Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
Oooh what a view! A picturesque view from the picnic area at Holywell shows Mona, the reservoir and out to sea. Tanya Batson, Staff Reporter
THE MAJESTIC Blue Mountains loom quietly looking down on Kingston. Certain in their timelessness, they need not get involved in the hustle and bustle of everyday life in the not so big city. However, in their quietude they hold much. While some see them as just another area we have not put a set of townhouses in yet, others see these silent beauties as a viable source of entertainment.
For many people all over the world, going on a hike or visiting a park is an intriguing alternative to the club-eat-club-eat-club routine that often passes for entertainment. Holywell is a small part of the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park which is just such an alternative.
The Sunday Gleaner was invited to take a tour of the Holywell recreational park to see what it offers as a viable entertainment choice. So up, up, up and away we went. Past Papine, through Irish Town, past New Castle and up to Hardware Gap, which rests 990 metres (3250ft) above sea level. The view on the way to Holywell is itself a wonderful part of the experience. Beautiful vistas of green are laid bare to the eye. At that distance, even Kingston looks very inviting and peaceful.
First, the group of 'tourists' is given an educational slide show in the visitor's centre. We are informed there is at risk. That the lush greenery we passed through which resulted in that tickle as the nose got used to actual fresh air could be destroyed if we are not careful.
We are told the tragic tale of the giant swallowtail butterfly, a creature endemic to Jamaica, which is battling for its existence. The giant swallowtail butterfly is the largest in the Western hemisphere and the second largest in the world. The yellow-striped beauty was once found in seven parishes. Another victim of humanity, the butterfly lays its eggs on the Water Mahoe, which has been wiped out in all parishes except Portland. Sadly, many other animals suffer this and worse fates.
We are shown pictures of denuded mountains which were once majestic forests. It is made clear that we need to protect every inch of the 200,000 acres which make up the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park.
Many who have been to Holywell, especially as a part of a school hike, have not ventured far from the picnic area. However, our trek on the Oatley trail proves that this is a part of the park that must be visited. When our group of would-be hikers set off to boldly go where many have gone before, it looked like it would be an awesome task probably better suited to the slim of waist and lithe of foot. Fortunately, what ensued was a very pleasant walk across the mountainside.
We set off on the uphill trek at close to noon. Despite the time the air is rather cool and a few of us even have to take out sweaters to warm up before the heat generated by walking kicks in. The Oatley trail was established during the 1960s, but it is evident that they are currently working on it to make it even more friendly to the less than 'goat-footed'. Ranger Dwhyte Pryce, who leads the way, confirms the upgrades. Various birds can be heard above, though for most of the walk they are smart enough not to show themselves. Along the way very helpful signs featuring 'Jody Tody' point out varying sights or tell you when to bend. This last act is particularly important since at several points some trees have taken to growing across the path and so one has to go under them.
As the trail, which leads into Portland and then descends back into St. Andrew, winds its way up to the highest point of 4,395 ft. above sea level, a sense of peace descends. Along the way there are majestic tree ferns and other interestingly named plants. There is the woman wood, hot lips, cold bush, headache bush and the Johncrow nose (of course it would not be Jamaican without a plant with a name like this one).
Part of what makes the Oatley trail a must-see however, are the beautiful views which it provides. Although a wonderful panoramic view of the surrounding hills leading into Mona (complete with the picturesque-looking reservoir and out to sea) can be seen from the picnic area, it cannot be compared to the views that can be found along the trail. The viewing points are well marked and include 'Bird's Eye View' and 'Mystic View'. Though often shrouded by mist (hence its name), Mystic View is touted as one of the most romantic spots on the trip. When the mist clears, one can see into the Buff Bay Valley.
The area which seems to win hands down, however, is the Ferns Forever Valley. Although it may have been merely the gratitude for going downhill, the charm provided by the effusive ferns is almost overwhelming. Fallen trees and the embankment are covered by two kinds of moss, bog and sylaginella, which gives the entire area a look of being carpeted.
As a part of their attempt to increase the number of visitors to the park, the Jamaica Conservation Development Trust (JCDT)/Green Jamaica is hosting the second annual 'Misty Bliss'. The fair gets its name from the fact that the forest of the Blue Mountain range is an upper mountain mist forest. As such, the area is often covered in cool mist. Misty Bliss will take place at the Holywell recreational area on Sunday, February 23, and will feature a blend of folk performances and what nature has to offer. Misty Bliss is a call to nature that every Jamaican should answer and, if one cannot make it to the fair, the park still remains long after.
