As usual we met at the Eilat Field School on Thursday night.
On Friday morning we drove towards the beginning of the hike. We picked up our guide, Noa, near the Eilat Mall, and then drove all the way to Timna to a place we could turn around and drive back to the dirt road that led us to the beginning of the hike.
The first leg of our hike was through the Shchoret Canyon (it's called a mall on Google Maps for some reason, but there are no stores). We climbed up through the Canyon. At some points we had to help each other get up the steep inclines, but all of us made it without falling or injuries.
At the op of the Canyon, we walked up to a pass, and the start going down towards Nachal Rachav.
Our next leg was up Nachal Rachav. Towards the end we stopped for lunch and then continued on towards Nachal Amir. The last part of the climb was through sandstone, and had many beautiful formations. The climb down Nachal Amir was a bit challenging, and we had to use handholds, but again we all made it back in one piece.
Thanks to Deborah for organizing a great weekend, and to Noa, our guide, for great and tasty explanations.
Tuesday, January 19, 2016
Tuesday, December 22, 2015
Nachal Piran and Nachal Talkid - December 18th, 2015
We met at the parking are near the end of the hike in the morthern Jordan Valley just north of Argaman. The parking area is just north of the 350 km mark on route 90.
Once everyone arrived, and we had a short overview of the area and route we started walking.
We walked south pass Nachal Talkid, and the into Nachal Piran. We started walking up Nachal Piran.
The walk involved scrambling up rocks, often using metal hand and foot holds holds. It was made more difficult because it had rained that morning, and the rocks were wet and slippery. We used our arms and hands as often as we used our legs.
Along the way we say many Cyclamens (רקפות) and Narcissus (נרקיס).
Once we got to the top of our section of Nachal Piran we turned north towards Nachal Talkid for a short climb on an easy path.
Those of us who arrived first took a short climb of the trail to a wonderful lookout over the Jordan Valley
Once everyone arrived and rested for a bit we started our way down Nachal Talkid. The trail was similar, with many hand and foot holds. At one point we had to climb through a hole in the ground.
We arrived at our cars and drove home.
Thanks to Elana and Deborah for organizing the hike, and to Benny, our guide.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Deborah, Alden and others posted their pictures of Facebook. Look for them there.
Once everyone arrived, and we had a short overview of the area and route we started walking.
We walked south pass Nachal Talkid, and the into Nachal Piran. We started walking up Nachal Piran.
The walk involved scrambling up rocks, often using metal hand and foot holds holds. It was made more difficult because it had rained that morning, and the rocks were wet and slippery. We used our arms and hands as often as we used our legs.
Along the way we say many Cyclamens (רקפות) and Narcissus (נרקיס).
Once we got to the top of our section of Nachal Piran we turned north towards Nachal Talkid for a short climb on an easy path.
Those of us who arrived first took a short climb of the trail to a wonderful lookout over the Jordan Valley
Once everyone arrived and rested for a bit we started our way down Nachal Talkid. The trail was similar, with many hand and foot holds. At one point we had to climb through a hole in the ground.
We arrived at our cars and drove home.
Thanks to Elana and Deborah for organizing the hike, and to Benny, our guide.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Deborah, Alden and others posted their pictures of Facebook. Look for them there.
Monday, May 18, 2015
Har Shocho - May 15th, 2015
Friday 15, 2015. Mosaic Day Hike, through the hills and valleys around and beyond Har Shocho, South of Beit Shemesh.
The idea for this hike was to meet at a spot just before (where road 375 meets up with road 38) where there would be a place to park our cars. We could not find this dirt road/parking area, except a paved road that led up to the Nursing Care home at the top there. But since everyone knew that we would start the hike at Har Shocho they all drove back there automatically so it was easy to assemble the group.
17 people set out on the Blue trail that meandered up Har Shocho and beyond. It was a gradual steady ascent and the views were great. A herd of goats and sheep crossed our path. At the top we had one of our breaks. After continuing the hike for a while we took a left turn onto a Green trail. It was a gradual up and down hike with some nice views of the area. It also started to become quite warm.
After a while we crossed a Red marked service road, where we would be walking on later on in order to make it a circular hike so we could get back to our cars on time. However we continued on the Green trail. After a while we came to a bit of an open clearing where the Green trail intersected with a Black trail. There was a lonely, very nice umbrella like tree there where we all were able to sit under in the shade for our lunch break. From here we went on the Black trail for no more then 50-75 meters and then turned left onto a double Red lined trail (service road #9452). We continued on this Red road until we got to a double thick Black lined trail (#9450) on our right. This was a rather steep climb up but we all did well. Then at the top (see # 431 on the map) we turned left and followed this trail (marked as a double thick Black lined trail on the map but marked Green on all the markers along the trail. For quite a while the trail ran along a high metal fence. At one point we could see road 375 and the parking lot where our cars were from afar on our right. We continued until we came to a steep descent (double Black lined path turning right (still #9450 on the map). The descent is rather steep here and a maybe bit treacherous. We all made it fine and at the bottom we made a left turn on a very well maintained dirt road that led us back to our cars. Everyone felt invigorated by the hike and we were all back in plenty of time for Shabbat.
The idea for this hike was to meet at a spot just before (where road 375 meets up with road 38) where there would be a place to park our cars. We could not find this dirt road/parking area, except a paved road that led up to the Nursing Care home at the top there. But since everyone knew that we would start the hike at Har Shocho they all drove back there automatically so it was easy to assemble the group.
