Old Spanish Bridge | River Guide

Journey to Spanish Bridge

My Spanish being rusty did not Bridge a gap between a great time and myself up in the hills of Labyrinth, St. Mary, Jamaica. I dived into the Spanish culture as if I was back in the 17th century when it was built. Yes I dived, but this time literally. But first let us take you from Ocho Rios to the Old Spanish Bridge

Compared to my Reach Falls Adventure, this journey took me only 45 minutes . Heading from Ocho Rios, turn right at the stoplight before the White River Bridge, head straight up to Mile End, turn left, at Cascade turn right. In addition to using your google map to search for Spanish Bridge Jamaica, NEVER BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR DIRECTIONS.

You will realize the adventure takes you on narrowing dirt tracks, surrounded by lush green forestry, and notice, even the smell is different. It smells as if the flora and fauna has found balance and takes care of each other. It smells like home. Sadly, I am but a tourist.

Encounter

At first glance I was absolutely speechless. Nature smiled at me and at that point I understood what the Spanish had in mind when they marked Jamaica with the Spanish Bridge. A true indicator of Spanish colonization. I exited the vehicle and headed straight to the banks. There were no trail present, I knew then I had a responsibility then to mother nature.

Seeing this beautiful Spanish Bridge had me realize I was held bondage by the cotton and denim I wore. But this was short lived.

I had now experienced true freedom, and for a moment the stream could be confused with the run off from the melting ice caps in the Arctic. Yes it was that cold. That feeling also was short lived, my body within a minute was acclimatized, and now I truly was at home , and FREE.

Spanish Bridge from the Back

It is important that with all adventures, the different angles are explored. Here is an angle of the Spanish Bridge many may have missed while being captivated by the frontal view. No one is to blame, you would have gotten your heart filled with just one glance.

Allow the current to take you to the banks where you first admired the Spanish Bridge. Please note that the depth of the water under the bridge and a little past it is not recorded. Meaning, as Jamaicans would say “IT DEEP BAD!”. Be cautious. Life vests are also available.

Swing

In my Reach Falls AdventuresI had a brief Tarzan Moment. This adventure however would unlock fully what it is like to swing into uncertainty, embracing fear and the cold.

I know its a lot to conjure up such courage to allow gravity to steer your fate. However if you aren’t such a risk taker, your swing from the Spanish Bridge can be a guided one. Guides are ever present to assist and also cheer you on.

Looking forward to your feedback, share your experience and feel free to ask for guidance as I am ever ready to assist.

I told you I dived into Spanish Culture. However I should have added swung to that.

Spanish Bridge Conquistado!