3.15.17 "Dead Sea"

On our way to the Dead Sea, I read an interesting article by Moshe Dann about the Essenes at Qumran. It was very helpful prior to getting to Qumran. We picked up Ross at a bus stop near our turn for the Dead Sea. Then we stopped at a gas station for the obligatory camel rides. I admit it was fun.

Guess what day it is...

We quickly arrived at the Qumran site. Such incredible history there. From there we went to Ein Gedi. I was excited because we skipped this when I visited 18 yrs ago. Such a beautiful hike up the mountain. However we were slowed down by a large group of girls on field trip. We tried to get in a waterfall but the girls were having too much fun. We started to give up but Ross asked them in Hebrew to give us a minute. So Ross, Stacey and I took turns getting under the waterfall with an audience of a bunch of girls watching us. I'm sure they'll have a story to tell about crazy Americans when they get home. We took lots of pics on our hike and learned about the story of Saul and David at this very spot. Ezekiel 47 says this will be a good fishing hole in the future!

Qumran where scrolls were discovered in 1947

Some of the caves where Essenes hid some of the scrolls

View of Dead Sea near Ein Gedi

Girls hogging the waterfalls at Ein Gedi

Cold but worth it

Lovely views

Then we went to Masada and ate lunch there as it was well past 1:00. Masada is definitely one of Ross' favorite places. We learned about Herod as well as the final hold out of the Jews against Rome from 68-74. My favorite moment was Ross reading Ezekiel 37 to us inside the synagogue. We learned a lot but didn't get too extensive because we had to catch the last trolly at 4:00 or else hike down the snake path.

Views from Mt. Masada

Area where Romans surrounded Jews at Masada from 68-72 AD

Ross reading Ezekiel 37 at Synagogue on Mt. Masada

Mt. Masada at sunset

We continued South of Masada to a resort at Ein Bokek where we went swimming. It was very windy but definitely worth getting to float for a little while. The changing area was a little too personal with just a half wall for "privacy". We walked through the shops for a bit before leaving.

Floating in the Dead Sea

My changing room

Easiest job in the world

The long drive back North along the western shore of the Dead Sea allowed for more interesting conversations with Ross. But we eventually arrived at his bus stop where we dropped him off and said our goodbyes and toda raba (much thanks). Our experience in Israel is much richer with Ross as our guide. I certainly learned a lot from him. We're almost home and going to pick up some pizza. Need to eat and go to bed early because we have another big day tomorrow... Jerusalem!