The 50 mile journey from Jerusalem south to Ein Gedi took about 75 minutes by bus.
The Egged dropped us at the roundabout in front of Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, across the street from the Dead Sea.
Leah takes a minute as we get off the bus, to lace her hiking boots. I’m hoping my water shoes will be adequate for challenge ahead.
The hostel at the base of the mountains brought back memories of climbing Masada last year. (See previous post from July 13th, 2019.)
Since it was already past noon, we chose to hike Wadi David, the shorter of two options. Wadi (nakhal) means stream or riverbed.
It was unseasonably warm for late October. Standing under the cloudless sky, I was hoping for some breeze on the mountain. And of course, waterfalls…
I got my wish rather quickly. That looks like a pose, but in reality, I am trying to catch my balance. The wall face by my right hand was so slick, that when I leaned on it I almost went down. There’s a reason my name is not Grace.
I knew immediately that this was not going to be some easy stroll in the park.
The stones in the terrain were behemoth.
Can you find the girl with red shorts in the picture?
See below.
Ein Gedi dates back 5,000 years to the first settlers who came to the area.
A somewhat hazy view of Jordan. Hoping it will burn off.
The vegetation was huge, as well. Those grasses are at least 10 feet tall. That’s a waterfall behind her.
It’s thought that David took refuge from King Saul in one of these caves.
Don’t overlook the tiny figures. Reminds me of the 60s show Land of the Giants.
Enjoying my perch above another waterfall. I was pleasantly surprised at how many there were!
The water was so clear and refreshing on this warm day!
The timing of the waterfalls was magical. Just when you needed to soak your feet and cool off, another one appeared.
Oh yeah. That’s what I’m talking about… My water shoes were perfect!
Then onward and upward.
Each waterfall feels larger and more beautiful.
We seemed to meet up with this British family at every oasis. Those kids were loving it.
This was my favorite!
David’s Waterfall- the big kahuna and destination of this hike.
Most people turn back here but Leah and I decided to hike further up the mountain.
Refreshed and energized, we took to the trail with renewed vigor.
As we climbed higher, the haze began to lift.
I circled the people below. Not many people continued after the last waterfall, so we didn’t have much company.
The uniform ridges and columns looked like they were intentionally carved; almost like Petra, in Jordan.
Can you see the ‘ants’ at the bottom of the bowl?
Breathtaking view of Jordan across the Dead Sea. That’s the enigmatic Ein Gedi kibbutz on the plateau. Read more:
Recently a candidate for one of the Wonders of the World, the Dead Sea now has a huge sinkhole problem. Read more:
In 2005, the bridge I circled collapsed following a huge flood. In 2009, the bridge was reopened at great cost.
It makes me sad that today this whole area is desolate and deserted because insurance against sinkholes is not available. The bridge is leaning at an angle, and there are wide cracks in the asphalt.
I find it ironic that I took this photo when I got off the bus. I had done no research before I came. Please read the Jerusalem Times article. It’s compelling and very informative.
Sorry about that little detour… As we climbed higher, the kibbutz became more visible. As of 2018, 600 members lived and worked there.
At this point, we’ve been climbing steadily for nearly three hours. It’s just past 3 pm, the park closes at 5:00, and I have no idea how much further it is to the spring, which is where we are headed.
The terrain gets lava-like and the vegetation sparse. And we keep walking…
SAY WHAT???? We are devastated.
Our plan was to walk to Shulammit Spring and out of the park that way. It’s 3:45, yet we decide to go a little further.
These two Israeli girls are the park rangers and they are tough. This park closes promptly at 5:00 and we are told to head down NOW!
I’ll try not to bore you with duplicates, but it was even more beautiful descending, because of the sun’s angle.
I didn’t recall seeing this warning about the Ibex going up. They are antelope-type animals; very nimble and they camouflage well. You’ll see. Or maybe not?
As we came around that turn by the steps, we found ourselves on a ledge looking down on the Ibex we were warned about. Lots of them!
There are 12 Ibex in this picture. You may have to magnify your screen.
These will be easier to see. There are at least 6.
These women are up on the ledge of that rock face and they are surrounded by animals. (See red and yellow dots)
Five little guys here. 4 on the bridge and one far left center.
Okay, now that your eyes are adjusted, can you find the eight Ibex and one man in the photo? See below for answer key.
If you have trouble seeing them, there’s a 2 minute video at the end that shows them clearly, along with some other interesting park features.
As we descend, rock “face” takes on a whole new meaning…
These vertical runnels or rivulets are formed expressly by rushing water. What amazing power!
This rock face looks like an alien.
Continuing downward, I take a picture of the root system of this dead tree, then notice I am being observed.
The Rock Hyrax, also known as a Coney or Pika, is more rabbit than rodent.
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rock_hyrax
This is where we came in almost five hours ago.
Take a couple of minutes to watch this video. It recaps and refines my pictorial journey today.
As the stragglers head for the park exit, we are graced with this magnificence.
As anyone who has borne witness to God’s beauty in nature knows, these photographs don’t do it justice.
Heading north back to Jerusalem, we are tired, hungry and cold. But our hearts are warmed by all of the beauty we witnessed today. Hope you enjoyed the hike. May God’s shalom rest on each of you and be a blessing to you.
WOW! On the trip to Ein Geddi!!!! What an amazing place. Visualizing David hiding in that incredible place. Read the article and it is so sad about the sink holes. Took the little 2 minute video tour and I must say yours was much better! Thanks Marie♥️
Thank you so much Marie for sharing your journey with the beautiful pictures! It was like hiking with you! Bless you for sharing!