Exciting Challenges in the Judean Desert
December 9, 2010
The jeep picks us up in Jerusalem, and we drive East, driving down into the Jordan Rift Valley. As we clear the last ridge, we stop for a panoramic view of the Dead Sea and the Mountains of Moab.
everyone can enjoy this
At Mitzpe Dragot we leave the asphalt and start a challenging jeep trail through the Northern Judean Desert.
We stop frequently for amazing overlooks from the top of the last line of peaks above the Dead Sea, enjoying a panorama reaching from Jerusalem in the West to Jordan in the east, as well as several short hikes.
When we arrive at Nahal Mashash, Itamar divides up the equipment among us, and teaches us the simple rudiments of rappelling. Less than an hour later, we are all in mid-air, working our way down the tall, dry waterfalls, securely harnessed and observing all the safety rules we learned! Our youngest was a little hesitant at first, so made the first descent roped in tandem with our guide- but the rest she is doing on her own- to her great pleasure! What photos and videos I got of the family that day!!
After a refreshing dip in a fresh running spring, we dug in to a great picnic (all Kosher).
Last attraction was a visit to Kumran, where we saw the caves of the Dead Sea Scrolls, and the excavated village of the Essenes.
Finally, back to Jerusalem- tired but full of exciting experiences!
