Travelling via Highway 2000, we departed Kingston for May Pen, Clarendon. Once there, we made our way north along the B3 road to Chapelton. Speaking of Chapelton … did you know that Clarendon College (CC) is located in Chapelton? By doing some research we discovered that CC is the oldest school in the parish. Below is a photograph taken by Tevin McLeod, a participant in the JN Foundation’s Resolution Project advocacy through photography programme.
The monument here in gold and blue represents the school’s founder, Rev. Lester Davy who founded Clarendon College in 1946. The two students here symbolize the continuation of the flame lit by Lester Davy and also represent the school’s motto “Preserve and excel”.
We took great delight in viewing the orchards that were scattered all along our journey into North Clarendon. Unfortunately, most of the trees appeared to be plagued with disease!
On our way to Frankfield, we passed the very interesting Crooked River and Trouts Hall. As we journeyed through Frankfield that warm, bright Friday morning, our mouths watered from the sweet aroma of Jerk (Pan) Chicken. We also took notice of several residents who were enjoying their favourite tunes being echoed in the town square. Perhaps this is the way the residents of Frankfield kick-start their weekends?
After Frankfield, we doubled back and swung a left turn at Morgan’s Pass heading via Kellits to Crofts Hill.
We kept going up, up, up, and up… so much so that the altitude must have been suitable for coniferous (pine) trees to thrive.
Along the way we saw a number of donkeys, some of which were chilling while others worked tirelessly to transport freshly harvested sugar cane.
The highlight of our day was when we reached the hills surrounding Lluidas Vale, St. Catherine and saw the beautiful plateau and all the wonderful limestone features that make up the Cockpit Country.
Driving down into Lluidas Vale we passed dozens and dozens of the most perfect sinkholes – this was a geographer’s paradise.
You see … the bottom of the sink holes contain moisture making it ideal for vegetation growth. No wonder we had seen several bursts of crops as we drove along!
When we entered Lluidas Vale, it felt as if we were travelling back in time. Even the police station looked ancient!
The Juan de Bolas plaque we sighted in Lluidas Vale informed us of the rich history of the area.
By the time we had arrived in Point Hill, St. Catherine the mist had come in and we were all a little ‘worse for wear’.
But oh, what a beautiful country!