8 Rivers & 9 Mile(s) Later: Completing my Marley Tour

Eight Rivers (Ocho Rios to Marley Birthplace and Burial)

On an overcast Tuesday in December…I began the trek to complete my Marley tour (in honor of one of my favorite musicians).

Burning charcoal mixed with sweet spices, local pig sties, trash day, marijuana and the unmistakable scent of an ocean breeze assailed my senses as my driver rode me solo up the mountain.

We passed through towns such as Richmond, Priory (where my driver was from), Alexandria, and Brown’s Town.

I was on a six day Carnival cruise with stops in Ocho Rios (eight rivers/Ochi), Grand Cayman, and Cozumel.

Though I had started my tour in Kingston, Jamaica, three years ago, it would be my first time in Ocho Rios.

Transportation issues had prevented me from doing both cities on my previous trip to the island.

I had visited his home turned museum (named after him) and Trench Town.

Now it was time to visit his birthplace and burial grounds.

Makes me think about the other great that I was fortunate to do the same with: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Bend Down Low

Since Carnival did not have a Nine Mile and Dunn’s River Falls and Park package, I booked through Shore Excursions Group.

The cost was $99 including transportation and entry fees. (Stay tuned for blog about the rest of the cruise/itinerary).

I was the only one on the tour and the driver said it had been fifteen years since he visited Nine Mile (not reassuring).

Once we got atop the mountain, he needed directions for the rest of the way. Oh, did I mention he had to stop to put air in his tire and get gas?

Other than that he was nice, conversational and I felt safe.

The small car did not have AC, and the windows would not stay up.

The weather was thankfully cool but a little too breezy for me with the windows all the way down.

Though I’m mentioning these details in my blog, I will spare him a review.

Walk the Proud Land (Nine Mile)

Saint Ann Parish (Nine Mile) would be a two hour never ending ride of literal twists, turns, and bumps.

Driving in Jamaica is not for the faint of heart and the mountain’s curves makes it even worse!

The closer we got, the larger the potholes!

The paradise above seemed a reward for the brave and patient.

All I could think was I may never make a “second pilgrimage”.

The blunts being presented through my open window signaled our arrival!

All the reviews of Nine Mile were accurate.

It was a bit commercialized. 

Everyone seemed high (especially the tour guide).

Marijuana in all forms (blunts, teas, brownies) were openly sold/offered.

I was not prepared for the guide breaking out in Marley songs in the midst of giving us history.

The hilly and rocky entrance made me think of subluxations and the two ankle injuries on my right leg.

No shoes, pictures or video are allowed in  the mausoleum where him and his mother Cedella Booker are entombed.

Other family members were buried in separate graves near by.

An Ethiopian Orthodox church was erected across. Shoes, photography and videos were allowed there.

Talking Blues

There was a gift shop and a small tent where food was being served.

I wasn’t expecting the ride to take up so much of my day so I didn’t linger after the quick tour.

I may have been there thirty minutes.

Nine Mile is what you make it.

If you’re a Marley fan, it’s definitely recommended to pay your respects.

I had to exhale the frustrations of coming and going and remind myself why I was there.

I sat on the Mount Zion rock referenced in ‘Talking Blues’. The guide took a picture of me upon request.

Surveying my surroundings, I tried to picture the legend in the flesh.

I would be remiss in writing this blog without recognizing The Wailers’ contributions.

If you’re wanting to visit Nine Mile, I would advise on doing a complete tour starting in Kingston.

It really brings everything full circle and makes the journey authentic.

A faded garden memorial read “Bob Lives.” That was evidenced in the ethnic diversity on the tour and his worldwide fan base.

~Poof…Bee Gone

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