17 people set out on the Blue trail that meandered up Har Shocho and beyond. It was a gradual steady ascent and the views were great. A herd of goats and sheep crossed our path. At the top we had one of our breaks. After continuing the hike for a while we took a left turn onto a Green trail. It was a gradual up and down hike with some nice views of the area. It also started to become quite warm.
After a while we crossed a Red marked service road, where we would be walking on later on in order to make it a circular hike so we could get back to our cars on time. However we continued on the Green trail. After a while we came to a bit of an open clearing where the Green trail intersected with a Black trail. There was a lonely, very nice umbrella like tree there where we all were able to sit under in the shade for our lunch break. From here we went on the Black trail for no more then 50-75 meters and then turned left onto a double Red lined trail (service road #9452). We continued on this Red road until we got to a double thick Black lined trail (#9450) on our right. This was a rather steep climb up but we all did well. Then at the top (see # 431 on the map) we turned left and followed this trail (marked as a double thick Black lined trail on the map but marked Green on all the markers along the trail. For quite a while the trail ran along a high metal fence. At one point we could see road 375 and the parking lot where our cars were from afar on our right. We continued until we came to a steep descent (double Black lined path turning right (still #9450 on the map). The descent is rather steep here and a maybe bit treacherous. We all made it fine and at the bottom we made a left turn on a very well maintained dirt road that led us back to our cars. Everyone felt invigorated by the hike and we were all back in plenty of time for Shabbat.
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Afikim-Golan Hike and Weekend - March 19th - March 21st 2015
Many of us met for dinner in Pagoda, the Chinese Restaurant
in Tiberias.
We stayed in Kibbutz Afikim which is the largest Kibbutz in
Israel.
On Friday morning we met out guide, Solnik (Moshe), and
began our walk on the Golan Trail at Givat Yoav. He explained the history
of Old Bnei Yehuda and the settlement of the area by students from Tzfat in the
late 19th Century.
We walked on to Mitzpe Ophir and had a view of the whole
Kinneret, while Moshe pointed out different kibbutzim, towns and hills around
the Lake. The air was cool and the wind strong, but everyone enjoyed the
overlook.
We continued northwards along the Golan Trail to our lunch
break above Road 789. Everywhere we walked there were flowers: lupines,
poppies, chamomile, scarlet pimpernel, chrysanthemums, pink flax, purple
thistles and many more. The views of the Kinneret were clear and the
fields were green. The Golan in the springtime is beautiful!
Looking to save time, we late took a short cut which only
lengthened our hike, and we had to climb over and through barbed wire fences as
we walked through fields of waist high grasses and wild wheat, while we saw
cows everywhere.
We descended steeply to Nahal El Al and had to cross on
boulders on either side of the river. Then we began a 3 km steep uphill
to Um El Kanatir. We didn’t have time to explore the restorations of the
ancient synagogue at the site, but rushed back to Afikim for Shabbat.
Afikim is a secular Kibbutz but several members became
religious and there is a small synagogue with a community of members who run
services.
In the afternoon, some of us walked to Gesher Nachum, a
bridge that was built in one night in November 1949, and restored in January
2015.
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Sartaba - January 30th, 2015
We met at the Sartaba trail head.
On the way there we past a herd of sheep and goats walking along the road up to the trail head. The dogs protecting the herd did not want us to go through, but we convinced them to let us continue.
We started climbing up towards the Sartaba along the green trail.
Our first stop was a lookout towards the north east, The Yabok crossing, one of the Jordan River crossings. The Adam Bridge was used to transfer merchandise back and forth to Jordan, but today it is not active, In the past, it was a major crossing.
Our next stop, after we 'lost' the trail, and then found it again, was near one of the water cisterns that stored water for the fortress at the top. We caught our breath, and then continued up the hill. When we got to the black trail, we took it up to the top of the hill.
The top of the hill has remains of the fortresses (One Hasmonean, and one Herodian). They have not been thoroughly excavated, so there is not much to see. We had a great lookout of the whole area, including remains of the aqueduct that brought water to the fortress.
We descended along the black trail to remains of a Herodian terrace where we found heart shaped pillar segments that were used as the corner columns of a terrace.
We retraced our path along the green trail, and took it to the other side of the hill. Most of the group took a detour to see the siphon that brought water across a valley.
Next, we took the red jeep trail down to the valley, and then the green trail up to our cars and the end of our hike.
Thanks to Elana for organizing the hike and to Allen our guide.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
On the way there we past a herd of sheep and goats walking along the road up to the trail head. The dogs protecting the herd did not want us to go through, but we convinced them to let us continue.
We started climbing up towards the Sartaba along the green trail.
Our first stop was a lookout towards the north east, The Yabok crossing, one of the Jordan River crossings. The Adam Bridge was used to transfer merchandise back and forth to Jordan, but today it is not active, In the past, it was a major crossing.
Our next stop, after we 'lost' the trail, and then found it again, was near one of the water cisterns that stored water for the fortress at the top. We caught our breath, and then continued up the hill. When we got to the black trail, we took it up to the top of the hill.
The top of the hill has remains of the fortresses (One Hasmonean, and one Herodian). They have not been thoroughly excavated, so there is not much to see. We had a great lookout of the whole area, including remains of the aqueduct that brought water to the fortress.
