Ein Gedi hike

We return after swimming in the Dead Sea to our rooms at the Kibbutz located in the oasis.  The grounds here, like everywhere we have been are very beautiful with specimen trees and shrubs and the ever present scent on the air of herbs like oregano and rosemary and lavender that grow like small trees- giant shrubs.  Reyna and I laugh at how I coax a little rosemary from summer through January and here the plants are taller than us!  I love to brush my hand and pinch leaves everywhere I walk and hold my hands to my nose and breathe deeply.  

 

We have a great dinner in their dining room; the options again are impressive. 

the view from our kibbutz- ibex and views. 

 

 

 

 

 
 
There is a very old field school at Ein Gedi:
 

 

 
 
Rock Hyrax is a commonly seen mammal:
 

The kibbutz overlooks the oasis and the hiking trails that make-up ein gedi.  The views are biblical in their expanse and feel truly awesome and contemplative. 

 

Up close to a rock hyrax. 

 

On Wednesday, New Year’s Eve day at home, we pick an easy hike through the hillsides to see 5 waterfalls and animals.  We are certainly not alone.  Almost all hiking trails are crowded with families and tours and hikers- the Israelis love to be outside and take advantage of all the hiking trails that are everywhere. 

After hiking, we stay at the lodge for a couple of hours, enjoying the 3 pools – and even a Dead Sea pool in which we can float in the warmed and salted water.  There is a spa here (like many places!). 

Finally, we return to our car, and start to head for home; north on route 90, turning west past Jerusalem along the highway to Tel Aviv and home. 

Here New Years Eve is just another day… or is it.  The evening is called Sylvester and we wonder why.  We go to a favorite restaurant  called "The Kitchen" for dinner.