Our anual trip to Eilat took place on the last weekend of January 2009.
Some of us started the weekend off with a visit to Mamshit, a Nabatean City just south of Dimona on route 25. Follow the links for more information.
During our visit, we took a walk along Nachal Mamshit. We saw two dams, one based on an ancient nabatean dam, and one built by the british. The dams collected flood waters to be used for agriculture.
After our visit, we continued south to Eilat, checked in to the field school.
Most of us met up for supper at a restaurant.
We found out that our original destination, Nachal Gishron, was closed by the army due to 'the situation', and that we'll have to do a different hike.
On Friday morning we drove towards the montains overlooking Eilat. We picked up our guide, Dan, at the back entrance (or was it the exit) to Eilat, and then continued up route 12 towards Har Yehoram. We left our cars at the trail head and started climbing towards the peek follwing the black trail. At the end of the first climb a vista opened up and we had a lovely view of the area, The black rocks of Har Shlomo in contrast with the light rocks of Har Yehoram.
At the peek there is a memorial to two soldiers who died while on an orientiering exersize in the area. After a short rest we followed the black trail down the other side of the mountain. At the intersection with the red trail, we turned left and continued downhill. The trail was very steep, and a few of us slipped and left parts of themsleves on the mountain.
The trail ended in Nachal Netafim. We turned right onto the green trail that took us down Nachal Netafim. At this point we had to scramble down some dry waterfalls.
At the intersection with the blue trail, we started climbing up Nachal Bat-Sheva or Nachal HaMapalim. During the climb, we had to use handhold bolted into the rock, and at one point, a hand rail.
At the top of the climb, most of the group continued down the blue trail, while most of the drivers took the black trail back to the cars. Along the way we heard some more explanations and saw a place where with one step you cross 500 million years, or at least that what the plack said.
We got to the cars and drove down to where the rest of the group was waiting. Drivers who had not come with the drivers group, were taken to get their cars.
On the way back to Eilat, our guide took us to an abandoned army outpost overlooking Eilat. From there we could see 3 countries (Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia) and all of Eilat.
After breakfast on Shabbat, many of us went to sit on the beach.
Many thanks to Judith who organized the hike, Dan our guide, and all the drivers for getting us safely to Eilat and back.
Pictures:
Gadi's Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=gadi.ben.avi&target=ALBUM&id=5300102138082437937&authkey=qfgwEXq2GvY&feat=email
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=gadi.ben.avi&target=ALBUM&id=5300097886480695361&authkey=UxMp9GVnpa8&feat=email
Fiona's Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/fvernea/TiyulEilatJan2009
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Monday, December 22, 2008
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#
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#
Thursday, December 11, 2008
The Hula Bird Park and Nachal Aviv - December 4th - December 6th 2008
We left Jerusalem at various times and converged on Kibbutz Malkiyah in the Upper Galille. After arriving we went to sleep in preparation for an early wake up call.
We woke up at 5 am in the morning. It was still cold and dark, but we managed to get ourselves in the cars and drive down to the Hula Valley. As we were driving down, we were greeted with the beginnings of the sunrise over the Golan Heights.
We arrived at the Hula 'lakelet' (Agamon) and met our guide Michael Even-Esh.
Michael took us on a short walk in the area, where we saw the thousands of cranes (19,300 to be exact), pelicans and other birds that use the area as a rest stop on the flight from Europe and Asia to Africa.
We also saw several Nutriyot, and rodent that looks like a muskrat.
Michael also explained the problems the local farmers have with the cranes and the various solutions to the problem.
After our short walk we sat down and had a very nice picnic breakfast.
After breakfast, we drove back up the hill towards Nachal Aviv. We left the cars at the end of our trail, and drove to the beginning where we left most of the cars.
Nachal Aviv starts between Avivim and Yir'on on road 899, The northern road - Kvish HaTzafon. We started our walk at a sharp bend in the road, where we jumped (well, climbed over) the fence and started walking down. There are cliffs on both sides of the river bed. Many of the cliffs form a Tznir (צניר), which is a geological formation resembling a pipe (צינור).
There were many caves in the cliffs on both sides of the river bed. These are the remains of a monastic community that lived here starting in the 4th century. Further down the trail we came to the Laura, the central complex of the community, where the monks would gather every Sunday.
We climbed up a steep narrow staircase carved out of the mountain and saw an Olive Press that was carved out of the bedrock. The view was spectacular.
After climbing down, we continued on the trail and came across a wine press with another great view. Those monks really knew where to build their presses.
We followed Nachal Aviv to its end where it flows into Nachal Dishon. Nachal Dishon is a huge valley that goes all the way to the Hula Valley. We followed it back to our cars.
