Shalom Aleichem,
At the base of the second highest mountain in Israel lies the kever (tomb) of Rabbi Shimon bar Yochai, a famous kabbalist (founder) and sage. It is a very popular spot but fortunately, the hiking trails are a lot quieter. We saw seven people in 5.5 hours. Close to a summit, we talked with a couple of women who were doing a multi-day hike from ‘sea to sea’—tough ladies.
And now...... Today, we got back into stride and pushed ourselves hard. Our hike took us to the top of Mt. Meron via an hour boulder climb on the blue trail (terrific, challenging, real climbing), followed by a push to the first summit and further ascent to the peak. We circumvented the peak for nearly an hour because the editor’s spouse pushed a little too much. Balance is a wonderful thing—it would be nice. However, our editor was calm, strong and in top form.
Part way upWe almost lost our way on two occasions but held it together and arrived at the car, twelve miles later, tired but still standing and may we add, smiling. The peak is over 4,000 feet above sea level. As an aside, one achieves a tremendously uplifting feeling after extended exertion. (There has to be a purpose for doing this, isn’t there?)
The hike comprised varied components, testing one, although more strenuous than difficult. We would offer the following observation thus far: the trails are rugged, enjoyable and hold their own anywhere but the countryside, mountains and terrain generally, are not as attractive in comparison with many other places we have visited.
A view from the peak of Mt. MeronWe are not comfortable making the latter statement but honesty should supercede emotion. However, we hope we are wrong and after all, it’s only an opinion. Israel, we think, is not a place for the faint of heart and perhaps it is the Land that produces such strength in Israelis.
An Ancient ShulWe passed an ancient shul, a new yeshiva, a moshav, what looked to be a military installation at the peak, and the kever mentioned earlier. The last part of the hike left the trail and forced us onto the road. Thereafter, we had to cut down another hill to arrive back at the car. By that stage, we were trudging down the street feeling tired and a little disorientated when we came across a crowd of observant Jews dressed appropriately for a visit to the tomb.
Way down...
It made us smile although we think our editor would have preferred to be wearing a skirt. Then again, where we hiked, a skirt would have been dangerous and completely immodest. Makes one think of ‘horses for courses’. By the way, ‘Sea Biscuit’ (titanium hip) was acting like a ‘tiger’ again. B’H.
Tzfat from Mt. MeronBack at the kibbutz, we found that our neighbors had moved out, leaving us the only occupants of the twenty seven stand-alone rooms. As an aside, the accommodation was relatively expensive although we are happy to have stayed where we did. Jenni did not think it was appropriate for us to advance our theory of pricing in the context of excess supply. Apparently, she was only concerned that the Hebrew communication might prove awkward. It was interesting that our neighbors, for the first two nights, were a group of Muslims. Nothing to add other than they had barbeques on which they cooked french fries. Besides diet Coke, we have a weakness for those curly potatoes. However, we decided to exert willpower and took a cold shower instead.
Shalom,
Jenni and Jeffrey
Happy anniversary to Mark and Fiona Lazarow
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