suze

OK, no problem. It's just that's what we use as "work horse" cameras on construction sites at my job (rough handling is my point). And haven't ever had a failure. Mine is a Canon PowerShot SD1200IS. Good luck finding something that works better for you.

And I hope you are able to find some information for your Jamaica trip!!

ninasdream

Percy thank you for your very sweet message. I am all done with my formal PT. I do supine exercises before I get out of bed in the morning, and try to remember to pepper others throughout the day., like squats, releves, hamstring curls and balance tricks. Last night I went to a line dancing class at work. Great fun and that hour goes FAST! But instead of in a carpeted room, it was on a tile floor and that hurt my shins and knees, so I ended up sitting out 2 dances. So there are still challenges.

But last Friday one of the women I work events with said: you're not limping anymore! Another person remarked on the difference. She hadnt seen me since last October, before either surgery. I did have a superficial issue with my right knee.

You have to understand, I have been doing the prescribed exercises since early 2018, that's a lot of reps. For me it's probably a case of hard work and maybe a bit of luck with a very receptive body/system. Still, If I skip a few days even now, I get that pressure cuff sensation around my knees. I am happy to share any info or personal experience with you.

Suze, I finally got to sit down today with the friends I am visiting. They are trying to line up a cousin to meet me at the airport. I think I found a shuttle that will go to the parish I'm staying in "and I guess I can get a taxi or my friends can pick me up just 3 miles away.

I will look at the model camera you suggest. Thank you so much. The instructor of the bird water color class I took last month also sent me the models of the 2 cameras she has. I also may change phone plans and upgrade my phone which will have a better camera. And T- Anebile will sell me an international plan for $5 extra a month, cancel any time. Whew, I have a lot to do.
i photocopied the Jamaica pages from my Caribbean Fodors guide which is huge! Wayyy too big to pack. I briefly entertained flying to Cuba, but flights are over $500!

Percy

Bon Voyage
Have a happy safe trip.
and have

a Very Merry Christmas

ninasdream

Thanks Percy, and you as well. Hi tdudette!

Suze, i ordered a used Powershot of the model you recommended on ebay last night for $26 free shipping, guaranteed delivery by 12/23. If i have time to shop for a new one, which I doubt, i can try to find more zoom and features. I don't like bulky, and anything that will draw attention. I know I look unmistakably American and don't want to have to worry about being any more of a tourist target than can be avoided. Thanks again so much for taking the time to look at and post the model#.

Sat down with one of my Jamaica hosts yesterday, finally. Suze, have you been to Dunns Falls? We're trying to figure out if will be too steep for my knees. Considering paying for a horseback riding which would apporach falls at bottom. Haven't ridden in ages.
23 degrees F here this morning. Time to get up and layer up. Have a great day all.

suze

Sorry no. My experience in Jamaica is 100% about Negril. I've never toured around the island any further than coming in from the airport, then in Negril on the Cliffs (west end road), in town, and at the stunningly beautiful 7-mile beach there. I enjoy the people there and have only had positive experiences but it is very different than anywhere else I have ever been.
Hope the camera works for you (my accessories are only one battery, one memory card, and a cord that plugs it into my laptop to download photos).

mlgb

I probably wouldn't climb Dunn's River Falls if you're a senior. It's too slippery and I wouldn't risk a fall. You can view the falls from the beach, you don't need a horse to get there. If you want to climb, there are people there who will hand hold you all the way up for a fee, though.
Other places out past Ocho Rios, Firefly House and the beach at Frenchman's Cove (fee). There is a LOT more to Jamaica than Negril. Your friends chose wisely.

Unfortunately any camera with a zoom lens is eventually going to fail or get dirty from dust sucked in through the zoom. For bridge cameras there are also Nikons such as the older model B700 which was the competitor to the Canons. You can find them on eBay if you decide that you miss the EVF (I find it difficult to take bird photos without one). It is compact enough when zoomed in that it doesn't scream "expensive camera".

suze

There is a LOT more to Jamaica than Negril.

