Dead Sea and Nahal Arugot Hike

     Originally we were going to hike elsewhere, but it just so happened that the rains were causing flash floods so our plans changed.  We ended up hiking along the Nahal Arugot, which is in the Judean Wilderness right next to the Dead Sea. At first the incline was overbearing- it was probably the first real "hike" of the semester. But it was definitely worth it.  We had a beautiful view of the Dead Sea, and were able to find waterfalls and pools to swim in.   There were moments were we were walking through bamboo trees and cavelike tunnels that felt like I was in an Indiana Jones movie!

     There are rocks everywhere here, and there were definitely some steep climbs down.  As hard as I thought going uphill was, I think I would prefer uphill ascents over downhill paths.  One wrong step and you could slip and take out everyone in front of you too!

     Along the trail out we were able to see some real ibex, and oddly enough crabs here and there. When we came out we enjoyed some lunch and then bussed over to the Dead Sea where we got to float!  Our guide for the day, Bill Schlegel led us to a spot where we could coat ourselves with Dead Sea mud and then rinse it off in the water.  The mud was warm and soft, and occasionally clumpy- but it felt nice!

     The Sea was really pretty- very blue, and the rocks were all crystalized rough and hard from the minerals.  There definitely were some cuts and sores that burned like crazy when I went in.  Apparently they don't advise you to shave a day or two before going in.  Well, I missed that memo, and heard it after I went in- finding my legs stinging with pain.  :)  Note to future Dead Sea visitors: DON'T shave anything before going in- OUCH!



 

To end off the day we stopped at a lookout of the Judean Wilderness and soaked in the endless hills for a little while before it started to really poor down rain.  It had been sprinkling on an off all day, and now it decided to come down in full force!  What an awesome God- the beauty of His creation is incredible- but to think of the one who made all these beautiful places!  Wow!  "How Great Thou Art" comes to mind.