On Saturday we rested and then came home.
Many Thanks to Phyllis, who did a great job organizing this weeknd, Michael, our guide, and all the drivers who got us there and back.
Pictures:
Alan's Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=alanmeerkin&target=ALBUM&id=5277839044715662353&authkey=_U6bvHo8ufM&feat=email
Gadi Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=gadi.ben.avi&target=ALBUM&id=5278559085195550385&authkey=n1lFLP7btis&feat=email
We woke up at 5 am in the morning. It was still cold and dark, but we managed to get ourselves in the cars and drive down to the Hula Valley. As we were driving down, we were greeted with the beginnings of the sunrise over the Golan Heights.
We arrived at the Hula 'lakelet' (Agamon) and met our guide Michael Even-Esh.
Michael took us on a short walk in the area, where we saw the thousands of cranes (19,300 to be exact), pelicans and other birds that use the area as a rest stop on the flight from Europe and Asia to Africa.
We also saw several Nutriyot, and rodent that looks like a muskrat.
Michael also explained the problems the local farmers have with the cranes and the various solutions to the problem.
After our short walk we sat down and had a very nice picnic breakfast.
After breakfast, we drove back up the hill towards Nachal Aviv. We left the cars at the end of our trail, and drove to the beginning where we left most of the cars.
Nachal Aviv starts between Avivim and Yir'on on road 899, The northern road - Kvish HaTzafon. We started our walk at a sharp bend in the road, where we jumped (well, climbed over) the fence and started walking down. There are cliffs on both sides of the river bed. Many of the cliffs form a Tznir (צניר), which is a geological formation resembling a pipe (צינור).
There were many caves in the cliffs on both sides of the river bed. These are the remains of a monastic community that lived here starting in the 4th century. Further down the trail we came to the Laura, the central complex of the community, where the monks would gather every Sunday.
We climbed up a steep narrow staircase carved out of the mountain and saw an Olive Press that was carved out of the bedrock. The view was spectacular.
After climbing down, we continued on the trail and came across a wine press with another great view. Those monks really knew where to build their presses.
We followed Nachal Aviv to its end where it flows into Nachal Dishon. Nachal Dishon is a huge valley that goes all the way to the Hula Valley. We followed it back to our cars.
On Saturday we rested and then came home.
Many Thanks to Phyllis, who did a great job organizing this weeknd, Michael, our guide, and all the drivers who got us there and back.
Pictures:
Alan's Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=alanmeerkin&target=ALBUM&id=5277839044715662353&authkey=_U6bvHo8ufM&feat=email
Gadi Pictures:
http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/sredir?uname=gadi.ben.avi&target=ALBUM&id=5278559085195550385&authkey=n1lFLP7btis&feat=email
Monday, August 18, 2008
Katamon Tour and Picnic – August 14th 2008
We met at the corner of Hagdud HaIvri and HaPalmach Street in Jerusalem.
After an introduction to the history of Katamon, the significance of this particular corner (This is where count Folke Bernadotte was assassinated) and a description of the various architectural styles in the neighborhood, we started our walk.
We walked down Hagdud HaIvri, turned right on Eli Cohen, left on Boustenai, right on Hizkiyahu, which took us to the San Simon Park.
Along the way we saw several interesting buildings. We passed the former RAF compound, the house where Benyamin and Yoni Netanyahu grew up, the Note House (Beit Hatavim), that has musical notes on its windows, and several other architecturally interesting buildings.
We ended up in the San Simon Park, where a fierce battle was fought during the War of Independence.
After finishing the walk, we set up the food and had a very nice Picnic.
Thanks to Maxine who organized the walk and all the food, and to our Guide Mike.
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Moonlight hike, Thursday night, July 17, 2008 from Hirbet Hanut to Ein Mata
Having gone with Asher the Guide through the heat of the day in June, we continued our journey with him through the Jerusalem Hills by the light of the moon (when it finally came out from behind the clouds).
We began from Hirbet Hanut, with ruins featuring a mosaic floor and remains of a building.
Mosaic wasn’t the only party at the site: we interrupted a romantic couple who became engaged during a candlelit meal at the ruins.
Many new people joined the July event, which we hope will continue to come on hikes. As for the “program,” Nature did not allow stargazing nor did we see or hear any wildlife, although we had hoped to hear jackals.
What we did experience was the beauty and silence of the night and the scents in the field as we walked to a spring with a Crusader building constructed over the source. Intrepid Shannon climbed into the upper part of the cave to continue filming, and then we all turned off headlamps and flashlights and experienced utter darkness while standing in the water. People made their way back through the branches of an ancient fig tree towering above the cave entrance. We passed another spring, then the circular route brought us back to the parking lot by 1 a.m.
