“Loved you yesterday, love you still, always have, always will.” – Elaine Davis
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I set out to find a waterfall in Westmoreland, but when I arrived, it was dried up. Disappointed, I realized that I hadn’t discovered any hidden gems in the parish, and it was my last day on the western side of the island.
I could’ve gone home, but something told me to keep going. And I’m so glad I did.
I decided to explore southern St. James, where the rural community of Catadupa quietly rests—a place steeped in history and nestled near the edge of Cockpit Country. It's a community rich in heritage and natural beauty. Samuel Sharpe, Jamaica’s National Hero, was born at the nearby Croydon Plantation, now a popular cultural attraction.
I was standing on the border of Westmoreland and St. James, not far from Catadupa. After walking for about ten minutes, I heard the sound of a truck. I waved it down and asked for a ride to Catadupa. The driver said yes, and I hopped in.
Once in the community, I was drawn to the old railway station, a relic from Jamaica’s vibrant railway past. Though weathered by time, parts of it still stood—the ticket booth and waiting area were now part of Ms. Salkie’s shop, as locals told me.
I showed a few residents a photo of the waterfall I was searching for. One man told me it was actually a dam, not a waterfall, and pointed me in the right direction. A shortcut through a private property led me back to the main road. I stopped to confirm with another woman, and to my surprise, she offered to accompany me.
When we arrived at the dam, I barely recognized it—overgrown with bush, quietly hiding in plain sight. I was told it supplies water to Catadupa and surrounding communities, including Croydon Plantation. The dam is fed by a spring in the hills, and it’s said to have never run dry.
I pulled out a small knife and cleared the path myself. Ten minutes later, the view was clear, and I was ready to strike a pose—Jamaica’s Next Top Model, yet again. But the dam wasn’t mine alone. Mosquitoes, bees, wasps, snails, and more came out in full force. My tripod couldn’t balance on the uneven terrain, and that’s when help arrived—a young woman came down to bathe. I asked if she could take a few photos and videos, and she kindly agreed. She was a real trooper, braving the bites while capturing beautiful moments. A million thank-yous could never be enough. Catadupa Dam may not be perfect. But neither am I. Still, somehow, we were perfect for each other.
Though I was satisfied, I couldn’t stop thinking about the roadside waterfall I had passed earlier. I packed up, thanked my photographer, and hurried back to it.
And there it was—even more stunning than I remembered. My heart fluttered.
I set up my tripod, totally immersed in the moment. A few cars, bikes, and people passed by, but I didn’t care.
I lay in the road, clicking my Bluetooth remote like a woman in love.
A man on a motorbike stopped, mesmerized. I asked if he could take a few photos, and he agreed. He nailed it
I fell head over heels for this waterfall. Maybe because it was unexpected, maybe because it wasn’t perfect—but it was real.
I decided to name it Catadupa Waterfall, since no one seemed to know its name.
He offered me a ride to the bus stop, and I accepted. My westward adventure ended here, at Catadupa—with two waterfalls, new friends, and a heart full of gratitude.
Tucked away in the hilly interior of St. James, about 22 miles southeast of Montego Bay, Catadupa is a paradise for eco-lovers and history buffs alike.
Once a coffee plantation in the 1700s, Catadupa later became a key point in Jamaica’s railway system. Though the railway shut down in 1992, the memories still linger in its architecture and culture.
I found true love in Catadupa. Not in a person, but in a place—a moment. It happened quietly, unknowingly, in a single breath. My westward journey may have ended here, but I know I’ll return. If not in this life, then in the next.
Have you ever visited Catadupa or discovered a hidden gem in St. James? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear your story.
Until the next waterfall, Your traveling storyteller, Nature’s Sweet Escapes 🌿💧
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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.