I have long wanted to go on one of the trips organized by the Jamaica Cultural Enterprise. My sister had gone on their Kingston Art Trek and enjoyed it immensely. This time it was the Blue Mountain Path Finder, a full-day tour. I love the mountains; the cool air, the forests with its hues of greens and blues, the flowering trees and shrubs, the waterfalls on the road side!

Usually, I am the designated driver when family and friends take to the hills. This time, with B&B guests, Carol, Rachael and Lucy on the tour, I felt like a tourist in my own country. Everything was taken care of. Karen, our tour guide, organized us ahead of time with what to take and what to wear. She took care of the rest; a comfortable bus, an experienced and road-savvy driver, soft background music, refreshments and her interesting anecdotal commentary along the way, making sure that we missed nothing of the history and geography of the area as the bus climbed up to Newcastle and Holywell Park in the Blue Mountains. 

The hike with Ranger Roger from the visitors’ office in Holywell Park, up along the Oatley Trail to the neighbouring parish of Portland, and back down to St. Andrew, was an idyllic walk in mist and light afternoon rain. His detailed description of the flora and fauna in this reserve, making the distinction between indigenous and endemic plants, made the experience all the more memorable. Plants like the sponge moss, centuries old trees, ferns and orchids and of course, the lipstick plant, had our eyes darting from side to side as the trail meandered uphill and down. While there, you felt like a character in the Chronicles of Narnia. Go figure.

Lunch at Crystal Edge restaurant was mouth-watering and the coffee, Blue Mountain of course, along with the dessert from Cafe Blue next door, made for the perfect stop before going on to spend an afternoon being exposed to the finest of Jamaican art.

First was the Patrick Waldemar exhibition, 'Watercolours', at the Olympia Art Gallery, and then the private collection in the beautiful home of collector and dealer, Wayne Gallimore. Such a rich experience. I love being a tourist in my own country. Thank you, Karen.