We descended along the black trail to remains of a Herodian terrace where we found heart shaped pillar segments that were used as the corner columns of a terrace.
We retraced our path along the green trail, and took it to the other side of the hill. Most of the group took a detour to see the siphon that brought water across a valley.
Next, we took the red jeep trail down to the valley, and then the green trail up to our cars and the end of our hike.
Thanks to Elana for organizing the hike and to Allen our guide.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Monday, December 29, 2014
Hatzeva - December 25th - December 27th 2014
We all met at the rest stop near Ein Hatzeva for s snack at Aroma.
After checking in at the Hatzeva field School we drove a bit and then were led on a lantern lit walk through the marl hills. We heard some stories about the animals that inhabit the area, but didn't see any.
On Friday morning we drove to the beginning of our hike in Nachal Peres. Nachal Peres is the boundary between the Judean Desert and the Negev. The first part of hour hike was on a jeep trail. After taking a (official) short cut, we arrived at the Peres Pools where we had our first break. The more brave among us took a dip in the cold water.
We walked above Nachal Peres, until the trail took us into the actual river bed, and we started walking in a canyon. This involved sliding down small dry waterfalls, and clambering over rocks.
As we walked through the canyon it got narrower. The canyon ended at a dry waterfall. We had to backtrack a little and climb out of the canyon using handholds and walking along narrow ledges.
The rest of the hike was along a nice trail and down to The Arava Junction, where we got into our cars and drove back to the field school.
On Saturday afternoon we had a very nice guided bird watching walk, and we got to meet Chanan the Great Northern Shrike who accepted some treats from our guide, and posed for photographs. We then met a group of Babblers which live in the area and are the focus of a long study. This was a lovely end to a great weekend.
Thanks to Miriam and Deborah for organizing a great weekend, to Ben and Rotem for leading us safely through the Marl hills and to Yuval for leading us on the bird watching walk.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures (Nachal Peres, Bird Watching)
Miriam's Pictures
After checking in at the Hatzeva field School we drove a bit and then were led on a lantern lit walk through the marl hills. We heard some stories about the animals that inhabit the area, but didn't see any.
On Friday morning we drove to the beginning of our hike in Nachal Peres. Nachal Peres is the boundary between the Judean Desert and the Negev. The first part of hour hike was on a jeep trail. After taking a (official) short cut, we arrived at the Peres Pools where we had our first break. The more brave among us took a dip in the cold water.
We walked above Nachal Peres, until the trail took us into the actual river bed, and we started walking in a canyon. This involved sliding down small dry waterfalls, and clambering over rocks.
As we walked through the canyon it got narrower. The canyon ended at a dry waterfall. We had to backtrack a little and climb out of the canyon using handholds and walking along narrow ledges.
The rest of the hike was along a nice trail and down to The Arava Junction, where we got into our cars and drove back to the field school.
On Saturday afternoon we had a very nice guided bird watching walk, and we got to meet Chanan the Great Northern Shrike who accepted some treats from our guide, and posed for photographs. We then met a group of Babblers which live in the area and are the focus of a long study. This was a lovely end to a great weekend.
Thanks to Miriam and Deborah for organizing a great weekend, to Ben and Rotem for leading us safely through the Marl hills and to Yuval for leading us on the bird watching walk.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures (Nachal Peres, Bird Watching)
Miriam's Pictures
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.
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.
Tuesday, May 20, 2014
Northern Golan - May 15th - May 17th 2014
A group of us drove up north on Thursday morning.
Our first stop was at the top of the Hermon. We took the chair lift up to the highest point (just over 2000m) unescorted civilians can go, and found out why the Hermon is called the Eyes of Israel.
After taking the last chair lift down, we drove through Ein Kinya, one of the four Druze villages on the Golan, and took a short (relatively) hike in Nachal Sa'ar, which is the divider between the Hermon and the Golan.
We met the rest of the group at the restaurant near Daphna, where we had a nice dinner, and then went to the Hermon Field School.
After breakfast on Friday morning, we got on a bus and drove to Nimrod, the highest Jewish point of settlement in the country (world) at about 1110 meters. After meeting our guide, we started walking down towards Masade, another of the Druze villages. On the way we had a great lookout over the northern part of Israel, and sothern Lebanon, saw many apple and cherry trees, and assed by the Druze holy site dedicated to Nebi Ilyia (Eliyahu). Our guide took a wrong turn at some stage, and we had to scrambple over some rocks as we crossed Nachal Saar.
We stopped in Masade for a quick pee stop, and continued to the Odem forest.
The Odem Forest is a unique natural oak forest between Masade and Buqata. Our goal was to find some orchids who grow in the area, and we did find them.
Our final destination was the Oz 77 monument. We walked on the northern outskirts of Buqata, through more apple and cherry trees. At some stage were were 'attacked' by three adorable puppies.
The Oz 77 monument is dedicated to the 77th armor battalion who clocked the Syrian advance in the Yom Kippur war.
After a short rest, we walked over to the Odem Vineyard (which is right next door), and started the wine tasting part of our day. While sipping wine, Yishai, a member of the family that owns the vineyard and winery, told us about all things related to grape growing, wine making, and wine tasting. We got back on the bus and drove to the Odem Winery, where more wine was tasted and purchased.
We had a very lively ride back to the field school.
