Experience the healing waters of Nanny Falls

Far removed from your typical vacation, a trip to the mystic Nanny Falls in Moore Town, Portland, is one that is filled with adventure that is much more than just something to get your feet wet.

When we made our second attempt at the journey to Nanny Falls, after being thwarted by storm-like conditions a week prior, we were greeted by an ominous-looking sign that read 'Nanny Falls is closed temporarily due to renovation of the stairway. Limited access can be given only by the Moore Town Maroon Council'.

This surely was a sign that this trip was destined not to happen. But before the despair could set in, Moore Town local and Nanny Falls tour guide Andre Anderson came to the rescue. The 26-year-old told us that not only was he qualified to accompany us to the falls, but also to give us the full tour of their cultural offerings.

It was minutes to 1 p.m., and the sun was high in the afternoon sky, but the team was spared from its harsh rays as the lush greenery surrounding us formed the most scenic of canopies. Though we were treated to a buffet of knowledge on the vast array of plant life, specifically ferns that populate the area, the mosquitoes that seemed to find my blood particularly sweet made it difficult to pay attention.

Ever a resourceful people, our tour guide swiftly retrieved some species of palm that is ideal for weaving baskets, hats and other paraphernalia, but also doubles as a mosquito swatter -- and a good one, if I do say so myself.

Just as our exhaustion was reaching its pinnacle during the 20-minute uphill trek, the not-so-distant sounds of the fall gave us a well-needed boost of energy. In no time, we were staring at a staircase that likened itself more to a cliff than anything else. Though the common saying is, it's easier to go downhill, this particular 'hill' required such concentration and legwork, that the idea that I managed to pull off the feat, while carrying a camera, is so impressive to me that I continue to petition my editor for an award for the achievement.

Other accolades aside, the true reward for the journey was the destination itself. Once my now haggard legs entered the water that are said to contain healing properties, all afflictions disappeared.

"Persons always ask why is Nanny Falls called Nanny Falls. It's not like Nanny founded it or anything. It was utilised by her as healing waters," Anderson had told us.

"It was said that Nanny had supernatural powers, not that she could be invisible or fly or anything, but she could manipulate plants and certain life; water, for example. So whenever the Maroons would come from war or they were going to war, she would use the water to bathe them and if they're not healed, then they are not fit to go to war. Coming back, if you're injured, she would use the water to heal you."

The seclusion of the falls made it easy to believe that the warrior queen, Nanny of the Maroons, once healed her soldiers in the very same waters. The light that shone in through the trees and the limited entrances made it a seemingly ideal spot for the well-needed rest and recuperation that her warriors may have needed. In the event that I were ever in battle with the British Redcoats, being bathed by my fearless leader would be a highlight of my day as well.

Well, after such a belabouring trip, THE STAR team did more than just bask in the beauty of the area; we took part in what one local said was one of the many ways Nanny would heal her people. I was brought under the fall and guided into a depressed area under where the water settled. One resident, who ensured that this novice swimmer did not drown, said that the heavy water falling from above removes all the aches and pains that may have plagued you before.

I can confirm that statement was no artifice.

After a culturally fulfilling and latterly relaxing day at Nanny Falls, the team got the opportunity to carve our names into the bamboo surrounding the hideaway, etching identity into a history that has survived long before us, and will endure after we have all gone.