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An alternative to the beach demonstrating the variety of Jamaica!
(photo copyright of Mysilversands Villas in Jamaica)
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.
(photo copyright of Mysilversands Villas in Jamaica)
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.
(photo copyright of Mysilversands Villas in Jamaica)
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.
(photo copyright of Mysilversands Villas in Jamaica)
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.
(photo copyright of Mysilversands Villas in Jamaica)
River Rapid
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.
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