The Story of how I found Balcarres Waterfall
“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.” – Jennifer Lee
Before I start this blog, I want to say a big thank you to Bobo. This trip wouldn’t have been possible and for that, I am truly grateful.
I saw a video on YouTube on a waterfall in a community call Balcarres in Portland. Instantly, I wanted to visit. Portland cast a love spell on me. I just can't stay away from this insanely beautiful parish.
On August 1, 2020, Bobo and I ventured to Portland. We started our journey 5:30 AM. I love early morning adventures. We had the road almost to ourselves. Watching the sun peeping through the clouds and smell of the clean air.
New Castle
I had my bag pack with medication, snacks, hiking shoe, water shoe, mosquito repellant, battery pack and rubbing alcohol.
We took Papine route where we passed Café Blue, Strawberry Hill, Holywell, Cascade, and Spring Hill which lead us to Balcarres. Exploring Cascade and Fish Dunn waterfalls were my first adventures via this route.
At this point, we had to drive up a very steep hill.
We took some photos in the Blue Mountains which was spectacular.
Before reaching Balcarres, we had a small hiccup. I thought the Balcarres waterfall was at the top of Fish Dunn Waterfall. Not sure where I got that idea from since it wasn't in the video.
Everything happens for a reason. I got to meet the waterfall above Fish Dunn in the Spring Hill community that I didn’t know existed.
I indicated to the two men that accompanied us to the waterfall above Fish Dunn that they brought us to the wrong waterfall. I showed them a picture on my phone of the waterfall that we were looking for.
The waterfall above the famous Fish Dunn Waterfalls. Had no idea there was another waterfall on my first visit.
They instantly identified it. They said it was located in the Balcarres community on the right of the road heading to Buff Bay. They also indicated that we would pass a swinging bridge and an unfinished bus stop.
I paid them JMD350 for their assistance and bought a pineapple and coconuts that they were selling and continued our journey to Balcarres Waterfall that took us twenty minutes.
Unfinished bus stop and swinging bridge
You can see the waterfall when driving or walking by. We parked on the road. Then started climbing the waterfalls.
First Waterfall
There are three waterfalls. The one that I was mostly interested in was the one at the extreme top. It had a vintage look. The formation of the rocks looked different from all the others I have seen. It looked like someone craved it out. Another awe moment for the books.
Second Waterfall
We had it all to ourselves. Another reason why I love exploring extremely early. You get plenty of personal time with nature, no one rushing you to take your photos, no noise. Just the beautiful sound of the waterfall.
We took a few pictures, enjoyed the water and went home through the Blue Mountains. The drive home was a little scary and fun. The air was fogged up. My second time driving through fog so I was amazed at nature once again.
Third and Final Waterfall
I had a wonderful experience. Way more than I expected. See you soon Portland. So many waterfalls to discover in the lush parish of Portland. Continue scrolling for more awesome photos. Have fun!
Would you visit Balcarres Waterfall? If you did, what was your experience like?