Take a Hike
“Take a hike”. These words evoke different reactions in various people; to some it is disrespectful and means to leave permanently. However, to nature-lovers like me, it means taking a long recreational walk and enjoying fascinating fauna, colorful flora, picturesque scenery, fresh crisp air and captivating geological features.
My focus is on the long intensive walk usually on trails and footpaths in the countryside. My love for hiking is linked to site-seeing. It defies the textbook definition. I will hike even along human settlements just to analyze man’s relationship with his environment. I explored this, July 29, 2021. I hiked with Mark Latham from Richmond to Cabbage Hill in St Thomas, Jamaica. The sparsely settled areas reminded us of Jamaica’s rustic charm. The clusters of bamboos on the hillside, the trickling of water from rocks and the occasional chirping birds reminded us of man, flora and fauna in a noncompetitive space. The greeting of country folks, the sight of a farmer riding his donkey and the galloping calves in grasslands were throwbacks to “old time Jamaica.” The beautiful mountainous scenery with the Yallahs River in the middle is a testimony as to the reason we hike.
Eating mostly fruits and drinking water for the seven-mile hike energized us. The rocky road required sturdy, flexible hiking shoes. Re-hydration was necessary so having a family-member, Mavis Blake living in Richmond Vale helped us, in meeting our water demands. Every step Mark and I took the scenery became more breathtaking. The steep ascent to the transmitters in Cabbage Hill was challenging but we made it and watched as sunshine was quickly replaced by falling rain and fog; how unpredictable but welcoming. The scenery was spell-bounding. It was hard leaving but we had to take a hike in the negative sense.
First-time hikers should take certain factors into consideration before hiking. These included:
(1) Knowledge of trail is important for safety. Thorough research is very important. A guide, a compass or GPS can resolve this. The personal interaction with a guide opens the scope for questions and interesting discussions.
(2) The length of the hike and your pace. The pace from person to person should be evaluated.
(3) The location of the hiking trail. Research its remoteness in terms of access to transportation.
(4) The weather-pattern at the time of the year for the location.
(5) Choice of clothing is dependent on the topography, fauna, soil-type and weather. The Blue Mountain Trail requires more clothing than for areas with higher temperatures. The Mayfield Falls River Hike requires a waterproof hiking shoe.
(6) First Aid kit is a must-have. Its contents are dependent on the most likely injuries e.g. treatments for blisters, adhesive bandages, adhesive tape, disinfectant lotion and insect repellent.
(7) Gear is dependent on the type of trail. A coastal hike for example the Kwame Falls Hike Trail would require different gears from Oatley Mountain Hiking Trail where there is birdwatching which may require binoculars.
(8) Food is dependent on the duration of the hike. It is wise to have extra food in case of unforeseen circumstances such as a sudden change in the weather which may cause a longer stay.
(9) Surplus water is a must. Evaluate the amount needed for hygienic and re-hydrating purposes.
Jamaica’s reputation for offering diversity transcends cuisine, music, sports, fashion and traditions. Indeed, this cultural diversity is reflected in our motto, “Out of Many, One People” — so it is when we take a hike. The trails vary. If you love the mountains, birdwatching, lively fauna and colorful flora then the Blue Mountain Peak Trail, Oatley Mountain Hiking Trail and Catherine’s Peak Trail are wonderful choices. If you have an aquatic nature, then the Kwame Falls Hiking Trail and Mayfield Falls River Hiking Trail will be suitable. If you don’t specialize but wish to enjoy Jamaica’s natural beauty, then the Green Castle Estate Hiking Trail, One Love Trail, Mount Zion Trail and the pristine Cockpit Country Trail are there for you to explore. The College of Agriculture, Science and Education in Portland, Jamaica has exciting trails which I explored as a student while I was there. It also has great potential for Eco-tourism.
When you come to Jamaica, and someone tells you to take a hike; don’t see it as disrespect. We have hikes that suit your likes. They defy textbook definitions, and you can hike even in human settlements. Take a hike. What are you waiting for? You will be glad that you did.
