Why I keep returning to Pretty Close in St. Andrew
“Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
St. Andrew is one of the parishes that I rarely visit. So, when my Canadian friend Simone sent me a video of Orchid Waterfall, I knew I had to visit. This waterfall kept playing through my mind like a symphony.
Since there was no sign of a waterfall, I wasn't impressed, but Simone assured me that there was one on the property. Upon visiting Orchid Waterfall, which is one of the five or more waterfalls located at Pretty Close, my tour guide Ramo, the operator of Pretty Close, told my brother Andrew and me about Lion Waterfall, but it was not easy to access.
He said he would inform me about the path to Lion Falls when it’s completed. A few weeks passed. Ramo indicated that the path was completed. We made plans to visit at 6:00 a.m. before the place got crowded.
Climbing the mini waterfall
I had fun here
When I arrived at Pretty Close, Ramo and I made our way to Lions Waterfall by passing the two streams that collide. The locals call it the Flora River. We then hiked for about ten minutes before reaching Orchid Falls. We didn’t stay since I had visited a few weeks prior
We made our way up a slippery path hanging on the tree roots. Then we made our way up a huge tree limb that was put in place in the center of a mini cascade to access Lions Falls. I had a difficult time reaching the top because the water was rushing down on me.
Ramon held my foot and encouraged me to bring my body up to the surface where Lions Waterfall is located. Ramo was surprised that I was scared, knowing the dangerous places that I had explored. Eventually I made it up the mini waterfall and into the river to see the unique Lion's Waterfall. The sound of the waterfall was music to my ears. I had my million-dollar awe moment seeing the magical Lion Waterfall up close.
The slippery path to Lions Waterfall.
I love Lion Waterfall like a love song. No other waterfall compares. Lion Waterfall stands alone when compared to the other waterfalls I’ve visited.
The hike to Lion Waterfall is not for the weak. But it’s a challenge that I would recommend.
Reaching Lions Waterfall
You shouldn't be in a hurry here; the atmosphere encourages calm reflection. At least once a year I like to come up here to get away from it all, unwind, and recharge, and sometimes I even bring my writing with me.
My soul feels at home here. It receives some tourist traffic, though not as much as some of Portland's other attractions. The people of this section of St. Andrew encourage visitors to take it easy, relax, and appreciate the outdoors.
This area of St. Andrew is great because it has so many secluded spots. Waterfalls can be found tucked away in the flax bushes. You might not even notice the rainforests are there because of how dense they are. Honestly, I can't pick a favorite. Everyone has a fantastic tale to tell, and together they make for a truly remarkable St. Andrew Getaway.
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What is your safe place? Is there a particular waterfall that you find particularly alluring? Please tell!