20180605 Ein Gedi, Masada, Dead Sea, Eilat: Was an outdoor-adventure day that started at 8:00 AM and ended almost 12 hours later. But before I go into that, I want to say that my whole perception of the Territories/West Bank has changed being on the ground here and seeing what is where. I think you have to drive through A, B, and C areas to really understand. I’m just beginning to.

So, off we went from Jerusalem this morning with all our luggage. We went south to Ein Gedi Reserve for a hike to see some neat waterfalls. At one, all but Andy and me got into the water and got wet from waterfall coming down on them. And Ein Gedi has a place in the Bible especially relating to King Saul and David.

After a hike up and down (where Marian excelled in conquering it all), we drove to Masada. Saw the movie explaining the history and took the cable car to the top. Yael walked us around for about two hours explaining the history and events from Herod’s time to the fall of Masada in 70 AD. Wonderful. And you look out at the Dead Sea and across to Jordan.

Next stop was the Dead Sea where we changed into bathing suits and floated around for awhile. The water is shallow since it’s in an area where they are harvesting minerals and pumping out water. And it’s warm. Can’t say it was something I want to do again, but I can notch it off that I’ve done it. Took showers, dressed, drove nearby for iced coffee and then a two-hour drive south to Eliat.

Room 626 at the Dan Panorama in Eilat. Our room overlooks the marina and the city. Had an only fair dinner nearby around 9:00 after floundering around to find a restaurant. Early and full day tomorrow – Petra.

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