Thanks to Ephraim and Craig for organizing a great weekend, Michael for being a great guide, and Usam, our driver.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures: Thursday, Friday
Our first stop was at the top of the Hermon. We took the chair lift up to the highest point (just over 2000m) unescorted civilians can go, and found out why the Hermon is called the Eyes of Israel.
After taking the last chair lift down, we drove through Ein Kinya, one of the four Druze villages on the Golan, and took a short (relatively) hike in Nachal Sa'ar, which is the divider between the Hermon and the Golan.
We met the rest of the group at the restaurant near Daphna, where we had a nice dinner, and then went to the Hermon Field School.
After breakfast on Friday morning, we got on a bus and drove to Nimrod, the highest Jewish point of settlement in the country (world) at about 1110 meters. After meeting our guide, we started walking down towards Masade, another of the Druze villages. On the way we had a great lookout over the northern part of Israel, and sothern Lebanon, saw many apple and cherry trees, and assed by the Druze holy site dedicated to Nebi Ilyia (Eliyahu). Our guide took a wrong turn at some stage, and we had to scrambple over some rocks as we crossed Nachal Saar.
We stopped in Masade for a quick pee stop, and continued to the Odem forest.
The Odem Forest is a unique natural oak forest between Masade and Buqata. Our goal was to find some orchids who grow in the area, and we did find them.
Our final destination was the Oz 77 monument. We walked on the northern outskirts of Buqata, through more apple and cherry trees. At some stage were were 'attacked' by three adorable puppies.
The Oz 77 monument is dedicated to the 77th armor battalion who clocked the Syrian advance in the Yom Kippur war.
After a short rest, we walked over to the Odem Vineyard (which is right next door), and started the wine tasting part of our day. While sipping wine, Yishai, a member of the family that owns the vineyard and winery, told us about all things related to grape growing, wine making, and wine tasting. We got back on the bus and drove to the Odem Winery, where more wine was tasted and purchased.
We had a very lively ride back to the field school.
Thanks to Ephraim and Craig for organizing a great weekend, Michael for being a great guide, and Usam, our driver.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures: Thursday, Friday
Wednesday, April 2, 2014
Nachal El Al - March 20th - March 22nd, 2014
We all made our way north using various routes.
Some of us stopped at the Gilboa to look for Irises, but they were not blooming.
We all met in Aniam for supper. Most of us ate at Yaeli's restaurant, while others, who wanted a meat meal ate at Ziegel.
After breakfast on Friday morning we drove to the beginning of our hike in Eliad. Along the way we picked up our guide, and dropped of cars at the end of the hike.
We started our hike at the entrance to Eliad, and walked down into Nachal El Al. The views were wonderful, and everything was green and the flowers were blooming. We crossed some tiny streams where springs were coming out of the mountainside.
Our first stop was at the white waterfall. The brave members of our group took a swim in the pool, and washed off in the waterfall.
We continued along Nachal El Al. When we got to the blue trail, we started climbing the south bank. The climb was very steep, but not too long. After a short rest at the top, we walked along the edge of the cliff, passing the remains of an Canaanite village (4000 years old). We saw many flowers and some cows and horses.
We got to the parking lot at Umm el Kanatir - the remains of a village that is being restored.
On the way back to Alonei Habashan, we stopped to look for Golan Irises. We found two lovely flowers.
Thanks to Deborah and Rachel for a great weekend, and to Michael for being a Great Guide.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
More pictures by Alden.
Some of us stopped at the Gilboa to look for Irises, but they were not blooming.
We all met in Aniam for supper. Most of us ate at Yaeli's restaurant, while others, who wanted a meat meal ate at Ziegel.
After breakfast on Friday morning we drove to the beginning of our hike in Eliad. Along the way we picked up our guide, and dropped of cars at the end of the hike.
We started our hike at the entrance to Eliad, and walked down into Nachal El Al. The views were wonderful, and everything was green and the flowers were blooming. We crossed some tiny streams where springs were coming out of the mountainside.
Our first stop was at the white waterfall. The brave members of our group took a swim in the pool, and washed off in the waterfall.
We continued along Nachal El Al. When we got to the blue trail, we started climbing the south bank. The climb was very steep, but not too long. After a short rest at the top, we walked along the edge of the cliff, passing the remains of an Canaanite village (4000 years old). We saw many flowers and some cows and horses.
We got to the parking lot at Umm el Kanatir - the remains of a village that is being restored.
On the way back to Alonei Habashan, we stopped to look for Golan Irises. We found two lovely flowers.
Thanks to Deborah and Rachel for a great weekend, and to Michael for being a Great Guide.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
More pictures by Alden.
Monday, February 17, 2014
Flower walk in Shmurat Pura - February 14th, 2014
We met in Craig's parking lot, where we divided into cars and drove to Shmurat Pura.
Shmurat Pura is just of route 40, just south of where it merges with route 6, and north of the Kama Junction.
Once we all got to the parking lot, we joined the hikers for Tsaad Kadima, and started walking.
The first section of the walk took us over a small hill. We saw many Anemones (כלניות), the first of the red flowers to bloom in the winter. There were also many other beautiful flowers.
We continued our walk on the Israel Trail passing a seasonal lake, a damn, and a small stream.
Our next attraction was the remains of a Turkish railway bridge from the first world war. The bridge washed away during the seventies, but some of it is still visible.
Next we climbed up to Tell Nagilla, the site of a settlement that existed from the Chalcolithic period to the Byzantine Period. The Tell was also important during the War of Independence because it served as a well known aerial landmark.
