“IF YOU ARE ALWAYS TRYING TO BE NORMAL, YOU WILL NEVER KNOW HOW AMAZING YOU CAN BE.” ~ MAYA ANGELOU
The first time I saw a video of Quashie River Sink Hole, I instantly wanted to visit.
Stettin in Trelawny was named by Dr William Lemonius after the city in Pomerania, Germany, from which his family came. Dr Lemonius was responsible for about a thousand North German immigrants who arrived in Jamaica between 1834 and 1838 and who also settled in such places as Seaford Town in Westmoreland.
Lemonius had taken part in an unsuccessful German uprising , organised by the House of Brunswick, against Napoleon. He had ridden with his companions across Germany to the North Sea, where he was rescued by the English Navy. He became an officer in the Duke of Brunswick-Oehis Regiment.
The Jamaica Almanac of 1840 lists William Lemonius as owning 330 plus 189 acres.
For more information, visit cockpitcountry.com
My visit to Quashie River Sink Hole was put on hold because I didn’t have sufficient information about the location.
I just started to explore my home Jamaica. I was an inexperienced traveler. It was more expensive to venture west of the island since I lived east of the island.
Years later, I decided to explore one of the most magical of the Cockpit country’s, with over three hundred caves is Quashie River Sink Hole.
I traveled miles to see this beauty. It was worth every bus drive and taxi ride😍😊😁
Years later, I decided to explore one of the most magical of the Cockpit country’s, with over three hundred caves is Quashie River Sink Hole.
I asked my co-worker Abby if she wanted to explore Quashie River Sink Hole with me. She accepted with no hesitation.
Starting the hike to Quashie River Sink Hole and Rat Bat Cave
Abby leading the way at this point
I had an idea of the route I should take to Quashie River Sink Hole because I visited Joe Hut Fall and Sanguinetti . I’ve also been Dornoch River Head and Martha Brae Rafting. Hence I didn’t have plenty of issues finding this hidden gem.
At this point, I was sing and dancing. It was pure laughter.
We crawl our way through some part of the hike.
Abby and I took a Manchester Coaster Bus costing JMD500.00 to Mandeville in Downtown Kingston. We then took a taxi to Christina costing JMD200.00. Our stop in Christiana was on the property of a fire station.
I got into an argument with the caretaker of a public restroom in Christiana because I didn’t pay JMD50.00 before using the restroom.
Trelawny Yams😍😍😍
We took a taxi to Albert Town Costing JMD200.00. Our Journey to Albert town was smooth sailing. As I looked out the window, I felt the cool breeze kissing my cheeks. I live for moments like these.
I played around with the driving stating I bring him luck. This was because we were the only two passengers he left the taxi park with until the taxi got its maximum capacity.
When we got to Albert Town Square, the driver pointed to Freemans Hall Taxi Park.
We were on perfect timing. We didn’t wait long for transportation.
Abby and I approach the driver indicating we were going to Quashie River Sink Hole and if he knew anyone who would accompany us on this hike.
He instantly offered his tour guide services for JMD1500 per person. We gladly accepted.
Our tour guide/taxi operator was Fitzroy also known as “Chini man” He was the perfect tour guide. You will hear why in a minute.
We made our way to Quashie from Albert Town Square with a positive vibe. Chini man played Celine Dion to community Lee Spring also called German Town in Freemans Hall.
The journey was about twenty minutes. The road was terrible. Well, it’s a dirt track for the most part and filled with pot holes. Chini man drove extremely carefully and slow.
On the journey to Quashie River Sink Hole, the beauty of the mountains and clear blue skies had me in awe.
We parked and hiked for about twenty minutes. It can be less depends on how much of an experienced hiker you are.
Also, if you are like Abby, you will complete the hike regardless of how scary it was.
We had water, our first aid kit, snacks. Well, Abby had the snacks..lol, mosquito repellent, extra closing, and shoe.
Wear the right shoe and closing for hikes like these. We were not a hundred percent prepared in the garment area.
Abby and I were super excited to explore Quashie has we walked through the ferns, fallen leaves, and bushes hearing birds singing, leaves rustling, wind whistling, insects humming, rustle of animals rooting in the underbrush, scrabbling of lizards on tree limbs.
I inhaled earthy air has it dance across my entire body. Chini Man was very helpful. He even helped us to out on our shoe. He was very patiently and funny.
I was on cloud nine. We saw yam farmers long our journey. We made fun of each other; I sang and danced in the wild. I was in my happy place. Every step I took towards Quashie River Sink Hole, I felt like everything was right with the world.
We got to the spot where we had to climb down a steep ladder into Quashie. I looked carefully where we had to climb; it was a deep and narrow gorge with steep sides.
It was difficult to judge the depth Quashie River Sink Hole when it’s hidden by the green carpet of the forest.
The maroons had the upper hand against the British in such terrain for sure.
We climb down forty feet along the slippery incline to the edge. It was scary but also an adrenaline rush.
Abby didn’t chicken out. Her energy and vibe made this hike even more fun.
There was also a rail that we could slide down and ropes. We went down the ladder instead to reach the fall and Rat Bat cave.
After reaching the bottom of the ladder, we realized we were in mosquito heaven. But we had repellent to solve our mosquito problems.
I was speechless seeing the beauty of Quashie River Sink Hole. We so happy, excited, dirty, and sweaty after our hike, we went straight to the twenty-foot waterfall.
We took plenty of pictures at the entrance of the waterfall. I am not much of a cave explorer and neither is Abby.
We explored it from a distance. The hike is very challenging especially if you are afraid of heights.
I recommend going with experienced hikers or someone from the community like we did. Don't plan a trip to the waterfall without a member of the community knowing about it. You will be putting your life in danger and persons who are accompanying you.
After we filled our mind, body, and soul with the presents of Quahie River Sink Hole, We climbed up the scary ladder back into the bushes.
Chini man took us to a spot on the river where we bathe in the icy cold water. Chini man got yams for us that I cooked when I got home.
We had an amazing day filled with laughter and fun. I would go on another trip with you, Abby. Love your bravery and energy.
You can contact chini man at 876-498-3067 if you decide to tour Quashie River Sink Hole.
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With the best tour guide/taxi operator in South Trelawny
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.