What's happening at Whitfield Hall?
How long has it been since you've visited Whitfield Hall in Jamaica's beautiful Blue Mountains? Maybe it's been months or years, or maybe you've yet to experience our hostel, which is situated high in the mountains, surrounded by a working Blue Mountain Coffee farm. For both our old friends -- whom we hope to see soon! -- and travelers yet to come, we thought we'd share a brief update.
(On the road to Whitfield Hall. Photo copyright Z. Allgrove.)
In this update we have all the news that's fit to print, direct from John Allgrove. Some of you know Whitfield Hall's owner well, and have heard him describe the art and science of farming this special coffee. Or perhaps you've sat by the fire on a cool mountain evening and listened to stories about his childhood in the Blue Mountains. Whatever the case, you know that "he's the man," when it comes to every detail of running the farm and the hostel business.
So, apparently, Land Rover repair is underway. Let me tell you, the amount of stress those vehicles undergo, traveling up and down steep mountain roads, some of which are unpaved and not for the faint of heart, is incredible. These machines were built with integrity, and built to last. However, they need repairs at times and fortunately, Whitfield Hall has staff who know how to keep them running well. (We should also mention that John Allgrove is a veritable guru of Land Rover Defender maintenance.)
(Trusty Land Rover Defenders. Photo copyright Z. Allgrove.)
Good news from the coffee crop! Mr. Allgrove predicts that the last part of the "coffee year" will see better than expected yields. (The coffee year ends in July.) We are excited to hear this. In farming, as you probably know, there are elements you have control over, and elements -- like rain and weather -- that you don't, which makes agriculture an interesting challenge at times, to say the least. The promise of a good yield brightens everyone's spirits at Whitfield Hall; that's for certain.
Another good piece of news we can report is a recent rise in the number of guests. To those of you who have come up recently, we say a big "thank you"! Of course, we appreciate the business, but it's more than that. It means a lot to be able to share the natural beauty and serenity of Jamaica's Blue Mountains with others.
(Some of our younger guests on the path near Whitfield Hall. Photo copyright Z. Allgrove.)
In fact, many of our recent guests have been arrivals from Europe. Wherever you hail from, be it the U.K., Japan, the U.S.A., Canada, New Zealand, or from another Caribbean nation such as Barbados, we are so glad you've taken an interest in Whitfield Hall. Please feel free to peruse our website, www.WhitfieldHall.com, which has several pages loaded with more information about us.
We hope to see you in the Blue Mountains...very soon!
