile and flavorful than the robust bean grown on South America's coffee farms.  It also contains less caffeine than standard coffee.

Coffee aficionados pay more than $30.00 (and as much as $50.00) a pound for this pleasure.  Why so much?  Because supply is low and demand is high.  That is why you will not find Blue Mountain Coffee served in every establishment on the island.  However, you can buy name brands such as Country Traders in the local shops for nearly half the cost in the United States.  You will also find Blue Mountain Coffee at select supermarkets, specialty and duty-free   stores and hotels islandwide.