This the farthest point of our walk, and we started walking back to our cars on a parallel path.
Thanks to Asher, the guide, and added many stories and explanations to out walk.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Craig's Pictures
Shmurat Pura is just of route 40, just south of where it merges with route 6, and north of the Kama Junction.
Once we all got to the parking lot, we joined the hikers for Tsaad Kadima, and started walking.
The first section of the walk took us over a small hill. We saw many Anemones (כלניות), the first of the red flowers to bloom in the winter. There were also many other beautiful flowers.
We continued our walk on the Israel Trail passing a seasonal lake, a damn, and a small stream.
Our next attraction was the remains of a Turkish railway bridge from the first world war. The bridge washed away during the seventies, but some of it is still visible.
Next we climbed up to Tell Nagilla, the site of a settlement that existed from the Chalcolithic period to the Byzantine Period. The Tell was also important during the War of Independence because it served as a well known aerial landmark.
This the farthest point of our walk, and we started walking back to our cars on a parallel path.
Thanks to Asher, the guide, and added many stories and explanations to out walk.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Craig's Pictures
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
Eilat - January 16th - January 18th, 2014
On the way to Eilat a group of us met at the hotel area near the Dead Sea.
Our first hike was in Nachal Bokek. This stream runs all year round, so we had to walk through water. At the end of the trail, we climbed up towards Maale Bokek (Bokek Ascent), and then down to the road.
After this hike we sat on the beach at the Dead Sea for some refreshments.
We met some more members of the group, parked our cars at the gas station near the Arava Junction, and walked on the road towards Nachal Tzafit. We Started at the lower end of Nachal Tzafit, and climbed up, some times using handholds. At the first intersection we took the Tzafit Tamar connecting trail towards Nachal Tamar where we climbed down Nachal Tamar using more handholds and ladders. We were promised a rope, but it had been replaced by metal handholds. We were all very disappointed. After a short walk back to the cars, we continued our drive to Eilat.
After checking in, we went to dinner at Il Pentolino in down town Eilat. It was OK.
On Friday morning we took a bus towards the beginning of the hike. After picking up our guide, we were delayed at the exit from Eilat by the Israman bicyclers.
The bus dropped us of near the Eilat seismological station. We started walking up, stopping at various places to look at the rocks, plants and views. Our route took us from Igneous rock formations, to land sedimentary formations (sand stone) to sea sedimentary formations (lime stone). The colors were lovely, going from black to read, pink and purple, with a bit of yellow and white thrown in.
We had some steep ascents, but at the highest peek we reached we had a great view of the Edom mountains, the golf of Eilat and probably even Sinai. If the visibility had been better we could have probably seen Saudi Arabia.
Since if you go up, you must come down, we walked down towards the Amram Pillars. It was steep at times, a very narrow path at others, but we all made it down in one piece. After visiting the Amram Pillars we got on the bus and drove back to the field school.
Shabbat was spent relaxing, some at the beach, and some at the field school.
Many thanks to Havi for organizing the weekend, and to Ron, our guide for a great hike.
Pictures:
Gadi's picture from Nachal Bokek, Nachal Tzafit, Friday Hike
Our first hike was in Nachal Bokek. This stream runs all year round, so we had to walk through water. At the end of the trail, we climbed up towards Maale Bokek (Bokek Ascent), and then down to the road.
After this hike we sat on the beach at the Dead Sea for some refreshments.
We met some more members of the group, parked our cars at the gas station near the Arava Junction, and walked on the road towards Nachal Tzafit. We Started at the lower end of Nachal Tzafit, and climbed up, some times using handholds. At the first intersection we took the Tzafit Tamar connecting trail towards Nachal Tamar where we climbed down Nachal Tamar using more handholds and ladders. We were promised a rope, but it had been replaced by metal handholds. We were all very disappointed. After a short walk back to the cars, we continued our drive to Eilat.
After checking in, we went to dinner at Il Pentolino in down town Eilat. It was OK.
On Friday morning we took a bus towards the beginning of the hike. After picking up our guide, we were delayed at the exit from Eilat by the Israman bicyclers.
The bus dropped us of near the Eilat seismological station. We started walking up, stopping at various places to look at the rocks, plants and views. Our route took us from Igneous rock formations, to land sedimentary formations (sand stone) to sea sedimentary formations (lime stone). The colors were lovely, going from black to read, pink and purple, with a bit of yellow and white thrown in.
We had some steep ascents, but at the highest peek we reached we had a great view of the Edom mountains, the golf of Eilat and probably even Sinai. If the visibility had been better we could have probably seen Saudi Arabia.
Since if you go up, you must come down, we walked down towards the Amram Pillars. It was steep at times, a very narrow path at others, but we all made it down in one piece. After visiting the Amram Pillars we got on the bus and drove back to the field school.
Shabbat was spent relaxing, some at the beach, and some at the field school.
Many thanks to Havi for organizing the weekend, and to Ron, our guide for a great hike.
Pictures:
Gadi's picture from Nachal Bokek, Nachal Tzafit, Friday Hike
Sunday, November 17, 2013
Nachal Arugot - Novener 15th, 2013
We met on Friday morning at the Nachal Arugot parking lot.
Those of us who arrived early enough got to see the Ibex Cleaning Crew doing their thing.
Our first leg, took us along the northern bank of Nachal Arugot, to the upper pools. Along the way we saw Hryax at various points.
