A Pool and a Monastery in Haifa

If a person gets off the beaten path in Israel and takes trails, the Eretz Yisrael is full of surprises.

Our trail of descent from Mount Carmel, Haifa

Yesterday we took a side trail off of Mount Carmel towards Carmel Beach. The path was steep at first, and full of dead branches as we deciphered the way to get to the marked trail.

An oak grove near where we joined the trail

The marked trail took the course of a wadi, a dry riverbed that can quickly carry run-off during times of rain (not the place to be in wet weather). The stone gave us an easy descent.

The wadi we traveled along the first part of our trail

Along the way there were groves of oak trees and other plant life.

The trail marking under the oak trees

Eventually we found ourselves on an old developed roadbed. This made the traveling easier, as the route had been graded for easy and smooth descent.

Our trail follows an old road

The roadbed was old, and not maintained. What had once been a road had become a trail.

The road is old, and all smoothness is gone

Along the way we ran into an antiquity. There are actually ancient ruins (and some newer ruins) all over Israel. This ruin was the remains of a center for Carmelite monks. The Carmelite Order is dedicated to contemplation and prayer. They find inspiration for their practice of faith from the prophet Elijah and Mary, the mother of Jesus. Both were people of prayer.

Antiquities marker for the Carmelite Church

There is an old monastery on the trail.

An old entrance to an old church

The monks needed a source of water, so they built a pool at a spring where water comes out of the mountain.

A cool place for a refreshing rest

This spring was actually our destination, and we spent time in the cool refreshing waters. Then we drank coffee, and talked to others who were hiking the trail. One of the men we talked to helped open facebook in Israel. We talked about many things, including politics. The Israelis are fascinated by our politics, especially as it influences Israel. We also talked about education, youth groups and the natural beauty of the land.

The path below the monistary

Beyond the monastery, an aqueduct took water downhill. There were many ponds along the way with other people bathing. We finally reached a road at the bottom and took a taxi to our home on top of the hill.

En Gedi

What is more fun than floating in the Dead Sea? A walk up the creek at En Gedi in order to take a dip in the pool at the waterfall. We will take this great walk during a 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018.

The oasis at En Gedi is very ancient. Settlements have been documented along the freshwater streams since the Chalcolithic era or Copper age in Israel. Remains can be found for rich farming communities, Essene schools, Temples, Synagogues, and Roman Villas. It is written that King David used this region as a hide-out, living in caves and partaking of the rich foods found along the cool streams in the area. En Gedi was famous for its Balsam, Date Palms, Henna, and aromatic resins. Solomon wrote, “My beloved is to me a cluster of henna blossoms in the vineyards of Engedi.”

“David went up from there and lived in the strongholds of En Gedi. After Saul returned from pursuing the Philistines, he was told, ‘David is in the Desert of En Gedi.’ So Saul took three thousand able young men from all Israel and set out to look for David and his men near the Crags of the Wild Goats.” (1 Sam. 24) We will walk up Wadi David during our visit at En Gedi.

We will begin our walk in a picnic area shaded by acacia trees and Christ-thorn jujube. Because of the water there is an abundance of plants and animals along the wadi. We will observe small antelope and Rock Hyrax or Conies under and in the trees.

After taking time to look at and take photos of the animals we will walk a well laid out trail along the stream. The trail crosses the stream on bridges giving us a closer look at the valley, the plants and the water flowing through shallow pools and  trickling over rocks. We will see the caves in which David camped and trails leading to the Judean heights.

There are many trails which traverse this Ein Gedi National Park which are well laid out and cover the various wadis in the area. The hike for our group will not be difficult, and there are benches along the way. Climbers who have time and are able can ascend along the Zetuya, Ha issiyyim, B ‘nei Hamoshavim, EnGedi or Yishay ascents to Mt. Zenuya on the desert plateau.

We will ascend at a much more moderate path along the creek, taking time as we desire to look back along the trail we have traveled. The views are different as we look up the hill toward the waterfall and look downwards toward the Dead Sea in the distance. Those who desire can wander a little and rock climb on marked trails. The rest of us will easily navigate a gradual ascent.

Our climb will end at David’s waterfall below Dodim’s Cave. We will have time to put or feet in the water, or if prepared we will be able to get into the water and refresh ourselves. From the pool we will be able to stand under the waterfall and look down the canyon to the Dead Sea.

On the completion of our time at En Gedi we will prepare for a swim in the Dead Sea and possibly a visit to Jericho. Fun times are in store for those who join us on our 14 day trip to the Holy Land in May 2018. To sign up, use the link to find more information at www.KosherCopy.com. You will also find links to the trip itinerary and for trip registration.