Tuesday, November 25, 2014

Sde Boker - November 20th 2014 - November 22nd 2014

Some of us met at the Ringelblum Restaurant on Thursday evening in Beer Sheva for supper. It was OK.

After breakfast on Friday morning, we drove our cars down into Nachal Tzin, and started our hike.

The first part of our hike was up Maale Divshon and it was definitely up. When stopping for air, we had great views of Sde Boker, Midreshet Ben Gurion, and Nachal Tzin. There was also a vulture overhead, just in case.

After reaching the top of the ascent, and resting a bit to catch our breath, we continued along Ramat Divshon. We passed a Beduin Camp with signs inviting anyone to come and rest.

We passed the remains of ancient agricultural terraces and dams which were probably first built by the Nabateans, and maintained by other residents of the area.


After walking along the edge of a horseshoe shaped water fall, we descended towards Ein Akev. We had to use handholds to get down a little cliff, and then walked down to the spring and pool.

Those who jumped into the pool say it was very cold. There was a lot of screaming.

The next section of the hike was walking along Nachal Tzin. It was mostly boring and more or less flat.

Thanks to Deborah and Rachel who organized the hike, and to Adi, our guide.

Pictures:


Monday, November 3, 2014

Ein Gedi - October 23rd - October 24th 2014

After checking in at the field school on Thursday evening, we all met at the beach near Ein Gedi for a BBQ.

It was a bit challenging, since there was not enough light, but the food was great, and the company better.

After breakfast on Friday morning, the drivers took the cars to the end of the trail, and we started our hike, The trail is called Shvil Tzafit.

We started at the back entrance of the field school and started climbing up the mountain. The climb was pretty steep, and ended with a scramble of a cliff face. We all made it in one piece.

After a short rest and some explanations from our guide, we continued along the north side of Nachal David.

After a short while we climbed down into Nachal David, and started walking towards the Window Fall.

The way to the Window Fall was challenging, and we had to use some handholds, avoid some puddles, and try not to fall. We all made to the end, and got a great view as a reward. The brave ones even took a dip in the pool near the fall.

We made our way back to the main trail, climbed out of Nachal David, and after another short break continued on our way.

Our next stop was the Ein Gedi Chalcolithic temple. This temple is about 5500 years old.

Our next, very short, stop was at the Ein Gedi spring, and then down towards Tel Goren, our cars, and the end of our hike.

Thanks to Deborah and Rachel or organized the hike, and to Shira, our guide.