We sat at the pools for about an hour, it was nice and cool, but the water was warm.
We returned the same way we came, but went down the the Hidden Waterfall. We spent some time there, and the brave souls took a shower in the waterfall.
We too the wet way back, taking the trail that goes through the stream bed, and had to get our feet wet once in a while.
We got back to our cars at about 1, and made our way back home.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Those of us who arrived early enough got to see the Ibex Cleaning Crew doing their thing.
Our first leg, took us along the northern bank of Nachal Arugot, to the upper pools. Along the way we saw Hryax at various points.
We sat at the pools for about an hour, it was nice and cool, but the water was warm.
We returned the same way we came, but went down the the Hidden Waterfall. We spent some time there, and the brave souls took a shower in the waterfall.
We too the wet way back, taking the trail that goes through the stream bed, and had to get our feet wet once in a while.
We got back to our cars at about 1, and made our way back home.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Saturday, October 19, 2013
Ups and downs near the Dead Sea - October 18th 2013
On Friday morning, we met at Ein Feshcha, Einot Tzukim, the lowest nature reserve in the world.
After crossing route 90, we started our climb on the black trail towards Rosh Tzukim. The climb was long and quite steep. The trail started at an altitude of 340 meters below sea level, and ended at an altitude of 80 meters below sea level and was about 1.6 kilometers long. One of us did not feel well and returned to the starting point. This is the first trail that was marked in Israel. It was marked by the Palmach in 1947, just weeks before the start of the War of Independence.
The climb ended at Rosh Tzukim, where we had a great view of the northern part of the Dead Sea, and the nature reserve below us.
We rested for quite a long time, and then continued for a short while along the black trail and the turned left to the blue trail towards Nachal Samara. This part of the trail was rolling hills.We went up and down for a few kilometers, until the trail ended at the green trail. We walked a short distance to a beautiful lookout.
At this point we started our descent on Ma'ale Mezin. This would take us back to route 90, and our cars.
When most of us were at the end of the trail, we got the news that one of us was having cramps and could not continue the descent, even though he had help.
We decided to call for help, and after a while a team form the Megilot Rescue Team came to help.
While some of us waited for everyone to come down, the rest went back to Ein Feshcha.
The team climbed up and evaluated the situation. Our group member was given an infusion, which helped him walk down the descent.
Our route can be reviewed here:
Thanks to Elana and Deborah for planning the hike, and to everyone who helped others along the hike.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
After crossing route 90, we started our climb on the black trail towards Rosh Tzukim. The climb was long and quite steep. The trail started at an altitude of 340 meters below sea level, and ended at an altitude of 80 meters below sea level and was about 1.6 kilometers long. One of us did not feel well and returned to the starting point. This is the first trail that was marked in Israel. It was marked by the Palmach in 1947, just weeks before the start of the War of Independence.
The climb ended at Rosh Tzukim, where we had a great view of the northern part of the Dead Sea, and the nature reserve below us.
We rested for quite a long time, and then continued for a short while along the black trail and the turned left to the blue trail towards Nachal Samara. This part of the trail was rolling hills.We went up and down for a few kilometers, until the trail ended at the green trail. We walked a short distance to a beautiful lookout.
At this point we started our descent on Ma'ale Mezin. This would take us back to route 90, and our cars.
When most of us were at the end of the trail, we got the news that one of us was having cramps and could not continue the descent, even though he had help.
We decided to call for help, and after a while a team form the Megilot Rescue Team came to help.
While some of us waited for everyone to come down, the rest went back to Ein Feshcha.
The team climbed up and evaluated the situation. Our group member was given an infusion, which helped him walk down the descent.
Our route can be reviewed here:
Thanks to Elana and Deborah for planning the hike, and to everyone who helped others along the hike.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Sunday, March 10, 2013
Gilboa - March 7th 2013- March 9th 2013
We met at the Maayan Charod Youth hostel on Thursday night.
After breakfast on Friday morning, we drove to the end of our route, neat the remains of Old Tel Yosef, where we left some of our cars. We squeezed into the remaining cars, and drove to the beginning of our route at the Iris Trail. It was the beginning of the blooming season for the Gilboa Iris (Iris haynei), and we saw several flowers.
We walked along the Iris trail, up to Mount Barkan, where we had a nice view of the Northern Shomron to the south, and the Charod Valley to the north. From there we started our descent, towards the valley.
The descent was long steep, and at some point we had to use handholds.
Along the way we stopped at Ein HaSamal (The sergeant's spring). and heard the story of sergeant Moshe Rosenfeld, A sergeant in the British mandatory police, who was killed at that point in 1935 by Arab terrorists. He was the first casualty of the 1936 Arab riots.
Our next stop was a lookout point, looking over the Charod Valley. Unfortunately, visibility was very bad, and we couldn't see very far.
We heard the stories of two biblical battles that took place in the valley.
The battle of Gideon and the Mideanites, and the battle of Saul and the Philistines.
Another battle that took place in the valley, was the battle of Ein Jalut (Maayan Charod) between the Mamlukes and the Mongols This was the first time that the Mongols were defeated in combat.
We continued down the steepest part of the descent to the base of the mountain were are cars were waiting. Most of the group waited, while the drivers went to get the cars.
In the evening we had a lovely dinner, and a nice game were we learned about the Kakamega forest, the Snook fish, and many other unusual things.