Special thanks to all of the drivers who made the arrangements possible.
We began from Hirbet Hanut, with ruins featuring a mosaic floor and remains of a building.
Mosaic wasn’t the only party at the site: we interrupted a romantic couple who became engaged during a candlelit meal at the ruins.
Many new people joined the July event, which we hope will continue to come on hikes. As for the “program,” Nature did not allow stargazing nor did we see or hear any wildlife, although we had hoped to hear jackals.
What we did experience was the beauty and silence of the night and the scents in the field as we walked to a spring with a Crusader building constructed over the source. Intrepid Shannon climbed into the upper part of the cave to continue filming, and then we all turned off headlamps and flashlights and experienced utter darkness while standing in the water. People made their way back through the branches of an ancient fig tree towering above the cave entrance. We passed another spring, then the circular route brought us back to the parking lot by 1 a.m.
Special thanks to all of the drivers who made the arrangements possible.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Nachal Sorek - June 20th, 2008
It was hot.
We me at Mt. Herzl at 7 am. Once everyone was there we drove to Bar BaHar. After the drivers took the cars to the end of the route, and came back, we started walking.
As we were leaving Bar BaHar a dog showed up and decided to
join us. We called him Sandy
Our first stop was a lookout overlooking the begining of our route, with Jerusalem in the distance.
We decended into Nachal Ktalav.
Our next stop was Ein Giora, a spring which has been enhanced by digging a tunnel to the springs source, anf building a pool to collect the water. This is common to most springs in the Judean Hills.
Unfortunatly the spring was dry because of the drought we had last winter.
We continued walking along Nachal Ktalav. We did not decendall the way into the canyon, but walked about half way up (on the blue trail).
Out next stop was Dier a Sheich, the remains of a sheichs tomb and mosque. This is we stopped for a bit longer, ate something, introduced ourselves, and heard some more explanations.
After the break, we continued walking, this time on the souther bank of Nachal Sorek.
By this time, some people were having trouble, mainly because of the heat. We had to wait longer and longer for the last people to catch up.
Along the way, we saw the train tracks from Jerusalem to Beit Shemesh, and a couple of trains going by.
At one stop, where we discovered that one of the people was really having problems, it was decided to seek help from the rangers. The person in trouble was escorted to a nearby dirt road, and picked up by a vehicle, which took them to the cave.
We ended our hike at the Sorek cave. This cave was discovered because of explosions in the nearby quary, and turned into a nature reserve.
After the cave visit, which was cut short because we were late getting there, we made our way back home.
Special thanks to everyone who helped those who had difficulties.
Thanx to evan who organized the trip on short notice and to Asher, our guide.
More pictures can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com/gadi.ben.avi/20080620MosaicNachalSorek
Ilana Browns Pictures can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/ilanabrownjerusalem/MosaicTripNahalSorekJune202008
Craig Prestons Pictures can be seen at
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8CatmTVs0aNQU&emid=sharview&linkid=link5
We me at Mt. Herzl at 7 am. Once everyone was there we drove to Bar BaHar. After the drivers took the cars to the end of the route, and came back, we started walking.
As we were leaving Bar BaHar a dog showed up and decided to
join us. We called him SandyOur first stop was a lookout overlooking the begining of our route, with Jerusalem in the distance.
We decended into Nachal Ktalav.
Our next stop was Ein Giora, a spring which has been enhanced by digging a tunnel to the springs source, anf building a pool to collect the water. This is common to most springs in the Judean Hills.Unfortunatly the spring was dry because of the drought we had last winter.
We continued walking along Nachal Ktalav. We did not decendall the way into the canyon, but walked about half way up (on the blue trail).
Out next stop was Dier a Sheich, the remains of a sheichs tomb and mosque. This is we stopped for a bit longer, ate something, introduced ourselves, and heard some more explanations.
After the break, we continued walking, this time on the souther bank of Nachal Sorek.
By this time, some people were having trouble, mainly because of the heat. We had to wait longer and longer for the last people to catch up.
Along the way, we saw the train tracks from Jerusalem to Beit Shemesh, and a couple of trains going by.
At one stop, where we discovered that one of the people was really having problems, it was decided to seek help from the rangers. The person in trouble was escorted to a nearby dirt road, and picked up by a vehicle, which took them to the cave.
We ended our hike at the Sorek cave. This cave was discovered because of explosions in the nearby quary, and turned into a nature reserve.
After the cave visit, which was cut short because we were late getting there, we made our way back home.
