Negril Notes

The Jamaican “Leaping” Slug: Myth or Menace?

January 29, 2007

Deep in the hoary depths of Negril Jamaica, lives a mysterious and fabled creature. A creature that has defied definite detection, yet the locals know well the curious scent and the slimy trail of this jumping Jamaican juggernaut.

Yes, it’s the Jamaican “Leaping” Slug.

The first whispered accounts of this mythic creature date back to the earliest Spanish explorers like Columbus, and Juan Valdez. After the Spanish came the Russians, and then the Crusaders, and finally the Brits. They were all so busy raping the land for the Queen and Country that sightings were relegated to either a lack of sex, or of Vitamin C.

The first substantiated sighting came in 1791 when escaped Irish indentured servant Phinneas McBogan became the first white man to see the, and I quote, “Slimy Leaping Bastard.”

The Jamaican Leaping Slug

McBogan came to Negril fleeing his British oppressors. He befriended a small band of Jamaicans where he shared in their ceremonial mushroom tea. Later that night while wandering along the cliffs he wrote this in his journal:

“I was lying at the base of a fine palm tree. Suddenly the entire jungle began to dance a fecking jig. I had the feeling I was being watched, and then I saw it! From one grand leaf to another I watched this slimy bastard, like a bleedin’ tree frog, leaping with a mighty gusto. Brilliant!”

I came across this amazing account while excavating a humble Irish hovel high in the hills of Donegal, Ireland. You see, McBogan was my Great Great Grandfather’s next door neighbor’s daughter’s schoolmaster’s great great uncle twice removed. I became obsessed.

Many of my colleagues have been searching for more mainstream creatures like The Yeti, Bigfoot and Nessie, but since I was a boy I felt the need to be different. All my friends say I’m quite different, and I relish that clear compliment.

So, after years of careful study, I came to Negril to meet this amazing creature for myself. Limax Negrillius, as it is known to amateur crypto-gastropodologists like me, is not very different from his cousins the Spotted Leopard Slug or the GGGS (Great Grey Garden Slug). The Jamaican “Leaping” Slug is a beautiful grey color and feeds on tiny mites which inhabit banana and pimentoÂ leaves. Yes, he is a carnivore!

In my dozen or so trips to Negril, I have seen many beautiful slimy slugs, but the Leaping Slug eludes me. I promise to come back again and again, drink copious amounts of the magical mushroom tea, and I vow not to rest till I find, film and photograph my silent slippery nemesis.

Stay Tuned

Vinny

Filed under: Negril,Silly,Writing

5 Comments

1. Vt Dave | February 3, 2007 at 10:20 pm

Yup, touristy. And also a MUST if you haven’t done it before. One of our crew that went with us had grown up on the grounds of Fort Ticonderoga, and worked summers as a guide. He commented that our guide, even with all the corny jokes, was excellent. Very informative, and quite proud of the distillery and its products and quality.

If you’re visiting from Negril, also try to stop at Apple Valley for a park that the locals go to. Also some good falls to visit- but you have to get a local guide from the bakery across the street from Apple Valley. Quite a hike, but well worth it. A goat path takes you down to a beautiful split falls with deep pool which is great for swimming.

After the tour of the distillery, you have the hospitality room, with as much of as many different rums that you would like to sample. They don’t stop you at any time. Unfortunately I was the assassinated driver, so I only had a few dips, but others in my group were able to taste about 12 different products, some more than once.

The gift shop has the usual stuff.

The RUM PUNCH- we were there shortly after nine in the morning, was surprisingly good and interesting. They won’t share their recipe, dammit. Its worth the trip just to try this punch. Puts all the others to shame.

Dave
2. Seveen | February 3, 2007 at 10:20 pm

i took the Rum Tour when you used to ride the train up to the estate – up up up – through the interior – beautiful

going up there was a place where brightly colored clothes were hung all about – you could pick a dress, shirt, sarong – and then pick the fabric of your choice to be made especially for you

at the estate the tour sounds about the same

but taking the train back – pure fun

open bar, music – everyone let loose – can you say DRUNK

finally you’d stop at the brightly colored clothes place and your custom clothes would be delivered to you on the train – all packaged and ready to go

when you got back – you were ready to sleep (passout)

i can never open a bottle of rum – without saying HI to Sammy the donkey

love your writing (((Vinny)))
3. St Louis Sally | February 3, 2007 at 10:21 pm

I did the tour last year Sexy Rexy was our driver he also went on the tour with us I agree on the Rum Punch it is the best I have ever had I even asked for a big to go cup and they gave it to me we also got to drink all the rum we wanted it was a really good day Sexy Rexy will just keep you laughing all the way and on the tour everybody should try it once
4. Vic T | February 3, 2007 at 10:21 pm

You know, vinny, you’ve convinced me that it’s about time I started hauling the little girs out and about to more of the tourist spots (without the obligatory rum drinks for them, however). Thanks for taking the time to write about this place, Black River, and so on.

I’m gonna get those kids off the beach once in a while!
5. Rambo | February 3, 2007 at 10:22 pm

That Train Ride used to be a Blast….We slipped the Train Engineer a US 5, and he let us ride in the “front”
Different view up front on a train….
That towns name where the train stopped for clothes was Catadupa…….the guy let me bring it in……….

Stopped in some cave areas, took a quick tour, then on to di booze factory..