After breakfast on Shabbat, some people rested, while other took walks around the youth hostel. Some even snuck into the Maayan Charod National Park, which was officially closed.
Many thanks to Simcha and Craig for doing a great job of organizing the weekend, and to Michael Even-Esh, our guide.
A map of the route can be found here
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Machteld's Pictures
After breakfast on Friday morning, we drove to the end of our route, neat the remains of Old Tel Yosef, where we left some of our cars. We squeezed into the remaining cars, and drove to the beginning of our route at the Iris Trail. It was the beginning of the blooming season for the Gilboa Iris (Iris haynei), and we saw several flowers.
We walked along the Iris trail, up to Mount Barkan, where we had a nice view of the Northern Shomron to the south, and the Charod Valley to the north. From there we started our descent, towards the valley.
The descent was long steep, and at some point we had to use handholds.
Along the way we stopped at Ein HaSamal (The sergeant's spring). and heard the story of sergeant Moshe Rosenfeld, A sergeant in the British mandatory police, who was killed at that point in 1935 by Arab terrorists. He was the first casualty of the 1936 Arab riots.
Our next stop was a lookout point, looking over the Charod Valley. Unfortunately, visibility was very bad, and we couldn't see very far.
We heard the stories of two biblical battles that took place in the valley.
The battle of Gideon and the Mideanites, and the battle of Saul and the Philistines.
Another battle that took place in the valley, was the battle of Ein Jalut (Maayan Charod) between the Mamlukes and the Mongols This was the first time that the Mongols were defeated in combat.
We continued down the steepest part of the descent to the base of the mountain were are cars were waiting. Most of the group waited, while the drivers went to get the cars.
In the evening we had a lovely dinner, and a nice game were we learned about the Kakamega forest, the Snook fish, and many other unusual things.
After breakfast on Shabbat, some people rested, while other took walks around the youth hostel. Some even snuck into the Maayan Charod National Park, which was officially closed.
Many thanks to Simcha and Craig for doing a great job of organizing the weekend, and to Michael Even-Esh, our guide.
A map of the route can be found here
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Machteld's Pictures
Sunday, February 17, 2013
Har Grizzim and Dier Kal'a - February 15th, 2013
We met the bus near the Hartman Institute, and started driving north towards Har Grizzim.
After picking our guide, Kuti, up at Ofra, we continued north and arrived at the Har Grizzim National Park.
The site is a the very top of the mountain, and it was very windy, so we moved the bus so it formed a wind brake, and the guide gave us a brief history of the site, and what we were about to see.
We toured the site, stopping at the remains of an olive press, and then went on to the Sacred Precinct where there have been various temples and churches over the last 2500 years.
Our next stop was the Samaritan neighborhood, where we saw the Samaritan Passover Sacrifice site, and a Tchina factory.
We also met a group of christian volunteers from an organization called HaYovel, whos mission is to help small farmers. Their leader, Tommy, explained who they were, and what their mission was.
We also had an overlook of the eastern parts of Shchem, including the Balata refuge camp, and Joesph's tomb.
We returned to the bus and drove back down the mountain, past Ariel to Pedu'el. We went out the back gate of Pedu'el towards Deir Qal'a, which is the remains of a byzantine fortified farm. It is a very impressive site.
After returning to the bus, we drove back to Jerusalem.
Thanks to Elana for organizing the tour, and to Kuti, our guide, for doing a great job.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
After picking our guide, Kuti, up at Ofra, we continued north and arrived at the Har Grizzim National Park.
The site is a the very top of the mountain, and it was very windy, so we moved the bus so it formed a wind brake, and the guide gave us a brief history of the site, and what we were about to see.
We toured the site, stopping at the remains of an olive press, and then went on to the Sacred Precinct where there have been various temples and churches over the last 2500 years.
Our next stop was the Samaritan neighborhood, where we saw the Samaritan Passover Sacrifice site, and a Tchina factory.
We also met a group of christian volunteers from an organization called HaYovel, whos mission is to help small farmers. Their leader, Tommy, explained who they were, and what their mission was.
We also had an overlook of the eastern parts of Shchem, including the Balata refuge camp, and Joesph's tomb.
We returned to the bus and drove back down the mountain, past Ariel to Pedu'el. We went out the back gate of Pedu'el towards Deir Qal'a, which is the remains of a byzantine fortified farm. It is a very impressive site.
After returning to the bus, we drove back to Jerusalem.
Thanks to Elana for organizing the tour, and to Kuti, our guide, for doing a great job.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Eilat - January 17th - January 19th 2013
Our annual trip to Eilat was a lot of fun.
We traveled to Eilat on Thursday by various routes.
About half of the group met at the Rooster Restaurant for an all you can eat Chicken Dinner, which was very good.
On Friday morning we boarded the bus, and were taken to the beginning of the hike. We started our hike at the Har Yehoram campsite, and started walking north on the black trail. We used the red trail to descend into Nachal Netafim and then walked over to Ein Netafim for our first stop.
Ein Netafim is the only spring in the Eilat Mountains, and is very important for the animals who live in the desert.
We continued on the green trail down Nachal Netafim. We left Nachal Netafim to take a bypass that would the shorten the route, and met back up with it after a very sharp and tricky descent.
At the intersection with another black trail, we turned north, and climbed over the mountain to Nachal Roded.
Our next stop was Guy Avood, the lost valley, a short sandstone canyon with lovely pink and white walls.
