Nachal Og and Ein Feshcha - December 19th 2008

We met at the gas station near Almog at the northern end of the Dead Sea. After a short drive, we parked the cars near the entrance to Kibbutz Almog and started walking.

Our hike started at an elevation of 260 meters below sea level. We walked along a blue trail to Mitzpor Og, a lookout over Nachal Og.

After a short explanation, we continued up the hill until coming to a dirt road marked as a black trail (Elevation 200 meters below sea level). This road goes along the tops of the cliffs to the west of the Dead Sea. We followed the road into Nachal Og, where it met the green trail that took us into Nachal Og's canyon (elevation 220 meters below sea level). After a short explanation about two desert plants, the Maluach and the Caper, we continued along the canyon.

The canyon has many small descents and three places where we used ladders built into the canyon walls to descend about 10 meters. These provided great photo opportunities.

After exiting the canyon (elevation 280 meters below sea level), we had a short explanation about Bedouin hospitality, and then continued back to our cars.

Our next stop was the Ein Feshcha Nature reserve of the shores of the Dead Sea. Ein Feshcha has a large concentration of fresh water springs and is a green oasis in an otherwise desert area. The reserve has three areas: An open area which is open to everyone, a closed part, where only organized groups can visit, and a third area where no one can go.

After a short break for lunch, we walked towards the closed area. On the way we saw ruins of a factory that produced the Persimmon Perfume during the Second Temple period.

The reserve suffered major fire damage in June 2008, and it was amazing to see how much has regenerated. It was also sad to see how far the Dead Sea has receded.

Thanks to Allan who organized the trip, and to Bar, our guide.

Pictures:

Gadi's Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/gadi.ben.avi/20081219MosaicNachalOg?feat=email
Steve's Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/steve99il/MosaicDec192008NahalOgAndEinFascha?feat=email#
Alan's Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/alanmeerkin/MosaicNahalOg?feat=email#