What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us -Helen Keller
Introduction:
Jamaica, a land of breathtaking landscapes and hidden treasures, never fails to surprise me. In the age of social media, hidden gems often reveal themselves through captivating posts and stories. One such discovery led me to a picturesque waterfall In the heart of Jamaica lies a community shrouded in mystery and natural beauty - Richmond Vale. Richmond Vale holds a hidden gem that I stumbled upon through a captivating Instagram post - a mesmerizing waterfall that immediately found its place on my growing list of must-visit spots. Months passed before I embarked on this adventure, a journey that would lead me to the breathtaking Banana River waterfall in St. Thomas.
The journey to find this secluded paradise involved a bit of research, the kindness of strangers, a thrilling hike through the lush landscapes of St. Thomas and the mesmerizing beauty of the Jamaican countryside.
Let the exploring begins
Researching the Route:
Months passed before I decided to embark on the adventure. The quest began with research to pinpoint the elusive location. Queries among friends and a thorough examination of the Jamaican road map revealed that the scenic route through St. Thomas was the gateway to this natural wonder.
none in sight
With recommendations from fellow adventurers, including the suggestion to catch a taxi from Poor Mans Corner in St. Thomas, my excitement peaked.
If you've had the chance to explore Norris Spring, also known as Gutter Head Waterfall, the initial part of the journey to Richmond Vale might ring a bell.
Pretty Tunnel, starting point to the waterfall
The Taxi Ride:
The anticipation built as I waited for my taxi, armed with grapes from the local TikTok sensation Steamboss. Forty-five minutes later, my ride arrived, setting the stage for an adventure filled with twists and turns—both on the road and in the lush landscape.
Meeting a Local Guide:
Seizing the opportunity, I secured the coveted front seat beside the driver, hoping for insights into the waterfall's whereabouts. During the journey, I struck up a conversation with a fellow passenger who happened to be familiar with the area.
Coffee Farm
A brief conversation with a fellow passenger revealed that the waterfall resided along the enchanting Banana River. It became apparent that venturing alone might not be the best idea. Despite the driver's time constraints and concern for my safety, he went above and beyond, enlisting a local to guide me through the lush terrain.
Tangerines
The Enchanting Journey:
As the taxi wound its way through the picturesque mountains of St. Thomas, I couldn't help but capture the beauty through my lens.
We made it to the river
The silence, broken only by the distant melody of birds, added to the enchantment.
Making our way upstream
The absence of traffic allowed the serenade of singing birds to fill the air, creating an ambiance of tranquility. Our final stop led us to the entrance of a path known as "Pretty Tunnel," which marked the beginning of a breathtaking hike and beckoned with promises.
Welcome to Richmond Vale Waterfall r Banana River Waterfall
Nature's Symphony:
The narrow, steep path took us through a scenic landscape featuring coffee farms and fruit trees.
The vibrant shades of green and well-groomed trees created a mesmerizing atmosphere.
The journey offered glimpses of the stunning mountain views, fueling my anticipation for the hidden waterfall.
Pretty Tunnel and the Hike:
The subsequent trek down a narrow and stunning path, adorned with varying shades of greenery, unveiled the natural wonders of the region. Passing by a coffee farm and an abundance of fruit trees, including Pear, Mangoes, and Tangerines, heightened the anticipation.
The moment of revelation arrived when we reached the crystal-clear river. With no restroom facilities in sight, I quickly swapped my hiking boots for water shoes, prepared to immerse myself in the untouched beauty that lay ahead. Hiking upstream, the allure of mini pools tempted me, but the ultimate goal remained—finding the hidden waterfall.
Discovering the Waterfall:
After a trek of about fifteen minutes along the river, the euphoric sound of the waterfall reached our ears.
Overwhelmed with joy, I raced to witness the beauty before me. The crystal-clear water, surrounded by untouched nature, transported me to a time when human impact had not marred the landscape.
Capturing the Magic:
After a fifteen-minute hike, the melodic sound of cascading water confirmed our proximity.
Overwhelmed with joy, I sprinted toward the waterfall, capturing the magic through my lens.
St. Thomas had unveiled another of its beautiful secrets, leaving me enchanted.The adventure continued as we explored two irresistible mini pools, a serene reward for the trek upstream.
A Cautionary Note:
Encountering a local coffee picker on the return journey served as a reminder to tread carefully when seeking hidden waterfalls. While the experience was magical, the knowledge of such places should be handled responsibly to ensure the preservation of their charm.
Nature's Retreat:
With a heart full of appreciation, I wandered the roads, basking in the vibrant shades of green that surrounded me. St. Thomas had etched itself even deeper into my heart, leaving me with a profound love for its hidden wonders.
As I secured a ride back, this time on the back of a local's bike, the panoramic view of the mountains added the perfect finishing touch to an unforgettable adventure.
A brief history:
According to the local news paper, Jamaica Observer , Places can acquire their names both randomly and through deliberate choices. However, names often undergo transformations over the years, and the associated history may fade with time. This phenomenon is evident in the history of the Richmond Gap and Richmond Vale communities in St Thomas, originally known as Wilson due to a captivating narrative.
A Justice of the Peace and resident of Richmond Vale, during the colonial era, these communities were initially referred to as Content Estate and Richmond Estate. The Banana River, which flows through the region, acted as a natural divider, with Content Estate on the left and Richmond Estate on the right.
The nomenclature took a significant turn when Elizabeth Wilson, a black woman affectionately called Ya Ya Moodie and reputed as a healer or 'obeah woman,' cured the owner of Richmond Estate from malaria. In recognition of her services, she was granted a portion of the estate, which she named Wilson. This marked her as the first black woman to own property in colonial Jamaica. Howard Shepherd uncovered this intriguing history while researching the community's background at the Brooklyn National Library in New York during his studies in the United States.
One of the min pools I enjoyed before returning home.
As for Content Estate, although it is occasionally still referred to by that name, people generally prefer to call it Richmond Vale. The topography now distinguishes the vale from the gap, with the gap being the hillside and the vale situated in the valley.
One part of Content Estate contains the cave once belonging to Jack Mansong or Three Fingered Jack, a runaway slave renowned for his exploits in the Leeward Passage (now known as 14 Miles near Bull Bay, St Thomas).
The unification of the entire area under the name Richmond Vale/Gap occurred in 1948, coinciding with the phasing out of colonialism and the establishment of a premier government in Jamaica.
The gully stretching from the Three Fingered Cave to the Banana River, which once separated the two estates, is now named the Three Fingered Gully.
Onto another adventure
The Richmond Vale Baptist Church, constructed during the colonial era, stands as a lasting relic of that period. Following Hurricane Charlie in 1951, restoration and preservation efforts were undertaken to safeguard this vital piece of the country's history.
Conclusion:
St. Thomas, with its secrets and hidden waterfalls, left an indelible mark on my heart. The journey through lush landscapes, coffee farms, and pristine rivers was a testament to the island's natural beauty. As I left with a newfound appreciation for St. Thomas, the breathtaking views lingered in my memory, a reminder of the hidden gems waiting to be discovered.
Feel free to subscribe to my YouTube channel for captivating videos showcasing Richmond Vale Waterfall and other enchanting destinations in Jamaica.
Biking in the hills, best thing ever
Share your thoughts on whether you would visit the Richmond Vale Waterfall in the comment section below!
More Adventures
FOLLOW ME ON INSTAGRAM @NATURESSWEETESCAPES
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
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.