“The best way to predict your future is to create it”
Introduction:
Nature has a magical way of captivating our senses and leaving us in awe of its beauty. My recent journey to Cave Mountain Spring was a spectacular experience, but little did I know that I was about to embark on another breathtaking escapade in Dean’s Valley, Westmoreland. The memory of Cave Mountain Spring lingered in my mind as I ventured toward my next destination, the enchanting Deans Valley Waterfall. My YouTube channel will feature content showcasing enjoyable adventures in Westmoreland.
The Road Less Travelled:
Taking a Whithorn taxi to Mount Pleasant in Dean’s Valley, I found myself on a narrow bump track that led to my destination.
The journey itself was an adventure, offering glimpses of the sprawling Westmoreland plains and the peaceful sight of cows grazing in the distance.
As I walked leisurely, soaking in the gifts of nature, I couldn't help but anticipate the beauty that awaited me at Deans Valley Waterfall.
Love at First Sight:
And there it was, a sight to behold - Deans Valley Waterfall. The rush of joy and excitement that surged through me was indescribable.
I felt an intense passion coursing through my body, a feeling that could only be likened to the exhilaration of a first love affair.
As I set up my tripod to capture the moment, I couldn't ignore the urgency to savor this natural wonder before time ran out and I had to return to the bustling city.
Nature's Embrace:
The mist from the waterfall enveloped me like a gentle caress, kissing my skin and leaving me refreshed.
Without hesitation, I surrendered to the call of the waterfall, climbing and playing amidst its cascading waters.
It was as if the waterfall and I were engaged in a dance of admiration and enchantment. In that moment, worries faded, and I was lost in the embrace of nature.
A Connection Through History:
Deans Valley Waterfall wasn't just a picturesque location; it was a place steeped in history. A conversation with a friendly local had revealed that I was standing on the grounds of the 18th-century
Dean’s Valley Water Works Estate. Nearby, a park named Water Works beckoned, a destination for a future exploration.
The property had changed hands over time, eventually coming under the ownership of Owen ‘Bredda Man’ Banham, a name that would forever be linked to this hidden gem.
A Touch of Nigeria in Jamaica:
As I delved deeper into the history of the place, I discovered a fascinating connection to Nigeria. The property was home to a village named Abeokuta, reminiscent of the Yoruba people's homeland in Africa.
Jamaican descendants of Nigerian indentured laborers settled here, weaving a thread of Nigerian heritage into the Jamaican landscape.
The cultural ties were strong, and the village flourished.
Rebirth and Renewal:
However, the course of time brought change, and tragedy struck in 1979 when the park was destroyed.
But from the ashes rose the phoenix of rejuvenation in the form of Abeokuta Paradise Nature Park.
The ecotourism retreat rose like a beacon, drawing visitors, including the renowned Nigerian writer Wole Soyinka.
The park's reopening in 2003, under the auspices of the Nigerian high commissioner to Jamaica, Florentina Adenike Ukonga, marked a triumphant return to its former glory.
The park's reopening in 2003, under the auspices of the Nigerian high commissioner to Jamaica, Florentina Adenike Ukonga, marked a triumphant return to its former glory.
A Lasting Impression
My visit to Deans Valley Waterfall was more than just an encounter with nature; it was a journey through history and a celebration of the harmonious connection between different cultures .
As I left this hidden paradise behind, I carried with me the memory of its cascading waters and the feeling of unity with the world around me.
Just as Cave Mountain Spring had left a mark on my heart, so too did Deans Valley Waterfall etch its beauty into my soul.
Does Deans Valley Waterfall feature on your list of recommended Jamaican destinations to explore? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comment section!
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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.