Water cascades from the mouth of the falls. - photos by Paul Williams

Country life is nice, but it can be painfully boring, especially when it's lacking in social amenities and employment opportunities. Rural folk therefore have to find activities and chores to occupy their time and thoughts. They usually turn to nature. So, on Thursday, January 15, to pass the day, a group of young men, an adult male and a young woman went frolicking and fishing in the river at Dam Falls, in St Thomas.

The dam is located on the Morant River, near the very tranquil community of Hillside. The sound of water thundering into the pool below the falls is equally as relaxing. You want to fall asleep on the hard rocks. You will wake up from your reverie to see the crystal-clear water below teeming with various species of fish.

Tranquil riparian ambience

The four young men who were bonding on the rocks had travelled from Seaforth to enjoy the tranquil riparian ambience. But when they saw the camera they took time out from their idle talk to display their diving skills for The Gleaner, while Oliver Brown, my guide, went spear fishing.

Nearer to the falls, the man, way above the river, and the young woman, on the shore, were busy fishing their lives away. I, the 'invalid' perched on a rock, and like a hungry bear, could only watch with envy. Oh, how I wished I could somersault and land into the heart of nature. Perhaps in my next lifetime, because that would have been a huge splash, perhaps emptying the river. And country life in Hillside wouldn't be so nice.

The crystal waters are inviting to youngsters who regularly dive from the cliffs.

You can catch your own meal from the depths of Dam Falls.

There are treasures aplenty in the secret parts of the water.