“If you’re twenty-two, physically fit, hungry to learn and be better, I urge you to travel – as far and as widely as possible. Sleep on floors if you have to. Find out how other people live and eat and cook. Learn from them — wherever you go.” ~ Anthony Bourdain
I have been yearning for adventures for the longest while. I have only explored these distant places in my head, media, and books. These places are isolated and unreachable; thus, I thought I could not visit them myself. My fear of traveling eventually disappeared because I was tired of begging individuals to accompany me on my trips.
I have been to some of the most unknown, unblemished locations in Jamaica. Tourism is nonexistent in these areas. For the longest time, I have wanted to see this part of Jamaica. In the Parish of Saint Andrew close to Stony Hill is a dam on the Wag Water River which comes out of the Blue Mountain range call Hermitage Dam. I discovered Hermitage Dam on my way back from Falling Edge Falls in St Andrew. Reggae Falls was the first dam I visited, so I was extremely excited to explore another dam.
I started my journey from Half Way Tree, which I consider to be a starting point for traveling to parishes located west of the island. I took a bus to Stony Hill. I asked a vendor the type of bus I should take. One Hundred JMD is the cost which is equal to One Dollars USD. I traveled for about Thirty minutes. When I got to Stony Hill, I asked a vendor where I could get a taxi to Bowden Hill. The cost for is One Hundred Jamaican Dollars and not a cent more. The journey to Bowden Hill is about 20 minutes. When I got to my final stop, there were so many different colours of green. I also saw Bowden Hill Primary School.
The path to the right of the Bowden Hill Primary School leads to the dam. The way to the left leads to Falling Edge Falls. Along the trail, I saw farmers who were willing to give directions to the dam. The enchanting sound of water also assisted with directions.
Finally, the journey to the dam ended and it was a welcome sight.
I was told that Mona Dam is larger than Hermitage Dam.
Supplying water for Kingston and St Andrew is the number one reason why the dam was created but individuals from the community also use it for fishing.
The Dam is located in an area with heavy rainfall. Members of the community that it's 150-Foot high and it was constructed in 1927.
The vegetation is beautiful with an extensive mixture of trees, birds and unusual bush.
Have you been to Hermitage Dam before? Would you visit? Have any questions or queries, comment below or email me at naturessweetescapes@gmail.com