Up North in Galilee

Going north in Galilee we went to Tel Dan.  Like most places in Israel, Tel Dan is another archaeological place with ancient ruins.  We didn't actually walk to the ancient ruins (although that would have been awesome).  The ruins were an hour hike.  Sadly we weren't up for that long of a walk.

Tel Dan itself is amazingly green with tons of water everywhere!  (So different than the dry desert going south towards Jerusalem.)

It is one of two locations considered the head of the Jorden river (it's water source).  Also, you can find a tree here with the image of Winnie the Pooh in it!  Who would have thought that Pooh Bear made it to the middle East?

Ah, the simple things of life - good water and good friends!!!

Come with us on our hike......

Can you see Pooh Bear's image in the tree?  Me either, I guess I need an "imagination adjustment!"

Good-bye to Galilee

Galilee is beautiful in the spring.  The wildflowers bloom and it isn't too hot.  We went on a 4-day vacation to Galilee for the last time...to say "good-bye" to this special place.  We wanted to enjoy it one more time before our departure.

When we arrived, we were hoping to be able to somehow go boating on the Sea of Galilee.

We ran unexpectedly into the following opportunity:

Yes, Ivan drove the boat ....  and .....

Yes, Emily drove the boat, too !!

It doesn't get better than this!

Masada

This is a desert with endless contours and shapes from mountains, valleys and plateaus.  This is where the Jews held their last stand against the conquering Roman Empire.  It is a dramatic story of resistance, survival, and finally....the ultimate choice: slavery or death.

Riding cable cars to get to Masada.  (The body of water in the distance is the Dead Sea.)

Have a look at some of the ruins and surrounding vistas:

Emily is standing inside the remains of Herod's palace.

In the distance you see the Roman's encampment outside Masada.

Jay's dad walking around the cliff to where Herod's palace was built.

Water cisterns were very important to survival.  Emily is descending into one.

It is blistering hot.  You see the Dead Sea in the background.

Until next post...................stay healthy and happy!!

En Gedi (near the Dead Sea)

The En Gedi has a spring of water that flows in the desert mountains.  It is an oasis there.  It is also a wonderful hike (or I should say hikes because there are more than one option and levels of difficulty).  The easy hike is the one I want to share with you.  It is the only one we've been on so far.

The rumor is that David of Old Testament fame hid here in the En Gedi from King Saul.
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Along the trail there are 3 to 4 waterfalls that are welcome places to cool off in.

Going backward through time (on our way to En Gedi), we met a few camels and the children enjoyed a 20 shekel camel ride.

Getting on a camel may be a little easier than...............

getting off!!

Best wishes to you all until the next post.........................

The Garden Tomb

Our first visit to the Garden Tomb.  It was more beautiful and peaceful than I had even imagined it.  Our friends were right, it is close to the peaceful feeling you get inside the temple.  I want to go back!

This is the side alley/street that takes you to the entrance....

Here we are, about to enter.....

Have a look around at the garden:

And finally, the reason why this special place brings such happiness and peace......