Special thanks to everyone who helped those who had difficulties.
Thanx to evan who organized the trip on short notice and to Asher, our guide.
More pictures can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.com/gadi.ben.avi/20080620MosaicNachalSorek
Ilana Browns Pictures can be seen at http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/ilanabrownjerusalem/MosaicTripNahalSorekJune202008
Craig Prestons Pictures can be seen at
http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8CatmTVs0aNQU&emid=sharview&linkid=link5
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Tzfat - May 15th - May 17th 2008
Thursday night some cars stopped off at the Beit Shean youth hostel to sample the restaurant, others dined in Tzfat, some came by Egged, and all hikers met at Beit Shalom Wolfinger’s inn, for the second year in a row. (Welcome back Blums with the new baby and veteran hiker Ziv).
We left “early” Friday morning for the Golan, entering the park for our hike to the upper Zavitan to end up in Breichat Hameshushim, Hexagon Pools. The brave went in, others sunbathed and caught their breath from the climb. Organizer Phyllis must have arranged with “Above” for perfect weather, and arranged for veteran guide Yisrael Ne’eman to lead our hike.
Another innovation was inviting local Tzfat residents to join our hikers, blending Jerusalemites, Tel Avivim and Tzfatim – welcome new faces, always a good idea. Benefiting from the previous photo workshop, those who came with digi cameras were eager to apply what they learned.
Back for a meditative kabbalat Shabbat in the tradition of the Ari and the mekubalim led by local kabbalists brought some of us into Shabbat, while others sampled the various local synagogues. We all met together for Friday night dinner, although well into the evening, followed by sitting out on the large balcony for the wonderful Tzfat air after dinner.
Next morning, those who went to their favorite synagogues and those who went to “Sha’arei Sheina” all met after Kiddush for a Shabbat treat at about 11:30 a.m.: A guided walk by storyteller/folklorist/guide Mordechai Zeller, son of the late Reb David Zeller, a direct link to Reb Shlomo Carlebach. Very excited to be a new resident of Zfat, Mordechai told stories of the mekubalim of Tzfat near significant landmarks in a unique and exciting style, leading us into the “energy of Zfat.”
Back for the best meal of the entire weekend: the do it yourself “potluck” Seuda Shlishit which seems to get better and better as cooks inspire each other. Naps, board games, Ma’ariv and Yediot, conversation, filled the afternoon. Havdalah and into the cars, after paying up to our new treasurer, Craig, who has taken up the responsibility. Steve, we miss you but understand you moved.
Pictures:
Ilana: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/ilanabrownjerusalem/MosaicTripToZavitanAndTsfat
Craig: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8CatmTVs0aNOo&emid=sharview&linkid=link3
We left “early” Friday morning for the Golan, entering the park for our hike to the upper Zavitan to end up in Breichat Hameshushim, Hexagon Pools. The brave went in, others sunbathed and caught their breath from the climb. Organizer Phyllis must have arranged with “Above” for perfect weather, and arranged for veteran guide Yisrael Ne’eman to lead our hike.
Another innovation was inviting local Tzfat residents to join our hikers, blending Jerusalemites, Tel Avivim and Tzfatim – welcome new faces, always a good idea. Benefiting from the previous photo workshop, those who came with digi cameras were eager to apply what they learned.
Back for a meditative kabbalat Shabbat in the tradition of the Ari and the mekubalim led by local kabbalists brought some of us into Shabbat, while others sampled the various local synagogues. We all met together for Friday night dinner, although well into the evening, followed by sitting out on the large balcony for the wonderful Tzfat air after dinner.
Next morning, those who went to their favorite synagogues and those who went to “Sha’arei Sheina” all met after Kiddush for a Shabbat treat at about 11:30 a.m.: A guided walk by storyteller/folklorist/guide Mordechai Zeller, son of the late Reb David Zeller, a direct link to Reb Shlomo Carlebach. Very excited to be a new resident of Zfat, Mordechai told stories of the mekubalim of Tzfat near significant landmarks in a unique and exciting style, leading us into the “energy of Zfat.”
Back for the best meal of the entire weekend: the do it yourself “potluck” Seuda Shlishit which seems to get better and better as cooks inspire each other. Naps, board games, Ma’ariv and Yediot, conversation, filled the afternoon. Havdalah and into the cars, after paying up to our new treasurer, Craig, who has taken up the responsibility. Steve, we miss you but understand you moved.
Pictures:
Ilana: http://picasaweb.google.co.uk/ilanabrownjerusalem/MosaicTripToZavitanAndTsfat
Craig: http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=8CatmTVs0aNOo&emid=sharview&linkid=link3
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