Lysson's Beach

I've heard about Lysson's Beach but never been there. It is said to be a dirty little local beach in St. Thomas Parish. But it is public and this is getting rare in Jamaica. Yogi Berra said, "When you get to the fork in the road, take it." So we did.

Facing the ocean, to your right is a hefty barb wire fence, reminiscent of Prisoner of War camps. This divides the beach in two, with an official section owned by the University of the West Indies which is "Closed". To the left, evidence of weekend activities are everywhere. Plastic bottles, bag juice plastic and general beach trash was strewn and piled around the beach.

Mid-beach is a gracious and strong shade tree. But there was obviously no loving association of locals that cared for this beach like they do at Winnifred Beach. Slightly disheartened we turned to the left and decided to explore more. The trash lessened and the sites became more interesting.

We approached a hidden house on a point of land that jutted into the ocean and were about to turn back to be respectful of the occupant, when a bearded man called to us to "come on in."

A little piece of paradise on Lysson's Beach

Ton So Frant is a fisherman, a master of natural living and herbs. We hung for a while in a-yard. Ton So told us that he lives natural, but not as natural as he used to be able to. He told us the history of the jut of rock which holds the fishing house. It was a ruined dock made by slaves and holds all the pain and sorrow of those times.

Part of the year Ton So lives in California and part in his native Jamaica. He welcomes guests and is willing to share his little piece of paradise. He can arrange for a fishing trips or a fish fry. In his fishing boat, he can travel to Key West. He says it is fun! I'll go for the fish fry!

The time came to leave and we made our good-byes and as we walked back, we turned to see Ton So in silhouette in his paradise on Lysson's Beach.

When you come to the fork in the road, take it!

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