The weed of youth

Yep!

This is about the time we adventured into the world of high school experimenting into passing the reefer roll around.

This, this was the 70's.

We had all decided happily to take a hiking trip into the mountains. After the hum drum of being in class everyday, everyone was particularly excited to get out into nature and enjoy the fresh mountain air for a change.

The school chartered a large bus and planned the trip for the following Friday. It was a great way to pass the day leading into the weekend.

We all met at school, it was really early in the morning, and, after the initial greetings; "Hi Jane, great to see." "Dian, good morning"

"Trevor, I see you managed to wake up early today," everyone laughed, he was seriously always late, but somehow managed to get here on time today. I guess adventure gives one a lot more energy and drive.

Trevor was the musician, he played a mean guitar. He brought it with him and got teased about lugging a guitar on a hiking trip. But, if anyone could do it, he could, he loved that thing enough to actually run a marathon with it.

Among other anecdotal pleasantries, we stowed our luggage, took our seats on the bus and prepared to depart. The bus would take us to the hiking lodge, and from there our foray into the mountains would be on foot to explore the wonders of nature.

After an uneventful drive, we finally arrived at our destination. Fresh faced and eager, we made ready for out trek.

The Jamaican Blue Mountains are a particularly beautiful, and spectacular array of colors during the summer months, it is lovely year round, but the summer rains do wonders for the landscape. The best time to hike is between December and April though, the summer rains tend to make hiking a bit difficult due to the wet landscape. You may find yourself in your own personal rain forest.

This is not a trip for the faint of heart. It is a spiral of flat dirt roads, intertwined with uphill treks and winding trails, rocky terrain, bridges and waterfalls. It was still very early in the morning so we should make good time going up and have enough time to have some fun before the return journey back home.

So off we went with our backpacks, bottled water and sunglasses. we started our trip joyfully, being young, adventurous and optimistic did not really bode well after an hour or more of walking. People were complaining, bickering and were all tuckered out from the long walk.

Halfway up the path to the camping site, the unanimous decision to rest was reached. We found a cozy spot by a waterfall to have a picnic. Someone, who will remain nameless, had decided to bring along some rolls of the marijuana variety.

So, while the teachers and guides, except one left to watch us, were taking a well deserved nap, we all started our first experiences taking whiffs of the reefer joints and passing them around. These varieties found in Jamaica are pure and not recommended for more than one or two puffs by the neophyte smoker.

Our chaperone guide, being only a few years older and just as curious did not object and also did partake in our folly.

Well, we all surpassed one or two whiffs. By the time the adults woke up we were all stoned and sleepy, giggling and high as kites. Trevor was strumming happily and out of tune on his guitar.

The adults were not amused.

The waterfall came in handy, they made us drink a lot of water, told us to take a nap and hopefully recover before continuing on our walk. Assuming we could continue that is.

They woke us up about an hour later, made us eat some sandwiches and drink more water. (There was peeing in the bushes) all that water, we could not wait to find a bathroom.

Fortunately, again, youth and fresh air helped the situation and we continued on, albeit a little buzzed. We made good time to the next rest stop. This time we were under the watchful eyes of everyone.

The day progressed wonderfully from then on. we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. Guitar music, singing, dancing and camping out finished the day on a high note. We all stayed the night camping under the stars and awoke refreshed to face the trip down off the mountain.

The trip down off the mountain was easier and less eventful. Our driver was waiting to take us back to school.

Detention awaited for all the following school day.

We did not look forward to facing the music. Parents would be informed, teachers would have to give an account and be accountable, and guides would be in trouble.

But in the end, we did have loads of fun.