Bobsled ride in December....hold the snow?!?!

As you might recall from our trip in September, we rarely book ship excursions and prefer to lean toward the thrifty side of traveling and strike out on our own, far away from the crowds. Well, it appears that even when we opt for an organized tour, we luck out and pick the unknown best deal of the day. I'd once again done my research, and found a great review of a fairly new place called Mystic Mountain in Ocho Rios. I compared the prices and found the ship's tour actually saved us the return taxi fare, so I booked through the excursion desk on board. It was our best day on an caribbean island, since our Segway run through Cozumel last winter.

I had absolutely no desire to get wet climbing Dunn's River Falls, swimming with the dolphins in the cool ocean water, or take a rum boat tour around the island. I was looking for something off the beaten path, and found the highest peak on the island to be the best vantage point by far. A 5 minute van ride led us to the base of the mountain, where we jumped on the chair lift and spent the next 15 minutes traveling up over the treetops. We loved the peaceful ride and the incredible view across coastline, as we ascended to our final destination. There were less than a dozen people up at the pavilion, some riding the bobsled, others enjoying lunch, or braving the chilly waters of the infinity pool after swishing down the 75 meter water slide.



A camera was mounted on the number 11 tower holding up the chair lift cable....not a picture I could have managed to take on my own. I suggested they convert the chairs into beds and just rock the passengers to sleep all day going up and down the mountain...ahhhhh!

Our first stop was to climb to the top of the observation tower to grab some quick photos back down to where the ship was docked. What a great spot to spend the day, neither of us would even consider returning to the ship until much later in the afternoon. The smells drifting from the small dining room, could not be ignored as we approached the late morning hours. I mean really, it had been at least 2 hours since I'd eaten...can't deprive my seasoned-cruise stomach of it's next meal.


This place seemed to be the best kept secret on the island...we were happy to have it all to ourselves. Who ever came up with this idea, was a genius...great views, great food, fun day


We were just a hop, skip and a jump from the ship...she sat at the pier waiting for us to return...our floating hotel


Is it time to eat yet....the smell is driving me crazy!


Our view from our table in the restaurant...up over the tree tops


Jerk Chicken...the sauce was hot, hot, hot


Rog went first, I held back to take photos and a video of the beginning of his run



Off I go...you can control the speed of the cart with the handles


Another camera mounted among the trees along the run...it was so much fun! The ride was over much too fast....can I go again??? They do offer unlimited rides, maybe next time

It was a great day in Ocho Rios, an excursion not to be missed. Everything you could possibly need to entertain you for the day. They also have a zip line from the top of the mountain...we will certainly give that a try that on our next visit.

Just goes to show you, sometimes you don't NEED snow to go sledding down a mountain!!!