Off to the Dead Sea for an overnight and Ibex galore.

We are off for one more overnight away from the bustling city.  We drive south and through the semi-desert and desert landscape.  The landscape changes so rapidly. Even so, wherever we see Israeli development, the landscape is green and covered in trees. 

Bedouin settlements start to appear; they dot the countryside with their semi permanent homes and "barns";  we begin to see herds of donkeys and then camels! 

we wend our way through the south, and finally see - in the distance- the Dead Sea.  We turn north on route 90 and our way along the west bank of the Jordan River, toward the Ein Gedi Kibbutz hotel to check-in. we have a few minutes to drop our bags in our room and to have lunch before we are to meet Connie and Walter at the Mineral Beach on the Dead Sea.

Connie and Walter have been touring with their group today from Jerusalem to Masada, then to hike in Ein Gedi preserve, and then to the beach.

We have a quick lunch among the .... Ibex! they are everywhere and they are munching on the flowers and shrubs, let us come very close, and stand still as though they expect their photo to be taken.

 

 

 

The dead sea:  I have always wanted to float in the dead sea and the chance to do this with my family and with Connie and Walter is a dream come true.  The sun sets early - by 5, and so we descend on the beach just after 3.