Portland Bight (2 of 2)

Rocky Point

Funny enough for a protected zone the Portland Bight Protected Area (PBPA) is full of commercial and industrial areas.  Go Figure.

There are two Bauxite ports, one at Rocky Point and the other at Port Esquivel.  The Jamaica Broilers Group has a Ethanol Dehydration Plant at Port Esquivel as well. There are also several fishing villages within the PBPA. Jamaica Power Company has a ailing power plant in Old Harbour bay as well. I believe it is now complimented with a power barge moored on its western side.

The JPS Plant in Old Harbour Bay

A ship being loaded at Rocky Point (above and below)

The large 300 food diameter dome at Rocky Point

Aside from the above the PBPA is a beautiful place.  It is home to several mangrove forrests that provide shelter for young fish.  As well as several rivers.  The most popular of which is Salt River.

The remains of the jetty and defunct beacon at the entrance to Salt River

A rainbow over the Salt River Area

The Marina by the pumping station at Salt River (Above and Below)

Rocky Point taken from the mouth of Salt River.

As we left Salt River and circled around Rocky point a small squall set in while we were in open water headed to Pigeon Island.  I have come to realise that experiencing some wind and rain at sea is far different from on land (see previous post).

Small squall in Portland Bight

Past the squall

Pigeon Island is a lush green isle in the middle of the mouth of the bight.  A beautification project that started off as a hobby for John Greaves (see article) keeps the island this way.  Its now filled with coconut trees and other vegetation.

Coconut trees in the middle of Pigeon Island

Garbage washed up on one of the beaches on Pigeon Island

Old Harbour bay as seen from Pigeon Island.  On the Horizon just left of the beacon tower is Goat Island.

A makeshift tent on pigeon island (above and below)

Rocky point as seen from Pigeon Island

Portland Bight (1 of 2)

Portland Blight was made Jamaica's largest protected area just before the turn of the turn of the century.  According to the Jamaica Protected Areas Trust (JPAT) the Portland Blight Protected Area (PBPA) measures 1,876 sq kilometres (724sq. miles).

Old Harbour Bay

During World War II this quiet area was home to a US naval base.  As part of the "Destroyers for Bases Agreement" parcels of land within the British Empire were leased to you the United States in exchange for destroyers.  Goat Island was home to one of  two naval bases on the island.  There was another naval facility at Port Royal and an Air Force Base (Vernam Field).

Periwinkle growing on a beach of shells on  Little Goat Island

The view from Goat Island with the JPS Power Plant in the background (above and below).

Teal Point on Little Goat Island

(Part 2)

Getting married in Three Hours!!!

Thanks to all those that read this blog for all their support.  When I woke up this morning I was going to post my images that were taken at Portland Bight ( See my fiance's Images of the same trip here).  Unfortunately I'm getting married in two and a half ours and right now I figure that I wouldnt do the place justice. 



So for now I'll just post photos of the "crew" on the high seas.

Heading out to Salt River

Dilly D prepping the machine

Krystal and I braving the Squall

Thanks Mark for hiding in the bow of the boat.  Without you we wouldn't have  this photo.

After the Squall

Bright skies for the rest of the day

I'll start blogging again in two weeks.

Peace.

Downtown Kingston, A different perspective

South of Cross Roads and west of  South Camp Road is the area more generally referred to as "Down Town".   A part of this area along the waterfront and north to North Street forms a almost uniform grid.  A bird's eye view reveals the dormant structures, and a potential lost. 

Ironically, even with all the "desolation" downtown remains a central hub in this land we love.  There are several corporate headquarters, Government ministries and offices, and cultural interests nestled in the grid-like conundrum that we simply call "Down Town".  

Looking north west towards Cooper's Hill.  In the middle is the Supreme Court and parking complex.  To the right of which you can see the steeple of the Kingston Parish Church,  St. William Grant Park and The Ward Theatre.

Looking north along Duke Street, in the distance lies New Kingston

Looking north along Duke Street and John's lane to Stony Hill.

Looking east over the Kingston Harbour  just before sunrise.

The eastern end of The Palisadoes at dawn