Still down South.....

Power of Nature

Another 'warm' ascent

Shalom from Arad,

Tuesday

Wadi Arugot at En Gedi

After a difficult drive through the mountains, the energy just wasn’t there. However, once we began the hike, the bodies kicked into overdrive or actually, low gear for the climb, and off we went. We were in the arid desert and on a very hot day. We are repetitious about the heat but what can we do, the weather is just that, hot.
The nights in Arad, by the way, have been very pleasant though. Many tour groups visit the town and our hotel, being one of only three, plays host to the tourists. On our first night, Orientals filled the lobby; for a moment, we thought we were back in San Diego. The second night, Nigerians and Ugandans; it looked like Johannesburg. We felt at home both nights. In fact, it’s wonderful to see Israel bustling with visitors. More importantly, our perception is that there is a sense of freedom and mixing of nationalities that would amaze the closed minds of the media and ‘intellectuals’ of the world. We have nothing against intellectuals, of course, only those who have no sense.

Very attractive, I'd say

Ein Gedi nature reserve has about seven or eight hiking trails ranging from easy to difficult. The test of whether we enjoyed the day is that on our next trip, we plan to spend a few days in this area so that we may undertake at least two or more hikes.
Surprise at the Top

As we mentioned, the area is rugged; of that, there is no doubt. However, the cliffs and mountains give it much character. We think during the in-between seasons, it could be a very pleasant place to spend a few days. Positioned opposite the Dead Sea, down the road from Masada, it is not far from Jerusalem.

The surprise of the day is that we came across water. Yes, we repeat there was a stream flowing from the top. We passed pools, walked in the stream and upon reaching our destination, found ourselves surrounded by slick rock in the immediate area with huge cliffs overlooking us. We were in complete shade and cooled our bodies in the fresh water.
Yo Down there--Wait for me

It was an oasis. We could not help thinking that this would have been a great place to hide from Herod and the Romans during those eras. A few partitions here and there, a carpet, some drapes and a person would think she was living in luxury. The natural rock formation was terrific at the higher hidden pools. It ended up being a great hike and we arrived back at the car feeling stimulated and pleasantly tired—much stronger than when we began.

Happy feet, smelly boots

The place also made our feet happy (water-cooled) although our boots might start smelling soon, if not already.
To set the scene, there is some vegetation along the stream. However, for the rest of it, only sand, stone and rock dominates hundreds of square miles. It is harsh, rugged and barren.
Main bedroom over here....maybe

On the way down, we came across an employee of the national park with shears, trimming the odd shrub that may have had some twigs or leaves protruding onto the trail. We would have thought that any growth should be celebrated, not destroyed. A strong pair of glasses or even binoculars might have helped the poor fellow do his job, too. Better still; a good imagination might have trumped all tools. What do we know?

Sadly, it was our last hike of this leg of the adventure. Some may wonder while others have posed the question: ‘Isn’t it enough?’ It’s a fair question; however, each hiking experience has proved to be an ‘investment’ in one way or another. Sounds odd but not to us.

See you,

Jenni and Jeffrey