"Love is an irresistible desire to be irresistibly desired."
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For my very first book, I knew I needed more content from the parish of St. James — a land tucked into the western reaches of Jamaica. With curiosity as my compass, I packed my bags and made my way to the bus park. Many of the waterfalls I sought were now hidden behind private gates, tucked away behind houses, their beauty veiled by ownership. Still, I pressed on. My next stop: a small community called Lottery, in search of a waterfall still willing to reveal itself.
I hopped into a taxi on St. James Street and rode to Barnett Street, where I stood beneath the towering clock tower waiting for a minibus heading to a community called Lottery.
The same route also serves Maroon Town and Tangle River, so I knew I was on the right track.
A young man and his daughter sat beside me while we waited. Naturally, I asked if he knew of any waterfalls in the area.
When we got close, he kindly asked the driver to stop and pointed to a roadside waterfall. Just like that, my adventure began.
I made my way through a bushy path, hopping joyfully over rocks and following the soothing music of flowing water.
The trail was quiet, wild, and beautiful—just the way I like it.
As I walked upstream, I discovered a unique waterfall—a hidden beauty that reminded me of Grampah Waterfall in Cascade, Hanover.
The water spilled gracefully over what looked like a man-made wall, giving it a rare structure and charm.
I was alone with nature, and suddenly, I had a "waterfallgasm"—you know, that rush of joy and awe when nature overwhelms your senses in the best way.
I wasn’t surprised by the beauty—I had come looking for it—but I was completely swept away. It felt like a first date with Waterfall Number One, and I was smitten.
There wasn’t an ideal spot to place my tripod, but I did my best to make it work. The terrain made it challenging to capture the shots I envisioned — each photo felt like a small victory. Even though my remote didn’t have a zoom feature, I made it work, running back and forth, adjusting the lens on my phone, doing everything I could to capture the moment perfectly.
The spot felt like pure magic — quiet, untouched, and entirely mine for the moment.
I wanted to lie there forever, as if time could pause — until the sky itself came tumbling down around me.
I fell in love in an instant — as if the place had been waiting for me all along.
Nature does this to me every time — sweeps me off my feet. I just can’t stay loyal to one lover. From the hidden waterfalls of Lottery to the wild beauty of Joe Hut in Trelawny, my heart keeps wandering.
I’ve never felt a love like this. Okay, I’m not being totally honest — the whole island of Jamaica has already stolen my heart.
I was wrapped in joy, completely at peace — my smile never left me. I had found my happy place. After spending some time at the first waterfall, I followed the river downstream, hoping to discover more treasures.
Lottery is a small rural community located in the western parish of St. James, Jamaica. While not widely known in mainstream historical records, Lottery has a rich background shaped by Jamaica’s colonial past, agricultural economy, and the resilient spirit of rural life.
The name "Lottery" is believed to have originated during the post-emancipation period, possibly tied to the division or redistribution of land among freed people or settlers. After slavery was abolished in 1838, many formerly enslaved individuals acquired or settled on plots of land in interior regions like Lottery, forming tight-knit farming communities. The term "lottery" might metaphorically reference land being "drawn" or allocated like a prize or stake.
Traditionally, Lottery thrived as an agricultural community, with residents cultivating crops such as yam, banana, corn, and sugar cane. Small-scale farming remains central to daily life, contributing to the local economy and cultural identity. Like many rural Jamaican districts, Lottery embodies a deep connection to the land and self-sufficiency.
The people of Lottery maintain strong community ties through church, school, and shared traditions. Local churches play a vital role, serving not only as places of worship but also as centers for community meetings and social events. Education is also valued, with schools nearby helping to uplift successive generations.
Nestled among hills and lush terrain, Lottery is known for its natural beauty, including rivers, forests, and recently rediscovered hidden waterfalls. These features make it a potential eco-tourism spot, especially for off-the-beaten-path explorers and nature enthusiasts.
Like many rural areas in Jamaica, Lottery faces challenges such as limited access to infrastructure, employment opportunities, and healthcare services. However, the community’s resilience is evident in its resourceful people and their commitment to preserving the land and culture.
Have you ever explored the waterfalls of western Jamaica?
Let me know in the comments—especially if you’ve been to St. James or Lottery!
See you at waterfall number two…
Your solo adventurer,
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.