Howard Moo Young photo
At every turn of the river, another breathtaking vista appears as these visitors ride the gentle flow on inflated rubber tubes.
Howard Moo Young, Contributor
IN 1494 when Christopher Columbus set foot on Xaymaca, the land of wood and water, he would soon discover the most beautiful isle in the Caribbean, inhabited by the peaceful Arawak Indians.
The Spaniards also came upon a hidden valley in the hills of St. Mary with an exotic rainforest, rich in wildlife and the aroma of rotted leaves rising from the damp undergrowth. Wild orchids hung from the huge branches, as these giant trees towered toward the tropical sun in all its glory.
Gently caressing the border of St. Mary and St. Ann, the clear, flowing waters of the White River wound its way through mystical forest toward the turquoise Caribbean Sea.
The Spaniards must have planned to stay for a long time because they built a stone bridge that, today, still spans the river.
That was 400 years ago, after they enslaved the Arawaks. They continued to use Jamaica as a supply base, when the search for gold proved futile.
Having stood on that very bridge three weeks ago for the very first time, it was a gentle reminder that Spanish could have been our mother tongue. Today, after nearly four centuries, this magnificent 300-acre property was rediscovered by a quiet, soft-spoken Jamaican of Chinese descent. His love of nature and a great respect for the environment prompted him to acquire this garden of Eden.
Eddie Chai, artist, designer, outdoor media giant of national repute and businessman, is the creative mind behind White River Valley. It is destined to become one of the major eco-tourism attractions in the Caribbean. It has taken almost seven years to bring his vision to reality as he contemplated through sleepless days and nights, hundreds of sketches, countless meetings and weekly trips from Kingston to bring to fruition the most beautiful, spectacular, peaceful and the perfect location to enjoy nature at her breathtaking best.
White River Valley is an enriching treat for any photographer, where the nature photojournalist can have a field day. Equipped with camera, lenses, filters, tripod and several rolls or film, I journeyed seven miles through picturesque farming country, leaving the town of Ocho Rios behind. As we left the main road, it narrowed slightly unto a freshly marled driveway that ushered us into an oasis dotted with rainbow hues of blue magenta, yellow, orange, green, turquoise and pink wooden buildings. All of this was surrounded by exotic flora. It was a pleasant treat for the eyes.
I came with an open mind, a good pair of walking shoes and a roving eye for images.
The creative touch of the person who developed 'Countryside Club' on Eastwood Park Road, the visionary behind 'The Hummingbirds' steel band, had put his indelible mark on his newest creation.
White River Valley begs to be explored, enjoyed and photographed. Complete with hiking trails, horseback riding through river and rainforest, leisurely river-tubing, swimming in private lagoons, lazing in one of the riverside Arawak gazebos sipping a steaming cup of Janga soup, this haven is the place where you can totally relax mind, body and soul.
Picture yourself on an inflated rubber tube armed with a disposable waterproof camera, floating down the White River through a canopy of Rose Apple trees. At every turn of the river, another breathtaking vista appears ready to be captured on film. The scent of Spanish guavas beckons you to sample the luscious golden fruit within easy grasp as you stroll through the grounds to visit the lychee and citrus groves. Ready for lunch? The 'Countryside Club' serves up authentic Jamaican dishes seasoned with traditional herbs and spices fresh from the garden along with natural fruit juices. Looking out from the back verandah where lunch is served, giant bamboo forms the perfect backdrop, as the horses return with their riders. Individuals stroll across the green lawns with their cameras and towels, wet but exhilarated after their one-hour trip down the river.
White River Valley is a place where I can truly feel at home with nature, a place that may well be considered as God's gift to St. Mary, and a place where photographers are inspired to capture the "Oh, wow!" images. I didn't want to leave, wishing instead that I could stay to experience dawn in the valley.
If you truly want to get away from it all, pack your camera bag and head for White River Valley, Cascade, St. Mary, truly a photographer's paradise, and send me a few of your favourite pictures when you return.
