|
www.silver-sands.com
"We
are there for you!"
|
All About
Jamaica, Things To Do
Cranbrook
Flower Forest
An
Afternoon of Fun - Many Photos
An
alternative to the beach demonstrating the variety of
Jamaica!
Anthuriums
What a pleasant surprise Cranbrook Flower Forest proved
to be!
After a short ride on the North Coast Highway, our bus
turned off at Laughlands in St. Ann, and continued up a
winding road for a few minutes and we were there.
It was a
beautiful sunny afternoon and the peace and calm of the park
engulfed us. We paid a very reasonable entry fee of J$200
(less than US$5) per adult and J$100 per child over 3 years
old. There were quite a number of visitors there, mostly
Jamaicans, but the park swallowed us up and it did not feel
at all crowded.
Our party
comprised twelve persons - my mother and her two relatives,
all from Trinidad, my wife and our four children, and my
good friend of over 20 years, John Cunningham, Jr., with his
two sons, Nick and Peter.
Pond
Fishing
At first
we didn't know what to do as there was so much on offer. The
children started darting all over, very excited. We bought
some cold drinks from the snack bar and headed for the huge
gazebo near the entrance. But some immediately wandered down
to the nearby river, while others found the fishing pond. A
few spotted the peacock and anthurium greenhouse.
Left
to right, Back Row: Nick and Peter Cunningham, Roxanne and
Lal Chadeesingh
Left to right, Front Row: Tej and Asha Chadeesingh
After
getting our bearings, we decided to take the hike up along
the river bank to the "river head". We had no idea what we
were in for. We just set out, following our noses, and then
the clearly defined trail which wandered through the gardens
at first and then later on along the East bank of the
beautiful Little River.
Bamboo
Walk
We passed
by and through many gardens overflowing with exotic plants
and trees. On our way to the river trail, we crossed many
picnic areas, some with barbecues. Many groups were
scattered across these. There was a huge family reunion on
one of the picnic grounds. They were well organized with
music, food, and games. We saw a group playing football, and
my son, Lal, a Man U Supporter wanted to join in.
River
Rapids
The walk
to the river bank led us under many very tall trees and huge
bamboo patches. As we walked along the river bank, we felt
the roar and smell of the cold water. The trail was a gentle
uphill walk most of the way with many beautiful views. We
saw some adventurous youths jumping and swimming in the
river in some of the natural pools that formed from time to
time. But we couldn't believe it when we saw people washing
clothes on the river bank. It was like stepping back in
time.
|
|
The
trail along the river bank to the "river head" is
supposed to be only one kilometre (5/8 of a mile)
but it seemed to be a lot more than that. But it
wasn't difficult, and everyone made it there, from
my 3 year old son to my mother, whose age will not
be mentioned here.
The
"river head" is awe-inspiring. At the bottom of a
shear cliff, seen at left, the deep pool of clean
water seems to come from nowhere. But if you look
closely, you will see it pouring out of the rocks
and from under the ground.
Very
tall trees form a canopy over the area. Here in the
mist of cold water rising from the river, one feels
very far away from the beaches and sunshine
vacations actively promoted by everyone.
This
is nature at its best, and has to be seen to be
appreciated.
|
After we completed the hike, we obtained some refreshments
from the snack bar and headed for the fishing pond, itself a
beautiful quiet spot. The children and I got into the
fishing right away, and I am not kidding when I say that
this made the day for them. Lal was over the moon as he
caught two fish which we took back with us. Betty cooked
them that night and they were delicious.
As we were
about to leave, we had another surprise. A wedding party
arrived to take photos. The gorgeous bride complimented
Cranbrook Flower Forest, putting the icing on the cake of a
perfect day.
Here
are many more photos of our afternoon at Cranbrook Flower
Forest.
|