” The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” ~ Marcel Proust
I have been planning my trip for the longest while to the Rio Grande in Portland, but my plans always led me to another beautiful destination in this stunning parish. But on April 30 2017, I travelled Half Way Tree on a coaster bus to Portland for I could no longer wait to experience rating on the Rio Grande. Sunday is the worst time to travel since my primary mode of transport is public and it is considered the rest day.
Upon reach Port Antonio, I took another taxi to Berrydale, which is where the raft ride started. I began to ask the driver about Rio Grande rafting, and he introduce to the raft captain that was sitting beside me. He started telling me about how fantastic the rating on the Rio Grande is. I instantly became overwhelmed with all kinds of beautiful feelings. I gave him the job. He was official my raft captain.
When we got tour destination, it was love at first sight. I was speechless to so much. I was everything I thought it would be. He got the life jackets, pack our bags securely on the raft. I started my dreamy tour down the Rio Grande that stated at Berrydale and ended at Rafters Rest, St Margaret’s Bay on the coast.
I started to unwind has my raft captain shove the raft unto the river. I was healing my mind body and soul while sailing down a vast body of water on a watercraft created from things that are organic in all aspect.
That day was perfect. I found my happy place. All my problems had gone.
The trees were all kind of green, I heard birds singing, the water was crystal clear and the air was pure. I stated to wonder was this paradise. It was beyond magical.
We all see why the call it big river 😍
The view of the mountains were breath-taking. I was unbothered by the contention that was taking place in society. All that spoke to me at moment were the mountains. I was compelled by Mother Nature’s laws. This was some of the best creations of Mother Nature I have ever witnessed.
The rain fell but the sun came out so you know I had to capture the moment and my raft captain was the best photographer I could ever asked for. He would take my pictures anywhere on the river without a frown.
We had endless conversations about family and our culture. We had so many laughs. It was like I knew him from my past life. It was the best three hours of my life in the parish I hold close to my heart.
Most of the water is shallow so don’t be afraid to go in. Please note that the river gets higher once there is a lot of rain fall.
Don’t worry if you start to gaze at the water making its way through the spaces of the bamboo. Its pretty safe.
I noticed how well my raft captain navigated the raft. He sure gets a lot of exercise I said to myself. I tried navigating the raft but it was not an easy task but yet he made it look so easy.
My journey down the Rio Grande was everything beautiful and amazing I dreamt it would be. Through the forest and farm lands on a thirty foot raft navigated by my skillful raft captain.
I was told by my raft captain that:
The Rio Grande is the origin of rating in Jamaica.
2. Raft were used to transport bananas from the plantations to the port Antonio Wharf in the 1050s.
3. The rafts can last up to five months.
4. Shabba Ranking and Shaggy, Reggae superstars did music videos on the river.
5. Rafting is done everyday for USD$60 or the Jamaican equivalent.
Along the Rio Grande, you experience the best of Jamaica. Rafting on the Rio Grande was a day I will forever remember.
Have you ever done rafting on the Rio Grande? Do you love it has mush as I do? Spill!
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About the author
Whatta Gwaan!
You've discovered my blog. I'm delighted you're here. Maybe it's destiny. I'm Doreen Lillian Scarlett welcome to Nature's Sweet Escapes where I go on the far side of Instagram to document and share my adventures.