Lisa Saltzman Mishli

Makhtesh Ramon “Camp-Us”

30 January 2026

Makhtesh Ramon is one of the most amazing places for hiking the Israel Trail. The dramatic landscape constantly changes, as the trail passes through colorful rock layers, dark volcanic formations, towering cliffs, wide gravel valleys, and narrow canyons. The area also preserves the remains of ancient Nabatean trade routes. A number of highlights marked my two-day hike on the trail.

A Quick Hug to Jerusalem

2 January 2026

The route of this Israel Trail segment bears little resemblance to the "Sataf" segment which I hiked many years ago. Thus, I was eager to complete a hike I missed last year. Moreover, hiking buddy Tia raved about the beauty of this route. So, on a clear but chilly winter day, I joined an other Al-HaShvil hiking group, and saw it for myself.

Sde Boker “Camp-Us”

30 December 2025

Recent rains and flash-floods combined with ideal hiking weather gave us two challenging and glorious days on the Israel Trail in the Negev. We climbed peaks, descended canyons, and crossed vast desert landscapes. Many “wow!” moments of awe and amazement — moments my photos can only hint at.

Judean Desert “Camp-Us” Part 2

1 December 2025

Two days in the glorious Judean Desert. Crisp and clear panoramic landscapes. The Dead Sea's stunning shades of turquoise and blue. Wide open expanses. And best of all -- disconnected from civilization (truly, there was no phone service). A perfect escape on the Israel Trail.

Season 5, Episode 1

4 November 2025

Five months have elapsed since our group last hiked the Israel Trail together. It was great seeing each other again and catching up on personal news. Fortunately, it was mostly a walk-and-talk kind of route. Unfortunately, the rains have not yet come, and the landscape is barren and brown. Still, it was a wonderful day of escape on the Israel Trail.

Season 4 Finale

10 June 2025

We hiked this segment of the Israel Trail. from south to north. The number ascents and descents would have been the same in the other direction. But for the sake of storytelling, it offered a better chronology. As he led us on the trail, our guide Avi took us from the biblical David and Goliath to modern day Israel.

Hidden Gems

11 May 2025

It's early May and heat waves are now rolling in, adding to the challenge of hiking the Israel Trail. Fortunately, this segment was mostly downhill, and not particularly difficult. Surprisingly, the highlights of the hike were in the places where our guide led us off the currently designated route of the Israel Trail.

Zikaron BaShvil (Memory on the Trail)

25 April 2025

Our hiking group, like the other groups which are now in their fourth season with Al Hashvil, bears the name of a tree. We are the Brosh (cypress) group. In many Mediterranean cultures the cypress represents the tree of life. With its towering, evergreen stature, it symbolizes the uplifting of the human spirit and everlasting life. Indeed, that was the theme of this hike in the hills of Jerusalem.

מחנה ניווט בפורטוגל 2025

10 March 2025

נסענו לפורטוגל עם חבורה של נווטים ישראליים כדי להשתתף בארבעה ימי Portugal O Meeting 2025, תחרות ניווט שנתית, אליה הגיעו 2500 מתחרים מיותר מ-40 מדינות. סיכום במספרים.

Green Fields

21 February 2025

This segment of the Israel Trail in the northwest Negev is an easy, walk-and-talk kind of hike. The trail is mostly along agricultural dirt roads. Some might call it boring. But it was all I needed for a brief escape from the distressing and discouraging current events here in Israel. Fortunately, the weather was cool and the sun stayed behind clouds all day. Best of all, the timing was ideal for the visual splendor of verdant fields and winter wildflowers.