Blue
Mountains It is only fitting that the finest coffee
in the world is grown on the slopes of the most majestic mountains
in the Caribbean.
Jamaica's Blue Mountains reach peaks of about 7400 feet above
sea level. They get their name from the greenish blue color
of the dense vegetation that covers their slopes. (Some areas
get as much as 300 inches of rain per year.) The mountain
range covers the eastern third of the island. Ocho Rios, Port
Antonio and Kingston are all located in the foot hills. There
are five major peaks on the main ridge:
- John Crow (5,650 feet)
- St. John's Peak (6,332 feet)
- Mossman's Peak (6,703)
- High Peak (6,812 feet)
- Blue Mountain Peak (7,400 feet)
The thin winding roads grudgingly reward the adventurous
traveler with spectacular views. Views not duplicated anywhere
in the world. There seem to be waterfalls around every corner.
The villages along the way are reminiscent of the way that
Jamaica must have been many years ago. As you go higher and
higher in the mountains, the lush tropical vegetation gives
way to coffee farms and the tall majestic pines that blanket
the mountainside.
Between 2000 and 3000 feet you enter the Area above which
Blue Mountain Coffee is grown. Dozens of Coffee farms may
be found on slopes that seem to steep for a human to stand
on. Blue Mountain coffee is good in any environment. It is
a special treat while enjoying the views of the valleys and
rivers far below where it is grown.
There are very few inhabitants at the higher elevations. If
you want to visit the highest peaks, you have to hike. There
are several guided expeditions available if you are up for
the climb.
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