"If you wish to know the divine, feel the wind on your face and the warm sun on your hand.” –Buddha
Bagaboo currently holds the title of tallest waterfall until I find another.
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Despite technological setbacks, my journey back through the rainforest was filled with reflection and gratitude.
Laden with fresh fruits and memories of Lilli Waterfall and Bagaboo, I reflected on Emelio's guidance and insightful exploration of eastern St. Thomas.
His research unearthed local legends like Monkey Hill and historic spots like Jackfruit Walk, enriching my understanding of this lesser-known part of Jamaica.
My quest to find Bagaboo River and its elusive waterfall was a test of patience and determination.
It began with a failed attempt, hiking for hours through the dense rainforests of St. Thomas only to find myself at the top of Bagaboo waterfall, with no clear path down.
This disappointment echoed a previous endeavor to locate Nonsuch Waterfall in Portland, Jamaica.
Upon my return, fate intervened in the form of an elderly couple whom I met.
Taking the wife's contact information, I hoped to return with better guidance.
Weeks later, I reached out and was introduced to a knowledgeable farmer who knew the way.
We made plans to hike to Bagaboo together. On the scheduled day, my uncertainty about the guide's knowledge led me to postpone the hike, still haunted by my earlier fruitless journey.
Despite his assurances, I decided to wait for another opportunity.
Eventually, I made my way to Morant Bay, then took a taxi to Bath Fountain and a bike taxi to Hayfield, where I met the farmer.
We embarked on our journey along the Cuna Cuna pass trail into the lush rainforests of St. Thomas, passing mango trees heavy with ripe fruit.
Despite trying to avoid stepping on fallen mangoes, they provided sustenance for flies and insects.
As we trekked deeper into the rainforest, I was captivated by its beauty, even amidst the rain.
It felt like an adventure in the Amazon, minus the dangerous animals.
We encountered a coconut tree and refreshed ourselves with its water as raindrops kissed our cheeks.
In that moment, I couldn't help but express my love for St. Thomas and its natural wonders.
The terrain challenged us with steep climbs and varied landscapes, from trees to rocks, but each moment was cherished.
As we ascended a hill, we glimpsed banana and cocoa trees thriving untouched by human hands.
Continuing through the rain, we eventually reached a stunning waterfall, which I decided to name Lilli Waterfall after myself, a testament to its hidden beauty.
I paused my search for a few minutes to admire Lilli Waterfall, a truly hidden beauty.
I took some time to capture the beauty of Lilli before moving on to Bagaboo Waterfall.
We continued our climb, pausing to take photos along the way and keeping an eye out for wild hogs, until Bagaboo appeared in the distance, peeking at us.
The sight of Bagaboo waterfall in the distance left me speechless and overjoyed.
I rested by the riverbank before climbing to the top of Bagaboo to savor the moment.
I couldn't stop documenting the scene, from the Jamaican Giant Swallowtail Butterfly dancing around us to birds drinking from the waterfall's mist cascading over the rocks.
As my battery dwindled, we retraced our steps to Lilli's waterfall for more photos before reaching a serene pool.
Despite my phone dying, leaving behind my portable charger felt like fate nudging me to appreciate the river's beauty without distraction.
Though time didn't permit us to explore another nearby waterfall, the journey back to Hayfield was arduous yet safe.
Laden with ripe bananas, green bananas, and a Renta Yam, I journeyed back, reflecting on my adventure.
Frustrated by the lack of information online about Bagaboo Waterfall and its surroundings, I turned to Emelio for guidance.
Emelio's research uncovered intriguing details about eastern St. Thomas, including the historic Jackfruit Walk and the intriguing Monkey Hill, named after a legendary figure known as 'Monkey man'. Nearby Coolie Wood hinted at a forgotten community of Amerindian descent. My journey to Bagaboo Waterfall was a testament to the persistence and the rewards of exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Have you ever braved a challenging journey to uncover a unique natural wonder? Would you venture into the unknown to discover a hidden gem like Bagaboo? Share your thoughts and experiences below!
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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.