“Nothing develops intelligence like travel.” – Emile Zola
Looking for healing while escaping to a beautiful destination? That’s what I found.
I’m always passionate about the charm of new destinations. I love travelling early on the country roads because it makes my heart sing. Smelling the clean air and lush vegetation is everything wonderful. I’m not boasting, but I am happy to call Jamaica my home because of how magical it is.
I woke up at 6:33 AM instead of my usual 4:00 AM to explore Joe Hut Falls, tucked away in the hills of Trelawny in a community called Joe Hut. Also, my phone only had 33% battery life. I was upset but everything happens for a reason. My philosophy is, never go on an adventure angry or uncertain. I always go with a positive vibe and a clear mind especially when travelling solo.
The border of Manchester and Trelawny
I was well prepared to hop from parish to parish. Swimwear, water shoes, sneakers, extra cash, portable charger, mask and good vibes. I wore comfortable clothing and I printed road maps of Clarendon, Manchester and Trelawny which was super helpful. I can’t say this enough, I love my Jamaican people. They are helpful and kind. I had no problem asking for directions.
Upon reaching the bus park, I asked the driver of the Mandeville bus if he had a charger because my portable charger had issues and he said no. He pointed to a shop behind the bus that charges phones for JMD100.00. I decide to pay the fee and got 34% because the bus was leaving. My fare to Mandeville was JMD500.00
Upon reaching Mandeville I got a taxi to Spaulding where I ventured to Low Woods Sanguinetti in Clarendon which was my first destination. After this visit, I went back to Spaulding.
I got a taxi from Spaulding to Christiana for JMD100.00.Only two taxes were operating from Christiana to Joe Hut. Hence, I had to charter a taxi from Christiana to Joe Hut at a cost of JMD1,300.00
I showed the driver a video of the fall and he knew exactly where it was. I asked if he knew anyone from the community that would be willing to accompany me to the fall at a cost and he said yes.
I had an awe-moment driving through Trelawny. I’ve never seen so many yam fields.
We passed a sign which was on the border of Manchester and Trelawny that said Welcome to Trelawny. He drove through the community of Lowe River onto Lime Tree then Litchfield to Waite-a bit then right into the Joe Hut community. He then turned right at a crossroad onto a dirt road to Joe Hut Fall.
We stopped and the driver exited the car and he walked onto another dirt track where we overheard five young men having a conversation. He told them I was willing to compensate them for assistance to the waterfall. I was delighted that three of the young men accepted my offer. I took the driver’s name which was Desroy so I could contact him for transportation back to Christiana.
We journeyed on a wet, scary and slippery path. But also it was fun, beautiful and full of joy and laughter and I got to know three amazing young men Yousef, Dwayne and Jay. They were not only my tour guides but also my photographers.
Yusef Jay and Dwayne
I saw a mini waterfall at the start of the journey. I wanted so badly to stop and enjoy it but I had a bigger waterfall in mind. I made sure to enjoy the mini waterfall on my way back home.
The surrounding was cool, the air was fresh and there were many different shades of green.
I walked through the river in my sneakers while my tour guides were barefooted. Some of the stones were slippery so I had to use my hands to prevent me falling.
We took less than half an hour to get to the waterfall. It depends on how fast you there depends on how quickly you can walk through the bushes and the river.
I had my second awe-moment when I first laid eyes on Joe Hut Falls also known as Knotty Falls according to my guides. The boys were respectful, kind, talented, entertaining and helpful. Not only can they swim but they are very good divers.
I know some of you guys might be afraid to say it but it most definitely looks like a vagina. I was shocked but amazed. This is what I love about exploring, you get to see the weirdest but also beautiful things you never thought existed.
After taking a bunch of pictures and playing in the water for a while, it was time to go home.
I got up-close and personal with the mini waterfall and it was great. I rested under it was for a while, it was so relaxing. I love these kinds of massages. I also went to a mini pool which was great. There are so many spots to enjoy. I will definitely be returning to Joe Hut.
There was a bigger pool at the start of our journey which was beautiful. The boys put on a diving competition. I got to capture some of the action on camera until my phone died. Luckily, my portable charger started to work and I got to capture a few more amazing moments with these kids.
The largest group of Maroons in Jamaica was from Trelawny. Olympic medalist Veronica-Campbell Brown and world record holder in the 100 meters, 200 meters and 4 × 100 meters relay Usain Bolt are both from this parish.
Yams are indigenous to Jamaica but the ones mostly eaten are from Africa brought to Jamaica during slavery. Trelawny also has an annual yam festival kept in Albert Town every Easter to celebrate yam and its bi-products. Trelawny accounts for the majority of yam production in Jamaica. There are many varieties of yams which include White, Negro, Sweet, Lucea and Pum Pum(a type of yellow yam).
I want to say a big thank you to D’Ann and my sister Asheka for listening to me obsessing about my visit to Joe Hut and Sangunitte. Also, Toni-Ann who has been a big source of encouragement. She also finds new places to add to my list of places to visit and the development of my blog. Love you loads hon. Shavae is positive and hard working. Go check out her Blog.You will thank me later. Her contribution to my blog has been great. She helps also with the preparation process and she encourages me to keep traveling. I love how excited she and the other individuals mentioned in this blog gets excited and happy when I explore somewhere new. Mr.Hall encourages me to explore our home in it’s entirety and always willing to provide history lesson about Jamaica.
Parish hopping is my new thing.
Do you need to getaway from reality and regenerate? You should definitely add Joe Hut Falls to your adventure list .