After the break, we started climbing up Har Shchoret. It was a long, and at times steep, ascent.
From the top, we had a great view of the Arava, and then we started our descent. The first part was very steep into Nachal Shchoret, and then we went into Kanyon Shchoret, for the last leg of the hike.
The canyon had some challenging dry waterfalls that had to be descended carefully.
Once we all finished the hike, we got on the bus for the ride back to the field school. We made it just in time for Shabbat.
The hike was about 10 kilometers. We started at an altitude of 622 meters and ended at an altitude of 220 meters.
The last leg of the hike, from the top of Har Shchoret, started at an altitude of 480 meters.
A track of most of the hike (My phone's battery died), can be seen at http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/152302900?user=6115877
We had our, now traditional, Shabbat Dinner at the Orchid hotel.
After dinner, our guide Ro'i, had a presentation about the wild life in the desert.
Thanks to Havi for organizing a great weekend, and to our guide, Ro'i for doing a great job.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Gadi's Pictures
Friday, December 7, 2012
Nachal Og - December 7th, 2012
We all met at the gas station near Almog Junction.
After making sure that everyone had arrived and payed, we drove to the beginning of the trail near the entrance to Kibbitz Almog.
We started be walking down in Nachal Og, and then started walking up the canyon. It was muddy in some places, evidence of the rain earlier in the week, and possibly a flash flood.
Along the canyon we had to cross muddy areas, and climb up cliffs using had and foot holds in the rocks.
We all made it in one piece.
After exiting the canyon, we walked back to the cars along a jeep trail, stopping for a quick food break while looking over the northern end of the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, Kibutz Almog, and Jericho.
Thanks Joel and Simcha for organizing the hike, and to Uri, our guide, for doing a great job.
A map of our hike can be seen at http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/111922748
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
After making sure that everyone had arrived and payed, we drove to the beginning of the trail near the entrance to Kibbitz Almog.
We started be walking down in Nachal Og, and then started walking up the canyon. It was muddy in some places, evidence of the rain earlier in the week, and possibly a flash flood.
Along the canyon we had to cross muddy areas, and climb up cliffs using had and foot holds in the rocks.
We all made it in one piece.
After exiting the canyon, we walked back to the cars along a jeep trail, stopping for a quick food break while looking over the northern end of the Dead Sea, the Jordan Valley, Kibutz Almog, and Jericho.
Thanks Joel and Simcha for organizing the hike, and to Uri, our guide, for doing a great job.
A map of our hike can be seen at http://www.endomondo.com/workouts/111922748
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Nachal Betzet and Nachal Sarach - October 18th, 2012 to October 20th, 2012
A group of us did a hike on Thursday.
We drove from Jerusalem to Tel Yodfat. We went on a hike from Tel Yodfat, down to Nachal Yodfat, up to Har Atzmon and then back to our starting point. The hike was a little over 6 km, and we got back to the cars, just as the sun was setting. Pictures
From there we drove to Nahariya and met with some other hikers for Supper at the Galil restaurant on the Nahariya Beach promenade.After supper we drove the the Achziv Field School.
After breakfast on Friday morning, we drove towards Adamit.
We parked and then some of the drivers took the cars to the end of our route.
Once the drivers came back, we started our hike.
Our first stop was the Keshet Cave. After an explanation, we continued along the ridge, descending slowly towards Nachal Betzet.
Once we got to the bottom, we walked a short distance towards Einot Karkara, where there was a bit of water. We stopped there for lunch.
After lunch we continued up Nachal Betzet. When we arrived at the fork, we took the right path, and continued up Nachal Sarach.
We stopped at the Sarach Cave. Those who wanted to, went on a tour through the cave, while the rest waited outside.
After the visit to the cave, it was about half an hour to the end of our route.
The drivers of the cars that were left at the beginning of the hike went to get the cars. Those who could, went back to the field school, while the rest waited for the cars to come back before going back.
Thanks to Rachel Gold and Ephraim King for their hard work organizing the weekend, and to Israel, our guide, for leading us on a great hike.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
We drove from Jerusalem to Tel Yodfat. We went on a hike from Tel Yodfat, down to Nachal Yodfat, up to Har Atzmon and then back to our starting point. The hike was a little over 6 km, and we got back to the cars, just as the sun was setting. Pictures
From there we drove to Nahariya and met with some other hikers for Supper at the Galil restaurant on the Nahariya Beach promenade.After supper we drove the the Achziv Field School.
After breakfast on Friday morning, we drove towards Adamit.
We parked and then some of the drivers took the cars to the end of our route.
Once the drivers came back, we started our hike.
Our first stop was the Keshet Cave. After an explanation, we continued along the ridge, descending slowly towards Nachal Betzet.
Once we got to the bottom, we walked a short distance towards Einot Karkara, where there was a bit of water. We stopped there for lunch.
After lunch we continued up Nachal Betzet. When we arrived at the fork, we took the right path, and continued up Nachal Sarach.
We stopped at the Sarach Cave. Those who wanted to, went on a tour through the cave, while the rest waited outside.
After the visit to the cave, it was about half an hour to the end of our route.
The drivers of the cars that were left at the beginning of the hike went to get the cars. Those who could, went back to the field school, while the rest waited for the cars to come back before going back.
Thanks to Rachel Gold and Ephraim King for their hard work organizing the weekend, and to Israel, our guide, for leading us on a great hike.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures
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