On June 7, 2019, Julisa, Bryanna and I journey started in Half Way Tree where I took a St Mary bus that cost JMD250.00. It dove through Constant Spring, Stony Hill then along the scenic twisting Junction road that led us to Annotto Bay in St.Mary.
Julisa, Bryanna and I journey started in Half Way Tree where I took a St Mary bus that cost JMD250.00. It dove through Constant Spring, Stony Hill then along the scenic twisting Junction road that led us to Annotto Bay in St.Mary.
I then took an Islington taxi that would take us to Tacky Falls Well not exactly. I had to pay the driver a JMD200 extra to carry us to the starting point of the hike.
He turned at the roundabout near the banana estate, he then turned went left in the Port Maria direction. He continued on the A3 main road until I saw a sign that indicates the turnoff sign for Islington.
On our way to Islington, we passed Islington Kingdom Hall branch Ratty’s Rum Shop and the Islington New Testament Church.
Our final stop was at Village Square community where we started and ended the hike. He parked at Zion Hill Church.
The driver made a call and seconds later we saw our tour guide. I took the drivers number to ensure we have our drive back to Annotto Bay.
We started the hike through a private property. Our tour guide knew the owners hence there were no problems created.
He took us down an extremely slippery track to the stream on which the waterfall was on, then we continued on the path the trail-of-use path to the top of the Tacky Falls.
I had to watch the girls closely. I started to think, “Why on gods earth mi carry out di people dem pickney fi kill har off.” That’s how scary this hike was.
We approached multiple slippery trails. We had to hold on to strong vines trunks when needed. I told myself and the girls not to look over the edge of the hill. We continued until we finale reach the falls. The hike was about 20 minutes and it was the longest 20 minutes of my life. We came prepared for the hike. We had the right shoe and clothing.
The presence of a large number of algae at the foot of the falls made it very difficult to explore the falls.
The sun was at its peak hence it was difficult to take photos. I must say, it’s not your usual YS Falls or Falling Edge Falls but the history behind it made the visit worth it.
Once we had our mind body and soul filled with this untouched and remote gem, we continued onto our next destination which was Long Bay and Reach Falls in Portland.
Tacky was a Ghanaian Slave trader and a merchant who had money before he was caught and sold into slavery. This was during the Kommender wars when his state was conquered.
Tacky flee with his comrades. They were also from Ghana to create a rebellion after years of hard labour and torture. They escaped into the caves extremely far from the plantations they belong. Tacky want to Jamaica a separate and single black colony by conquering the British.
Queen Nanny back Tacky’s plan. In, 17760 the war known as the Easter Rebellion of Port Maria also known as Tacky’s War started. Folk history has it that obeah shield Tacky and the rest of the slaves that followed him from danger. Instructions were given by the British to the Maroons to kill Tacky, his followers and witchdoctor. Tacky was eventually killed. His head was chopped off and placed in the centre of the town which meant that the rebellion had come to an end.
Slaves were recaptured while others committed suicide. Tacky’s army kept on fighting to achieve Tacky’s Plan.
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.