Many people who visit Jamaica go to Dunn's River Falls. The adventurous are able to walk on the rocks in the water and chance taking a dip . The cascades are well known and usually crowded.

That is one of the reasons I wanted to avoid them! My two friends and I are all over 70 and know our limitations. Walking on slippery rocks in swift-moving water, while a unique experience, would have been too much of a challenge.

I researched the county prior to our nine-day vacation and found out about this alternative. The Y S Falls were spectacularly beautiful.

Visitors are welcome to venture into them, and some people did with the aid of a guide. Some even took the rope swing for a plunge. Watching them was entertaining, but did not tempt us to give it a go.

Along the seven tiers were several steps, a boardwalk and a variety of flora.

The plant in the image is Xiphidium caeruleum, an evergreen perennial herb native to tropical regions of the Americas.

This plant is Alpinia purpurata, commonly known as red ginger, ostrich plume, or jungle king. (Wikipedia)

The steps were a challenge for this “Couch Potato”, but I did it! All the way to the top tier. I took my time, stopping to take pictures and drink in the scenery. There were also places to sit in the shade, and of course, I had the encouragement of my friends.

Even our cab driver came with us. The staff at the falls seemed quite familiar with him. He probably drives other travelers there. He was an encourager as well.

We were there during the rainy season, so the water levels were high and the falls were flowing swiftly.

There was an outdoor eatery where we picked up some lunch. These cats were hoping we’d drop some morsels. Seating was outdoors, which offered little relief from the sun and humidity.

There was a nearby pool, and I could not resist. We did not bring our swimsuits, so I had to be satisfied with dunking my feet in the cool water to refresh my tired toes.

From our hotel in Negril, it was about a two-hour drive to the falls, each way. I did not mind the ride as we saw many views of the country, including beautiful homes and damaged ones from their many storms. There were goats grazing along the way, and mountains witnessing our journey. It was a wonderful way to spend a day.

The world in which we live can be chaotic and troubling. This was a marvelous opportunity for a retreat. Where is your place of escape? Is there a way to get away from the troubles surrounding us? I was thankful to God for providing such a beautiful place, the resources to make the journey, and loving people with whom to create new memories.

I Am an avid photographer, and I am nearly as excited about writing. Getting to know new people is always a fun challenge. I can’t do any of these things without YOU. I invite you to check out more of my writing on Medium in this venue or additional publications here on Medium that feature my work.

Waterfalls on a Hot Day was originally published in Weeds & Wildflowers on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.

What am I trying to forget
by remembering so much?

***

And then —

Not so long ago,
they were just a text or a talk,
sometimes even a silent glance
away.
And instinctively,
I still turn to ask you.

***

A face in a picture.
A dish we ate.
What did we name your room
during Covid?
And that detective series
I was particularly fond of…
what was its name?

***

But I realise, with a soft nudge,
you are no longer on my phone list.

***

How will I find those names?
They seem lost
somewhere along with us.

***

A few more things got lost
as you forgot
what we once meant.
Perhaps.

***

Ah, the Selena Gomez series.
I remember the name now.

GK

Remembering to forget was originally published in Weeds & Wildflowers on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.