The Blue Mountains
Errol McKinson
Oil on Panel 12 x 12
Blue Mountains are the longest mountain range in Jamaica. They include the island's highest point, Blue Mountain Peak, at 2256 m (7402 ft).[1] From the summit, accessible via a walking track, both the north and south coasts of the island can be seen.
On a clear day, the outline of the island of Cuba, 210 km (130 mi) away, can also be seen. The mountain range spans 4 parishes: Portland, St.Thomas, St Mary and St.Andrew.
The Blue Mountains dominate the eastern third of Jamaica, while bordering the eastern parishes of Portland, St. Thomas, St. Mary and St. Andrew to the south.
Part of the Blue Mountains is contained in the Blue and John Crow Mountains National Park established in 1992, which is maintained by the Jamaican government.
The Blue Mountains rise to its elevations from the coastal plain in the space of about 16 kilometers (9.9 mi), thus producing one of the steepest general gradients in the world. This forms cooling relief from the sweltering heat of the city of Kingston, visible below.
Their summits rise and fall for 24 miles and span 14 miles at their widest point. The temperature decreases from around 27°C (80°F) at sea level to 5°C (40°F) at the Blue Mountain Peak, just 16 km (9.9 mi) inland.
Cheers,
Errol