No kidding. But we can only share what we know. And I only know Negril.

ninasdream

mlgb thank you for your comments. I would like to see dunns river falls. I did just have 2 total knee replacements in the past year. I was an avid daily walker but it's more been a while. Thanks for mentioning i don't need the horseback to see it.
and yes, I'd like to see Noel Coward's place and h a ve some info on Firefly.

I have info on a few prime birding spots, though I'm a novice. I also just took a watercolor class on capturing shore birds, so if i get a good photo, that might be a great non-running around day. I'm bringing some tubes and multi media paper with me. I have recent shots of a kingfisher. And yesterday at work pretty sure i saw a half male-female northern cardinal- all red head and neck, tawny gray-brown body with some yellow tinge.

My host says i should have hiking boots. Wish I'd shopped around to order from Sierra trading post. Now I'll have to get a pair this weekend if i can find a local brick & morter.
suze i hope one's of my hosts will go with me to Negril! Did you dive off cliffs?

ninasdream

Suze - darn! The camera I ordering didn't include the cord to download photos. I hope I can find one somewhat once I return.

mlgb

Does your computer have a card for an SD card? If so, no need for the cord. However make sure you have a way to recharge the battery..that may need a cord if you have to recharge in the camera. Best Buy, Staples or even Target might have what you need. Bring the camera to make sure it is the right size.

Hope you see a "doctorbird" in Jamaica!

suze

I have a couple ways to download from the camera. One is a separate adapter that takes a few different style memory cards. The other is the cord. I charge the battery with a simple plug-in deal with the battery out of the camera. Hopefully you got that?
Well I didn't dive, but yes I have jumped off the cliffs in Negril... once -lol! I hope a friend will do a day trip with you there. It's beautiful.
Never would have thought to bring hiking boots, but I guess you need to trust your person who lives there on that.

ninasdream

Hello All, I am back safe and sound from my trip, if a little worn out. I am putting together a trip report. Can I really not post it here? If not, hope you'll hop over to the Jamaica forum. Happy New Year to all.

ziggypop

nina, you might be able to sneak it on this thread but if the mods see it they will move it. If you title a new thread Jamaica they will certainly move it.
You can post some photos on the SSNLC for our pleasure.

Hope you had a good time. Well, what am I saying, good reefer, 151 proof rum.......

suze

Yes sneak it in here. Or put it under your question on the Caribbean forum. I'd love to read it!

ninasdream

Hello all. I keep a detailed daily journal and usually post a day-by-day trip report. I am hesitating because this is the closest I have ever come to a failed trip. I've never had a bad vacation, even when my checked bag never made it out of Newark Airport ( and was never recovered despite labels and itineraries inside) and I had to take a 7 day cruise with no luggage. (thank goodness for a cannily packed carry-on). I still had a wonderful time. Let me just say this: my host never turned up, the "friend and "guide" I hired never quite got me to the destinations, and I spent 4 days in a car, and while I was told no AC, which I was fine with me, I was not told no running water. I had to scramble to salvage my trip, make new plans and make the time count. After all, I work all year for this.I am afraid I will sound whiny and petty, and worst of all it will be dull. Should I just hit the positive highlights?

kybourbon

Post all of it so other Fodorites don't end up booking the same host/guides.

suze

Jamaica is tough duty. I am not surprised things could go sideways in a hurry there (part of why I have stuck to only Negril).

I'd love to hear about it. And no not just the good parts -lol!

gruezi

We once had a trip to Jamaica like that. Booked at a “posh” resort but it was really individual’s cottage rentals (ours was not very nice) with a shabby little beach and stingy pool. Very disappointing.

We ended up at Half Moon Bay in a gorgeous room and had a wonderful time - returned there a number of years in a row. Not sure if it even still exists as we haven’t been to Jamaica in many years. I recall Eddie Murphy was there one time with his family (very cute kids and a gorgeous wife all dancing to the steel band) and another time my husband was chatting up a guy at reception sharing where to get cheaper bottled water - he didn’t realize it was Danny Glover.

willowjane

Oh no! So sorry to hear this. I hate it when a vacation "fails" but sometimes they do. I am glad your knee recovery is going well! Please do let all know as it helps for others in the future.

ira

Glad to have you back, N